Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy delivered his verdict on Andoni Iraola's decision to substitute Trey Nyoni in Sunday's narrow defeat against Arsenal at Anfield
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans following the team's defeat in the Premier League against Arsenal
Andoni Iraola's Liverpool fell to a narrow defeat against Arsenal(Image: Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has questioned Andoni Iraola's decision to substitute Trey Nyoni in the defeat to Arsenal.
The Reds were narrowly beaten at Anfield by the current Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon. They fell behind in the first half courtesy of a strike from Kai Havertz but were able to get themselves back into the game thereafter.
In the first half in particular, Liverpool had ample opportunities to level things up. Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk all came close to scoring, while Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak failed to make their dominance count.
One player who did impress, however, was Nyoni. The teenager was handed his first Premier League start against the Gunners.
Alongside Mac Allister in midfield, he helped dictate the tempo of the game and was one of the standout performers. However, Iraola opted to substitute him for Dominik Szoboszlai in the second half, with the Hungary international making his return from injury.
It's a decision that was questioned by pundits, including Murphy, who believed it was a bold call from the Liverpool head coach. "Trey Nyoni did really well and put himself about," Murphy told the BBC.
"He was bang at it. He’s been really good for the last couple of months since he's been involved. He can feel proud of that performance today.
Trey Nyoni of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match against Arsenal
Trey Nyoni impressed on his full Premier League debut for Liverpool(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I think it's a very bold move [bringing on Szoboszlai] because there’s not a holding midfielder on the pitch for Liverpool now. I don't blame Iraola for taking the chance. Liverpool have got to get back into it."
Liverpool arguably lost control in the middle of the park once the substitution was made. While it was frustrating on the day, it's certainly a promising sign for Nyoni as he looks to make a case for a more regular role in the team.
The Reds will need to put the result behind them quickly as attention shifts to the Champions League midweek. Liverpool will take on Fenerbahce away from home as the club aims to make it four wins from four in Europe.
Next weekend, in the final game before the international break, Liverpool travels to Crystal Palace. It's a tricky away test but another opportunity to move back within touching distance of the title race.