Arne Slot Responds After Reporter Highlights Chiesa’s Crucial Save for Liverpool Against Sunderland
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has barely featured under the inconsistent leadership of Arne Slot, who continues to favour Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. Because of this, many Liverpool fans feel the Italian still isn’t getting the recognition he deserves — especially after his dramatic last-second intervention stopped Sunderland from snatching a late winner in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Despite creating countless chances across both halves, Liverpool sit eighth in the Premier League after a summer spend of more than £400 million. They fell behind in the 67th minute when Chemsdine Taibi’s dipping strike beat Alisson Becker, and it took 14 minutes for them to equalise.
Key Stat: Liverpool have now failed to win three straight home games in all competitions for the first time since March 2021.
Florian Wirtz believed he’d scored his first Liverpool goal after weaving past Reinildo and Dan Ballard before curling an effort past Robin Roefs — but post-match it was confirmed as a Nordi Mukiele own goal, news that Wirtz discovered live on Sky Sports.
Sunderland almost stole it at the death through top scorer Wilson Isidor, but Chiesa — eager to impress after coming on for Alexander Isak — produced a sensational recovery run to block the shot on an empty net. Signed from Juventus in 2024, the Italian sprinted the length of the pitch to keep Liverpool alive, drawing a roar from the home support as loud as a winning goal.
However, Arne Slot offered only a brief, emotionless response when asked about Chiesa’s heroic block. With many fans feeling the winger may have even saved Slot’s job, the Dutchman simply said:
“That’s what you want a team or a player to do. Just keep running, even when you feel you can’t do much anymore. That’s why he cleared it off the line.”
Daniel Sturridge was far more generous, praising Chiesa’s determination on Sky Sports:
“Credit to Chiesa. Isidor didn’t expect him to be there, but his tenacity and desire to stop a goal was beautiful — especially for an attacker.”
Chiesa has now logged just 143 Premier League minutes this season, yet his work rate never drops. Fans, though, were furious with Slot’s cold reaction, branding it disrespectful.
Reactions included:
“This is embarrassing. Chiesa deserves better.”
“This is why Slot is unlikeable — zero humility, no credit for Chiesa.”
“Klopp would’ve hugged him and praised him. Slot does the opposite.”
“Leaders need to appreciate game-changing moments. Chiesa saved us.”
“He didn’t want to praise him at all — but had time to joke with Sunderland players.”
“He’s lost the fans. Klopp would be joking that Chiesa starts at centre-back next week.”