Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Defends Referee's Stoppage Time in Merseyside Derby Victory over Everton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended the referee's decision to allow only three minutes of stoppage time in their 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton, rejecting accusations of time-wasting by his team. Everton manager David Moyes and winger Jack Grealish criticized the limited added time and suggested Liverpool tried to slow the game down, with Grealish receiving a yellow card after confronting the referee post-match. Slot argued that the three minutes were accurate given only three substitutions occurred and one goal was scored, and he even wished the game could have continued slightly longer as Liverpool was pushing for another goal. He emphasized Liverpool's mentality of always seeking to score and contrasted their approach with other teams that often waste time when needing a goal. Additionally, Slot announced that key Liverpool players such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch would be rested for the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Southampton, where a largely changed lineup is expected. The club also planned to pay tribute to former women's team manager Matt Beard, who recently passed away.