Arne Slot has no concerns about Arsenal employing “dark arts” when Liverpool travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s side were criticised for time-wasting during the 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September while trying to hold on to a lead with 10 men.

“If I look at Arsenal and City it doesn’t even come to my mind about tactical fouls or dark arts, it only comes to my mind how well they play,” Slot said.

Asked if his players were sufficiently “streetwise” to cope if Arsenal repeat such tactics at the Etihad Stadium, the Liverpool manager said: “It’s your words that they are implementing those tactics, the only thing I know is that my players are experienced and they know how to handle certain situations. I am not using the word streetwise, I am using the word experienced and you have to cope with if the other team is better than you and how you react in those moments.”

Arsenal will start the match four points behind their title rivals. The Gunners finished second last season, seven points ahead of third-placed Liverpool, and they have to improve to catch Manchester City.

“They [Arsenal] had a good chance last year, let that be clear, but they have a good chance in the upcoming years as well because they have a quality manager and many quality players,” Slot said. “In every transfer window they have tried to improve the team even further, which is always what you need because other teams around you do the same.

“The margins are so small that you are never sure who is going to win the league here in England. They are one of the title contenders that is clear for me for last season, for this season, and if Mikel stays, also for the upcoming seasons.”