In a tense matchup at the Red Bull Arena, Liverpool narrowly secured a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig, but the decision to substitute star winger Mohamed Salah in the 63rd minute raised eyebrows among fans. Despite providing an assist for Darwin Nunez’s first-half goal, Salah appeared to be having a gentler outing compared to his usual explosive performances.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot quickly moved to dispel any concerns regarding Salah's performance during the post-match press conference. He clarified that the superstar’s early exit was a tactical decision made with an eye on the team's rigorous schedule, especially with a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal looming on the horizon.

"We are facing a demanding fixture list," Slot elaborated. "Curtis Jones was in a similar position earlier; he hasn’t yet completed a full 90 minutes. Given our current injury situation, it's vital for me to manage our squad's fitness carefully. With Sunday’s big game ahead of us, ensuring our players are fresh is a top priority."

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Liverpool and Arsenal are locked in a tight race, separated by just four points in the Premier League standings. A victory over the Gunners would undoubtedly provide a significant boost in confidence for both the players and the fanbase as they push for the title.

Reflecting on Liverpool's performance against Leipzig, Slot admitted the team had a shaky start but grew into the game. "The first 15 minutes were challenging, but after that, I was pleased with our ability to navigate their press and create opportunities. We had several chances that could have extended our lead."

Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez, who scored the match's only goal, is beginning to find his rhythm after a slow start this season; this marked not only his second goal but also a sign of his resurgence in form. Slot praised the collaborative effort that led to the goal. "It’s encouraging to see all our players contributing on the scoresheet. Both Cody and Mo played crucial roles in setting up Darwin, who displayed a strong performance, balancing offensive creativity with defensive grit."

As Liverpool gears up to face Arsenal, all eyes will be on how the team manages player fitness while maintaining their momentum in a grueling season. Will Slot’s decisions pay off when they meet the Gunners? One thing is for sure: the race for the title is heating up!