Joe Gomez stepped into Ibrahima Konate's boots against Manchester City and confessed he felt the jitters taking over from his injured teammate. However, his worries soon evaporated as he put on a stellar display in Liverpool's 2-0 triumph, boosting them even further ahead in the Premier League race.
Alongside Virgil van Dijk, Gomez was instrumental in shutting out Erling Haaland and thwarting Pep Guardiola's tactics, cementing a commanding win for the Reds. Notably, it was his first time starting as a centre-back in the league at Anfield since September 2023, when they beat Aston Villa 3-0.
The victory over City not only marked his first league start of the season after Konate sustained a knee injury but also set him up for a likely repeat performance with the Frenchman out for the upcoming clashes against Newcastle United and Everton.
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Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Gomez reflected on the intense nature of the game schedule and his readiness to rise to the occasion: "I mean, obviously we know what it is like with a relentless schedule," he said.
"You never want to see teammates get injured, Ibrahima Konate has been unbelievable. I understand what it means to be ready and to stay consistent throughout the season as it can change so quickly. I have enjoyed it and I have to keep on working.
"I would be lying if there wasn't (any nerves). When we missed a few big chances and it was 1-0 it can change so quickly. The players they bring on from the bench, they can change it at any moment - I was a bit worried. When we got that second one we were more relaxed."
With Liverpool now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, Gomez, who played a key role in their 2019/20 title-winning campaign, recognizes the significance of their current position: "At the start of the season if you said we'd be in this position we would bite your hand off," he commented on their lead. "It means nothing at this point.
Mohamed Salah scores past Stefan Ortega during Liverpool 2-0 Man City.
Mohamed Salah scores past Stefan Ortega during Liverpool 2-0 Man City. (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"Come the end of the season if we are not lifting the trophy it will feel like we have squandered a big opportunity. The Premier League is so relentless and we have big games up."
I think the biggest thing is he's not trying to fill Jurgen's shoes or be Jurgen. Jurgen's legacy is stamped in the history of the club and that cannot be changed.
"He [Arne Slot] has been himself, it has been refreshing and all the coaching staff have been positive. Today was about hard work and working harder than them.
"The work is not done and we have not won anything - it is a great start and he's constantly reminding us about going again. He knows we have experience in the squad and he is just on us."