Arne Slot identifies what cost Liverpool against Arsenal as he makes Premier League point

Arne Slot identifies what cost Liverpool against Arsenal as he makes Premier League point

Arne Slot offers his reaction Premier League champions Liverpool were held to a 2-2 Anfield draw by nearest rivals Arsenal

Arne Slot looks on prior to Liverpool's 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

Arne Slot pointed to a lack of intensity at the start of the second half for the reason Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead at home to Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds scored twice in quick-succession midway through the first half through Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to take control of proceedings against the Gunners.

But they were pegged back early in the second half as Gabriel Martinelli headed home before Mikel Merino levelled the scores in the 70th minute. The latter was later sent off for a second bookable offence.

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But while Liverpool responded well after conceding the equaliser, they were unable to take advantage and were left to settle for a share of the spoils.

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Slot’s men still boast a 15-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with three games left to play, having won the Premier League title last month.

But after last weekend’s disappointing 3-1 defeat away at Chelsea, Slot admitted his side lacked intensity at the start of the second half in what he otherwise conceded was a thoroughly entertaining clash.

“Unfortunately we had 15-20 minutes where we played with the same intensity (as against Chelsea),” said the Reds boss.

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“And it’s not completely bad but I miss a little bit, and they were the first 15-20 minutes of the second half which were similar to what we saw last week, where we played really good with the ball, came into so many promising positions but in the final third we were not decisive.

“And defending last week, the goals we conceded were not so good and that I saw in the first 15 minutes after half-time.

“But the first half was great. I think all over, this is why people like the Premier League so much.

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“Two great teams that are competing with each other and a fantastic game of football. Both teams showing so much quality.

“Four goals, 2-2 both teams could have won it in the end.

“This is what makes the Premier League so special and this is also what we have to try as managers, not only to win games but also make sure fans like what they see.”

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