Michael Edwards to get on phone with Marc Guehi as Liverpool star drops 'stinker' vs Newcastle
St James' Park's atmosphere was clearly having an influence on Liverpool, despite their 3-2 victory away to Newcastle United on Monday.
Given the Alexander Isak saga between Liverpool and Newcastle, this game was always going to be a rather feisty one, and that is exactly what it was.
Simon Hooper's inability to control the game had a huge influence on proceedings, though Ryan Gravenberch's strike gave the Reds the lead against the run of play.
Anthony Gordon's sending off provided a boost for Slot's side, who went on to win 3-2 in an instant classic, but the performance of one man certainly didn't help.
Chris Sutton slams Ibrahima Konate vs Newcastle
Despite early fouls from Kieran Trippier and Joelinton, it was Liverpool who received the first two cards of the game.
Dominik Szoboszlai picked up the first, with Ibrahima Konate picking up the second for a drag back on Anthony Gordon fairly early into the game.
It wasn't his first piece of unconvincing defending, having looked shaky throughout the clash.
Chris Sutton, via Sky Sports, immediately called the Frenchman out after another piece of clumsy defending gifted possession back to the hosts.
What Sutton said about Konate
- "Konate has had an absolute stinker, hasn't he?"
- "Didn't have a good game against Bournemouth."
To label it a stinker would be generous.
Konate was evidently affected by the occasion, and had it not been for his teammates bailing him out on several occasions, it could have been a very different outcome, and even worse than a draw.
Liverpool need to sign Marc Guehi, now
Liverpool's interest in Marc Guehi has been the worst-kept secret, but if Slot is to achieve success this season, it is a signing that simply has to be made now.
Konate was a liability against the Magpies, and he is prone to performances like that one under the lights on Monday night.
Arsenal and Man City will be keen to pip Liverpool to the title this season, and having a reliable back line is going to be key to preventing that from happening.
It will not be an easy deal to do at this stage in the window, but Michael Edwards needs to do whatever it takes to bring Guehi to Anfield.
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