Liverpool were rather lucky in their 3-2 win over Newcastle on Monday evening.
The Reds took on Eddie Howe’s men in their second Premier League game of the season, and although many expected the Magpies to put up a fight, nobody expected them to be as good as they were.
Of course, the transfer saga surrounding the future of Alexander Isak will have had a part to play in the game, and, if he were playing for Newcastle, it’s hard to see how Liverpool would have won.
However, ever since their Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace at the start of the season, it’s felt like something has been missing from Slot’s first-team squad.
Arne Slot looks on from the bench during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
And, to go along with that lack of fight, some of his players have performed way below par.
Arne Slot must drop Milos Kerkez in their Premier League clash versus Arsenal
One of Slot’s new signings who hasn’t set the world alight just yet is Milos Kerkez.
Although the left-back was named in the PFA Team of the Year due to his performances from last season, this term, things haven’t gone quite to plan.
In fact, he’s been so far off it that Jamie Carragher has even dubbed his performances “really poor.”
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And, as per Sofascore, not only did zero per cent of his long passes reach their intended target, but he also failed to get an accurate cross throughout the clash.
In addition to these poor passing numbers, he also made an error which led to a goal that could’ve cost Liverpool all three points against Newcastle.
Kerkez proved last season that he has what it takes to be a top-flight full-back, but since stepping up to Liverpool from Bournemouth is a massive step, it could take some time for him to adjust.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool passes the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Andy Robertson or Joe Gomez should start against Arsenal
Seeing as though Joe Gomez featured on the bench during Liverpool’s clash against Newcastle on Monday, he may end up being fit enough to start against Arsenal.
Indeed, Bukayo Saka has been ruled out due to injury, but with players such as Gabriel Martinelli on the attack, the Reds need a cool head.
Andy Robertson will also be available, and while he may not be fast enough to track back as much as he used to, he’ll know how to keep the pressure away from Virgil van Dijk and allow him to do his thing.
On paper, both Gomez and Robertson feel like better options to start at left-back than Kerkez on Sunday.
That is, even if the Reds have only just spent £45million on bringing him in.
At the moment, it may seem like this game against Arsenal doesn’t mean all that much, but by the time the end of the season comes around, three points could make a massive difference to who wins the Premier League title.