Liverpool supporters told Arne Slot what they thought to one particular decision during the draw with Chelsea
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Arne Slot is under mounting pressure(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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Arne Slot's decision to take off Rio Ngumoha was greeted with loud boos during the underwhelming home draw with Chelsea. The match summed up the Reds' season in the first 45 minutes when they went ahead then retreated into their shell, allowing a team low on confidence and with a caretaker manager to grow into the game before equalising.
Ryan Gravenberch's goal was only the fourth time Liverpool have scored in the opening 15 minutes of a league fixture this season but once Virgil van Dijk volleyed over from six yards things started to go backwards for Slot’s side.
Enzo Fernandez’s low free-kick evaded everyone and crept inside the far post for the equaliser as Chelsea capitalised on the initiative they were handed by their passive opponents. Liverpool’s dearth of attacking intent meant the 17-year-old Ngumoha was lauded almost every time he touched the ball, even if there wasn't always a successful end product.
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When he was substituted to allow the fit-again Alexander Isak to come on midway through the second half, the jeers were loud, underlining supporters' frustration. Even Dominic Szoboszlai hitting the foot of the post and Van Dijk heading against the crossbar could not prevent more boos at full-time.
On the boos at full-time, Slot told TNT Sports: "That's probably got something to do with us not winning. It completely makes sense people are disappointed if Liverpool don't win."
The draw leaves the Reds needing a win to guarantee a return to the Champions League, although superior goal difference means two points may be enough even if sixth-placed Bournemouth win all their remaining games.
Rio Ngumoha's substitution didn't go down well
Rio Ngumoha's substitution didn't go down well(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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