'Normal service set to be resumed' for Arsenal's visit
[PA Media]
It is nothing new to see Liverpool fans celebrating. They have been doing it for much of the season and in the past week or so, it has gone up a gear or two.
But these days they are even jumping up and down and cheering their team on when they lose.
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It was no surprise to see the Chelsea fans in delirious mood when referee Simon Hooper blew the final whistle at Stamford Bridge. Not only had they beaten the champions, they had given themselves a really decent chance of securing Champions League football for next season.
But with the Reds' travelling army seemingly still overjoyed, perhaps it serves to underline the fact that it is difficult to make it seem like things matter, when they do not really matter at all.
Arne Slot is 100 per cent correct when he said that nothing good ever comes from losing a football match and it is something Liverpool supporters have not had to face up to very often this season. But with all the hard work done a week earlier, it is no surprise that there was a lack of intensity at times and a shortage of the killer instinct that has been their hallmark this season.
Maybe it is the price you pay for becoming champions with four games to spare, but do not be surprised if something a bit more like normal service is resumed on Sunday when Arsenal visit Anfield.
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On paper, it is another game that does not matter. But when you come face to face with the team that have been highlighted as your main title challengers, then there is more at stake than just three points.
After Slot made it clear that he intended to rotate his squad, perhaps we should not have been surprised by the make-up of the starting XI against Chelsea. He is right to reward those players that have played a part in their title success, but have not started as many games as they would have liked. Whether the changes are as wide-ranging against Arsenal remains to be seen.
There is also a question about Trent Alexander-Arnold, now that his plans for the future have been revealed. Should he be taken out of the starting XI because he will soon be leaving? Or should he get the chance to say a proper farewell by playing a significant part in his final two matches at Anfield?
The final call rests with Slot. When it comes to making big decisions this season, I cannot think of too many that he has got wrong.
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