Arne Slot Defends Three Minutes of Added Time in Merseyside Derby,Criticizes Opponent Time-Wasting
Liverpool manager arne Slot has dismissed suggestions of unfair officiating regarding added time in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton in the 247th Merseyside derby,asserting the three minutes added were “wholly correct” due too the limited stoppages in play.
Slot explained the minimal added time stemmed from a lack of notable interruptions, stating, “There was no time-wasting because that’s not what we do – unfortunately, I have to say, sometimes – and there was no treatment of injuries, one goal scored.” He further contrasted this with games where his team chases a result, noting, “Where in many other games when we need a goal, there’s a lot, a lot, a lot of time-wasting going on, I can tell you.”
The debate arose as Liverpool has recently secured several late winners, including a 3-2 victory against Newcastle decided by Rio Ngumoha’s goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time. However, data reveals the ball was onyl in play for 40.8 percent of that match – the lowest percentage in a Premier League game since February 2010, according to Opta.
Slot clarified that Liverpool was actively seeking to extend their lead against Everton, while Everton aimed to equalize, leading to a different dynamic than matches where his team is desperately trying to score. The standard allowance for added time in a routine Premier League fixture remains up to three minutes.
