Liverpool fans ‘to love’ what ‘red-faced’ Slot did v Everton – Graeme Souness
Arne Slot experienced his first, and last, Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Everton on Wednesday.
The stadium exploded into life as Beto fired home the opener before Alexis Mac Allister popped up at the opposite end just five minutes later, silencing the crowd somewhat.
Mohamed Salah’s sumptuous finish 27 minutes from time all but silenced the home supporters, though the Reds’ boss was still upset with some of the decisions up until then.
He would have been fuming as James Tarkowski volleyed home an equaliser in the eighth minute of added time, eventually being shown a red card by Michael Oliver for his antics.
Graeme Souness loves ‘different’ side to Arne Slot
Writing via the Daily Mail [14 February], Graeme Souness said: “We saw Arne Slot getting caught up in it all too – red-carded for his comments to the referee.
“When you’re winning as a football manager, you’re an open book and you’re everyone’s friend. When you’re not winning, you’ve got a red face and you’re angry with everyone. That red face is in Slot, too.
“So far, he’s not had to show any side other than the smiling, laid-back Arne. We saw a different one on Wednesday night, which is good to see. The Red supporters will be happy to see that.”
Liverpool have more important focuses than Merseyside derby
Everton fans will feel they have every right to brag about the last-gasp draw against their rivals, but it was just a slight inconvenience for the Reds this season.
Slot’s side are still seven points clear at the top of the table, losing just once in 24 matches, all while competing in the Champions League and EFL Cup.
Having been surprisingly knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle, the traditional treble is no longer an option for Liverpool but there is still room for humungous success.
The main concerns at Anfield will be trying to tie down Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold to new contracts, given their current deals expire at the end of the season.
Slot has seamlessly replaced Jurgen Klopp, a task which seemed impossible when the German departed, but there is no telling how the Reds would do without three of their biggest stars.