Arne Slot ‘cannot afford to repeat Alexander-Arnold mistake’ v Manchester City
Arne Slot has not got many decisions wrong since he replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.
The Dutchman has taken the English game by storm, guiding Liverpool to the summit of the Premier League with 12 matches to play.
However, the Reds’ advantage at the top could be reduced to five points by the time the clash with Manchester City (23 February) kicks off after a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday (19 February).
The former Feyenoord manager cannot afford to make the same mistake that he did against Unai Emery’s side if he wants to compound Pep Guardiola’s misery and maintain a commanding lead in the title race.
Arne Slot makes Alexander-Arnold mistake in Liverpool v Aston Villa
Trent Alexander-Arnold was vulnerable defensively in the first half and the cross that led to the hosts taking the lead came from his side.
The 26-year-old started to influence proceedings after the interval and smashed home an effort from range to get the Reds on level terms in the 61st minute.
However, he was replaced by Conor Bradley just five minutes later in a decision that Slot may come to regret if his side miss out on the title.
The England star created the most chances in the contest at Villa Park with four, while also making 11 passes into the final third as he tried to drive the L4 outfit forward.
He also recorded an 82 per cent pass completion, misplacing just eight of his 45 passes against Unai Emery’s side.
Defensively, he won the only tackle that he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate, made four recoveries and two clearances.
| Stats | Alexander-Arnold v Villa |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Passes into final third | 11 |
| Pass completion | 82% |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
Alexander-Arnold to shine against Man City
Some observers have questioned the academy graduate’s attitude since links to Real Madrid emerged, but he made it clear how much the club means to him after he equalised.
It was a shock when he was taken off against the Villans, but given the tough run of matches that Slot’s side are facing, it was understandable.
Given the fact that Bradley and Joe Gomez are expected to be ruled out when Liverpool travel to Manchester City, Alexander-Arnold will likely start on the right side of defence.
However, going forward is where the Reds really need him to show his class on the biggest occasion as he is their best creative player.
If the Merseysiders beat Pep Guardiola’s side, it will put down a huge marker to Arsenal in the title race, and their best chance of doing that is with the Three Lions star calling the shots.