Alisson called ‘world class’ by slot as Liverpool escape with win over Bournemouth with ‘a bit of luck’ at the Vitality.
“Alisson, he was so important again today, two or three absolute world-class saves,” said Slot.
Arsenal had to make up nine points after a 2-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. Slot stated, “The margins are so small that you might need a little luck as well if you want to win here.” Liverpool built on where their competitors had faltered, despite Andoni Iraola’s club having already defeated Manchester City, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest 5-0 last week.
“We knew that if we would have had any chance of a result over here we at least had to compete with them in terms of running and fighting and playing the duels,” said Slot. Bournemouth created several chances, hitting the post twice, but with the goalkeeper Alisson also outstanding, the leaders prevailed.
“If you want to win here against the team that is so competitive, you need a team performance and work rate; that’s what we have.”
After Lewis Cook found to trip Cody Gakpo, which infuriated the home crowd. Salah scored his first goal from the penalty spot. Slot claimed that because the VAR decided in his team’s advantage, he assumed it was the right call.
“One of my players is on a clear one-v-one: either he makes a dive or he touches it,” he said. “I wouldn’t call it luck unless I see and he didn’t touch at all.”
“This penalty can go both ways,” Iraola said. “We played a high level but against the top teams we need to punish them. Small things didn’t go for us. We have given ourselves a chance, but it hasn’t been enough.”
Despite not being specific about the nature of the injury, Slot almost ruled out the defender from Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham. Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off the pitch in the second half: ‘It’s never a good sign when a player is asking for a substitute’.