Arne Slot admits Liverpool’s performances have ‘fallen short’ of expectations | OneFootball

Liverpool Seek Higher Standards Under Arne Slot Ahead of West Ham United Clash

Liverpool return to Anfield this weekend with momentum, belief and a nagging sense that more is required. Arne Slot has made that clear. The reigning Premier League champions edged past Nottingham Forest 1-0 thanks to a late Alexis Mac Allister strike, a result that followed disciplined victories over Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Three wins, three clean sheets, nine points banked. On paper, it reads well. In reality, Slot knows Liverpool must raise their level if they are to climb from sixth and reignite their title defence. A win against West Ham United could move the Reds to within three points of Aston Villa in third place. In a season that has ebbed and flowed, that matters.

Arne Slot Demands Progress Despite Winning Run

Slot has never been one to hide behind results. Writing in the matchday programme, he reflected on recent improvements while emphasising the need for sharper performances.

“It was not so long ago that our two clubs last met. Back then we were looking to come out of a really difficult period and we were able to record an important victory against a tough opponent; a result which gave us a platform to build on,” he wrote.

“Along with Alexander Isak scoring his first league goal for us, the other thing that sticks in my mind from that day is the support that was given to the team and myself by our travelling fans.

Photo: IMAGO

“Receiving this kind of support always makes a difference but it means even more during times when form has not been the best. As I said at the time, this says a lot about the club and our supporters.”

Those words carry weight. Liverpool’s relationship with their supporters has often powered decisive moments, and Slot understands the importance of that bond, particularly during transitional phases.

Performance Levels Key for Liverpool Title Ambitions

The victory at Forest highlighted both resilience and shortcomings. Slot acknowledged as much.

“From our point of view, we are pleased to have won our last three matches, especially as each victory came with a clean sheet, but at the same time we are also aware that there are certain areas that we need to improve on again.

“This was certainly clear in our last game away to Nottingham Forest where we picked up another good win despite a first-half performance that everyone could see was not of the standard that we are looking for.

“Having this awareness is crucial if we want to keep on getting better. It is not about beating ourselves up or allowing any negatives to outweigh the clear positives of a very good result. We just need to recognise the elements of our game that have fallen short so that we can work on them and keep on making progress.”

It is a pragmatic message. Liverpool under Arne Slot won the Premier League in 2024-25 by marrying intensity with control. This season has required a different kind of resilience. Clean sheets have returned, structure looks firmer, yet consistency across ninety minutes remains a work in progress.

West Ham United Test Anfield Resolve

West Ham United arrive at Anfield seeking their own surge up the table. Slot recognises parallels between the sides.

“A lot has happened since then of course and I think it is clear that both teams have improved, although the Premier League table also shows that neither of us are where we want to be.

“In fairness to the players, this kind of culture is so well established here that it is pretty much the norm. The desire for improvement, individually and collectively, is a vital quality to have and we certainly have it in abundance here. This was something I picked up on when I first arrived and it was present last season and is still present now.

“That desire to keep pushing ourselves and one another was crucial at Forest and will continue to be a key part of what we do from now until the end of the season. This is why we have been able to respond to so many difficult moments and situations, so it would definitely make sense for us to carry on doing so.”

For Liverpool, this fixture represents more than three points. It is about standards, trajectory and the pursuit of sustained excellence under Arne Slot. West Ham United will test them, but Anfield expects a response that matches ambition with execution.