Coach Arne Slot's strange decision helps Liverpool win a thrilling victory

Coach Arne Slot's surprising substitution decision was the key to Liverpool's dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in the early morning of August 16.

The turning point of the match came from the substitution between Federico Chiesa (left) and Florian Wirtz (right) - Photo: REUTERS

The opening day of the 2025-2026 Premier League season witnessed a thrilling match, where Arne Slot's team and Bournemouth created a dramatic score chase.

Anfield was quiet for a moment as the match drew to a close. But that was also the moment when Arne Slot's Liverpool once again showed their extraordinary mettle, overcoming difficulties to win the final with a pivotal substitution.

In the 82nd minute, when the score was 2-2, coach Arne Slot made a decision that surprised both the stadium and the commentators: sending Federico Chiesa onto the field to replace Florian Wirtz. Chiesa, who had not played for a long time and was surrounded by rumors of leaving the club, was commented by former centre-back Jamie Carragher as "a very strange substitution".

But Slot had his own plans. Just 6 minutes later, that choice was immediately proven. From a messy ball in front of the Bournemouth goal, Chiesa volleyed with his right foot, beating goalkeeper Petrovic and making the score 3-2. A goal that not only exploded the stadium but also destroyed the opponent's spirit, forcing them to accept defeat.

Slot's joy said it all. This is not the first time the Dutch tactician has turned a game around with his "trump cards". Last season, he made a splash when Jota scored just 22 seconds after coming off the bench, or Elliott did the same just 47 seconds after coming on in the Champions League.

Joy from coach Arne Slot after Chiesa raised the score to 3-2 - Photo: REUTERS

The match ended 4-2 in favor of Liverpool after Salah's stoppage-time winner. Although the defense still had many weaknesses, the championship candidate's character was shown at the right time.

Under the leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool always sends a strong message to their opponents: in any circumstance, they still know how to overcome and win.

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TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quyet-dinh-la-lam-cua-hlv-arne-slot-giup-liverpool-thang-nghet-tho-20250816082332439.htm