Despite securing all three points in dramatic fashion — thanks to a stunning 101st-minute winner from Virgil van Dijk — Slot did not hold back in his post-match reaction, openly questioning several refereeing decisions that shaped the game.
“How was that NOT a foul?!” the Liverpool boss reportedly fumed, highlighting what he believed were key moments where his players were left unprotected during an intensely physical encounter.
The match itself was packed with tension, controversy, and high drama from start to finish. While Mohamed Salah added another milestone to his growing legacy with a historic performance, the night was overshadowed by repeated disputes over officiating.
Slot even admitted that, given the heated nature of the contest and borderline challenges flying in, Liverpool were “lucky to finish with 11 men” — a statement that underlines just how volatile the encounter became.
The victory keeps Liverpool’s momentum alive, but the aftermath has sparked fresh debate around refereeing standards in high-stakes Premier League fixtures. Fans and pundits alike are now dissecting the controversial calls that left both sides aggrieved.
One thing is certain: this derby will be remembered not just for Van Dijk’s late heroics, but for the storm of controversy that followed.
