Arne Slot has set Liverpool an early marker in the Premier League title race.
Sunday’s trip to Arsenal could see Slot’s side open up a seven-point cushion on their hosts, who rivalled Manchester City over the previous two seasons.
The Reds head to the Emirates Stadium in the league’s top spot but boast an underwhelming record away to the top eight teams over recent campaigns.
Under Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp they took just seven points from 21 last term while City and the Gunners took 11 and nine respectively.
But with his charges already enjoying a mark-up courtesy of last month’s win over Manchester United, the Dutchman is eyeing more marginal gains.
“It was seven points between Arsenal and Liverpool last season,” said Slot.
“The home game was 1-1, the away game Arsenal won.
“So if we could change the away result, which we can’t, to a win for Liverpool that would have been a one point difference between the two teams.
“That’s why if you play your competitor those games are vital, like the others but maybe these ones a bit more.”
Although Slot accepts that Liverpool’s away record against the top eight alone will not decide the title, he believes it offers a barometer of their credentials.
He added: “It’s too simple to say, ‘If you win those games the league table would have been different.’
“To win those games, the hardest games to win, you need a certain quality.
“If you have that quality then you can compete for the league. If you want to win the league you need many, many points, and once in a while you have to win away [at the top teams].”