‘Dark arts football’: Arne Slot criticises Arsenal game plan in Liverpool draw

Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as both club continue their push for the top spot.

Mikel Arteta’s side took an early lead through Bukayo Saka before Virgil van Dijk and Mikel Merino got on the scoresheet. However, Arsenal lost Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber to injuries.

Just as it looks like the Gunners will hold on to their lead, Mohamed Salah struck in the 81st minute to earn the visitors a point.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticized Arsenal game plan, noting that the opposition players sapped energy from the game by spending too much time on the floor, which led to his own booking.

Arne Slot Manager speaks with the fourth official during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

He said: “Last time I said I completely deserved a yellow card. This time, I don’t think I did.

“There were so many times that they were on the floor, which can happen so many times in football.

“I don’t blame them for that but it always happened after they had ball possession. That took the energy out of the game in my opinion. So I said to [Ibrahima Konate]: ‘This is a f*****g joke,’ and the fourth official thought I said to him ‘you are a f*****g joke’; but that’s definitely not what I said.

“But I got a yellow for that and now I’m on two and I have to be careful.

Slot failed to keep his composure last time out against Chelsea and this saw him yellow carded. The yellow card against Arsenal means he has to be careful, one more caution will see the Dutchman hit with a touchline ban.