Liverpool pass ‘tough challenge’ with flying colours

Liverpool are still progressing nicely in all competitions. They finished top in the league phase of the Champions League to jump into the last 16, are in the fourth round of the FA Cup and on Thursday entertain Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit after the first leg of their semi-final and get to Wembley.

In an interview with Football Focus on Saturday, Slot, who became Reds manager last summer following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, said he could not have expected to have such a lead.

Slot knows what it is like to win a championship, having won the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord and, worryingly for Liverpool’s title rivals, the Reds are not showing any signs of slipping up.

This latest win extends their unbeaten league run to 19, since they were beaten 1-0 at home by Forest on 14 September.

“It was a battle, but I knew it would be,” added Slot. “All the points we have got, we have deserved them.”

Goalkeeper Alisson hailed his side’s mental strength and said: “It’s a great result away from home. We showed great desire, mentality and great quality.

“Bournemouth are really intense. They are top for running, intensity – the way they play, they’re aggressive. You have to be focused and really sharp in every situation.

“This intensity takes a lot of energy to win these games. The Premier League is a high standard this season.”

But with less than four months to go, Liverpool remain the standard setters and will take some stopping if they are to not win their first title in five seasons.