Liverpool stands seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table with just 13 games remaining in the season. Under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, the Reds have shown remarkable consistency, but comparisons with their triumphant 2019/20 campaign have been met with skepticism. Slot, in his debut season at Anfield, has guided Liverpool to a position of strength, yet he emphasizes the distinct challenges his team faces this time around.
The current title race is shaping up to be far more competitive than Liverpool's 2019/20 campaign. During that season, Jürgen Klopp's side held an insurmountable 25-point lead at the same stage, dropping only two points. However, this year, Liverpool’s lead is a mere seven points, bringing a different kind of pressure to bear. Slot has dismissed comparisons between the two seasons, noting that the previous victory occurred during the Covid pandemic when stadiums were empty.
"You can't compare circumstances, the ones who won the league in corona time, without our fans in the stadium, they were 25 points ahead – so you can hardly talk about pressure then," said Arne Slot.
This season, several key players from the 2019/20 squad remain central to Liverpool's efforts. Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah continue to be pivotal for the team. Their experience is invaluable in navigating the pressures of a closely contested title race. Slot acknowledges their contributions but maintains that past achievements do not guarantee future success.
"It helps if a player or a team already won something but I don't make that too big because you still have to play for it. You can't compare circumstances," Slot remarked.
As Liverpool prepares to face Aston Villa at Villa Park, they remain unbeaten away from home this season. Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has candidly expressed the difficulty of the upcoming encounter.
"This is the most difficult match we're going to play in the last weeks or months of the season," Emery stated.
Emery faces his own set of challenges with a mounting injury list. Key players such as Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Leon Bailey, and Boubacar Kamara are dealing with fitness issues. Despite these setbacks, Emery is focused on utilizing the squad's depth and adapting to the situation.
"Kamara is out and Bailey is close to being with us again, I don't know tomorrow, he's a doubt," said Emery.
Liverpool's relentless schedule of matches could impact their form as fatigue becomes a factor. Slot has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on each match rather than succumbing to the pressure of the title race.
"We try to prepare them, I give them a pre-match meeting, but from that moment onwards you lean on them," Emery explained regarding how teams cope with pressure.
Aston Villa will be looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in Liverpool's lineup. Emery acknowledges Liverpool's standing as the best team in both the Premier League and Europe, but he remains optimistic about his team's chances.
"Liverpool are the best team in the Premier League and Europe," affirmed Emery. "Our challenge is how we face them and respond with our qualities and how we play at this level."
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