Trent Alexander-Arnold's comments about Arsenal have resurfaced after Liverpool lost momentum in the Premier League title race with a crushing 2-0 defeat against Everton.
Ahead of Wednesday night's game at Goodison Park, Alexander-Arnold questioned Arsenal's mentality and accused them of 'overthinking' before their defeat to Aston Villa on April 14.
The Gunners suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to Villa at the Emirates, despite dominating for large spells – and it came just hours after Liverpool had been beaten by Crystal Palace.
Alexander-Arnold concluded that Arsenal could well have been distracted by Liverpool’s slip up.
Advert
"If those fixtures were reversed and we played second and Arsenal played first maybe it would’ve been a different mentality. It all comes down to mentality," he told Sky Sports.
"I think our result played a part in Arsenal’s result. They have potentially got too excited and thought this is our chance, this is what we need to do.
"Maybe they overthought things whereas if us and City both won it made them think, ‘we need to just win’ rather than it being a chance to breakaway from the pack. None of us have been in a three-horse race, so it’s difficult."
Almost a week after those those comments and Arsenal bounced back from that disappointing defeat with a 2-0 win over Wolves, while Liverpool picked up all three points against Fulham.
But the Reds failed to keep up with their title rivals on Wednesday night and now, they sit three points behind leaders Arsenal, who recorded a convincing 5-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Gunners also have a superior goal difference, which could spell the end of Liverpool's chances.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool's title hopes are all but over after their latest defeat.
In the aftermath of Wednesday's clash at Goodison Park, he told Sky Sports: "It's Everton's night. You have to give it to them. You have to accept that as a Liverpool fan.
"This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end. They just have to make sure they finish the season strongly.
"They had enough chances in the game but at the moment they are not clinical enough in both boxes."
He added: "I don't think you can get too angry with the team or Jurgen Klopp. It's been a great ride and a great journey. But tonight is Everton's night and you have to take it on the chin."
Wayne Rooney, who joined Carragher on punditry duty, described Liverpool as being "shell-shocked" by their opponents.
"You very rarely say this about a Jurgen Klopp team," he added. "But Everton looked like they wanted it more."
Topics: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Arsenal, Premier League, Everton
Jack Kenmare