Liverpool fans fume as Arne Slot makes 'criminal' team decision against Crystal Palace
10/05/2024 06:35 AM
Liverpool are going in search of another three points in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime as they take on Crystal Palace.
The Reds have quietly risen to the top of the table having won five of their opening six games in the division.
A feature of Liverpool’s season so far has been Arne Slot keeping faith in the same group of players and a similar stance had been expected at Selhurst Park.
But, somewhat surprisingly, the Liverpool head coach opted to make four changes to the team that beat Bologna on Wednesday evening.
Curtis Jones came into the Liverpool midfield to give a rest to Dominik Szoboszlai, while Diogo Jota predictably replaced Darwin Nunez up-front.
Cody Gakpo got the nod on the left of the attack in another understandable change from Slot. But it’s fair to say that Slot’s fourth and final switch – bringing Kostas Tsimikas in for Andy Robertson – was greeted with less enthusiasm by some supporters.
Kostas Tsimikas starts for Liverpool
Tsimikas has played a fair amount for Liverpool so far this season. Although still clearly a back-up to Robertson, the Greek has already featured in six of the Reds nine matches.
Saturday represented his first start of the season in the Premier League, though, and fans were worried about Tsimikas coming in against a pacy-looking Palace team.
“Tsimikas over Gomez if you insist on resting Robbo is criminal,” wrote one fan, with another simply questioning “Why is Tsimikas in the starting lineup?”
“Tsimikas is such a lucky guy. Makes the starting 11 again, he should be no-where near this side,” agreed yet another fan, while someone else predicted Palace winger Ismaila Sarr to create problems for Kostas.
“Sarr up against Tsimikas, if the rumours are true, is going to be a big problem I expect.”
“Ismaila Sarr against Tsimikas, I'm getting severe PTSD right now,” said another, with more supporters questioning why Joe Gomez was not called upon instead.
“Mark these words he will cost a goal today,” one fan miserably predicted about Liverpool’s stand-in left-back.
Kostas Tsimikas receives support
It should be noted that not everyone was disappointed to see Tsimikas make his first Premier League start of the campaign.
“I actually think there is very little between Tsimikas and Robertson these days,” wrote an optimistic supporter. “Robertson pre 2022 is long gone IMO. Tsimikas set pieces are a lot better as well.”
Another suggested that the 28-year-old had been selected as a convenient ‘scapegoat’ in case things don’t go well.
“I see Tsimikas and Jones are today’s nominated scapegoats before a ball’s even been kicked,” they said.
Slot clearly trusts Tsimikas despite some supporters’ misgivings and while he should not be expected to take over duties from Robertson full-time, we don’t see the harm in a start every now and then.
