Arne Slot gave a brilliant response when asked about Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 win against Newcastle United.
The fans inside St James’ Park were treated to a Premier League classic on Monday night, with two giants going toe to toe after so much animosity off the pitch.
Newcastle United have been left feeling furious after Liverpool did enough to unsettle Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window, to the point that he does not even want to play for the club he is contracted to.
Isak was not at St James’ Park for the game, but would surely have had a close eye on what was happening from afar. Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card during the game, but Newcastle still fought back from two goals down, only to concede in the 100th minute and lose the game.
Arne Slot was very vocal about Newcastle pre-match, praising manager Eddie Howe and the quality of his team. In his post-match interview, the Dutchman could not contain his delight at the win.
Arne Slot embraces Alisson Becker after a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Arne Slot compares Newcastle United crowd to the Goodison Derby
St James’ Park erupted when William Osula equalised for Newcastle. There was hope that the Magpies could even find a winner in the final minutes of the game, but Liverpool’s extra man eventually got the better of them.
Howe called for a lively St James’ Park crowd, and he got exactly that. All the emotion of the summer was poured out in this game, which happened to come against the team who are trying to sign their star striker.
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Games like that are what the Premier League is about, and Slot was fully aware of that.
“It was an unbelievable atmosphere,” Slot told liverpoolfc.com, and for us to stay strong in that atmosphere for such a long time is worth more to me than when we play every single time out from the back and we have a four or five-nil win.
“These wins, these mean more to me than when we play good football because tonight had, for me, nothing to do with tactics or good football.
“It was a great game to watch but not because of tactics or good football. But because for every single second of the game everybody was on the front of their seat.”
Newcastle United must bounce back after Liverpool defeat
Losing to Liverpool in that manner stings for Newcastle, who were sensational for the majority of the contest.
While Gordon’s red card was one thing, Newcastle were dealt several injury blows during the game. Joelinton left the pitch in tears, while Sandro Tonali came off in significant pain with a shoulder issue.
Additionally, Fabian Schar will likely have to spend some time on the sidelines due to concussion protocol.
With their next game just four days away, it is clear that Newcastle must hold their heads high and look at the positives from the game ahead of their trip to Elland Road, where they will play Leeds United.
Elsewhere, Newcastle have the Champions League draw to look forward to on Thursday evening.