OFFICIATING ERROR :Absolutely furious’ – Why Liverpool coaching staff were left incensed at Selhurst Park…

OFFICIATING ERROR: ‘Absolutely furious’ – The Liverpool coaching staff’s outrage at Selhurst Park

Another match for Liverpool, another thrilling late goal… but this time, it was against the Premier League champions.

When Federico Chiesa scored to equalize in the 87th minute, it seemed he had salvaged a point for the Reds in their away game against Crystal Palace, who had maintained a 1-0 lead for most of the match following an early goal from Ismaila Sarr.

Unfortunately, there was a last-minute twist as Eddie Nketiah scored a winner in the 98th minute for the home team, capitalizing on a botched clearance. They would have secured the victory much earlier if not for a series of outstanding saves from Alisson Becker.

The Liverpool coaching staff were infuriated at the final whistle.

Right after the match ended, the Liverpool coaching team was seen arguing with the officials, as six minutes of stoppage time had been indicated, yet the crucial goal was scored after that time had passed.

As noted by BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Ian Dennis: ‘That was scored in the 98th minute, and Liverpool’s bench are absolutely furious. There was six minutes of added time.’

Liverpool can only blame themselves.

In the heat of the moment, it’s understandable why Arne Slot and his coaching staff would feel wronged, given that Nketiah’s goal came after the six minutes that were initially indicated.

However, the Liverpool head coach should be questioning his team about why they lost focus so critically when the ball went out of play just as the clock hit 97 minutes.

Palace took advantage, with Milos Kerkez forced into a hurried clearance that only resulted in a throw-in in a precarious position, and the Reds failed to respond to the threat as the Eagles forward capitalized.

Why was Nketiah left unmarked? That’s the question Slot should be focusing on, rather than questioning the additional minute or two played beyond the original six.

This serves as a challenging lesson in game management for a Liverpool team that has largely thrived in this area under the Dutchman. Fortunately, the Reds will conclude the weekend at the top of the table thanks to the cushion they established in the weeks prior.