James Copley reacts as Sunderland come-from-behind to beat Bournemouth!
Liverpool boss Arne Slot offered updates on Milos Kerkez and Alisson Becker after fitness scares against West Ham
Arne Slot offered a positive fitness update on Milos Kerkez after the left-back was forced off late in Liverpool’s win over West Ham United.
The 2-0 victory eased some of the pressure that had built on Slot in recent weeks after a difficult run of form that included three straight defeats and nine losses in 12 games, with Sunderland at Anfield next up for The Reds. Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool since arriving for a British record £125million fee, before Cody Gakpo wrapped up the points in stoppage time.
Kerkez had been one of Liverpool’s standout performers on the night, keeping Jarrod Bowen quiet for long spells and offering a threat going the other way. However, with the match winding down, he went to ground and needed treatment before being replaced by Andy Robertson. Slot confirmed afterwards that the £40million summer signing from Bournemouth had simply suffered cramp following a demanding schedule of three games in a week.
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Slot said at his post-match press conference: “Cramp. The only moment when Bowen had a chance was when he was out, but it was nothing to do with the full back that was in. That was the only chance they had and, as a result, the only chance Bowen had. A good performance, a good defensive performance from him. He was also a threat, attacking-wise wise in the first half.”
Liverpool dominated long periods of the game, especially before the break, but failed to make their pressure count until after half time. Isak eventually produced the kind of clinical finish he became known for at Newcastle United, with Gakpo adding a late second to calm any nerves.
Slot told Sky Sports: “There's definitely a feeling of relief because if you have lost so many times, then winning is important. We hardly conceded a chance. We were able to create chances ourselves. In other games, we gave away a lot more than we did today. It helps if you don't go 1-0 down after five minutes because then you are more open. We played the game I wanted us to play.”
There was also a brief scare involving Alisson Becker, who accidentally collided with teammate Joe Gomez and required treatment. Slot confirmed the goalkeeper, who had only just returned from a lay-off, was fine. Slot added: “What I saw meant a lot to our players and our fans. The fans had to travel a long way to support a team that has been performing poorly. On Wednesday, we face Sunderland. It's a very busy schedule for everyone. This is a good first step for us, that we won and had a clean sheet.”
Liverpool now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United as the Premier League Champions look to build on an important win.
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