Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury puts damper on Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa
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LIVERPOOL – Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury cast a shadow over Liverpool’s 2-0 English Premier League win at home to Aston Villa on Nov 9, with the England defender being taken off in the first half with what manager Arne Slot said was a “serious” concern.
Alexander-Arnold left the pitch clutching his right hamstring in the 25th minute of the victory, which helped Liverpool open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.
He has been named in the England squad for their Nations League games against Greece and Ireland, but Slot said he would be surprised if the 26-year-old was able to play in those matches.
“It’s difficult to say how serious it is, but it’s always serious if a player goes out in the first half,” the Dutchman said. “Not because I didn’t like him, but because he asked for it himself.
“He didn’t ask for it because he was tired, he asked for it because he felt something. That’s first of all not a good sign, but it is always difficult so close after the game to tell you exactly what it is. Let’s wait and see.
“I would be surprised if we will see him playing for the England national team this week.”
On the pitch, the Reds took full advantage of Manchester City’s latest defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Nov 9 to surge further clear of the champions. City lost 2-1, their fourth straight defeat in all competitions.
Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah found the net and Slot’s men were again defensively solid to register a sixth clean sheet in 11 league games and take a firm grip on the title race.
“We have a margin but it is small,” said Slot. “Many challenges to come for us.”
The opener arrived when Virgil van Dijk’s long clearance caught the visitors undermanned at the back and Leon Bailey would likely have been sent off for bringing down Salah had Nunez not burst onto the loose ball to net his third goal of the season.
Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher was twice forced into fine saves from Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos to preserve their lead at half-time, before Villa’s Morgan Rogers wasted a huge chance seconds into the second half.
The home side were set for a nervy finale until Salah gave them breathing space six minutes from time. Carlos’ header was charged down by the Egyptian, who raced through on goal to dink in his 10th strike of the season.
Liverpool’s stunning start to life under Slot has made light of Jurgen Klopp’s departure and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister conceded even he was not sure if the Reds could challenge for the title.
“If we are top of the league by five points then it means something,” said the Argentina international. “If you asked me before the season started I would not say we were candidates but now it looks like we are.”
Villa’s fourth straight defeat in all competitions sees Unai Emery’s men slip to ninth, but only one point off Nottingham Forest (19), who were third before Chelsea hosted Arsenal in a match which ended after press time.
“When they scored the second goal the match more or less was finished, but until that second goal we had chances to score,” said the Spaniard. “It was not enough to get points here but I am positive that we are moving forward.” REUTERS, AFP
