Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister opened and closed the scoring just after the hour mark to deliver a much-needed triumph for Arne Slot's side on Tuesday night as Real Madrid failed to score a goal for the first time this season. Much of the pre-match noise surrounded the type of reception Trent Alexander-Arnold was expecting and Virgil van Dijk's post-match comments summed their feeling up rather well.
October was a tricky period for Slot, who won the Premier League at the first time of trying last time out, and his men. In an attempt to defend said title, the campaign started well with five victories – but six losses from seven outings across all competitions started to unnerve the Anfield faithful.
Getting back on track with a narrow, yet comfortable, 1-0 win over Xabi Alonso's Los Blancos would have eased the heat on the shoulders of Slot – for now, at least. Mac Allister's well-taken header was the difference-maker, but all eyes were on Alexander-Arnold, who had to deal with heaps of abuse from the home contingent as he warmed up. Things only flared up when he was subbed on for Arda Guler in the 81st minute.
Watch, and listen, to the Anfield contingent's reaction to Alexander-Arnold being subbed on:
Van Dijk's Stubborn Answer to Alexander-Arnold Question
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In case you're unaware, Alexander-Arnold is no longer a popular figure on Merseyside: he left the club this summer on a free transfer to join Madrid and supporters are of the belief that he ran down his contract. As a result, they were unable to receive a transfer fee – which, on paper, would be rather hefty – for his services.
Ahead of his return, the word "rat" was painted over the right-back's mural, which is located close to Anfield and is intended to celebrate everything the Liverpudlian – who was given his debut by former boss Jurgen Klopp – achieved during his 354-match stint with the Liverpool senior side. Many fans, rightly or wrongly, have turned their backs on him.
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Many of the Liverpool players – including Mohamed Salah – were spotted consoling their former teammate at the full-time whistle, but those inside the stadium were sure to make their feelings known every time he touched the ball.
Speaking to the Reds captain – widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history – after their 1-0 win, Walcott asked him whether he had the chance to speak to his former teammate. "Virg, did you get any opportunity to see Trent before the game?" the former Arsenal winger asked.
"There was a lot of talk of the conditions he would have faced tonight. Have you managed to see him? Or are you going to get a chance to see him?"
As stern-faced as he could be, Van Dijk – despite being delighted with triumphing over the record winners of the Champions League – simply said: "No."
In reaction to Van Dijk's remarks, the Anfield faithful praised the Dutchman and how upfront he was. "I didn't know my respect for the skipper could grow any bigger but it just did," one fan on X (formerly Twitter) said as another added, "I almost fell over laughing at that. Perfection." A final fan took it one step further to write: "He hates him so much."
Jude Bellingham, Alexander-Arnold's teammate for both club and country, believes that Liverpool supporters are still appreciative of what he achieved over the years. "Obviously, it is one of those things in football,” the English midfielder told Amazon Prime, per Evening Standard. “The fans booing isn't a reflection of how they feel about him.
"I think it is more to give their team the edge and throw him off a little bit. I am sure they're appreciative of what he has done for the club. It is one of those things."
Liverpool born and bred, Alexander-Arnold was one of the most celebrated academy graduates of the modern era before his switch to Spain. Under Alonso, the defender has chalked up 11 outings in all competitions thus far – but he is yet to nail down a starting berth, which is something he had achieved on his hometown soil.