It took a long time and more than a few subs for Arne Slot’s Liverpool to move within a win of the Premier League title as Sunday’s 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium was anything but easy money.
The Reds were denied by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and a resolved Foxes side seeking to make relegation to the Championship wait at least another few days.
MORE — Leicester 0-1 Liverpool recap, player ratings, video highlights
But Slot subbed Trent Alexander-Arnold into the game late, hoping that the newly-returned right back who may be moving away from Anfield this summer could summon a winner.
Usually he’d do that with an assist, but the 26-year-old used his off-foot to provide the match’s first goal in the 76th minute. That’s what we call feeding a narrative.
So how will Slot and Alexander-Arnold react to the win?
Arne Slot reaction — Liverpool boss on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reds moving to Premier League title precipice
Thoughts on the game: “Again we created a lot of chances. Maybe this time even more than normally, and normally we’re a bit better at scoring goals. Today it took us a long time and of course a great moment for Trent after working so hard to come back. The goal makes it very special.”
Did you worry it might be ‘one of those games’: “I never felt it was not going to happen because we kept creating chances but you do know if you play a team that’s almost relegated or relegated, it helps if you can kill the momentum by scoring a goal. But again with a full stadium if you don’t score the first one, they can get a little bit of momentum and relief. That’s why I was so happy with the second half.”
Does it feel bigger when you’re so close to the title? “Yes, but it felt like big moments during the whole season. In the end, they seem to matter more because either you want to go to Champions League if you’re fifth in the league or to stay first if you’re trying to win the title. It was a good win with a lot of effort, again.”
What makes this team so good in tough moments? “We just keep going. Mentally they are really strong and they enjoy playing football, trying to create, working very hard to not concede. Apart from the first half when [Leicester] hit the post, I don’t think they created a lot. It always help if you play for something special, let’s be honest.”
What do you think about Trent Alexander-Arnold as a player? “He’s incredible, if he sets his mind to it. I think if you play for such a long time at a club there are always moments of again, but every time when moments always matter. When he came in with a half-hour to go against Newcastle, and then the second half against PSG, he stepped up. He knows when it matters most he can bring a bit more. That’s something only the top-top-top players have.”
Do you see any scenario where Alexander-Arnold signs a new deal at Liverpool? “I think my only good answer is to talk about his goal. All of the attention should go to his goal, the importance of his goal, and all the things he’s done for this club for so long. All of the headlines should be about his goal, not about his contract situation.”
Will you allow yourself to dream of the title now? “It’s never hard to dream but I think it’s also clear, we are really focused on playing. The boys deserve to have a day off. When we’re back together it’s full focus on Tottenham. Hopefully the stadium will be full, and we’ve played them, I think this is the third time, we know what to expect. We know we have to win.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold reaction to game-winning goal, future at Liverpool
“I’ve had some good moments in this stadium to be honest but now to give us a chance to win the title in my first game back from injury it was an important game for me. I’ve done a lot of hard work to get back. I’m eager to compete.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s my first left-foot goal in my career. It’s taken a few years. … It’s then one type of goal I’ve been missing. I saved it for the right time. One win away now, very close, especially with the fans here — a very very special moment.”
On Virgil van Dijk pushing Alexander-Arnold in front of fans to celebrate win: “He’s pushed me to the front to get close and personal [with them]. The fans are always amazing. They’ve been outstanding again this season. They’ve pushed us all season. As much as we do it for ourselves and our families, we do it for the fans as well. They travel to games and spend their money. To be so close to sealing, for some of us, a second league title. In front of fans, it’s what we’ve been missing.”
Are these his last games with Liverpool? “I’ve said all season I’m not going to speak on my situation. I’m not going to go into details but these days like today are always special, scoring goals, playing, winning games, being close to winning titles as well as being in title races, they are special moments that will stay with me forever and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
