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Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Arsenal

Chelsea

Other

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Slot almost benched Diaz at halftime</li><li>Scored a first-half brace against Man Utd</li><li>Unhappy with the winger's defensive work</li></ul>

Explained: Why Liverpool star Luis Diaz was nearly hooked at half-time against Man Utd despite scoring early brace

Premier League

Southampton

Ipswich

Diaz has made a dream start to his 2024/25 campaign having scored in back-to-back Premier League games including a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-man-utd-player-ratings-luis-diaz-mohamed-salah-silence-old-trafford/blt7ae7ff05f6b0adfe" target="_blank">brilliant brace against Manchester United</a>. The Colombian broke the deadlock in the 35th minute before netting a second in the 42nd minute to hand his team a convincing 2-0 lead after the first-half. However, the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13805571/Arne-Slot-secrets-Liverpool-start-training-lectures-Luis-Diaz.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a> reports that despite a terrific performance on the pitch, manager Arne Slot almost substituted Diaz at half-time.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Dutch coach later revealed that he was unhappy with the winger's defensive work and his lack of effort to track back. Slot felt that this particular aspect could prove to be detrimental to the outcome of the game in an away fixture at Old Trafford. Diaz was eventually subbed off in the 66th minute as Cody Gakpo replaced him.

THE EXPLANATION

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Reds boss said, "We said they were going to press aggressively, but I showed them three moments where one situation led to a chance for Mazraoui. Luis [Diaz] was not tracking back as he should. Those moments can change the game at Old Trafford. It's a good win."

WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

Having won three consecutive matches in the Premier League, Slot and Co will aim to extend their winning streak after the international break as they take on Nottingham Forest next on September 14.

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Explained: Why Liverpool star Luis Diaz was nearly hooked at half-time against Man Utd despite scoring early brace | Goal.com

Arne Slot nearly benched Liverpool hero Luis Diaz at half-time against Manchester United despite the Colombian netting a first half brace.