As the fourth official’s board lit up ’73’ in red, Anfield responded with dismay. You wondered whether Arne Slot was having his Nuno Espírito Santo moment.

Back in October 2021, the then- Tottenham Hotspur manager almost guaranteed his demise by withdrawing the bright Lucas Moura from proceedings during a pitiful 3–0 home defeat to Manchester United. A cacophony of boos depicted the extent of fan discontent, and Daniel Levy swiftly pivoted to Antonio Conte.

Now, the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are unlikely to act so hastily. In fact, they almost certainly won’t. Still, Anfield’s reaction to Rio Ngumoha’s substitution manifested the scrutiny Slot is under.…