Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits Chelsea have 'completely surprised' him this season

Arne Slot admits he's surprised by how much Chelsea have fallen away this season. The Blues were Liverpool's closest contenders in December and tipped as outsiders to win the .

When beat Brentford in mid-December they closed to within two points of the Reds. That came two months after they'd given the Merseysiders a run for their money at Anfield, narrowly losing 2-1 as they caused the champions numerous problems.

Nicolas Jackson scored at before Curtis Jones ultimately came up with the winner for the hosts. Chelsea's form nosedived following a 1-1 draw with on December 22, which began a run of just two wins in ten games, which included five losses.

As a result Enzo Maresca's side have gone from outsiders for the title to sweating on a place in next season's . They sit fifth but have both and breathing down their neck.

Slot admits he's stunned by their current predicament having been immensely impressed when they headed to Liverpool, declaring them the better team on the day, as they prepare to square off once again at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

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He said: "We played them earlier on in the season and I’m completely surprised if I look at the gap we have between them now because at that time they were the better team on the pitch, but we found a way to win and that is a quality that we haven’t needed a lot, but in that game we had to suffer more than in any other game, maybe. So to be so many points ahead of them is a big compliment for everyone here at this club."

Slot also added: "I do feel it was one of their best games of the season but they have so many good players in their squad, that is the biggest thing you have to fight against."

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five but face a tough run-in to finish the season, which could prove crucial. After hosting Liverpool they still have to face and Nottingham Forest. Blues boss Enzo Maresca insists that the club have had a "good season" but can cap it off by qualifying for the Champions League.

He said: "Chelsea in the last two years have never been in the Champions League spots and this season we spent all season there. So today's win doesn't change my view. It's already a good season and can become very good if we finish in the Champions League spots, no doubt."

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