Liverpool manager Arne Slot has sent shockwaves through the football world after admitting that Arsenal are currently “better than us”, a rare moment of humility that has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
The comments came shortly after Liverpool’s 1–1 draw with Chelsea, their third straight league game without a win, leaving the Reds vulnerable in the title race and allowing Arsenal to seize control at the top of the table.
“They’re Superior — In Two Key Areas”
Speaking to BBC Sport, Slot openly praised Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, saying:
“They’re currently superior to us in two crucial aspects. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up lifting the trophy this season. We need to adapt quickly if we want to keep pace — there’s no sugarcoating that.”
The Dutchman’s candour, a stark contrast to his usual calm confidence, has left the Anfield faithful stunned, while Arsenal fans celebrated the unexpected compliment.
A Tough Run for the Champions
Liverpool’s recent struggles mark a sharp decline from their dominance last season, when Slot’s men claimed the Premier League title with 92 points, four clear of Manchester City.
Despite spending nearly £500 million this summer on talents like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, the team now looks disjointed and out of rhythm.
Against Chelsea, Liverpool’s possession dropped to 42%, they committed 14 fouls, and failed to maintain control after Mohamed Salah’s early equalizer.
The Two Areas Arsenal Excel In
Slot’s analysis pinpointed two critical weaknesses separating Liverpool from Arsenal right now: set-pieces and defensive structure.
- Set-Pieces:
Arsenal’s precision from dead-ball situations has been unmatched, with 28% of their goals coming from set plays. Slot acknowledged this:“Their set-pieces are on another level — the movement, the delivery from Saka and Ødegaard. We’ve already been punished twice this season.”Liverpool, meanwhile, have conceded five goals from corners, a worrying trend since the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. - Defensive Organization:
Slot also highlighted Arsenal’s discipline off the ball, crediting their “unbreakable structure” and the formidable partnership of Saliba and Gabriel.“They suffocate you without the ball. Our press is effective, but theirs is relentless — we’ve been caught flat-footed too often recently.”
The Bigger Picture
With Arsenal flying high on 19 points from eight games and boasting 20 goals scored and just 4 conceded, the contrast couldn’t be clearer. Liverpool, on the other hand, sit on 16 points and have now gone three games without a win.
Slot’s forthright comments have divided the fanbase. Some appreciate the honesty; others view it as defeatist from a manager who should be rallying his side.
Pundit Jamie Carragher called the statement “brutally honest — Slot isn’t a hype-man like Klopp; he’s a realist,” while Gary Neville quipped, “If Arne is backing Arsenal, City might just edge it.”
Arteta’s Response
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responded gracefully on Instagram, writing:
“Respect to Arne — competition makes us better. See you in November.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Slot now faces the task of reigniting his team’s spark. Plans during the international break include tactical adjustments — strengthening set-piece defense and rethinking Dominik Szoboszlai’s hybrid role on the right.
With AC Milan next in the Champions League and Arsenal looming again in November, Liverpool’s response will define their season.
Slot’s words may have been brutally honest, but perhaps they were also a wake-up call.
Liverpool are still in the fight, but as the Dutchman warned, “complacency can be deadly.”
The question remains:
Can Arne Slot turn honesty into motivation, or has Arsenal already taken control of the title race?
