Slot focused on win, not future speculation after Alexander-Arnold goal | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s thunderous late winner at the King Power Stadium edged Liverpool closer to a historic 20th league title and deepened Leicester City’s woes by confirming their relegation to the Championship.

Beyond the scoreline, it was the symbolism of the moment – and what it might mean for Alexander-Arnold’s future – that captured attention.

Making his first appearance in five weeks after injury, Alexander-Arnold was introduced with 20 minutes to go.

Within minutes, he had settled the contest, firing a powerful left-footed strike past Mads Hermansen after a scramble in the Leicester box. The full-back sprinted to the away end, arms wide, soaking in the adoration of fans who fear this might be his final run-in in red.

Arne Slot, who has guided Liverpool to a 13-point lead over Arsenal with five matches remaining, refused to take credit for the substitution.

“If you have Trent on the bench, every manager in the world would bring him on,” he said. Slot instead praised the defender’s determination to return from injury, along with the club’s medical team, for making his involvement possible.

The Liverpool boss said the moment meant a great deal to more than just the player. “It meant a lot for everyone who loves Liverpool,” Slot said. “Big players step up when you most need it – he’s done it before and he did it again tonight.”

While Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation remains unresolved, Slot made it clear that questions over his future should not distract from his commitment or contribution. “It would be ridiculous if someone argued his commitment,” Slot said. “Let the headline be the goal, not the contract.”

The result could have handed Liverpool the title had Arsenal dropped points to Ipswich earlier, but the Reds are now likely to seal the crown at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

Slot expects his side will need to do it themselves but believes the players are focused despite the noise surrounding their position.

Liverpool dominated the match with 28 shots to Leicester’s five. Despite some missed opportunities and the woodwork denying them more, Alexander-Arnold’s goal from a set-piece – an area Slot has emphasised all season – proved enough.

Leicester’s relegation, meanwhile, felt inevitable. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side failed to register a shot on target and have now gone nine home games without scoring.

For Liverpool, the wait for confirmation continues. For Alexander-Arnold, it might have been one of his final defining moments in a red shirt.