Arne Slot blasts 'ridiculous' Trent Alexander-Arnold claims as Liverpool boss denies 'credit' for right-back's winning goal against Leicester

The Reds secured a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon, with Alexander-Arnold scoring the decisive goal just minutes after coming off the bench - keeping Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result puts Slot’s side within touching distance of the title, needing only three more points from their remaining five fixtures to mathematically seal the championship.

After nearly six weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Alexander-Arnold made an instant impact on his return to the pitch. Although his contribution has been widely hailed, questions about his long-term future continue to swirl as he continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

While Slot has received some recognition for the timing of his substitution, he humbly played down any suggestion that he deserved credit for the England international's superb strike.

“No credit for me, but definitely for Trent, because he worked so hard for five-and-a-half weeks and for the medical staff who worked so hard to get him back into the squad as soon as we could. And that is why we could use him for 15 minutes and I think I had to use him for 27 in the end because of the added time," he told reporters.

Amid ongoing rumours linking Alexander-Arnold with a move to Real Madrid, Slot was quick to redirect attention away from the contract situation during his post-match comments. The manager instead insisted that the headlines should be around celebrating the goal and not questioning his work ethic.

“The headline today should be the goal he scored and not about his contract," he said.

“But what I can say is it would be ridiculous if someone argues his commitment for this club. The work-rate he put in to be back today and make such an important goal, and all the work he has done for this club in all the years he has been here, nobody in my opinion can argue his commitment to this club. The headlines should be his great goal and not his contract situation.”

The path to Premier League glory now appears clearer than ever for Liverpool. The Merseyside club has built an impressive cushion at the summit and could clinch their second league title of the Premier League era as early as midweek. Should Arsenal falter against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Liverpool will be crowned champions without kicking another ball. If the Gunners win their midweek clash, Liverpool will still have the opportunity to wrap up the title at Anfield on Sunday when they host Tottenham.