Arne Slot has warned his Liverpool players to remain focused, despite their impressive 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday that moved them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool capitalized on Manchester City’s surprise 4-0 loss to Tottenham, taking full advantage with a dramatic win at St Mary’s. Dominik Szoboszlai had put Liverpool ahead in the first half, only for Southampton to turn the game around after the break with goals from Adam Armstrong and Mateus Fernandes.
Mohamed Salah was pivotal in Liverpool’s comeback, scoring a 65th-minute equalizer before converting a late penalty to seal the win.
However, speaking after the match, Slot reminded his players of the dangers of complacency, referencing Arsenal’s painful title collapse in March 2023, where they squandered an eight-point lead to Manchester City. “We know what we have to do to maintain this lead,” Slot said. “Last season, Arsenal were ahead by eight points, and City came back. It’s a long season, and we must stay grounded.”
While Slot acknowledged the significance of their current position, he emphasized the tough challenges ahead. “Winning by small margins shows how difficult it is, and teams like Arsenal, City, and Tottenham can all put together long winning streaks,” he added. “We can’t afford to get carried away.”
Looking ahead, Liverpool faces a formidable task with a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Slot stressed the challenge of balancing both Premier League and European commitments, highlighting the need for squad depth, which is essential for competing at the top level. “Only a few teams have managed to juggle both, but Liverpool has done it before, and we need every player to be ready,” Slot said. “Today, the substitutes made a real impact, and that’s crucial.”
With the season still young, Liverpool’s eight-point lead is a strong position, but Slot’s cautious approach ensures the team keeps their feet on the ground as they aim for sustained success.