Arne Slot expressed skepticism about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability for Liverpool’s upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham, following the defender’s injury during a recent match against Bournemouth. Alexander-Arnold exited the game with a muscle issue in the second half, as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory at Vitality Stadium.
Liverpool faces Tottenham on Thursday, needing to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Slot commented on Alexander-Arnold’s situation, saying, “He asked me if he could come off and then he went down. He felt something; it’s usually not a good sign when a player requests to be substituted. I’d be surprised if he plays on Thursday, but let’s hope he recovers quickly.”
Mohamed Salah’s stellar performance, including two goals, helped Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points. “It was the game we expected,” Slot remarked, acknowledging Bournemouth’s relentless intensity. He noted that despite Liverpool’s win, the match was closely contested, with Bournemouth consistently threatening.
Salah, the league’s leading scorer, converted a penalty in the first half and added a remarkable solo goal in the second, marking his team’s 17th win in 23 matches this season. Bournemouth struggled to convert opportunities during the first half, hitting the woodwork and having a goal ruled out due to a controversial penalty decision awarded to Liverpool.
Slot raised concerns about the penalty incident, stating that there appeared to be no justification for Cody Gakpo’s fall in the box. “From my perspective, it’s a clear one-on-one chance. If he falls, it’s either a dive or contact. If there’s contact, I consider it a penalty,” he explained, emphasizing the clear goal-scoring opportunity that was at stake.
In reaction to the criticism surrounding the penalty call, Slot remarked about the ongoing debates in football, especially concerning calls that favor high-ranking teams. He reiterated that this was a clear penalty opportunity, underscoring the complexities of decisions made during matches and the often contentious nature of VAR interventions.
