The feeling heading into the reverse fixture of Arsenal vs Liverpool is a far cry from the Anfield clash back in August, when Dominik Szoboszlai emerged the hero.
Arne Slot will be feeling the pressure as he prepares for the toughest away trip on the calendar.
Despite being on an unbeaten run of nine games heading into Thursday’s clash, Liverpool fans are still debating Slot’s future at the club.
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The Dutchman is doing his best to block out the noise and focus on the difficult task at hand — and Szoboszlai’s recent Arsenal comments point to Liverpool having a better chance than many are predicting.
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Liverpool's last five results vs Arsenal
Liverpool’s last five results vs Arsenal
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Dominik Szoboszlai’s balanced response to Arsenal hype
The Gunners are 14 points clear of Liverpool as we head into the second half of the season.
It’s understandable that they will feel confident in getting a result at home, but there is hope for Liverpool to upset Arsenal.
Not only because of what happened in the opening weeks of the season, but perhaps more importantly, what Slot’s side achieved last season.
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Szoboszlai sat down with Sky Sports to preview the game, and was asked if he thinks they are facing the champions. His response was exactly what you would expect from a player who has become a leader in the dressing room.
He said: “Oh my god. It is a long way, no? The Premier League is not easy. You don’t win it by January. So, I don’t think we are playing against the champions. They play against the champions, and that’s probably what they know as well. We know as well.
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“Of course, they are one of the favourites for this year. Unbelievable team. Really good players. But we shouldn’t also forget about City, about Villa, who is doing very good. So no, we don’t play against the champions. They play against the champions.”
A perfect answer to a rather provocative question. Recent events may have Liverpool further back the field, but it’s worth remembering that Slot has not lost to Mikel Arteta since coming to Anfield.
The idea that this will be a cakewalk for Arsenal is folly.
Szoboszlai discusses the pressure that has come with a drop in form
This season has a drastically different complexion to the title run we enjoyed in Slot’s first campaign. Football is a results business, and the results haven’t been up to scratch.
Szoboszlai recognises the difficult patch his team are in, but explains why the pressure is nothing he hasn’t prepared for.
He remarks: “It’s very tough. Very tough. It’s probably different compared to other teams, but that’s what you want actually. That’s why you come here. That’s why you want to play for the biggest clubs in the world.
“And if you want to play for the biggest clubs in the world, then you’re going to have pressure. Even if you’re winning and even if you’re losing. So we have to handle this. Everybody, the players, the staff, everybody.”
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley celebrate after Szoboszlai scores during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images
Szoboszlai was voted Rousing The Kop’s Player of 2025, seen as the most reliable star in this ever-changing side. His levels haven’t dropped, regardless of the position he plays or the performances around him.
A potential future captain at Liverpool, the Hungarian’s mentality isn’t going to be affected by noise off the pitch, and he sees Thursday as a chance to pull off a surprise result and get the vibes at Liverpool back where they need to be.
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