Trent Alexander-Arnold's late change and Liverpool's transfer mistake

22 May 2023 , 04:00

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Liverpool are hoping results go their way this week if they are to have any chance of making the top four on the final day.

Their winning run was ended by Aston Villa, who left Anfield with a point on Saturday. It puts Newcastle and Manchester United in pole position to secure a Champions League spot when they play their respective games in hand this week.

Liverpool have been inconsistent since the first game of the season with Jurgen Klopp confessing they perhaps didn't deserve a seat at Europe's top table. The German will be eyeing a notable improvement ahead of next season, where Trent Alexander-Arnold could have a new role having recently been presented with a new challenge.

Here's the latest from Anfield.

Trent's late change

Alexander-Arnold has revealed that Klopp gave him just one day to prepare for his eye-catching new role.

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The Red Devils academy graduate has seen his position change slightly over the closing weeks of the season. Without the ball, Alexander-Arnold has been deployed in his regular right-back berth but with it has drifted slightly further forward to support midfield.

That decision from Jurgen Klopp appears to have garnered rewards. Since mid-April, the defender has six assists to his name, whilst he was also on the scoresheet with a stunning effort in the win over Leicester earlier this week.

Hodgson's transfer clanger

Hodgson's stock is particularly high at the moment given the way he has turned things around at Crystal Palace after stepping in to replace the sacked Patrick Vieira.

However, things weren't always looking so bright for the former England boss. Back during his time at the helm of Liverpool, the experienced manager is alleged to have sold the wrong player by mistake according to Alex Kacaniklic, who claims Hodgson sent him to Fulham in a bid to sign Paul Konchesky.

Hodgson landed Konchesky's signature early on in his Reds reign and was a keen admirer of the full-back from their time together at Craven Cottage, where they reached the Europa League final in 2010. As part of the deal to bring the defender to Anfield, Hodgson agreed to part ways with two young talents in Lauri Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic.

VAR call explained

Liverpool's Champions League hopes were all but ended on Saturday by a stubborn Villa side and another dose of VAR controversy.

The clash finished 1-1 at Anfield after Jacob Ramsey's first-half opener was cancelled out by Roberto Firmino's effort on his farewell game at Anfield. Despite 10 minutes of injury time, Klopp's side were then unable to get the winning goal they craved - leaving them in need of a miracle to overhaul Newcastle or United and finish in the top four.

But prior to Firmino's late intervention, the Reds had celebrated an apparent equaliser when Gakpo volleyed home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed for offside following a prolonged VAR check - which has now been clarified.