Trent Alexander Arnold did not hide his feelings when Jurgen Klopp substituted him during Liverpool’s FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The full-back returned to Liverpool’s starting eleven on Sunday after Klopp opted for James Milner at right-back for the games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea.
However, Alexander Arnold was not able to inspire Liverpool to victory as he struggled to influence the match both defensively and offensively.
Harvey Elliott had put Klopp’s side ahead after 30 minutes but their lead did not last long as Lewis Dunk deflected a Tariq Lamptey shot into the back of Alisson Becker’s net nine minutes later.
With the score tied at 1-1, Klopp decided to make a triple substitution in the 58th minute.
One of the changes saw Alexander Arnold replaced by Milner, as the 24-year-old trotted off, he was visibly frustrated and disgruntled by his manager’s decision.
The exact reasoning behind Klopp’s decision is unknown but it is highly likely that he wanted to give one of his most creative players a rest ahead of a busy schedule, with games against the likes of Everton and Real Madrid on the horizon.
TalkSPORT commentator and former Premier League striker David Connolly said: “Trent has struggled against [Kaoru] Mitoma. He knows he’s got the beating of him.
“James [Milner] is not quicker than Trent, who is really not happy when coming off. He’s shaking his head and not pleased at all.
“Maybe Milner giving himself a couple more yards and not being beaten so easily, that’s what they’re hoping with that change.”
Despite making multiple changes, Liverpool still couldn’t get going and were punished right at the death by Brighton’s man in form, Kaoru Mitoma.
The Japanese winger showed great composure to bring a cross down inside the penalty area before smashing the ball into the net to dump the holders out of the FA Cup.
Liverpool are now out of both cup competitions that they won last season as their wretched campaign continues.
SOURCE: sportbible.com
