As Arsenal prepare to host Liverpool in a high-stakes Premier League clash at Anfield this Sunday, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has thrown his support behind his Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, praising the Spaniard for building what he described as a “special” and highly adaptable team — despite mounting criticism of Arsenal’s recent trophyless run.
The game, which will be Arsenal’s final home match of the season, will also see the Gunners perform a guard of honour for newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, a ceremonial gesture of respect that adds further significance to the fixture.
Arsenal’s Trophy Woes Amid Champions League Exit
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come under increasing scrutiny after their recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Despite a promising run, Arsenal failed to reach the final after a string of underwhelming performances in the knockout stages.
Adding to the disappointment, the Gunners have also fallen 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, ensuring another season without silverware — their last major trophy remaining the FA Cup win in 2020.
Yet while fans and pundits have expressed frustration over Arsenal’s inability to convert progress into trophies, Arne Slot has pushed back on the narrative that Arteta’s tenure has been unsuccessful.
Slot: “Arteta Has Built Something Truly Special”
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash, Slot gave glowing praise to Arteta and the tactical evolution of his Arsenal side.
“Mikel should get, in my opinion, a lot of credit for the way his team plays,” said Slot. “Arsenal can play almost every style. It is a big accomplishment to be able to have only one style, but Mikel’s team are capable of being different, as we saw in the two games against PSG.”
Slot emphasized the tactical versatility that Arsenal have shown under Arteta — a quality he views as rare and valuable at the elite level of the game.
“They can play off set-pieces. They can defend in a low block and be the dominant team. They can play a high press. They can build up from the back or play the long ball,” he noted. “Every part of the game they are good, and that means it is difficult to analyse them because you don’t know what you are going to face.”
A Tactical Masterclass Years in the Making
Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp earlier this season, praised Arteta’s long-term work at Arsenal, suggesting that the flexibility and identity of the current Gunners squad is the result of years of meticulous planning.
“The only way you can have that [tactical variety] is if you work at a club for so many years, but not all managers who have been at clubs a long time can play so many styles. This is special. You don’t see it a lot,” he said.
Slot’s comments offer a refreshing contrast to the harsh criticism Arteta has faced, and reflect the respect that exists between two progressive coaches who are helping to reshape modern Premier League football.
Arteta Under Pressure but Still Respected
Despite failing to win a trophy this season, Arteta’s Arsenal have once again finished strongly in the league, securing UEFA Champions League qualification and delivering impressive performances against top sides throughout the season.
The Gunners have also boasted one of the best defensive records in the league, and their attacking play — led by Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli — has frequently drawn admiration for its flair and precision.
Still, the bar at a club like Arsenal is high, and many supporters expected this season to yield silverware, especially after last year’s close title race and the club’s heavy investments in the transfer market.
Sunday’s Game: More Than Just Pride
Sunday’s meeting between Arsenal and Liverpool may not carry title implications, but it remains a symbolic encounter between two of the most ambitious and entertaining sides in the Premier League.
Liverpool, fresh off securing their latest Premier League crown, will look to continue their dominance under Slot’s stewardship, while Arsenal will want to end the season on a high note in front of their home fans.
The guard of honour for Liverpool adds a ceremonial note, but also a reminder of what Arsenal could have achieved this season — and what they must aim for next year.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on another trophyless campaign, Arteta’s project at Arsenal is still very much alive and progressing. With the backing of the club’s board and a squad brimming with youth and potential, the Gunners are poised to remain competitive for years to come.
Slot’s comments will be a welcome boost for Arteta, whose methods continue to earn admiration from fellow coaches and neutrals alike — even if they have yet to yield the ultimate rewards.
“We’ve seen what Arteta can do with this squad,” said former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in a recent interview. “Give him time and the right players, and I truly believe Arsenal can challenge for every major honour.”
For now, Arsenal fans will look to Sunday’s clash as both a celebration of their team’s resilience and a reminder of what’s still possible in the seasons ahead.
