Arne Slot claims Man City have 'unlimited amounts of money to spend' as Liverpool boss declares Premier League as world's 'most difficult' competition with Reds on verge of title glory

The Liverpool head coach was hitting back against accusations that Liverpool's expected title win is less impressive given the perceived lack of strength at the top of the Premier League this season, with rivals like Man City and Arsenal picking up a fraction of the points tallies they have in recent seasons. Slot's response was bullish, with the Dutchman claiming his players are competing against the "unlimited amounts of money" held by Man City.

Slot said: "Is it stronger than the season before or two or three seasons before? That’s up to everyone to debate. But during the week you saw Aston Villa, who are seventh, being so good and unfortunate not to go to extra time against Paris Saint-Germain, a team that together with Manchester City have unlimited amounts of money to spend. That could be an example of saying ‘yes, the Premier League is really good at the moment’. We also saw in the week what a team Newcastle is and the fact they played so well against us in the League Cup final is not a surprise anymore. So what a league we are in. I think it is stronger than ever." He conceded: “The amount of points could be an argument. City, a few years ago, got 100 points and then Liverpool had 99. Was that the best Premier League there ever was or was it too easy for Liverpool and City to win their games? You can look at things whichever way you want."

For Liverpool fans, this season's points haul won't be a huge concern as long as they can get the trophy over the line. Last summer, the general outlook was that this would be a transitional season for the Merseyside club, so their electric, table-topping performances have shocked many within the game (although Slot himself says it's no surprise Liverpool are competing for the title again).

The Reds have a chance to wrap up the league title this weekend with five games to spare. If Arsenal fail to beat Ipswich Town on the afternoon of Sunday 20 April, Slot's team have the opportunity to inch over the line and secure only a second league title for the club in 35 years with victory at Leicester City. It's a huge moment in what has been a marvellous first Premier League campaign for the Dutch coach.