‘Got to love that guy’ – Steve Nicol lauds one thing Arne Slot did after midweek Carabao Cup win
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Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike received praise from manager Arne Slot despite the frustration caused by his red card in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton. Ekitike scored a late winner after being subbed on at half-time, securing a 2-1 victory for Liverpool. However, having already been booked earlier in the game, Ekitike was shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt during his goal celebration, which led to his sending off.
This red card means Ekitike will serve a suspension and miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace, causing disappointment for manager Arne Slot. The decision to remove his shirt was widely criticised by pundits, who described it as unnecessary and costly given the importance of Ekitike to the team’s recent success.
Tim Sherwood commented on Sky Sports “Soccer Special” expressing frustration with Ekitike’s lack of judgment, stating, “I would be fuming if I was Slot. What is he thinking of?” Similarly, Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live called the red card “sheer stupidity,” emphasizing the impact of his absence in the upcoming league fixture. Sutton highlighted how crucial Ekitike has been for Liverpool’s strong start to the season, making the suspension a significant blow.
Despite the setback of the red card and suspension, Ekitike’s contribution has been important so far, as he continues to show his value to Liverpool. The red card, resulting from his shirt removal celebration, was an avoidable mistake with immediate consequences, underscoring the challenges players face in managing emotions during high-stakes matches.
PP