Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool manager could depend on the result against Arsenal

This Thursday, January 8, 2026, the footballing world turns its eyes to North London for one of the most consequential fixtures in the Premier League calendar: Arsenal vs. Liverpool. While a clash between these two giants is always a spectacle, this specific encounter carries a heavy sense of drama. The two clubs arrive with vastly different momentum, and for Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, the 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium could represent the final chapter of his tenure at Anfield.

According to reports from MatchDay Central, the Liverpool board is prepared to make a drastic decision. The Dutch tactician, who was hailed as a hero just months ago after delivering the Premier League title last season, is now officially on the "hot seat." The ultimatum is clear: anything less than a victory against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could result in Slot’s immediate dismissal.

A Steep Decline: From Champions to Chaos

The primary driver behind this crisis is the alarming dip in performance. During the triumphant 2024-25 campaign, Liverpool was a juggernaut, maintaining a 73% win rate and showing a tactical maturity that suggested a new dynasty was forming. However, the current season has told a much darker story.

Across 29 matches in all competitions—including the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and Community Shield—Slot’s side has recorded:

• 15 Victories
• 4 Draws
• 10 Defeats

This brings their current success rate down to a mediocre 56%. For a club of Liverpool's stature, especially as defending champions, such a regression is viewed as a systemic failure. Currently sitting in fourth place with 34 points, they find themselves a staggering 14 points behind league-leaders Arsenal, a gap that feels almost insurmountable at this stage of the season.

A Squad Ravaged by Injuries and Loss

To be fair to Arne Slot, the circumstances surrounding the squad have been unprecedented and deeply tragic. The team has struggled to find its offensive rhythm following the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez. Furthermore, the club is still reeling from the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in July 2025, leaving a void in the heart of the team that transcends football.

The injury crisis has only compounded the misery. Currently, Slot is forced to navigate this crucial period without:

• Mohamed Salah (Inactive/Injured)
• Alexander Isak (Injured)
• Hugo Ekitike (Injured)

Moreover, big-name signings like Florian Wirtz and established players like Cody Gakpo have failed to find their best form, looking like shadows of the players who dominated Europe last year. Without the clinical edge of Salah or the dynamism of Isak, Slot’s tactical system has looked toothless against well-organized defenses.

The "January Sacking Season"

The pressure on Slot is also a reflection of the ruthless environment currently dominating the Premier League. The English top flight has already seen high-profile casualties this month. Following the dismissals of Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, the league is in the midst of a "January Sacking Season."

The Liverpool hierarchy is reportedly wary of falling further behind the pace and may feel that a change in leadership is necessary to save the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

Conclusion: One Final Chance

As the teams prepare to walk out at the Emirates, the narrative is set. For Arsenal, it is a chance to extend their lead and potentially knock a rival out of the title conversation for good. For Arne Slot, it is a fight for survival. He is a manager who proved his quality last year, but in the cutthroat world of elite football, memories are short and results are the only currency that matters.

Only a win will suffice to keep the wolves at bay for at least one more week. Anything else, and Liverpool may be looking for a new manager by Friday morning.