Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to action was the main talking point as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Arsenal in a lively Premier League clash at Anfield.
The full-back made his first appearance since confirming he will leave the club when his contract expires in June, with a free transfer to Real Madrid widely expected.
Liverpool, already crowned champions, hosted an Arsenal side still in pursuit of the title. The result keeps Arsenal second in the table, while Liverpool continued to show resilience despite having wrapped up the league weeks ago.
Alexander-Arnold entered the match in the second half, but his return was met with a mixed reaction. Boos rang out from sections of the home support both as he came on and each time he touched the ball, highlighting the emotional fallout from his contract decision.
However, not all fans turned on him – many continued to show support for the homegrown defender, applauding and chanting his name in defiance of the negativity.
“It is definitely difficult for him because I think he said himself how difficult it was to leave this football club,” said Reds boss Arne Slot.
“And that is something that is important for us to hear as well, because we have to make it as difficult as possible. And fortunately for us many stay, like Virgil [van Dijk] and Mo [Salah]. Trent made the decision to go.
“But it is the way you want to look at it; I don’t know, I haven’t asked him but maybe he is positively surprised how the reactions were today. I don’t know because I haven’t spoken to him, but it was clear they were mixed reactions so it wasn’t all negative.
“And as it went onwards, the moment he had to take a free-kick everybody was cheering for him to score – and he was close.
“So I am not even sure if he has negative feelings about today. Maybe, maybe – but again, I haven’t spoken to him – it’s not even as negative as you think it is.
“I think if you clap it is not as loud as if you boo, but I didn’t count the amount of people booing and the ones that clapped for him. Like I said, they have the right to express their opinion.”
