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Mind games are as much a part of a Premier League title race as the on-field battles, with managers seeking any edge over their rivals. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta might have been playing that card when he was asked on Friday whether he expects Liverpool to stumble.
“They normally do,” he said. “So we have to be there. That’s for sure.”
But based on Saturday’s dominant 4-1 victory over Ipswich, Liverpool don’t appear to be slowing down. The Reds, led by Cody Gakpo’s double and strikes from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 18 games. They now sit six points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with the added bonus of a game in hand.
“It’s extraordinary what Liverpool are doing,” former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “They do make it look easy.”
Few expected Liverpool to mount a title challenge this season, especially after Arne Slot replaced Jürgen Klopp in the summer. Yet, Slot has seamlessly implemented his vision, and his side is only getting stronger.
Mohamed Salah remains the talisman, with his latest strike taking him to 19 league goals this season – the most by any player at this stage. But Liverpool’s rise isn’t just about Salah. Cody Gakpo has hit form with five goals in his last six games, offering vital support. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai has transformed into a consistent attacking threat.
At the season’s start, Szoboszlai managed just one or two shots per game, but against Ipswich, he led the way with four attempts and scored a stunning opener. Slot highlighted the Hungarian’s development: “At the beginning of the season, he would have played that ball to Salah. This time, he went for goal himself. His work rate is unbelievable and so important for the team.”
Liverpool’s collective attacking force has been a nightmare for opponents. Their 37 shots at Brentford last weekend were the most by any away team in Premier League history since records began.
Liverpool’s high-flying form isn’t built on relentless scoring alone. Under Slot, they’ve become more pragmatic. Saturday’s win was their first four-goal performance at Anfield this season, but their home form remains the league’s best, with 26 points and eight wins.
Facing an Ipswich side desperate to avoid the drop, Liverpool demonstrated the patience needed to break down a low block. Szoboszlai’s early strike set the tone, and the Reds added three more goals with clinical precision, ensuring Ipswich’s late consolation meant nothing.
“If you are going to be passive against a team like Liverpool, you are going to be punished,” said former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. “Credit to Liverpool – they find ways to win games. For them, they just keep winning.”
Liverpool’s six-point advantage isn’t insurmountable, especially at this stage of the season. However, winning their game in hand would stretch the gap to nine points, making the task even more daunting for their rivals.
History shows that even seemingly comfortable leads can disappear. In 1996, Manchester United trailed Newcastle by 12 points after 23 games but went on to lift the title. For Arsenal, Manchester City, and others chasing Liverpool, that memory will offer some hope.
Yet, Slot and his players aren’t getting ahead of themselves. “We are mainly focused on ourselves,” he said. “We had to win this game because it’s expected from Liverpool that we win this game. It’s so pleasing to see that we had a comfortable win.”
For now, Liverpool remain firmly in the driver’s seat – and with no signs of slowing down, they’re making a strong case as favourites for the Premier League crown.