Liverpool can handle title tension- Slot

Arne Slot insists Liverpool can handle the mounting pressure of the Premier League title race after the leaders were hampered by nerves in their tense win against Wolves.

Slot’s side head to Aston Villa on Wednesday knowing a victory would move them 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in their bid to clinch a record-equalling 20th English title.

But Liverpool, in dynamic form for much of the season, have looked less secure of late and almost blew a two-goal lead in Sunday’s 2-1 win over lowly Wolves at Anfield.

The Reds had already suffered a costly collapse in the Merseyside derby draw just days earlier when Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a stoppage-time equaliser.

Liverpool’s reserves also crashed out of the FA Cup with an embarrassing fourth-round loss at second-tier Plymouth recently, leading to fears the treble chasers are beginning to crack as expectations increase.

Reds left-back Andrew Robertson admitted after the Wolves game that it was natural for the players to be nervous as they get closer to the finish line.

But Slot pointed to Liverpool’s ability to grind out several wins by a one-goal margin already this season as proof they won’t crumble under pressure.

“It is because we are going to the end of the season, not because of us but what people make of it,” Slot told reporters on Tuesday.

“We have won other games at home or away by one goal when it was also tight. I remember Crystal Palace away when it was tight in the end.

“If this happens at the end of the season you guys are going to talk about nerves.

“To secure a win in the Premier League, if we are winning 1-0, is going to be a lot of defending and hard work.”

– ‘Fight until the end’ –

Arsenal have added to the concern at Anfield with a 15-match unbeaten