Liverpool vs Man City: It was a sure goal for Salah — Slot decries key referee decision in latest defeat

Liverpool boss Arne Slot analysed his side's performance and questioned the refereeing decisions from their defeat against Manchester City.

The Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, despite taking the lead through a sensational Dominic Szoboszlai free kick. They let Pep Guardiola’s side back into the game, and goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland sealed a famous comeback victory for the EFL Cup finalists.                       

In his post-match interview with the BBC's Match of the Day, he admitted that Manchester City were superior in the first half. However, he believes his side’s showing in the second 45’ was deserving of at least a point.

"A lot has happened, which is normal in this fixture. For us, we are disappointed to come away without a result,” he said. "In the first half, Manchester City were the better team without creating many big chances, but they had the ball more in our half. 

“The second half, we were on top and had good moments. We went 1-0 up and hardly gave anything away. Just before the end, one deflected cross falls good for them, and it's 1-1. 

“We tried to prevent and they won the first header. Good anticipation from Bernardo [Silva] and good finish. We are getting almost used to conceding a goal in extra time; it happened again today.

Szoboszlai was sent off late in the game after a foul in the build-up to Manchester City’s third goal, which was ruled out for a counter-foul from Erling Haaland. Slot disagreed with the decision, agreeing with Pep Guardiola’s assessment that the goal should have stood and the Hungarian should have been allowed to finish the game.

However, his real anger was with a penalty decision that Mohamed Salah was denied, arguing that the Egypt international was denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

"That is not the incident we should talk about. Maybe he should have left it for a goal as it is, but if that is the rule that is what we have to accept.”

"If there is any incident we should talk about, it's when Mo Salah is one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job."