Liverpool news: Arne Slot launches accusation after rare loss as VAR decision explained

Liverpool were defeated by Fulham at Craven Cottage as they slipped up in the Premier League leading to head coach Arne Slot defending Mohamed Salah’s recent form in west London

It was not a happy weekend for Liverpool as they fell to just their second Premier League defeat of the season at Fulham. Arriving at Craven Cottage Arne Slot’s side would have been hopeful of bringing the Premier League title a step closer.

Arsenal had only managed a draw against Everton and the Reds had the opportunity to extend their lead. Alexis Mac Allister’s strike set them on their way but the Whites hit back through Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz, before Luis Diaz’s made it a tense finish.

Instead of being taken to task over possible championship celebrations, Slot was left to answer question on his side’s form and that of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Both players are set to see their contracts expire come the summer.

And it is likely to be questions over their futures and the impact on the end of Liverpool’s season that dominate until the Reds can return to winning ways. West Ham lie in wait at the weekend.

With all of that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding Anfield and the fallout from the weekend.

READ MORE: Arne Slot rejects reason for Liverpool loss after recent Jamie Carragher concernsREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds to Mo Salah slump with confident Liverpool prediction

Slot claims people ‘want to make stories’

Arne Slot accused people of wanting ‘to make stories’ about Liverpool following his side’s defeat to Fulham. The Dutchman instead pointed in the direction of the Cottagers’ quality and errors from his team as reasons for the rare Premier League defeat.

He told Sky Sports: “That was a difficult spell of 14 minutes [three goals conceded]. Apart from [Fulham’s] quality and finishing, it was mostly to do with our errors. In general we are not making many of these errors – let alone three in one game. Our second half performance was so much better but it is hard to win a game at this level if you concede three in the first half.

“Unfortunately we lacked time in the end to score a third. People want to make stories which is their job. Many teams find it difficult to play Fulham. The second half performance was outstanding. We had chances but in the end we lacked time.”

VAR decision explained

While things didn’t go particularly well for Liverpool, it could have almost looked worse after just five minutes on Sunday when two Fulham bodies dropped to the ground in the box. Andreas Pereira appeared to be caught by Caoimhin Kelleher after passing to Rodrigo Muniz, who in turn collided with Van Dijk.

No spot-kick was awarded and VAR backed the decision of the on-field referee despite complaints from the home side. The Premier League Match Centre revealed why.

“The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action,” they said. “The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”

Slot jumps to Salah’s defence

Arne Slot has no concerns over Mo Salah’s form after the Egyptian winger drew a blank against Fulham. The forward has not scored from open play in his last seven matches, amid a downturn in Liverpool’s results.

The 31-year-old has already netted 32 goals for the Reds this term however and Slot believes he will soon find himself hitting the back of the net once again. “Maybe Mo should take it as a compliment because his numbers weren’t normal when he was scoring,” said the Liverpool boss.

“The good thing about Mo is that he knows what kind of player he is. Mo will show up again, I don’t worry about that.”

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