Arne Slot was speaking after Liverpool's devastating 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur
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Arne Slot looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2024
(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images2024 Liverpool FC))
Arne Slot hailed Liverpool’s 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur as one of their best attacking performances since he took over as Reds head coach as he singled out two players in particular. Both Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz scored braces against Spurs, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were also on the scoresheet.
The victory ensured that Liverpool would move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, retaining first place at Christmas while still boasting a game in hand.
And Slot paid tribute to both Salah and Szoboszlai in particular after his side came out on top in the nine-goal thriller in North London.
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“It was very good, maybe it was our best performance away from home,” he said. “Although I really liked what I saw against Man Utd as well, that was total dominance.
“We outplayed them many, many many times also. That was a very good away game as well.
“So today, apart from scoring six goals, I think we could have even scored more. It is always like this, you don’t score every chance although Tottenham almost did because the first three chances were a goal I think and the fourth one luckily didn’t go in.
“Mo and Lucho of course, they were with two goals and are the ones who maybe stood out with scoring two, but we would not do justice to Dom’s performance if we did not name him as well.
“Apart from his attacking things he did today, he was without the ball a very important part of our gameplan. And that’s what he executed really well.
“Yes, these are the ones who scored the goals. But if you watch the goals one time back, and that’s definitely what I intend to do, it was mostly started with centre backs or full backs.
“Every lead up to a goal was I think multiple passes so it’s not only the ones who score, it’s also the ones that help to create.”
Slot admitted that Szoboslai’s performance, as he also claimed an assist, was one of his best since the Dutchman took over as Liverpool head coach.
“Of course I haven’t seen all of his performances because it is my first year and his second,” he said. “I just referred to the Man Utd game, I think he was outstanding over there as well.
“If you score so many goals that is always what stands out, but last week for example against Fulham, if you look at the work rate he did over there. It was a very good performance by him.
“I think it wasn’t his first great performance but it was one of his best, yes.”
Meanwhile, Slot also revealed what has impressed him most about working with Salah after the Egyptian overtook Billy Liddell to become the fourth-highest scorer in Liverpool’s history, and also became the first Premier League player ever to record double-figures in both goals and assists before Christmas.
“Of course, you have an idea when you start working with players but the best way to judge or experience them is to start working with them,” he said. “I think Mo shows what he has shown for many years at Liverpool.
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“That he can score goals at any time and the team just has to provide him to go in these positions where he was in today many times to score or give assists.
“Apart from him being a good footballer, he is very likeable as a person to work with as well. He is always there to help his teammates, always down to earth. Tomorrow, or even now he will want to work on his recovery.
“He understands what it takes to be at this level every three days and is working really hard for this. That’s what impresses me that a top player like him, he understands how hard he has to work for the quality he shows.”