Slot tempers Chiesa expectations after first Liverpool goal

Arne Slot urged Liverpool supporters not to get carried away after Federico Chiesa netted his first goal for the club in their 4-0 FA Cup third-round win over Accrington Stanley.

Chiesa replaced Dominik Szoboszlai at half-time at Anfield on Saturday, making just his fifth appearance for the Reds since his move from Serie A side Juventus.

The Italy international produced an encouraging display and got his first goal for Liverpool in the closing stages, sending a fine right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner.

He had almost scored moments earlier, seeing his strike saved by visiting goalkeeper Billy Crellin, though the rebound fell kindly for substitute Jayden Danns to convert for 3-0.

Chiesa posted more shots on target (six) than any of his team-mates, while only Darwin Nunez (11) registered more touches in Accrington’s box than the Italian (six).

And with the fixtures coming thick and fast, with Nottingham Forest up next in the Premier League, Slot said Chiesa’s return to the squad was important moving forward.

“It is definitely a good first step, but as much as I liked the way Accrington Stanley played, we have to take into consideration that we’re talking about League Two level,” Slot said.

“It is good to have him back on the pitch. He was a threat, but let’s not get carried away.”

It was also a special day for youngster Rio Ngumoha, who, at 16 years and 135 days old, became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to feature in the FA Cup.

Ngumoha had impressed for the Reds’ academy sides to earn a shot at first-team football, and he repaid the faith shown in him by Slot.

The teenager attempted a game-high seven dribbles, three of which were completed, with only Kostas Tsimikas (14) competing in more duels than Ngumoha (nine).

“He did well. There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He is good in one-v-one situations,” Slot said on Ngumoha’s display.

“He showed a bit more in the first half than in the second half. It is nice to get your debut and get the win. It is a special day for him.”

Slot also showered praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Real Madrid-linked full-back netting a stunning goal to put Liverpool 2-0 in front on the stroke of half-time.

Of the players to have scored five or more goals for Liverpool in all competitions in the Premier League era (since 1992-93), Alexander-Arnold has now scored the highest share from outside the box (76% – 16/21).

“Trent didn’t have his best game against Manchester United, but for the rest of the season he has been so good for us – I liked his performance today,” Slot said.

“Our fans have always given him a lot of support. He didn’t play well once, but fans reacted to that. If Trent just plays what we expect from him, then he gets support.”