Arne Slot ‘will not be happy’ as Premier League make announcement ahead of Bournemouth clash
Arne Slot has plenty to ponder following Liverpool’s disappointing Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool were beaten on penalties by Palace at Wembley after drawing 2-2 in 90 minutes in a game that showed two sides to Slot’s men.
While there were positives to take from the performances of debutants Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, the Reds were also carved open too easily at the back.
Focus now turns to the opening Premier League game against Bournemouth on Friday, but Slot may not be pleased with a particular announcement that’s been made.
Anthony Taylor appointed referee for Liverpool vs Bournemouth
The Premier League announced on Monday that experienced official Anthony Taylor will be the referee for Liverpool‘s clash with Bournemouth at Anfield.
Taylor has officiated his fair share of Liverpool games, some more controversial than others.
One such example came in October last season when Slot slammed Taylor for showing him a yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Slot was annoyed to be booked for what he later described was a misunderstanding.
“Last time I said that I completely deserved the yellow card but this time I don’t think I did,” Slot said at the time.
“I said after there were so many times that [Arsenal players] were on the floor, which can happen so many times in football.
“I don’t blame them for that but it always happened after they had ball possession. That took the energy out of the game in my opinion.
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“So I said to Ibou [Konate] ‘this is a f****** joke’ and the fourth official thought I said to him ‘you are a f****** joke’.”
While 10 months may have passed since that incident, it will no doubt still be fresh in Slot’s memory.
What is Liverpool’s record under Anthony Taylor?
Taylor has refereed Liverpool three times since that 2-2 away draw with Arsenal, most recently – ironically enough – another 2-2 draw against the same side, this time at Anfield in May.
Liverpool are now unbeaten in the past eight matches that Taylor has officiated, stretching back to a 3-1 loss to – them again – Arsenal in February 2024.
Last three matches Anthony Taylor has refereed v Liverpool:
- West Ham 0-5 Liverpool (29 December, 2024)
- Man City 0-2 Liverpool (23 February, 2025)
- Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal (11 May, 2025)
That is a good omen heading into this week’s clash with Bournemouth, with Taylor dishing out just one card combined across the last three Reds games he’s officiated.
Fingers crossed Liverpool’s defence has tightened up by the time that game comes around.
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