Following the Reds’ 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener, Liverpool supporters have criticized one significant Arne Slot decision. Shortly after Antoine Semenyo had been the target of racial taunts from the stands, Hugo Ekitike had put the home team ahead in his league debut.
Prior to Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah scoring two late goals, Ekitike took the lead after Cody Gakpo doubled it. Semenyo then hushed Anfield and provided the ideal reaction to the first-half incident by hitting an amazing double to seemingly snatch a point for the Cherries. Supporters were shocked by a call Slot made during the game, though, and many believe it cost the winners the match.
Slot Substitution Is Slammed by Fans
Slot made a double substitution with Wataru Endo replacing Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez because Liverpool was still ahead 2-0 right before the hour. Endo, a defensive midfielder, was forced to play out of position on the right side of defense in the latter transfer, which confused supporters.
The Cherries then focused on that area, and Endo was out of place as a cross from the Bournemouth left was put in for Semenyo to tap home and maybe spark a comeback. As the visitors launched a counterattack, the Japanese star was likewise nowhere to be seen.
Social media users were discussing the strange change, with many pointing out that Liverpool might have lost the three points due to a single judgment.
“10 minutes on and still completely lost at the logic behind bringing off Frimpong, let alone for Endo,” a fan commented. Another added: “Idiotic taking Frimpong off for Endo.”
A third said, “I still need an explanation for Endo at RB,” and a fourth said, “He needs to put Szobo into RB and Endo into DM ASAP.”
A fifth suggested: “Has Slot already hit the Pep overthinking stage, why am I watching Endo at right back?” Slot was allegedly overanalyzing his choices, which was proving to be expensive.
Federico Chiesa came off the bench to replace record-breaking Florian Wirtz before scoring the goal to make it 3-2, but the substitution almost ended up costing the Reds.
Jamie Carragher was perplexed by the change in criticism before he scored, but he was compelled to retract his remarks after the Italian, who had a difficult first season at the club, produced the best moment of his Anfield career to far.
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