Arne Slot left frustrated after Liverpool’s heavy defeat against Manchester City

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has reached a boiling point in 2026, but the latest chapter at Anfield wasn't written by the players—it was dictated by the whistle. Following a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side, Liverpool manager Arne Slot could no longer hide his indignation. His anger didn't just stem from a single result; it was the roar of a manager who believes his team is being systematically disadvantaged by a lack of officiating consistency.

In a post-match press conference that felt more like a courtroom deposition, Slot was biting in his responses. The Dutchman was visibly uncomfortable when asked about the chaotic final minutes of the match, but he quickly pivoted to a "long list" of grievances that have accumulated throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

For Slot, the narrative of the season has been defined by 50-50 calls that invariably favor the blue half of Manchester. "I don't want favors," Slot remarked with a cold stare. "I want the rulebook to be applied with the same yardstick for everyone, regardless of the stadium or the shirt they are wearing."

The focal point of Slot’s fury was the expulsion of Dominik Szoboszlai in the 90+10 minute. The Hungarian midfielder was sent off for a "denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity" (DOGSO) after a desperate tug on Erling Haaland during a frantic City counter-attack. While Slot begrudgingly accepted the red card based on the letter of the law, he was incensed by the lack of "uniform criteria."

Earlier in the match, a strikingly similar incident occurred when City defender Marc Guehi pulled Mohamed Salah’s shirt while the Egyptian was through on goal. In that instance, the referee and VAR opted for a mere yellow card. "Everyone who has been in this stadium for the last eight years knows that if Mo is in that position, he scores 100 times out of 100," Slot argued. "If Dom gets a red for the rulebook, why does Guehi stay on the pitch? That is where my frustration begins."

The loss leaves Liverpool in a precarious position in the 2026 Premier League table, currently fighting for a Champions League spot rather than the title. This institutional pressure has clearly sharpened Slot’s tongue. He alluded to previous "ghost penalties" and disallowed goals from their earlier encounter at the Etihad, suggesting a pattern of "asymmetrical" officiating that has cost the Reds crucial points.

Slot closed his reflection with a sense of grim resignation. He isn't just fighting Guardiola's tactical machine; he feels he is fighting a system that has normalized biased outcomes in high-stakes moments. As Liverpool prepares for the next round of fixtures, the message is clear: the "quiet" era of Arne Slot is over. He is ready to call out the establishment until the scales are balanced.