New footage shows Trent Alexander-Arnold’s frustrated reaction after Liverpool substitution
New footage of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s frustrated reaction to being taken off against Brentford has emerged.
Liverpool sealed back-to-back Premier League wins on Sunday by beating the Bees 2-0, with new manager Arne Slot going into the Premier League history books as a result in his Anfield debut.
But the shine of the win was partially taken away, as TV cameras spotted Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to being taken off with 18 minutes to go.
The right-back was replaced by youngster Conor Bradley as Slot made a tripe substitution after Mohamed Salah scored to double the Reds’ advantage following Luis Diaz’s opener.
Diaz and Diogo Jota were also withdrawn for Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
But as the trio came off, England international Alexander-Arnold appeared to be unhappy with the decision, sitting with his arms crossed alone on the bench.
Liverpool’s vice-captain was seen being approached by Slot in the closing stages of the game, with the Reds boss putting a hand on his player’s knee and speaking to him before heading back to the touchline.
This was all with minimal response from the defender.
He also appeared reluctant to celebrate with Jota who approached him at the full time whistle, slightly straining his neck away from his embrace.
A new angle from footage posted by fans at the game on social media shows Alexander-Arnold walking around the pitch at full-time, shrugging and shaking his head.
Alexander-Arnold did take to social media after the game to celebrate the win, though.
Posting snaps of him during the game, he wrote: “First win at home [tick emoji]. Fans were incredible as always.”
“I understand,” Slot said, responding to questions about his player’s reaction. “Every player wants to play 90 minutes but I don’t think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made.
“Trent came back from the national team where at the beginning of the tournament he played quite a lot and then he didn’t. He had a few weeks off and then came back.
“It’s only his third game and we have to take care of him as well because we need him for the whole season and not only the first two games.
“What a good thing for me is that I have a very good backup with Conor [Bradley] as well. We are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”
Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his Liverpool contract and talkSPORT reported he has been one of Real Madrid’s targets this summer.
Liverpool will now prepare to face fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
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