Arne Slot said fine margins were not in his side’s favour at Stamford Bridge after seeing Liverpool lose for the third time in a week.
Slot’s champions went down 2-1 to Chelsea as an added-time winner from Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian capped a thrilling battle of the heavyweights.
Chelsea had led through Moises Caicedo’s first-half goal but Liverpool levelled when Cody Gakpo pounced on 63 minutes, only for teenage sensation Estevao to steal the show.
‘After we scored 1-1 it went our way and I think I was waiting for us to score the second,’ said Slot. ‘Decision making could’ve been better, the last 10-15 minutes was end-to-end.
‘Again it’s fine margins like it’s been for as long as I’ve been here. Last week, same as this week, two difficult away games, the fine margins haven’t been in our favour.
‘In both games we’ve created more chances than the team we have faced – Crystal Palace and Chelsea – but the truth is that we have only scored once in both games and our opponent has scored twice.’
Arne Slot said fine margins were not in his side’s favour at Stamford Bridge after seeing Liverpool lose for the third time in a week
A last minute goal from young Chelsea winger Estevao won it for the Blues
Slot said his side’s ‘decision-making could have been better’ as the game neared its end
Liverpool are facing an anxious wait on the fitness of Ibrahima Konate after the French defender went off with a squad injury, while Scotland captain Andy Robertson also appeared to be in some discomfort at full-time.
Slot’s opposite number, Enzo Maresca, was sent off for a second yellow card when he charged down the touchline in Jose Mourinho fashion to celebrate the late winner, which meant he was not allowed to do media duties and his No 2 Willy Caballero hailed Estevao.
‘This will be an unforgettable moment for Estevao and for us,’ said the former Manchester City goalkeeper. ‘Fantastic to have all the players that we’ve had the opportunity to use and play, they showed today that all of them want to play for this club.
‘The effort today to finish with players in different positions and giving everything on the pitch. It was amazing.’
Left back Marc Cucurella added: ‘Estevao came into the game maybe his first time against Liverpool in the Premier League and the pace of the game was very high. He came with a personality.
‘It is difficult to come from the bench into these games with a lot of intensity and transition. These two players (also young defender Jorrel Hato) deserve this moment. It is never easy to adapt to the Premier League, today I think they show their quality.’
