Arne Slot shares true feelings on Mikel Arteta after Arsenal boss comes under criticism

Arne Slot has come to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's defence, heralding his work at the helm of the Gunners despite their recent blip and European disappointment.

As Liverpool's title-winning side prepare to take on Arsenal at Anfield, Slot heaped praise on Arteta, who's been facing criticism since his team's Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

With the North London side's form dipping and second place in real danger - not to mention their exits in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup - questions are being aimed at Arteta. Arsenal have failed to secure any silverware following their 2020 FA Cup triumph early on in his tenure.

But Slot insists he is a big fan of Arteta's work: "Mikel has been working there for five years and he should get, in my opinion, a lot of credit for the way his team plays.

"Arsenal can play almost every style. It is a big accomplishment to have one style, but I saw Mikel's team play a different style at Paris Saint-Germain and another style in the home game against PSG.

"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.

"So every part of the game they are good - and that means it is difficult to analyse them because you don't know what you're going to face.

"Will they play on the ground or will they play long? Against Paris St Germain, every throw-in was long and they got two very big chances.

"I think Mikel deserves a lot of credit for that because the only way you can have that is if you work at a club for so many years and not all managers who have been at clubs a long time can play so many styles. That is special. You don't see it a lot."