Jamie Carragher was taken aback by Arne Slot’s decision to sub off Cody Gakpo in Liverpool’s match against Southampton in the Premier League today, November 24. The former Liverpool defender said Darwin Nunez would have been taken off in Gakpo’s stead if it was up to him as he believed the former failed to make an impact in the game.
In the 62nd minute of the match, Arne Slot introduced two fresh pairs of legs after his side was trailing 2-1 to the Saints. He replaced Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo with Alexis Mac Allister and Luiz Diaz, respectively. However, Gary Neville was surprised with Slot’s substitution choices. He said while commentating for Sky Sports;
“I’m surprised it’s Gakpo, would have been Nunez for me. He’s certainly been the most dangerous player, I can’t remember Nunez being involved in one thing in the game. Diaz has done so well as a striker when he’s played up there.”
In the end, it turned out that Arne Slot made the right calls as Liverpool went on to win the match 3-2 to move eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League table.
Arne Slot says Liverpool dominated the game completely after 3-2 victory over Southampton
Liverpool boss Arne Slot gave his assessment of his side’s performance after they secured a thrilling victory over Southampton. The Dutchman said Southampton made the game difficult for them but claimed his side dominated the game completely.
Dominik Szoboszlai drew first blood the Reds half the hour mark before Adam Armstrong restored parity for the Saints before the break. The game turned on its head early in the second half as Mateus Fernandes gave the Saints the lead in the 56th minute.
But Mohamed Salah came up trumps for Liverpool once again as he equalized in the 65th minute. He scored again seven minutes from time to overturn the scoreline and hand Liverpool a 3-2 victory to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Arne Slot told Sky Sports after the match:
“In the second half I saw the intensity I was looking for in the first half. Southampton make it really difficult for many teams, including top clubs, and they made it difficult today, though we dominated the game completely in my opinion
There was not enough urgency to arrive in the box [in the first half], we just kept the ball instead of attacking the box. Although we fell behind in the second half we showed more urgency and intensity. That led to numerous chances and eventually two goals.
It is tough to create chances against a 4-5-1 low block but we know Southampton want to play out from the back so you have to be really aggressive, if not they have a really good game plan”
