Early Points Important to Reds' Slot

Late summer blockbuster, early title skirmish, clash of the big spenders — call it what you will, but the Aug 31 showdown between English Premier League champions Liverpool and Arsenal could shape the narrative for the long months ahead.

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The season has just started and both sides will have 35 games more to play after the dust settles at Anfield, but the chance to land an early psychological uppercut on rivals for the crown will be forefront in the minds of managers Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta.

Slot, in particular, said it is important not to drop points against fellow title contenders so early.

“You do play better later in the season so you can lose ground (early), but not a lot,” he said. “So you are able to drop a few points and still be competitive. But the best thing is not to drop points. It’s normal we can play even better in a few weeks than we do now.

“But I will be surprised if a team gets a point record in the league (this season) because of the strength of the league.”