Tim Sherwood has stated that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending for Liverpool is a ‘calamity’ after his push inside the penalty area on Ryan Sessegnon during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
As the Spurs wing-back burst past Alexander-Arnold, he was nudged in the back by the Liverpool player and appealed to the referee for a penalty.
But that was waved away by on-field official Andy Madley, even though later on in the first half, he proceeded to punish Alexander-Arnold for a not-too-dissimilar push on the very same player, which happened outside of the area.
It was one of those typical ones, if it happens outside of the box, then it’s given as a foul, but if it’s inside that danger zone, then referees are a little reluctant.
Even though Jurgen Klopp watched his side record a much-needed win, especially against another Champions League team, there were more questions asked of their man on the right.
Whilst Mo Salah dazzled with a brilliant brace, it was a day of mixed emotions for Alexander-Arnold and Sherwood felt that a penalty should have been given against the Anfield academy product, as he told Premier League Productions (06/11/22 at 7:25 pm).
“Trent’s giving them an opportunity to get back into the game,” said Sherwood. “It’s a calamity from his side. Everything is coming down his side.
“That is a push, for me, it’s a push. Anywhere else on the pitch and that’s a penalty.
“Little bit more force from Cancelo (red card against Fulham) and his was towards the goal as well, so that was a red card. But I think they are both fouls.
“I think, both of them, if they go the other way, they don’t get overturned, so it’s not a clear and obvious error from the on-field referee.”
WILL ALEXANDER-ARNOLD MAKE ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP SQUAD?
It’s been pretty clear that Alexander-Arnold just hasn’t been able to produce the goods on the international stage, even when he had been in red-hot form on Merseyside.
But with Reece James set to miss the trip to Qatar, it has opened the door for Alexander-Arnold to get selected, even if he won’t start.
Kyle Walker is also returning from a knock, although, it seems more likely he will be ready, whilst Kieran Trippier is producing the best football of his career at Newcastle United.
Given that Ben Chilwell is also out of the tournament, then it could see Trippier shifted to left-back, which then boosts TAA higher up Gareth Southgate’s list because, previously, it seemed as though he was behind Trippier, James and Walker.
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