Liverpool get surprise BOOST in Trent Alexander-Arnold contract talks
Having sat at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday night, all Arne Slot could wish for was a draw between Manchester City and Arsenal to end the weekend.
And less than 24 hours later, the new Liverpool boss has exactly what he wanted, an advantage in the title race and a boost to Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract talks.
Read more: Trent Alexander-Arnold smashes 19-year RECORD unseen at Liverpool since Steven Gerrard
Now just one point behind Manchester City, who looked dead set to lose against Arsenal until John Stones equaliser in the dying embers of the contest, Arne Slot's Liverpool are well in the mix following a spectacular start to life under the Dutchman.
Sitting on 12 points from the opening five games, the Reds have shown great into so far this season and despite a minor blip against Nottingham Forest, they look more than capable of threatening another title race, despite this year being earmarked as a transition season after Jurgen Klopp's departure.
And with three huge players currently set to be out of contract at the end of the season, the prospect of winning silverware this year is certain to add extra allure to the Liverpool project should Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold have any doubts about the club's ability to be competitive.
Each talisman is essential to the Reds' chances of progressing in all four competitions this season and it currently doesn't bear thinking about what the club may look like should negotiations come to a permanent halt.
Where does this leave the contract talks?
Alexander-Arnold spoke earlier today about his need to win trophies as a reward for his efforts on the pitch.
And while Real Madrid lurk eerily in the distance, having won the Champions League a record 15 times, with Trent's fellow England teammate Jude Bellingham at the helm, the prospect of leaving Liverpool is a viable option.
But the Merseyside-born right-back has a deep connection to his boyhood club and leaving Anfield will not be a decision he will take lightly.
Now Liverpool find themselves right in the thick of a Premier League title race early on, the prospect of the club winning trophies this season is slightly more likely and that could be the deciding factor in any upcoming negotiations that Trent has with the club.
Liverpool can point to the Premier League title race and comfortably call it open. Neither City nor Arsenal looked perfect and both dropped points.
If Alexander-Arnold wants trophies, Liverpool look perfectly capable of delivering them.