'Bit of a shock': Jamie Carragher's verdict after Arne Slot makes a rare decision for Liverpool vs Tottenham
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Rio Ngumoha was handed his first Premier League start of the season by Arne Slot when Liverpool faced Tottenham Hotspur.There have been growing calls for Ngumoha to play more this season, with Jermaine Pennant even saying he was ‘done’ with Slot after the teenager didn’t come on in midweek.However, the winger was finally given a chance for Liverpool vs Tottenham, and Carragher has admitted his ‘shock’ at the call. Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵💫 Slot can’t be serious, right?
What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images Jamie Carragher admits ‘shock’ at Rio Ngumoha starting vs TottenhamCarragher was covering Sunday’s Premier League action on Sky Sports News and was asked about Ngumoha being handed his first Premier League start.He said: “A little bit of a shock because Arne Slot normally likes to keep a settled team, and he’s done that for the last few weeks, especially after Mo Salah got back from AFCON.“There’s a big game in midweek, so he [Slot] obviously sees this as a game that he can afford to make changes in.“He’s got a big few days ahead. He has to get through the Champions League, has to get three points today, and he’s finally using his squad because that’s something he’s not done too often as Liverpool manager.”Then, after watching the teenager in action in the first 45, he said while on commentary: “He’s been really good again hasn’t he.
It’s a different kettle of fish starting a game, he’s still looked the most dangerous player for Liverpool in the attacking third.”As Carragher suggested, Slot is clearly gambling on what could be seen as a weaker team still having enough to see off a poor Tottenham side.The Champions League meeting on Wednesday is obviously a huge game with Liverpool needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit.But if they were to lose to Galatasaray, it could be a major blow for the club, especially if they somehow didn’t end up in the top four this weekend.Chelsea lost to Newcastle United on Saturday, while Manchester United bested Aston Villa earlier on March 15, meaning the Reds were just two points off the top four ahead of kick-off against Spurs.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox