Liverpool played out a captivating half of football against Man City, where a few decisions were deemed questionable by both managers — Arne Slot thought the visitors should have had a man sent off as well.
There was plenty to dissect when the curtain drew on Liverpool’s dramatic loss to Man City.
Injury time was one mad moment after another, concluding with Dominik Szoboszlai being shown a red card for bringing down Erling Haaland in the last minute.
Who was Liverpool’s best player during the breathless defeat against Man City?
Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League
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Slot actually didn’t take much issue with that decision. Rather, his ire was focused on an earlier incident involving long-time Liverpool target Marc Guehi.
Mark Clattenburg shares Arne Slot’s view on Marc Guehi incident
Slot cut a somewhat frustrated figure at full-time, and for good reason.
It’s a fourth game where Liverpool have been hit with a 90th-minute+ winner in the Premier League this season.
But his adjustments at the break were effective. There were some golden opportunities not taken by players you would have banked on to do so. Unlike many other recent losses, this one isn’t so much on him.
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In his post-match press conference, he said: “If you follow the rule book and you have a clear pull from Guehi on Mo Salah, who’s for eight years scoring that ball every single time 100 out of 100 times he scores the goal, a bit exaggerated but, and that’s not a red card, then there is more of my frustration.”
Marc Guehi spreads his arms during Manchester City's Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium
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Slot has a right to be frustrated. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Rousing The Kopexclusively: “Mo Salah is pulled back by Marc Guehi and a free kick and a yellow card was awarded as the challenge happened outside the penalty area.
“When you stop the action at the point when the foul happens, I believe Mo Salah to be in on goal as the covering defender is too far away and he would have a goal-scoring opportunity. Marc Guehi is lucky to be still on the pitch.”
It stings to admit, but Guehi was one of City’s best players on Sunday evening. He bailed his side out on several occasions, but in the 69th minute, he was the one bailed out by the officials.
Small margins for Liverpool, big swing for Arne Slot
It could be that the right decision at that moment would have given the game a whole different complexion, and possibly a different outcome.
But it’s not like Liverpool were superb and deserved winners. It was a tight game, and those come down to fine margins.
For Slot, a win would have very much helped his popularity at Anfield. He just didn’t get the performance from his players.
How many points are we getting from the next five? 😑
Arne Slot pictured before Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Now, it’s sure to be a week where his position is once again called into question by a growing section of the fanbase.
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