Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has refused to take notice of the Premier League table for most of the season. But now, with his side top at Christmas, he recognises its importance.
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The Reds moved four points clear of second-placed Chelsea with a match in hand following their thrilling 6-3 win at Tottenham Hotspur, hours after the Blues were held to a goalless draw at Everton.
"Of course, it means something because you always prefer to be where we are at the moment than to be in another position in the league table," Slot told the club's official website.
"You have to keep on going, keep on going. Every three days you have to be on top of your game, every minute of the game. That's why it is so hard to win it because it's not always easy to show up every three or four days.
"At Newcastle, at 3-2 up you expect to win it and there was a situation and we drop two points. That's the Premier League. I didn't expect Chelsea to drop points today as well, so it can happen in every game and that's what makes this league so special. That's why so many people want to see it and that's why we play at Christmas time."
'Salah's hard work has impressed me most'
Mohamed Salah scored twice and provided two assists to inspire Liverpool's stunning victory at Spurs, with Slot praising the Egyptian's hard work off the pitch that ensures he can perform at a high level in matches every three or four days.
"I think Mo shows what he has shown for so many years at Liverpool, that he can score a goal and the team just has to provide him to come into these positions where he came today many times. Then he is able to score goals or provide assists," said Slot.
"Apart from him being a very good football player, I think he is a very likeable person to work with as well. He is always there to help his team-mates.
"He is always down to earth, so tomorrow – or even now, I think – he will work on his recovery. He understands what it takes to be at this level every three days and he is working really hard for that.
"So, that maybe impressed me most – that a top player like him understands how hard he has to work for the quality he shows."
'Salah's a phenomenon'
Speaking after the match, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher praised Salah and revealed he ranks the winger among Liverpool's best-ever players.
"Unbelievable. He is a phenomenon," said Carragher.
"He is probably in the top five players to have ever played for Liverpool Football Club.
"Let's not forget, they're the most successful team in this country and they've had some legendary players."
Carragher also believes the nature of the victory at Spurs will have struck fear into Liverpool's title rivals.
"Liverpool were outstanding and if you are watching as Chelsea or Arsenal, you are thinking, 'this team will take some stopping'," added Carragher.
"It felt like a statement win - a performance of champions-elect. They were so dominant.”
Slot's men are next in action on Boxing Day, when they host Leicester City, before a trip to West Ham United and a visit from Manchester United over the rest of the festive period.
