Arne Slot suggests Trent Alexander-Arnold was not the only Liverpool player annoyed with his decisions vs Brentford

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Liverpool enjoyed another convincing Premier League win on Sunday to cement what has been an excellent start to the season so far.

The Reds had always been favourites to beat Brentford, but did so with a minimum of fuss, recording a second 2-0 victory of the campaign.

It was the perfect start for Arne Slot at Anfield. The efficiency with which the three points were delivered being perhaps the most pleasing thing.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t all completely positive for Liverpool. Television cameras caught Trent Alexander-Arnold sulking after being brough off in the 72nd minute.

Slot was spotted sitting with Trent on the bench, presumably explaining his decision to the vice-captain. And the Liverpool head coach has now suggested that Alexander-Arnold was not the only disappointed member of his first-team squad.

Arne Slot explains Trent Alexander-Arnold substitution

For many, it will have been perfectly understandable why Slot took Alexander-Arnold off on Sunday.

Yes, the academy graduate was having an excellent game and looked in the mood to help Liverpool add to the scoresheet in the final 20 minutes.

But Alexander-Arnold has also barely had a pre-season. After joining up late, the 25-year-old played just once during the summer friendlies.

With a long season ahead and the game won, Slot clearly wanted to protect Alexander-Arnold’s fitness. It’s worth remembering that Liverpool head to Old Trafford next weekend, too.

Nevertheless, the substitution was obviously a talking point given Trent’s angry reaction. So, speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot was asked to explain his position.

And the Dutchman suggested that he had a couple more disgruntled players sat behind him on the bench.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher says Arne Slot has a ‘big problem’ with one Liverpool player after Brentford win

“He [Alexander-Arnold] didn’t look that happy after being taken off, you mean? I understand,” said Slot.

“Every player wants to play 90 minutes but I don’t think the players that were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choices I made.

“But Trent came back from the national team where at the beginning of the tournament he played quite a lot, then he didn’t, had a few weeks off, came back, it’s only his third game and we have to take care of him as well because we need him for the whole season and not only the first two games.

“The good thing for me is that I have a very good back-up as well with Conor [Bradley], so that means we are taking care of Trent,” he added. “But he played a good game, that’s also what I saw.”

Should Liverpool be worried about Trent reaction?

A lot has been made on social media about Alexander-Arnold’s less-than-pleased reaction to being substituted against Brentford. And it has to be said that it is not a good look for Trent.

Of course, no top player is ever happy to be taken off with a chunk of the game still to be played, as Slot says.

But as vice-captain, you’d expect Alexander-Arnold to set a better example for his teammates, especially when he’s coming off for a young player like Bradley.

Had Trent already committed his long-term future to Liverpool then this would likely be a talking point for no more than a day or two. But as Alexander-Arnold’s future is still in the balance, the story takes on a different dimension.

It is likely that the Scouser cooled off after the game and was absolutely fine. But that will be little comfort to those worrying over his future. Shape up, Trent.