'Found an extra gear' - Arne Slot hails Liverpool's 'mental strength' as Reds capitalise on another Arsenal blunder to move 13 points clear at top

The Reds secured a convincing 2-0 victory over the Magpies, a win that brought them closer to what could be a historic record-equalling 20th title triumph. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the game with Alexis Mac Allister netting a crucial second to ensure all three points were secured.

Second-placed Arsenal could only manage a 0-0 draw away at Nottingham Forest which further aided Liverpool's title chase. With the title race heating up, Slot stressed the need for continued focus as they move forward while remaining confident that his team would not let complacency creep in.

Speaking after the match, Slot praised his players' mental fortitude: "I think what impressed me most was the mental strength in both games [against Newcastle and Manchester City] because after Everton and Wolves people started to question us a bit.

"But if you get a lot of compliments eight out of 10 people get a bit complacent. Only the ones who want to achieve something don't. And that mentality of these two against 10 we saw tonight. They just found an extra gear to work even harder. We weren't perfect. I think we lost more simple balls than we usually do, but the mentality was great again."

With Liverpool edging closer to the Premier League title, many are wondering how close the team is to securing their much coveted 20th English top-flight crown. However, Slot was quick to downplay any talk of the title, focusing instead on Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League challenge.

"I don't know because I don't think that way. I think about Paris Saint-Germain [in the Champions League] already," he said.

"I watched them against City, and I am impressed by the quality they have. I think they are on a similar run as we are. They've hardly lost a game for a long time. They're doing really well so my focus is on PSG. I forget the Premier League table for now until we play Southampton."

Liverpool are fighting on multiple fronts and could end up winning the treble if they manage to lift the EFL Cup alongside conquering England and Europe. After facing PSG on March 5 they will have little time to regroup as Southampton are set to visit Anfield on March 8 for a Premier League encounter.