Arne Slot expressed frustration over what he perceives as a “consistent pattern” of unfavorable decisions affecting his Liverpool side this season, particularly after Manchester United secured a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, with a handball on Benjamin Sesko’s goal being missed by the officials.
This victory not only gave United their first Premier League double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season but also confirmed Champions League qualification for United, leaving Liverpool in need of three more points to secure a top-five finish.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before Sesko’s first-half goal extended United’s lead to 2-0, despite the ball seemingly brushing his hand before entering the net. After a thorough VAR review, the goal was allowed, which Slot said encapsulated his team’s season.
“If it was a touch [by Sesko]—which I believe it was—then in a ball sport, the ball changes direction based on contact,” Slot remarked to reporters. “We should debate whether that is enough to disallow a goal. This season, it’s no surprise that whenever there is a VAR intervention, it tends to go against us.”
He recalled a penalty awarded to PSG during a match against Liverpool for a minor infringement on [Alexis] Mac Allister, noting that VAR did not intervene, while the opposite happened when PSG received a penalty in a subsequent game. Furthermore, he pointed out inconsistencies in refereeing, citing times when play continued despite injuries to Liverpool players, contrasting that with how the referee handled injuries for United.
However, Slot acknowledged that Liverpool’s loss to United was not solely due to the handball, admitting that they lost control of the ball in a crucial position, which led to the goal. “We must initially examine our own mistakes,” he said. “This has been a recurring theme throughout the season, alongside the ridiculous goals we concede.”
To secure a Champions League spot, Liverpool needs to earn three points from their remaining matches against Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford, who are all vying for European qualification.
Slot voiced his displeasure over failing to secure points at Old Trafford, especially after the team fought back from a two-goal deficit to equalize in the second half, stating, “I wouldn’t say I’m worried, but I completely understand the necessity for three points. That’s why I’m so frustrated that we did not achieve this. If you come back to make it 2-2 from a 2-0 deficit, you should at least walk away with a draw.”