Liverpool manager Arne Slott made the bold decision to drop defender Ibrahima Konate in favor of striker Hugo Ekitike after his team lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest.
Ibrahima Konate appeared to be smiling to himself after being sent off by Arne Slott against Nottingham Forest. Liverpool were losing 2-0 at Anfield when Slott made a very bold decision to drop Konate and bring on Hugo Ekitike in search of a goal.
The Reds’ terrible run of form in the Premier League continued on Saturday as Sean Dyche’s side came to Anfield with a deservedly historic 3-0 win. With this defeat, Liverpool’s title defense has collapsed and they have now lost six of their last seven league games.
Konate has been one of the players that has been attracting attention from many Liverpool fans this season, with his under-par performances being pointed out. The Frenchman continues to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense, but his once solid performances are a thing of the past.
Despite Liverpool’s protests that Dan Ndoye was influencing the play while in an offside position, Murillo fired home from a corner and Forest took the lead.
read more: Premier League Match Center issues two statements following Liverpool vs Forest controversyread more: Premier League’s new financial rules explained after clubs vote six-point penalty
Minutes later, Igor Jesus looked to have taken a 2-0 lead after Konate’s failed clearance, but Liverpool were given a reprieve after the Forest striker was deemed to have been handed.
However, this reprieve was short-lived as Forest right-back Nicolo Savona made it 2-0 after the half-time break. Coach Slott reacted to this by bringing on defender Konate in place of striker Ekitike in the 55th minute.
Konate accepted his fate and was seen smiling to himself as he left the pitch. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson quipped on BBC Radio 5 Live: “The way Konate played today, I think Ekitike could drop in there and do a better job.”
In reality, that role was filled by midfielder Ryan Gravenbirch. And with Joe Gomez the only other senior centre-back available after summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Southampton, Konate’s place in the squad is likely safe for the coming games.
Coach Robinson criticized Konate’s performance, saying, “He hasn’t played well at all,” and added, “There are so many holes in Liverpool’s back four.”
Ekitike joins Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Kodi Gakpo, who were signed for £125m in the summer, on the pitch. However, the substitution did not have the desired effect and Liverpool were unable to break through Forest’s solid defense before Morgan Gibbs-White added a third goal for the visitors.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
