Slot Warns Liverpool Against Complacency as Fulham Test Awaits

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is urging caution despite his team's 12-point lead in the Premier League title race, warning that every remaining game will be a challenge.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his satisfaction with the refereeing body PGMOL's acknowledgment that the decision not to send off Everton's James Tarkowski during Wednesday's derby was incorrect. Slot believes it's essential for PGMOL to own up to mistakes, highlighting that errors are an inherent part of the Premier League.

The incident in question occurred during Liverpool's 1-0 win over Everton, when Tarkowski made a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister, winning the ball but following through with his studs, which made contact with Mac Allister's calf. Despite the severity of the tackle, Tarkowski was only shown a yellow card, and VAR did not intervene to upgrade the punishment.

Pundits and former referees were unanimous in their opinion that James Tarkowski's tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during Wednesday's derby warranted a red card. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was informed at Thursday's press conference that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) had acknowledged that Tarkowski should have been dismissed for serious foul play.

Referee Sam Barrott initially deemed the challenge reckless, but only showed a yellow card. A VAR check also concluded that the yellow card was not a clear and obvious error. However, PGMOL subsequently reviewed the incident and felt that a review should have been recommended, and the original decision overturned. Slot welcomed PGMOL's acknowledgment of the mistake, saying, “It is always good that if they think they have made a mistake that they acknowledge that.”

Brilliant assist, finish and celebrations 🤩 pic.twitter.com/kGzJULDMJh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 3, 2025

Slot emphasized that mistakes are an inherent part of football, affecting not just referees but also players and coaches. “We all know that mistakes are being made during football matches - by us, by me, by referees,” he noted. While Slot appreciated PGMOL's willingness to own up to the error, he also felt that the decision was clear-cut. “It is good that they acknowledge the mistake, but it was so clear. Let's go on to Sunday,” he added, looking ahead to Liverpool's upcoming game against Fulham.

Liverpool's thrilling victory over Everton at Anfield has restored their 12-point lead over Arsenal with eight games remaining in the Premier League season. While the Reds appear to be on the cusp of securing the title, manager Arne Slot is cautious about getting ahead of himself. “In theory so many things can happen. We felt yesterday how hard it is to win a Premier League game,” he said.

Liverpool must continue to assess the availability of Alisson Becker and Conor Bradley for Sunday’s #PremierLeague trip to Fulham. ⤵️ #FULLIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 3, 2025

Slot emphasized that every remaining game will pose a significant challenge for Liverpool, starting with their upcoming match against Fulham. “It tells you that with eight games to go, every game is a challenge - starting with Fulham, who are having a very good season as well,” he noted. Rather than focusing on the theoretical number of points required to secure the title, Slot is concentrating on the immediate task at hand. “We are not working on theories about how many points (we need), we are taking the challenge of Fulham where we will need to be at our best again to get a result.”

On the injury front, Slot provided updates on several key players. Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are still weeks away from returning to action, while goalkeeper Alisson remains sidelined due to concussion protocols after being injured on international duty with Brazil.