Federico Chiesa responds to Arne Slot claim as new defensive option emerges for Liverpool

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Chiesa responds to Slot challenge

The opposition may surely have been among the weakest he has ever faced. But Saturday could have provided the kickstart to his Liverpool career that Federico Chiesa so desperately needs.

From talk of homesickness to claims of not being able to adapt to the intensity of English football following his summer arrival from Juventus, the whispers and rumours had grown with each passing week the Italy international failed to make an appearance.

And they grew louder when it emerged Chiesa had failed to make the starting line-up against Accrington Stanley. If the forward couldn’t feature in the XI against lowly League Two opposition, exactly who could he play against?

Ahead of the game, Arne Slot had issued a thinly-veiled challenge for Chiesa to prove his worth during the second half of the season. This, then, was a strong beginning.

Introduced at half-time on the right flank, the Italian had a shot deflected into the side-netting with his first touch, was denied twice by Accrington goalkeeper Billy Crellin and then hit the post.

But just when his cameo appeared a microcosm of his frustrating time at Liverpool to date, Chiesa took a pass from fellow substitute Trey Nyoni and thumped into the bottom corner from the edge of the area for his first Reds goal in front of the Kop where his father Enrico scored for Italy during Euro 96.

The relief from both the player and the Anfield crowd was tangible. And Slot will hope Chiesa is belatedly on his way to becoming a genuine alternative when Mohamed Salah, as here, needs a breather.

Alexander-Arnold embraces role

Arne Slot admitted only the late return of Liverpool from London in midweek compelled him to name Trent Alexander-Arnold in a largely second-string team. The right-back, though, clearly didn’t take umbrage at his unexpected afternoon call.

Alexander-Arnold was the only starting player to have been in the XI the previous weekend against Manchester United – when his poor display prompted such scrutiny – but was compelled to feature with Conor Bradley not risked.

And, skipper for the afternoon with Virgil van Dijk among those rested from the squad completely, the 26-year-old delivered another reassuringly solid display after a similar performance from the bench at Tottenham Hotspur.

He released Darwin Nunez down the inside left channel to set up the opener before, on the stroke of half-time, arrowing in a shot from range into the top corner for the second.

As on Wednesday evening, Liverpool supporters made a point of chanting the player's name and Alexander-Arnold was afforded a warm welcome when replaced on the hour.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the backline, Kostas Tsimikas was impressive both going forward and defending to place further pressure on Andy Robertson.

Endo leads supporting cast

It was Accrington Stanley’s afternoon to take centre stage but, with so many fringe and younger players given an opportunity, for Liverpool this was always about passing an audition. And there were mixed results from the supporting cast.

The stellar showing was that of Wataru Endo, who as in midweek impressed at centre-back. The Japan international ensured Accrington had little joy in the first half in particular, and for a while wore the captain’s armband in the second half. With Ibrahima Konate being eased back into action, Endo is now a real option in the heart of defence.

Alongside him, Jarell Quansah was steady enough after some difficult recent showings, although in midfield both Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott will have wanted to offer more.

Up front, Darwin Nunez had a frustrating time in terms of converting a few openings but was alert enough to set up the first goal for Diogo Jota, who began as a number 10 and ended as skipper.

And while there were welcome minutes for youngsters James McConnell and Trey Nyoni from the bench, they were overshadowed by fellow substitute Jayden Danns confidently netting the third goal. With three goals in less than 45 minutes of FA Cup action, has there ever been a more prolific marksman in the competition for Liverpool than the 18-year-old?

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