Liverpool fans revealed their frustrations at Arne Slot after the manager made an unpopular substitution, bringing Rio Ngumoha off just after the hour mark against Chelsea.
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
14:04, 09 May 2026Updated 14:26, 09 May 2026
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool is challenged by Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea
Rio Ngumoha's substitution was booed by Liverpool fans against Chelsea(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
Liverpool fans rebelled against Arne Slot during the side's clash with Chelsea at Anfield, booing the manager's decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha in favour of Alexander Isak just after the hour mark.
The match was level at the time, with Ryan Gravenberch's early goal cancelled out by Wesley Fofana's deft finish just before half-time in Merseyside.
Both teams then had a goal disallowed, Cole Palmer's for an offside in the build-up, while Curtis Jones's strike was also ruled out for the same reason.
With the two teams deadlocked, Slot turned to his bench, but the decision to substitute Ngumoha off was not a popular one among the home faithful, as Cody Gakpo moved to the left with Isak taking the striker role.
READ MORE: Premier League makes final decision on Chelsea goal against Liverpool after Reds lapseREAD MORE: BREAKING: Premier League gives VAR explanation as Liverpool handed lifeline vs Chelsea
On the switch, former striker Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports: "You don't hear a reaction like that at Anfield often, but I can understand.
"I actually thought it would've just been a straight swap for Cody Gakpo, but I know he can play out on that left-hand side and come in off the left as well."
Ngumoha has been one of the bright sparks for Liverpool during a difficult campaign, though Slot has often managed his minutes instead of throwing him straight into action.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea
Rio Ngumoha impressed during Liverpool's clash with Chelsea(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
The Chelsea match was another huge opportunity for the 17-year-old to shine against his former club, and he showed plenty of quality in his display.
On the left, the England youth international managed an 80% dribble success rate, while he also provided an assist for Gravenberch for the opening goal.
There was plenty of defensive contribution from the youngster too, with Ngumoha making five recoveries, one clearance, and one interception, to round off a relatively complete performance.
It underlined the frustration that Liverpool fans felt in seeing the talisman substituted off, as many want to see Slot give him even more opportunities to be free and impress.
Article continues below
“He’s played a lot in the last three to four months. He’s done really well, so it’s very nice to have him," the manager said before the game on Ngumoha being in the side.
The decision to remove the forward may only crank the pressure up on Slot even further, as doubts continue over his long-term position in the Anfield dugout.
It remains to be seen what will happen with the head coach, but the dissatisfaction from the fans is clear.