Dutch coach Arne Slot defended his team's performance this season, affirming that the style of play is not boring despite disappointing results in some matches, ahead of the team's anticipated match against Arsenal on Thursday in the 21st round of the English Premier League.

In the press conference, Slot said: "I am happy with the current lineup; it aligns with my vision, Richard Hughes' vision, and the management's. This group is very talented if all players are available."

He added regarding injuries and the team: "There are no notable injuries, but if you think a little about the constant talk about our heavy spending in the summer, maybe now, for the first time, people realize that we replaced those who left with excellent players."

Regarding the style of play and performance, he said: "In the Fulham match, I don't think people enjoyed watching it. The club says we need more passes; the second goal against Fulham required 17 passes before scoring."

Slot confirmed: "I find it hard to accept being described as boring, but that doesn't mean I disagree with that opinion; I prefer to use another word. I am known for an attacking style of play, and we are still striving to achieve that, but possession does not necessarily mean playing attacking football."

He added about the difficulty in creating chances: "We struggle to create many chances, but I have said repeatedly that we are not the only team facing this problem. I don't think we create fewer chances than other teams that achieve good results, but I don't like hearing us described as boring because I want to deliver attractive football."

Regarding how to face different teams: "We have to find a way to play our style against teams that do not want that, and that is something we have not yet figured out. We work on this daily. It is frustrating to think that facing the best teams in the world is harder than facing teams that do not aim to win league or Champions League titles. In the last 9 matches, our games against Aston Villa and Brighton were appreciated by the fans."

About the condition of his striker Hugo Ekitike after injury: "He has not trained with us yet; let's see if he can participate today. I recently said he would not be out for long, but matches come quickly, so he is in a transitional period with the team and may need one or two more days."

On competition and the possibility of making the season special: "Can we still make this season special? Of course. This club has repeatedly proven that even in its worst league situations, it can still win the title. This is always possible because we have a good and talented group, and we have already proven that this season. We have shown our ability to compete with almost all teams, maybe except for one match, which was the away game against Manchester City, but in all other matches, we were strong competitors against everyone."

He concluded his statements saying: "We have reached 9 matches without defeat; we have drawn twice more than necessary, against Leeds and this match against Fulham. In terms of the timing of conceding goals, we are not where we aspire to be, but we have a talented team, and if all players are available, we can achieve exceptional accomplishments."