Liverpool news: Arne Slot’s fresh challenge after strange Man Utd dig

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are gearing up for a big two weeks that could determine whether they remain on top in the Premier League as he makes negative comparison with Manchester United

Arne Slot is gearing Liverpool up for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park after consigning Sunday afternoon’s shock FA Cup slip to struggling Plymouth Argyle to his rearview mirror.

The Dutchman compared the Championship’s basement side’s direct approach with that of Manchester United in an unusual dig at Ruben Amorim’s side after losing on the south coast.

But with their quadruple hopes now downgraded to chasing a treble, the Premier League leaders will be looking to ensure Everton do not record a famous win in the final game to be played between the sides at their old ground on Thursday evening.

Here are the big stories from in and around Anfield over the past 24 hours.

Crucial fortnight

Liverpool face a crucial fortnight as Arne Slot’s side look to tighten their grip on the Premier League title.

The Reds currently lead the way in the top-flight, with a six-point lead over closest challengers Arsenal. Slot’s men have been flying this season and have still only lost one league game, at the hands of Nottingham Forest way back in September.

They have also reached the final of the Carabao Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League, having topped the table in the first phase. But the Premier League leaders were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Plymouth on Sunday.

Some have pointed out that may well aid the Reds ahead of a hectic second-half of the season. With the next international break not being held until March, the games will come thick and fast.

But the short-term is set to have a huge bearing on their league aspirations.

Slot’s United dig

Arne Slot has compared Plymouth Argyle’s playing style with that of Manchester United – citing them both as long ball teams.

Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to the Championship’s bottom side on Sunday afternoon. The Reds rested a host of their regular starters, a move which backfired, as Ryan Hardie scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot for the Pilgrims.

Slot’s hopes of winning the quadruple are now over but the Dutchman had no regrets over heavily rotating his side, insisting even his regulars may have endured a tough afternoon. He admitted that direct teams had c aused them problems already this term – including their biggest rivals.

Branthwaite motivation

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite insists the Blues are not motivated by trying to start a Liverpool slide in the Premier League title race. But the Blues centre-back is keen to say farewell to Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park with a win.

Everton will host their neighbours for the final time at the famous stadium. But Liverpool arrive looking to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a whopping nine points over Arsenal.

Last season, Everton upset Jurgen Klopp ’s Reds when they were chasing the title then with a 2-0 win but Branthwaite, who scored the opening goal in that game, insists it is not on their mind to cause Arne Slot ’s side to slip up.

“It’s just another game,” the defender insisted.

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