Speaking ahead of the trip to the Emirates, Slot defended his recent tactical choices and pointed to injuries in forward areas as the main reason for a change in Liverpool's attacking output. The Reds are unbeaten in eight league games but have drawn four of them, leaving them 14 points behind Arsenal.

Liverpool's recent run has included draws against Leeds United home and away, Sunderland at Anfield and Fulham at Craven Cottage. Slot has tightened things up defensively after a difficult spell earlier in the season, when his side lost nine of 12 matches across all competitions, including heavy defeats to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and PSV.

Despite criticism, Slot was clear about his footballing principles.

"If I am known for one thing then it is attacking football," Slot said. "Playing a lot of attackers and bringing attackers on when we are a goal down. So I find it hard to hear that we play boring football, let alone that I am not playing attackers."

Slot explained that his use of extra midfielders is down to a lack of available forwards, with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak absent and Hugo Ekitike facing a late fitness test.

"Packing the team with midfielders is not something I am doing by choice," he said. "I have always played with wingers. I always want to play a 4-3-3 with real wingers. But sometimes players are not available."

The Liverpool boss also rejected suggestions he has abandoned high pressing.

"We always press as high as we can," Slot said. "You cannot have so much ball possession if you don't press the opposition. What has changed is how teams play against us."

Slot admitted Liverpool have not created enough chances but stressed they have not turned into a defensive side.

Another key issue raised by Slot was Liverpool's struggle from set-pieces. The Reds have conceded 12 league goals from dead-ball situations this season, while Arsenal continue to be one of the strongest set-piece teams in the league.

"If one team is plus ten from set-pieces and the other is minus 11, it is very hard to compete," Slot said. "In a normal world, we could have had six, eight or nine more points."

Looking ahead to Arsenal, Slot was clear about what is required.

"To get a result there, you need a perfect defensive performance, in open play and in set-pieces," he said. "But that does not mean you stop attacking. Arsenal attack with everyone, and so do we."

Slot also praised Mikel Arteta's side for their consistency and squad building, but made it clear Liverpool will not abandon their identity.

"My football is intense, attacking football," Slot said. "That will not change."

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