For years, critics have pointed to his defensive shortcomings, accusing him of not trying hard enough and being uninterested in anything but attacking play. And they’re not wrong. Few players appear as indifferent and disengaged in their defensive duties as Trent Alexander-Arnold, as was evident in the derby against Manchester United. He lost possession and didn’t even consider pressing. He strolled around, seemingly a bystander, while the opposition’s attack unfolded right past him. Ultimately, that play resulted in Manchester United taking the lead through Lisandro Martínez. Alexander-Arnold’s lack of defensive effort drew sharp criticism from Roy Keane.Diallo to score, Onana to save: Liverpool cannot defeat UnitedThe Irishman tore into the Liverpool full-back, whose contract is running down amid rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid. However, today’s performance wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement.“Trent Alexander-Arnold better hope Real Madrid weren’t watching this. That’d be best for him. We keep saying how brilliant Trent is, but he defends like a schoolboy. After that kind of defending, he could end up at Tranmere Rovers. At least he wouldn’t have to move, right? But he needs to do more defensively—he has to be better” said Roy Keane.❔ Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/fQ6bgvUcDE— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) January 5, 2025 Keane’s comments quickly went viral, sparking a wave of jokes at Alexander-Arnold’s expense. Even Tranmere Rovers got in on the fun. The League Two club tweeted: “Trent to Tranmere, Roy? No thanks, we’re good here!”ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 20Saturday Tottenham – Newcastle 1-2 (1-2)/Solanke 4 – Gordon 6, Isak 38/Aston Villa – Leicester 2-1 (0-0)/Barkley 58, Bailey 76 – Mavididi 63/Bournemouth – Everton 1-0 (0-0)/Brooks 77/Crystal Palace – Chelsea 1-1 (0-1)/Mateta 82 – Cole 14/Man.City – West Ham 4-1 (2-0)/Coufal (og) 10, Haaland 42, 55, Foden 58 – Fullkrug 71/Southampton – Brentford 0-5 (0-1)/Chade 6, Mbuemo 62, 69, Wissa 90+2, Lewis Potter 90+5/Brighton – Arsenal 1-1 (0-1)/Pedro (p) 61 – Nwaneri 16/Sunday Fulham – Ipswich 2-2 (0-1)/Jimenez 69 pen, 90+1 pen – Szmodics 38, Delap 71 pen/Liverpool – Man.Utd. 2-2 (0-0)/Gakpo 59, Salah 70(p) – Martinez 52, Diallo 80/Monday23.00: (3.20) Wolverhampton (3.30) Nott.Forest (2.30)***odds are subject to change***
