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Analysis: Alexander-Arnold reaction says a lot
It was a very talkative celebration, writes Paul Gorst in his analysis.
When Diogo Jota walked away to score his 11th goal of the season, it was his assistant who expressed the most emotion.
It’s been a surprisingly difficult three weeks without Liverpool action for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After England’s omission of duty – and the subsequent explanation of it, at length, by Gareth Southgate, who publicly detailed a fall in form – Alexander-Arnold found himself in a curious position that was not created by himself.
Some experts in Liverpool were shocked by England’s downfall, but the player himself, to his credit, was unwavering in his public support on social media during the Three Lions’ three straight wins without him.
The message was clear from Alexander-Arnold: There is nothing to see here. Not from his perspective, at least.
But her loud cry as she broke through Jota’s impasse said it all.
It was a great goal for the Liverpool forward, but also for the English international, whose world-class delivery left his teammate with the most attractive balls to attack.
Question marks have hung around Alexander-Arnold all season, but the PFA Young Player of the Year has probably come under too much scrutiny given the almost comical juggling that Jurgen Klopp has had to do for much of this season. .
Klopp’s defense of his right-back was firm on Friday and just what Alexander-Arnold could have reasonably expected from the man who made him a Liverpool star, but the Reds boss was preaching to converts for most of the Reds fans.
“I don’t want to have a funny discussion about Trent,” Klopp said after the game. “It’s Gareth’s decision, but Trent is in good shape. And if someone says no, I have to say you’re wrong.”
The West Derby-born defender isn’t above constructive criticism, of course, but his standards haven’t been anywhere near the sub-zero level some have tried to argue since England’s omission.
Here he was back at his best. And like this, there is no better right back in this country, whatever Southgate thinks.
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