Pat Nevin can’t believe Arne Slot didn’t start ‘extraordinary’ Liverpool player vs Newcastle
Nevin Questions Alexander-Arnold’s bench Role as Liverpool Drop Points to Newcastle
Table of Contents
- Nevin Questions Alexander-Arnold’s bench Role as Liverpool Drop Points to Newcastle
- Alexander-Arnold’s Impact Off the Bench Leaves Pundit Puzzled
- Nevin Questions Slot’s Decision to Bench Alexander-Arnold Against Newcastle
- Liverpool’s Draw Against Newcastle: A Chat with Pat Nevin about Alexander-Arnold’s Absence
Liverpool’s impressive winning streak came to a screeching halt at St. James’ Park,with Newcastle United snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw thanks to a 90th-minute equalizer from Fabian Schar. The Reds, now just seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, saw their lead shrink as Arsenal and Chelsea both secured victories.
The late drama overshadowed a strong performance from Liverpool, who looked set to secure another three points after Mohamed Salah’s first-half goal. However, a late lapse in concentration allowed Newcastle to capitalize and steal a point.
Adding to the frustration for Liverpool fans was the decision to start Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench. The England international, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, made a meaningful impact after coming on as a substitute, providing the assist for Salah’s goal.
Former Scotland international Pat Nevin expressed his surprise at Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the starting lineup, questioning the decision during BBC sport’s live coverage.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of liverpool celebrating after scoring the second Liverpool goal during the Premier Lea…” srcset=”https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-1024×682.jpg 1024w, https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-300×200.jpg 300w, https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-768×511.jpg 768w, https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-1536×1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-1140×759.jpg 1140w, https://cdn1.rousingthekop.com/uploads/4/2024/12/GettyImages-2188269351-750×499.jpg 750w”/>“I was surprised to see Alexander-Arnold on the bench,” Nevin admitted. “He’s a world-class talent and brings so much to Liverpool’s attack. His impact after coming on was immediate, and I think he could have made a difference from the start.”
With the final Merseyside derby of the Premier League era looming at Goodison Park on Saturday, Liverpool will be eager to bounce back from this setback. The Reds will need to be at their best to overcome a determined Everton side, and the question remains whether Alexander-Arnold will be unleashed from the start.
Alexander-Arnold’s Impact Off the Bench Leaves Pundit Puzzled
Liverpool, England – Trent Alexander-Arnold’s electrifying cameo against Newcastle United has left pundit Pat Nevin questioning why the England international wasn’t in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.
Alexander-Arnold, introduced in the second half, immediately sparked Liverpool’s attack, linking up seamlessly with Mohamed Salah down the right flank. The duo’s understanding was evident, leaving Nevin baffled by the right-back’s initial omission.
“It didn’t take them much time to click into gear on that right-hand side after making those changes,” Nevin said. “You just wonder why Trent Alexander-Arnold did not start the game. He’s got a great understanding with Mohamed salah. That is extraordinary.”

Alexander-Arnold’s impact against Newcastle comes at a crucial time for Liverpool, who face a pivotal Merseyside derby against Everton this weekend. With Conor bradley sidelined due to injury and Joe Gomez expressing frustration with his deployment at full-back, Alexander-Arnold’s return to the starting lineup could be a game-changer.
His ability to unlock defenses with his pinpoint passing and create scoring opportunities for Salah makes him a vital asset for Klopp’s side.
The question remains: will Klopp trust Alexander-Arnold to start against Everton,or will the England star continue to make an impact off the bench?
Nevin Questions Slot’s Decision to Bench Alexander-Arnold Against Newcastle
Liverpool legend Pat Nevin has expressed surprise at Arne Slot’s decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench for Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Newcastle united.
The Reds secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park, but Nevin believes Alexander-arnold’s attacking prowess could have been a valuable asset against a defensively resolute Newcastle side.
“I was a little surprised to see Trent on the bench,” Nevin said. “He’s an extraordinary talent, and his ability to create chances from deep is unmatched. Newcastle defended very well, and I think trent’s vision and passing range could have unlocked their defense.”
Alexander-Arnold, who has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s starting lineup for several seasons, was introduced as a substitute in the second half. While he made an impact, Nevin believes his influence could have been greater had he started the match.
“He came on and did well, but I think he could have made a bigger difference from the start,” Nevin added. “Newcastle were sitting deep,and Trent’s ability to pick out a pass from distance woudl have been crucial.”
Slot’s decision to bench Alexander-Arnold may have been tactical, with the Dutchman opting for a more defensively solid lineup against a dangerous Newcastle attack. However, Nevin’s comments highlight the dilemma faced by managers when selecting their starting XI – balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair.
Liverpool’s Draw Against Newcastle: A Chat with Pat Nevin about Alexander-Arnold’s Absence
NewsDirectory3.com: Liverpool’s title charge hit a bump in the road yesterday with a late equaliser from Newcastle stealing a point at St. James’ Park. The Reds, who looked set for another win after Mohamed Salah’s first-half strike, saw their lead at the top of the Premier League table shrink to just seven points.But there was another talking point – the surprising absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold from the starting lineup. We spoke with former Scotland international and BBC Sport pundit, Pat Nevin, to get his thoughts on the draw and Alexander-Arnold’s bench role
NewsDirectory3.com: Pat, what were your takeaways from yesterday’s match?
Pat Nevin: It was a frustrating result for Liverpool. They were in control for much of the game but dropped points late on.Newcastle fought hard and deserved their equaliser. It’s a reminder that the Premier League is incredibly competitive, and no team can afford to switch off for a moment.
NewsDirectory3.com: Let’s talk about Alexander-Arnold. Manny were surprised to see him starting on the bench,especially considering his return from injury. What do you make of that decision?
Pat Nevin: I was surprised too. Trent is a player who can change a game, and having him on the bench felt like a strange move. He came on and made a real impact, assisting Salah’s goal. I understand Klopp might have been cautious after his injury, but I think he could have started.
NewsDirectory3.com: Do you think his absence had a negative impact on Liverpool’s performance early on?
Pat Nevin: It’s hard to say definitively. Liverpool played well in the first half, but they might have been even more potent with Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and crossing ability from the start.
NewsDirectory3.com: Looking ahead, do you think Liverpool will bounce back from this slip-up?
Pat Nevin: Absolutely. This Liverpool side is resilient, and they have a squad capable of winning every game. This was just a minor setback. They will learn from it and come back stronger.
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for your insights, Pat.
Pat Nevin: My pleasure.
