Liverpool No. 66 Trent Alexander-Arnold became the main story of the afternoon as the Reds were pegged back to 2-2 against Arsenal — despite Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo giving the host a commanding lead at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold’s name had been jeered when it was read out over the tannoy before the match started, again when he was entering the field, and then almost every time he touched the ball. At the end, while there were some boos, there was also plenty of applause.
As that happened, Diaz had his arm around Alexander-Arnold as he approached The Kop with Gakpo also making a gesture to the famous stand as if to ask “Why?”. For all that some fans are upset, the Liverpool players are sticking with their teammate.
“He has done an amazing job for Liverpool,” Micah Richards said on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game. “That is what teammates do.
“They are probably disappointed he isn’t staying. But he has made his decision and they are sticking with him. That is the right thing to do. They have got to back him.”
And Jamie Carragher was in agreement about the treatment that Alexander-Arnold was given by some Liverpool fans.
While it is hard to ascertain exactly how many booed, it was loud and clear and certainly impacted the game, making for a strange second-half environment in which to play out the final stages.
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“That’s the story of the game. That’s what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper,” Carragher said on the live television coverage of the match in the UK.
“I’m surprised how many. For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed. Booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”
Liverpool still has to face Brighton (away) and Crystal Palace (at Anfield) before the season ends. Arne Slot will have to make a decision on whether that was Alexander-Arnold’s final appearance or whether he might get onto the field again.
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“The good thing about living in Europe is that everyone is allowed their own opinion,” Slot said about the incident at the final whistle. Previously, he said that Liverpool fans were entitled to feel however they wanted about Alexander-Arnold leaving.
Conor Bradley started the game in place of Alexander-Arnold but was booked and got tired in the second half, up against Gabriel Martinelli. With the Northern Irishman looking jaded, the number 66 was turned to.
As he entered the field, Alexander-Arnold was greeted by Bradley’s name being sung. Steven Gerrard’s song was also chanted, perhaps with a message about loyalty and local heroes being sent.
