Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Defends Stoppage Time Decision

Slot hits back at Everton's time-wasting accusations

Liverpool manager Arne Slot defends referee's stoppage time decision after Everton match.

“There was no time-wasting because that’s not what we do... and there was no treatment of injuries...”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended his team's performance against Everton, dismissing claims of time-wasting and backing the referee's decision to add only three minutes of stoppage time. Slot argued that the added time was justified given the limited interruptions during the half, which included three substitutions and one goal scored.

The Merseyside derby saw Liverpool secure a 2-1 win, with Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike scoring in the first half, while Idrissa Gueye pulled one back for Everton in the second half. Everton manager David Moyes and midfielder Jack Grealish expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly the brief stoppage time.

Slot emphasized that Liverpool's mentality is centered around scoring goals, not wasting time. “That's not what we do,” he said, highlighting the team's attacking approach. Grealish, however, was booked after the final whistle for confronting the referee over a disputed free kick decision.

Liverpool's next challenge is a Carabao Cup match against Southampton on Tuesday, where Slot plans to field a significantly rotated squad. Key players like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai will be rested, giving opportunities to recent signings Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Everton winger received a yellow card after the final whistle for confronting the referee, a tense moment in an otherwise hard-fought match. Liverpool dominated the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike. Gravenberch's instinctive finish from Mohamed Salah's delivery gave Liverpool the lead in the 10th minute, while Ekitike sealed the win with a neat finish from Gravenberch's pass just before halftime.

Everton staged a strong comeback in the second half, with Idrissa Gueye scoring a stunning volley to cut the deficit to 2-1. Gueye's goal came after excellent build-up play from Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, leaving Alisson with no chance. Despite a nervy finish, Liverpool held on for the win, showcasing their depth and determination under Arne Slot's management. The victory extends Liverpool's perfect start to the season, with five wins from five games.

Three points on derby day!!! ✊🔴 #LIVEVE pic.twitter.com/DSbo3nzCqT

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised his team's resolve, highlighting their ability to hold onto leads and secure crucial wins. Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes expressed disappointment with his team's first-half performance, acknowledging that Liverpool's clinical finishing had given them a significant advantage. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Everton pushing hard for an equalizer in the final minutes.

“A lot has been said about the added time against Everton but I would have loved to play on three or four seconds more because we were in a five-v-two situation at that moment,” Slot told the club's website.

“Now that tells you, I think, all about the mentality we have, always wanting to score a goal. The three minutes were completely correct, by the way, because there were only three moments where a substitution was made.

“There was no time-wasting because that’s not what we do... and there was no treatment of injuries, one goal scored.”

Go behind-the-scenes at Anfield as the Reds came away with a 2-1 win against Everton in the Merseyside derby 🎬

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 22, 2025