IT'S A GRIND OF MAGIC

Slot desperate to break defending champs' bad spell

- BY PAUL GORST

ARNE SLOT admitted he isn't even thinking of reeling in leaders Arsenal or Manchester City right now while his Liverpool side lack the magic touch needed to overhaul their season.

The champions extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games with a goalless draw against Leeds at Anfield on New Year's Day.

But it was viewed as a missed opportunity to go five points clear of Chelsea in fifth, and to within four of Aston Villa in third, ahead of the trip to Fulham tomorrow.

While unbeaten since late November, Slot's side have struggled to piece together complete performances during this current sequence.

And they were unable to exert too much pressure on Leeds as the Reds played out their first 0-0 draw since December 2023.

"Okay, that is not a nice thing to hear, Slot said of that statistic.

"But I think it is clear and obvious that we hardly concede chances any more.