Richard Keys aims fresh swipe at Arne Slot after Liverpool loss to Newcastle
Liverpool’s defeat in the Carabao Cup on Sunday has led Richard Keys to make a fresh dig at Arne Slot.
The Dutchman has settled into life on Merseyside very well and is on track to lead his side to the Premier League title as they sit 12 points clear at the top of the table.
However, it’s been a week to forget for the Reds, who were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties against PSG before losing the Carabao Cup final 2-1 against Newcastle United.
Keys makes Liverpool admission
Although Liverpool are topping the table having lost just one league game this season, there have been suggestions that they are there because of other teams’ failures rather than their own success.
Arsenal have had plenty of injuries that has left them without a recognised striker and there is the feeling that has taken its toll on the North London outfit.
While Liverpool have shown plenty of strength in the league, they were lucky to get a win against PSG in the first leg of their Champions League tie and extra time in the second leg took its toll.
Against Newcastle at Wembley Stadium, Liverpool weren’t at their usual standards and the win was well deserved by Eddie Howe’s men.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Liverpool | 66% | 7 | 2 |
| Newcastle United | 44% | 17 | 6 |
He may have had a spectacular season but Mohamed Salah was unable to get into the game at all.
The defeat has left further questions being asked of Liverpool’s quality and Keys posted on X (16 March): “I’ve had no idea all season how good this Liverpool team were. This week told us a lot. They’re average.
“They’re top for 2 reasons – they had a great start & because every other challenger went backwards. Slot has discovered English football isn’t so easy after all.”
Slot has something to prove with Liverpool
There is no doubt that Liverpool have been excellent this season and are well deserving of their place at the top of the table as they look towards a Premier League title.
It does feel unfair to call them an average team given the amount of talent they have in their side, and the reaction from the media that has played down their achievements is a bit of a stretch too.
However, Liverpool did seem to have a bit of a hangover going into the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle with their Champions League defeat clearly taking its toll.
After the international break, Slot needs to make sure his side raises their standards again and don’t start slipping towards the end of the campaign.
At this stage, it is highly unlikely that they will fail to capture a second Premier League title, but Slot will want to prove to those doubting him that this win has been no fluke.