Slot defends Alexander-Arnold after first 'difficult game' of the season

Arne Slot says he recognises patterns in the goals Liverpool have conceded this season, but they are not down to right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold endured a miserable outing during the Reds' 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League and was heavily criticised for his display at Anfield.

The England international gave the ball away with a loose pass into midfield that was ruthlessly punished by Lisandro Martinez, who netted the opening goal.

Despite Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah putting Liverpool in front, Amad Diallo netted a late equaliser following another attack down the Reds' right-hand side.

During their clash with Liverpool, 54.6% of the Red Devils' attacks came down their left, with teams over the years looking to exploit Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities.

In fact, Liverpool's opponents have 44% of their touches in the left third in the attacking areas. This would be Liverpool's right, which is the highest ratio in the Premier League.

The percentage of opposition chances from Liverpool's right is 35.7%, while it is 38.1% from the middle third and 26.2% from the Reds' left.

"I do see a certain pattern in the goals we concede, but I don't see the pattern if it is about Trent. Not at all," said Slot.

"Trent has had one difficult game for us [in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield] and maybe a few that were OK to good.

"Mainly, he has had great games when he played for us this season."

Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, came on as a substitute during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Despite only replacing Conor Bradley in the 60th minute, Alexander-Arnold played 19 passes into the final third, a total only bettered by Ryan Gravenberch (21).

He also came close to giving Liverpool the lead late on when his rasping drive was brilliantly cleared off the line by Radu Dragusin before Lucas Bergvall struck the winner.

"I know there is a lot of focus on him at the moment, but I would also like to highlight the focus on how well he did when he came on in the last half hour [against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday] and how our fans reacted to him. That is what pleased me even more during that game," Slot concluded.