The 25-year-old returned to the matchday squad after a two-month absence with a hamstring injury, coming on for Alexander Isak – who himself limped off as he scored the Reds’ first goal of the game – just 15 minutes after the Swede was introduced for Conor Bradley.
The bizarre clutch of substitutions continued as stoppage time began, with the Netherlands international withdrawn for Federico Chiesa after becoming involved in an angry altercation with Richarlison, who had caught him with a stray arm.
Slot explains Frimpong replacement
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Slot hinted that he was concerned about losing Frimpong to a petulant red card, given the right-back’s visible anger after the collision with Spurs’ number 9 (whose antics after his goal were despicable).
Liverpool’s head coach explained (via Air sports): “Jeremie doesn’t have one [injury] problem. I didn’t want to go to 10 men for 30 seconds. I have adapted to that. I knew there wasn’t much longer to play. We are getting points and that is the most important thing.”
Slot has the right to act before Frimpong did something reckless
Slot has shown in the past that he is not afraid to make ruthless substitutions when he senses danger, and he was right to act out of fear that a rattled Frimpong would commit a foolish act that would earn him a red card and suspension.
Spurs had Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero sent off for their own petulant actions in an ill-tempered match that saw John Brooks hand out eight yellow cards and two red cards, and an unnecessary suspension is the last thing the Reds need right now.
We have already lost Dominik Szoboszlai for next Saturday’s Wolves match due to suspension, and we must wait nervously to find out the extent of Isak’s injury, in addition to the fact that Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are already sidelined and Mo Salah is absent from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking of co-commentary for Air sportsGary Neville praised Slot’s proactivity in replacing Frimpong, as he said: “His head is gone. Slot has made the right decision. There is no doubt he could do something rash.”
With so many Liverpool players already ineligible to face Rob Edwards next weekend, we can be happy that our Dutch right-back hasn’t done anything stupid to get himself added to that list.
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