Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield at the end of the season as a Premier League winner but the reception from Reds fans has been mixed
Trent Alexander-Arnold on the pitch after Brighton vs Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold on the pitch after Brighton vs Liverpool
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Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
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Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold was visibly pained as he watched Reds fans in party mood despite their defeat to Brighton on Monday night. The right-back will leave his boyhood club this summer and was an unused substitute at the Amex.
Arne Slot's Premier League champions have yet to win a match since being confirmed as title winners. They have led in two of the three matches in that period, but taken just one point from the run.
Slot made a few changes for the trip to the Amex Stadium on Monday, but one of those tweaks paid off. Harvey Elliott delivered a goal and an assist on a rare league start to give the Reds a 2-1 half-time lead, but things changed after Brighton introduced Kaoru Mitoma 25 minutes from time.
Japanese international Mitoma made an instant impact, putting away the rebound to equalise after Alisson had kept out a Danny Welbeck effort. He had a part to play in the winner, too, feeding Matt O'Riley who in turn sent the ball across for Jack Hinshelwood to find the net.
Liverpool's players, including unused substitutes such as Alexander-Arnold, were out on the pitch as the travelling fans continued their title celebrations in spite of the outcome. The situation was an unusual one and the defender appeared visibly unhappy, having been left with just one more chance to win a match for his boyhood club.
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"Its so sad, whatever what happened its really painful to see," one fan wrote on social media. "He looks like he is already regretting leaving."
"Could’ve gone in three years time a hero and with blessing," wrote another. "Instead his memory of a title with the fans is what? Money?"
Trent Alexander-Arnold on the Liverpool bench at Brighton
Alexander-Arnold was an unused substitute for the game ( Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Alexander-Arnold issued a statement to fans in early May, confirming his departure. The right-back - who is poised to join Real Madrid - said the delay was in part down to his focus on helping deliver a league title in his final season.
Some supporters didn't take kindly to the manner of the exit - with no transfer fee received - and sections of the crowd booed him in the Premier League draw with Arsenal. Team-mate Mohamed Salah was surprised by the behaviour, urging fans to give a proper send-off to a player who has spent his entire career to date at Anfield.
Liverpool fans celebrating their team's title win while at Brighton's Amex Stadium
Liverpool fans enjoyed extended title celebrations at Brighton
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Image:
Getty Images)
"I was surprised because it is not how we act as Liverpool fans," Salah told Sky Sports after the Arsenal game. "The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.
“We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months. Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years.
"It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next game - Brighton or the last game of the season - because he deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club.”
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