Liverpool's bid to claim a Champions League place for next season was dealt a blow as they fell to defeat against Brighton on Saturday afternoon, and Arne Slot's decision-making was once again called into question.
The Reds fell behind to a Danny Welbeck header before Milos Kerkez pounced on a Lewis Dunk error to equalise before half-time. Welbeck scored a second in the second-half, narrowly avoiding an offside call to earn the Seagulls all three points, and leaving the visitors six points behind Man Utd in third place and clinging to their Champions League hopes.
But Slot, who was without Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak in attack due to injury, failed to really take the game to Brighton when he had the opportunity, and it has led to major question marks about whether he's the right man for the job.
Slot Doesn't Trust Ngumoha
Arne Slot Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool were rocked early on in the game as striker Hugo Ekitike suffered a dead leg and was forced to leave the pitch after just seven minutes, following an innocuous collision with James Milner.
But rather than keep the attacking intent on the pitch by bringing on Federico Chiesa or Rio Ngumoha from the bench, Slot instead called for central midfielder Curtis Jones to come off the bench and take the Frenchman's place on the pitch instead.
It immediately showed that his mindset was more about controlling the game and not losing, rather than pushing for the win against a team struggling for results.
It also showed how Slot looks at the players he has at his disposal, and it proves that the Dutchman clearly doesn't trust some of the forwards.
We already know that Chiesa's future at Anfield is under threat, but it now seems that Ngumoha isn't doing enough either, despite his performances saying otherwise.
Ngumoha Shining, Slot Must Play Him
Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha
17-year-old Ngumoha was the best player on the pitch in the FA Cup win over Wolves, and then was rewarded with a start against Tottenham, where he was excellent before being substituted unexpectedly.
Since then, he hasn't started a game, and against Brighton he was brought on just after the hour mark to try and make an impact. But he could have had almost the entire game if Slot had been brave and trusted him to come on in place of Ekitike in the first-half.
Liverpool's history is built on excellent youngsters being given a chance, such as Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, and Michael Owen, and there's no reason Ngumoha can't be in that bracket. Slot must trust him and give him chances to save the season, or he could pay for it with his job.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks worried Related
Liverpool Must Sack Arne Slot ASAP and Appoint Title-Winning Boss, He's Ready to Take Over
Liverpool must sack Arne Slot ASAP after defeat to Brighton to save their season, with a title-winning boss ready to take over.