'Anfield thrives on winding up managers'

Arne Slot's marrying of high-intensity football and a more measured and controlled approach has been key in his fine start in succeeding Jurgen Klopp, says Liverpool fan Josh Sexton.

Sunday's comfortable 2-0 win over champions Manchester City sent the Reds nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

"The first half performance from Liverpool especially was sublime," Sexton told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "We're a team that looks supremely confident right now and it is oozing out of us and out of Anfield and the fans right now.

"Slot has been really good at striking the balance between Klopp-style football and a more measured and controlled aspect. He mentioned in the summer that he wants to balance risk and reward more.

"In the moments Manchester City were getting more of a foothold, Liverpool were prepared to suffer, prepared to be a little bit more patient and it paid off in the end - and we were able to capitalise on our big moments going forward."

In response to goading from Liverpool fans, Pep Guardiola held up six fingers to indicate the six Premier League titles he has won since arriving in England.

"Anfield thrives on winding up managers and I think there was an element of it getting under Pep Guardiola's skin," Sexton added.

"He's ultimately watching his team fall apart in front of his eyes and watching a Liverpool team move so many points clear at the top of the league. That's what football is about - when things are going well you have to capitalise on that banter."

Listen to the full chat from 06:25 on BBC Sounds