ARNE SLOT MAKES FEELINGS CLEAR AFTER MAN UTD CONTROVERSY ANGERS LIVERPOOL CAMP
Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to blame the referee after a 2-1 loss to Man United, despite a controversial head injury incident before United's opener. Slot said he gives "no excuses."
A dejected Arne Slot after Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot refused to give his players "excuses" in spite of Michael Oliver's contentious choice to continue playing despite suffering a head injury before Manchester United's opening goal during their thrilling 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Bryan Mbeumo's goal put United ahead of the hosts in 63 seconds, shocking them. However, Oliver's failure to blow his whistle infuriated Liverpool, as Alexis Mac Allister was left sprawled on the ground following a contact with teammate Virgil van Dijk that knocked him to the back of his head.
Play continued because Oliver did not seem to see the Liverpool midfielder clutching his head on the pitch.
The Premier League Match Centre explained that VAR was unable to intervene because Van Dijk was the one who made contact with Mac Allister, so no foul could be called. Oliver's version of events was the only basis for the decision.
Slot was questioned after the game regarding the goal and a handball penalty appeal in the first half that the referee rejected. However, after Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, the Reds manager decided to focus on his team's lacklustre performance.
Slot retorted, "Maybe you should have the emotion in the game if you lose a football game, especially after you have lost four." However, I should not discuss that at that time. No justifications.
"We did not need the penalty, and we have had plenty of opportunities to score. Either yes or no. I would rather not discuss that. We need to score more goals because we have so many opportunities. Additionally, we must defend one set piece better than we did if we are down 1-1 and the game is entirely up to us.
We must put some effort into this. Additionally, there is emotion in the game when making choices. This is a feature of all managers. However, I will not discuss this.
In response to the incident, Van Dijk said, "I believe the ball went long; I headed it first, followed by a United player. The player dropped down after my elbow struck him, and I also went down.
"It was hard to score from that angle, but he did. We failed to score, and there was still a lot of football to be played.
"We must maintain our modesty, continue to work, and maintain the highest level of confidence we can. It is critical that we maintain the mindset of supporting one another during difficult times. The season is lengthy.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.