By Moujindu Francis

For Arne Slot, the pressure is building. Liverpool sits outside the top four, and missing out would not sit well with the club’s hierarchy or supporters. Questions are already surfacing about his future as to whether he will see out the season, but tonight's fixture could be the tipping point.

Credit: Football365

For the past six seasons, Liverpool’s meetings with Manchester City have been among the standout matches of the Premier League. More often than not, they shaped the title race. That has faded slightly over the last two campaigns, with Arsenal becoming the major contender, but the fixture still draws attention. 

A Liverpool win would have been a big statement for Slot's job security but the control did not last after Dominik Szobszlai's incredible free-kick. Bernardo Silva sparked a late turnaround, and Szoboszlai, once the hero, saw red as frustration crept in. Liverpool pushed for an equalizer but were picked off instead, falling 2-1.

Another instance of this season which early doors was abundant with late winners for the Reds, being turned on its head and seeing Slot's side drop even more costly points.

This piece looks at whether a victory today could ease the heat on the Dutchman, or if another setback would lead to the big stick being wielded on him.

The Likelihood of 'The Sack'

Credit: The Liverpool Offside

Some clubs are known for pulling the trigger mid-season. Liverpool is not one of them. The club has traditionally leaned toward stability and long-term planning rather than quick dismissals, only opting for the latter under exceptional circumstances. There are still 13 matches left including tonight's away trip to Sunderland, with the run-in fast approaching.

A rushed decision now could leave the team in a worse position than they currently occupy. While there is talk of how Manchester United found short-term balance under Michael Carrick during a turbulent spell, that model may not necessarily translate to this situation.

Top 4: A Must for LFC

Credit: Liverpool FC

Across the past decade, Liverpool have missed out on the top four only twice. The first was in 2015/16, a rebuilding campaign after Jürgen Klopp’s arrival. The second came in 2022/23, when injuries piled up and disrupted the squad for much of the season. In those ten years, Liverpool has lifted the league title twice and secured eight top-four finishes. That context does not excuse Arne Slot. He set the bar high by winning the league in his debut season, though some argue the challenge was softened by injury-hit campaigns for Arsenal and Manchester City. This season has been less forgiving after heavy investment totalling upwards of half a billion pounds. Several mid-table sides have strengthened their squad, and dropping points in those fixtures has proven costly.

Verdict