Arne Slot’s determination that value Liverpool earlier than controversial VAR name vs PSG
Liverpool have fallen on their sword in the Champions League as the Reds lost 2-0 to PSG at Anfield after a controversial penalty decision
(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
Mohamed Salah’s name rang out from all four corners of Anfield – funny things have happened at this stadium down the years, and Salah has often been at the centre.
His powers might have wained in recent months, but the Kop still believed there was one more flash of magic in him as they faced a mountain against PSG on Tuesday evening.
He should have started the game, Jamie Carragher admitted he was “flabbergasted” the Egyptian was left on the bench, instead he was a substitute for Hugo Ekitike – who suffered a sickening injuring. And, suddenly, the game was played to Salah’s beat.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
There was a shift inside Anfield, they were staring to believe that tonight was going to be there night.
And spearheaded by Salah, the Reds were first to every second ball. PSG looked rocked, they were struggling to string together and sort of passes.
Slot’s side continued to turn up the heat in the second half, before Alexis Mac Allister got his body between Willian Pacho and the goal, forcing contact between the pair. Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot and Anfield erupted.
The stage was set for Salah to have the chance to continue his European career in red – but he wouldn’t have the chance to take the penalty.
Mariani was summoned by VAR – to the astonishment of Liverpool fans, many of whom believed the threshold for clear and obvious wasn’t met – and the penalty was overturned.
PSG showed their class, exposing Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge, as Ousmane Dembele put the game beyond any doubt. And the Frenchman would have his second in added time.
However, as Dembele swept the ball home, he was met with a chorus of You’ll Never Walk Alone. Liverpool weren’t embarrassed on Tuesday, but it was the same old story for the Reds.
There was a lack of ideas at the top of park, and any chances that were created boiled down to a piece of individual brilliance rather than some team tactics.
Arsenal are the sole English side left in Europe. For Salah, his Champions League story with Liverpool comes to an end.
