Arne Slot has expressed no concerns about Arsenal potentially employing “dark arts” tactics when Liverpool travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side faced criticism for time-wasting during their 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September, as they attempted to hold on to a lead with ten men.
“If I look at Arsenal and City it doesn’t even come to my mind about tactical fouls or dark arts, it only comes to my mind how well they play,” Arne Slot said.
When asked if his players are “streetwise” enough to handle similar tactics from Arsenal at the Emirates, the Liverpool manager responded: “It’s your words that they are implementing those tactics, the only thing I know is that my players are experienced and they know how to handle certain situations.
“I am not using the word streetwise, I am using the word experienced and you have to cope with if the other team is better than you and how you react in those moments.”
Arsenal will enter the match four points behind their title rivals.
The Gunners, who finished second last season – seven points ahead of third-placed Liverpool – will need to step up their performance to close the gap on Manchester City.
“They [Arsenal] had a good chance last year, let that be clear, but they have a good chance in the upcoming years as well because they have a quality manager and many quality players,” Slot said.
“In every transfer window they have tried to improve the team even further, which is always what you need because other teams around you do the same.
“The margins are so small that you are never sure who is going to win the league here in England.
“They are one of the title contenders that is clear for me for last season, for this season, and if Mikel stays, also for the upcoming seasons.”
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