Mikel Arteta has paid Arne Slot just about the biggest compliment a manager can receive after seeing his side lose 2-1 to the Reds last night.
In front of the 69,879 capacity Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia, Liverpool managed to overcome Arsenal.
Although it was just a friendly bout, the players from both sides certainly did not treat it as such in what was a high-octane affair.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 13th minute after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Harvey Elliott.
Later, Elliott provided another assist, lofting a pass over the Arsenal defense, which Fabio Carvalho expertly volleyed into the net for Liverpool’s second goal.
Kai Havertz narrowed the gap with a close-range strike from Martin Odegaard’s cross, but Liverpool managed to maintain their lead.
Despite Arsenal controlling possession in the second half, they struggled to produce clear opportunities. Kelleher made a critical save from Fabio Vieira, and Gabriel missed a header from a corner.
Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel both had late chances, but Liverpool’s defense held firm, securing the victory in Philadelphia.
While it must have a frustrating result for Mikel Arteta, he made sure to praise his opposite number despite the result.
What did Mikel Arteta say about Arne Slot?
Every manager wants to be instantly recognized for their style of play.
Jurgen Klopp is renowned for high-pressing all action approach.
Jose Mourinho seemed to almost invent the phrase ‘parking the bus’ with some of his Inter Milan and Chelsea sides.
Pep Guardiola introduced ‘tiki-taka’ football with his famous Barcelona sides.
For managers, having their brand of football implemented on a team is a big deal.
And according to Mikel Arteta, Liverpool are already showcasing signs of an Arne Slot team.
Speaking to arsenal.com after the game (h/t Empire of the Kop), the Spaniard said of his Dutch counterpart:
“We all have to start competing and earn our right to show how good we are but yes, the [Liverpool] team is looking good in the games that I’ve watched in pre-season.”
“It’s clear the idea that he wants to implement and it was a tough game for us.”
“There are certain differences and every coach has their touch. There are certain individuals with very particular characteristics that makes the team as well.”
“One is the style of play and then it’s the DNA of certain players that always leave their stamp on a team. You can see what he’s doing.”
The fact that Arteta can already see Slot’s imprint on the team bodes very well for the future.
These style of play discussions can sometimes dominate discourse and create a negative atmosphere, with Erik Ten Hag amongst those criticized for a lack of a defined playstyle at Manchester United.
For Liverpool and Arne Slot’s detractors, it seems there is one less angle of criticism to utilize.
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