Arne Slot Critiques Refereeing Decisions in Liverpool vs. Manchester City Match

omidbasir- Arne Slot has publicly stated that Marc Guéhi should have received a red card for his challenge on Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.

Erling Haaland secured the victory for City with a goal in stoppage time at Anfield. This came after Rayan Cherki’s effort was disallowed due to a red card offense committed by Dominik Szoboszlai in the build-up.

Slot contends that Guéhi should have been sent off in the second half for pulling Salah down at the edge of the penalty area. He remarked, “When you ask me about the decisions, I think of several instances: the disallowed goal at City, the penalty awarded against us in the previous match, the clear red card for Mo Salah in the second half, and the penalty they received later, or even the Szoboszlai red card.”

He continued, “These decisions extend beyond just two games, as there have been numerous significant calls throughout the season that could easily have swung in favor of either side. I can accept the referee adhering to the rulebook, especially since Dominik committed a foul on Haaland that was a clear shirt-pull. He was in a goal-scoring position, which warranted a red card.”

Slot added, “I believe the Sunderland manager would appreciate that a red card was issued. However, if we apply the same logic to Guéhi’s shirt-pull on Salah, who has a proven track record of capitalizing on such chances, my frustration grows when no red card is given.”

Liverpool’s latest defeat leaves them sixth in the Premier League table, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by five points. Slot expressed his feelings of anger and disappointment regarding the match outcome.

“In the first half, City demonstrated better control of the game, although they did not create many clear-cut opportunities apart from Haaland’s early chance. They were superior with possession, but our progress over the last three to four months has been evident,” he noted.

“In the second half, our intensity improved significantly. We pressed them consistently, which marks a notable advancement for our team. To hold our ground against one of the best teams in England, particularly in terms of ball possession, is a testament to our growth. Nonetheless, I expected more than just a one-goal lead, especially after conceding two goals.”