Liverpool boss Arne Slot says the view from the stands is better than on the touchline after the Reds beat Newcastle 2-0 to go a staggering 13 points clear in the Premier League. However, the Dutchman has no plans to make his temporary seat a permanent part of his matchday routine.
Slot served the first of a two-match touchline ban as Liverpool eased past Newcastle. He watched on as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored either side of half-time in a dominant Anfield display.
Asked about observing the game from high up in the stands, Slot told BBC Sport: “As expected, even better than at the line but not something I prefer or want to do more often. But we still won the game.”
Liverpool capitalised on Arsenal slipping up again in the Premier League title race. The Gunners drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest days after their 2-1 defeat against West Ham.
Slot pointed out that his players were questioned after draws with Aston Villa and Everton and a narrow victory over Wolves. A theory was raised that Liverpool’s remarkable season might have hit the buffers.
However, a 2-0 win against Manchester City was followed by another triumph by the same scoreline against Newcastle.
Slot continued: “This was more like the way we’ve won the previous games. Difficult against Man City, that’s separate. This was more like how we have been winning games all season.
“Most important thing that after Everton, Wolves and Villa people started to doubt us. Then you have to react to that.
“That’s always easier because people start to question you but after City everyone was so positive then people start to get confident and complacent. Only the ones that want to achieve something, they find another gear to win the next game as well. Nice to have the compliments.
“We have had a lot of praise after City game but before that we had two draws and not the best game against Wolves so we were questioned. Nine out of 10 people say we’re going to work harder, this was a different challenge because people were so positive after City, that needs a different kind of mental strength to then face a tough Newcastle side a few days later.”
Liverpool’s victory was a positive omen with Slot’s side facing Newcastle again in the Carabao Cup final on March 16. The Reds will hope for another comfortable success at Wembley Stadium.
