Arne Slot has come to the defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League clash. The Liverpool defender won only four of his 14 duels on the night, struggling in both ground and aerial battles. However, Slot dismissed these statistics as an incomplete reflection of the match, emphasizing the full picture of Alexander-Arnold’s contribution rather than just isolated numbers.
PSG dominated the early proceedings, applying relentless pressure on Liverpool’s defense. The French giants created numerous chances, particularly in the first half, as they outshot their opponents 12-1. Despite their attacking intent, they failed to capitalize, with their best opportunity coming when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the back of the net.
However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for offside by the finest of margins. Luis Enrique’s side continued to push forward, but Liverpool’s resilience at the back kept them frustrated throughout the night.
A key figure in Liverpool’s defensive stand was Alisson Becker, who delivered a stellar performance between the posts. The Brazilian goalkeeper made four crucial saves in the first half alone and added five more after the break to keep PSG at bay. His efforts ensured that, despite the home side’s attacking dominance, the scoreboard remained in Liverpool’s favor.
The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when Alisson launched a long ball forward, targeting Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker rose to the challenge, winning the duel before laying the ball off to substitute Harvey Elliott. The young midfielder showed remarkable composure, placing his shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma and securing a crucial away victory for Liverpool.
After the match, Slot addressed the concerns surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s defensive display. While the statistics highlighted his struggles in one-on-one situations, the Liverpool manager insisted that these numbers do not always tell the full story. He pointed to previous matches, including an encounter with Manchester City, where similar data suggested difficulties but did not translate into major defensive issues for the team.
Slot emphasized that PSG’s attacking quality made it inevitable for defenders to face tough moments. However, he praised Alexander-Arnold’s resilience, particularly in the second half, where he adjusted and improved his performance. The Liverpool manager dismissed the idea that a few difficult moments defined the right-back’s night, reinforcing his belief in the player’s defensive capabilities.
Liverpool’s victory puts them in a strong position heading into the second leg, with a crucial away goal in their favor. PSG will need to find a way past Alisson in the return fixture at Anfield, a task that proved nearly impossible in the first meeting. While much of the focus has been on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive struggles, Slot’s comments make it clear that individual statistics should not overshadow the team’s collective success.
As the tie remains delicately poised, Liverpool will look to build on their advantage and secure a place in the next round. With their defensive discipline, a world-class goalkeeper, and the ability to capitalize on key moments, they have put themselves in the driver’s seat. PSG, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find a way to break through Liverpool’s resilient backline if they hope to turn the tie around.
