It was a tricky looking fixture for the Reds so soon into their project under Arne Slot.
However, Liverpool stood up well to a strong looking Arsenal team and recorded an impressive 2-1 victory against the Premier League runners-up.
There were a number of standouts during the game, with fans left purring over Jarell Quansah and his superb defending in particular.
Quansah was not the only one to stand out, though, and head coach Slot was keen to dish out more praise following the match.
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot Head Coach of Liverpool during the pre season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at...
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Arne Slot praises Diogo Jota display
One of the main talking points after Liverpool’s win over Real Betis on Saturday was the use of Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai as two kind of false nines.
Slot explained the formation at the time by saying that it would look different once Liverpool had a proper striker to fill one of the gaps.
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Thursday morning gave the Dutchman the first chance to put that into practice, with Diogo Jota available to Slot for the first time.
True to his word, the boss stuck Jota up top through the middle, with Elliott in behind and Szoboszlai deeper still.
It worked well, with Jota showing trademark tenacity to help set Liverpool on their way to the opening goal.
The 27-year-old could perhaps have scored once or twice, but asked in his post-match press conference whether Jota mate a difference, Slot was in no doubt that he had.
“Yes, he did,” answered the 45-year-old. “I think that helps to have someone who naturally plays in that position. Although Arsenal were man-v-man all over the place, then it helps if you have a striker who is smart and is intelligent, knows when to make the deep runs [and] knows when to hold the ball.
“I think it was him who bounced the ball towards Harvey, where Harvey could give the assist to Mo,” Slot added.
“It helps to have someone used to this position, especially if you play a team that is man-v-man all over the pitch.”
Diogo Jota gives Arne Slot audition
It looks obvious that Slot is going to want to play with one more traditional striker and one advanced midfielder playing just off him.
Arteta praised Slot’s approach after Thursday’s game and you have to say that his blueprint on the pitch is relatively clear to see.
In that case, it likely leaves Jota to battle with Darwin Nunez especially for that middle role. With Nunez still away, Diogo has made his case.
Given that Slot sees Nunez as a key man, it seems probable that the head coach is planning to use the Uruguayan more often than not. However, it’s never a bad thing to have Jota to call upon.
With the amount of games needed to be played, the £45m man will get his chances this season. Though he couldn’t find the net against his favourite opposition this time, he’s at least off and running under Slot.
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