'Blimey' - Trent Alexander-Arnold defended amid Liverpool criticism after Man United draw
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has leapt to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool vice-captain has been the subject of criticism following the game with Manchester United.
The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw against their bitter rivals in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool had the chance to move eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a victory over the United, but the draw means their advantage stands at six points with a game in hand.
Both of the goals Liverpool conceded at the hands of Man United, which were scored by Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo, came from their right-hand side. This has led to Alexander-Arnold's performance being criticised in the media, with Roy Keane slamming the Reds right-back during his analysis for Sky Sports.
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The criticism of Alexander-Arnold has seen Sutton leap to the Liverpool vice-captain's defence. Sutton, who was on punditry duty at Anfield for the BBC, has explained why he was left surprised by the criticism that was directed at the 26-year-old.
Sutton said on BBC Radio 5Live: "Where has this pile-on for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] come from?
"Trent has been brilliant in a Liverpool jersey and all of a sudden, you want him out the door. Blimey."
Alexander-Arnold has been in the headlines in recent weeks as his contract situation continues to generate speculation. The right-back's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he is able to negotiate a pre-contract deal as a free agent with clubs outside England.
Real Madrid have shown an interest in signing Alexander-Arnold, with Liverpool recently rejecting an approach from the La Liga club that would have seen the vice-captain leave Merseyside on a permanent deal this month for a fee. It remains to be seen what will happen with Alexander-Arnold's future with the Reds, with talks still underway with the Anfield hierarchy of a potential extension.
