Liverpool enjoyed an excellent first-half during their trip to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
As always, the Reds came up against a loud home crowd at Selhurst Park, but one who have been wounded by six games without a Premier League win.
And having started well, Liverpool quietened those on the terraces with an early goal from Diogo Jota.
It was excellent movement from Jota, who stabbed home a lovely flashed cross from Cody Gakpo.
From there, Liverpool were incredibly comfortable, but didn’t really push home their advantage against Palace.
And having seen his team give up a late chance or two, Arne Slot made a change at half-time, with Alexis Mac Allister taken off for Dominik Szoboszlai.
Peter Crouch tries to explain Alexis Mac Allister change
It was a real surprise to see Mac Allister taken off at the break on Saturday.
The Argentine had played every minute in the Premier League up to that point and has underlined just what an important player he is for Liverpool.
Szoboszlai was obviously an excellent player to bring into the fray for the Reds, but it was still a change that needed some explanation.
Speaking to TNT Sports as the second period got underway, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch attempted to provide some context.
READ MORE: Liverpool fans fume at Arne Slot for ‘criminal’ team decision against Crystal Palace
“It must be a knock or maybe a bit of rotation, we don’t know exactly the reason,” Crouch admitted.
Former Charlton and Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland also attempted to find the reasons behind Mac Allister coming off.
“It could be as simple as a bit more rotation,” Holland told premierleague.com. “And of course, Mac Allister did pick up a yellow card in that first half.”
Why was Alexis Mac Allister substituted?
It was a real surprise to see Mac Allister sacrificed at the break on Saturday. However, there were some reasons behind it.
As Holland says, Mac Allister did pick up a rather silly booking for a pull of the shirt to stop Eberechi Eze get away.
As well as that, the 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Bologna on Wednesday, when he perhaps didn’t need to.
Finally, Mac Allister is set to go away and play a key role for Argentina during the upcoming international break. It makes some sense to save his legs if possible.
When you’ve got quality like Szoboszlai on the bench, too, there’s no harm in a little change. No doubt we’ll get a full explanation from Slot after the game.
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