On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Arne Slot has performed quite the about-turn on his stance towards Michael Oliver in the space of three months!
The generally level-headed Liverpool head coach was left so infuriated by the refereeing performance in the 2-2 draw away to Everton in February that he confronted the official at full-time, with he and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff both receiving red cards and two-game touchline bans.
The Reds were seething over the contentious nature of both Toffees goals, including a 98th-minute equaliser for James Tarkowski after a clear foul on Ibrahima Konate in the build-up went unpunished.
Slot now thankful to Oliver after Goodison Park tirade
In an interview for The Athletic, Slot has been reflecting on some of the standout moments from his first season in English football, and he’s explained why his anger towards Oliver at Goodison Park has since turned into gratitude.
Speaking about the tempestuous Merseyside derby, the Dutchman said: “It felt at that moment in time like we had dropped two very important points. Looking back at it now, we have to thank Michael Oliver because that late goal meant we could win the title in our stadium [against Tottenham Hotspur in April].”
It all worked out in the end for Slot and Liverpool!
All’s well that ends well, as it turned out!
The two dropped points away to Everton felt like a hammer blow at a time when Arsenal were only seven points behind Liverpool, but ultimately it’d prove to be nothing more than a momentary annoyance for the runaway Premier League champions.
Slot’s team only needed a point at home to Spurs last month to clinch the title in front of 61,000 exultant fans at Anfield, so had we won at Goodison Park in February or even drawn against either Nottingham Forest (home) or Fulham (away), we’d have been crowned champions on the night that the Gunners drew with Crystal Palace four weeks ago.
That still would’ve prompted wild celebrations on Merseyside, but for the Reds to finish the job in front of their own people and revel in the occasion with them on that perfect Sunday in L4 just felt right, especially after the eerie manner in which the 2020 Premier League triumph was marked for obvious reasons.
We didn’t know it at the time, but maybe Oliver did us a favour in the end by sanctioning those two controversial Everton goals in the derby three months ago…all is forgiven, Michael!
More must-reads:
- UFL to relocate multiple teams for 2026, eyeing expansion
- Notre Dame quarterback race takes surprising turn
- The '2024-25 NFL TD catch leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Tottenham Hotspur Battle Man Utd With Serious ‘Talks Underway’ for ‘World’s Most Improved Striker’
Packers starter hits back at Matt LaFleur, calls for 'bus fine'
Matt LaFleur is earning the ire of several of his Green Bay Packers players early in training camp. On Tuesday, LaFleur punished offensive tackle Rasheed Walker for his altercation with defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. However, the most interesting interaction of the day came between LaFleur and tight end Tucker Kraft. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur called out Kraft for two questionable fumbles during the first week of practice. Both "fumbles" came after the play was over or when the ball fell out of bounds. "Certainly, we all know what kind of player Tucker Kraft is and can be," LaFleur said. "He can’t allow Evan Williams to reach around and punch a ball out, so it is challenging everybody and hopefully that makes us that much better.” The third-year tight end took issue with LaFleur calling him out in front of the media and blamed the coaching staff for implementing practice rules that made it easy for offensive players to fumble. "I’d say a lot of the times — there’s certain rules you play with in practice, like just letting the defense punch repeatedly," Kraft said. "You’re not allowed to stiff-arm. I guess all I have are excuses. Yes, I am working on not fumbling the ball in practice." Schneidman said Kraft answered the question with a tone of sarcasm. Kraft was frustrated that he couldn't defend the ball by stiff-arming a defender trying to poke the ball from his undefended arm. Kraft acknowledged that during practice, he has to "play by the rules" LaFleur makes and is trying to work on having a "yes sir, no sir" attitude with his head coach. He then made a vague reference about a "bus fine" and accused LaFleur of throwing him under the bus in front of the media. Schneidman believes the tight end might be calling for Green Bay to fine LaFleur after his discouraging quote Tuesday morning. "So yes, the Packers’ third-year tight end might be calling for his head coach to be fined — not by the league, of course, but by the team — for what he perceived as throwing him under the bus," Schneidman wrote. "Is Kraft being serious about fining LaFleur? "Probably not. Is he peeved LaFleur called him out? It sure seems like it." LaFleur might do better to have a conversation with Kraft before dragging his name into news conferences with reporters. It's clear Tucker doesn't see eye-to-eye with LaFleur about fumbles. This is a good reminder to those getting overly excited or nervous reading practice reports that what happens at practice should be taken with a grain of salt. Most likely, Tucker is going to be fine.
Trade Idea Sees Leafs Acquire Sabres Sniper at Trade Deadline
With Mitch Marner gone and several names added by general manager Brad Treliving, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be pressing pause on any further moves. That said, depending on how the season unfolds for several teams, action could pick up midseason, with the NHL trade deadline becoming an important time for Toronto. One report suggests the Maple Leafs could make a major push for Alex Tuch. The Buffalo Sabres winger is legit, but often underappreciated in a market where the team has struggled for years. He’s on the final season of $4.75 million deal and set to hit free agency with a hefty pay raise coming. According to NHL analyst Matteo Giuluano of EditorInLeaf, Tuch is the ideal rental for the Maple Leafs. Why Would the Leafs Go After Tuch This Season? Tuch, a 6-foot-4 winger entering the final year of his contract with the Buffalo Sabres, a team that often surprises everyone by the decisions they make. On the surface, there would be no reason to get rid of Tuch. However, the Sabres often run counter to conventional wisdom. Tuch adds a strong mix of skill and physicality to Buffalo’s top six. He could easily do the same in Toronto. He’s coming off a 67-point season and could slot perfectly alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line—offering a power-forward presence well-suited for Craig Berube’s system. The Sabres have said they don’t plan to trade Tuch, but as Giuluano notes, feelings may change if the team falls out of contention or Tuch hints he’s set to explore the market. Tuch would then become one of the most affordable and valuable rentals in the NHL. For the Maple Leafs, the deal wouldn’t be about extending the forward. Frankly, they probably couldn’t afford to do so. Still, landing Tuch would address their need to find a top offensive producer with Marner out and add someone with playoff experience (he as 66 games on his NHL resume). If he hits the market, Toronto should be ready to pounce.
Dodgers' Dave Roberts Shuts Down Reports of LA Trading Key Player
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a few hours left until the trade deadline. After landing a few prospects in a three-team deal with the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays, and reuniting with Brock Stewart by way of the Minnesota Twins, there is still chatter among the baseball world as to what the Dodgers will do next. Recently graduated top prospect Dalton Rushing has established himself as the new backup catcher for the defending champions after being called up in May, and LA parting ways with longtime backstop Austin Barnes. With the rumor mill churning like never before, the 24-year-old catcher was linked to a few contenders ahead of this exciting deadline. Manager Dave Roberts recently spoke on Rushing being involved in these rumors and what he thinks will happen to the backstop. "I just don’t see a world in which he’s moved anyway and I think he’s smart enough to realize that," Roberts said. Rushing was raking in Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, batting .308/.424/.514 with a .938 OPS across 31 games. He added five home runs and 17 RBIs during this time. With a clear need to bring up another strong bat, Barnes was designated for assignment and Rushing was called up. So far in his MLB debut, Rushing is hitting .200 with a .545 OPS through 29 games. Although his early struggles are common for recently called up prospects given the expectations and pressure on the young man, it is certainly not a sign that the Dodgers would look to trade him. Catching prospect Hunter Feduccia was flipped on Wednesday as a result of the Reds and Rays deal, further shrinking the catching depth in the Dodgers organization. Parting ways with Rushing before he has shown his fullest potential in the majors makes less sense as the days go on, and it doesn't look he will be in a different uniform beyond Aug 1.
Yankees Make Luis Gil Announcement Ahead of Trade Deadline
Regardless of whatever final moves the New York Yankees make before the trade deadline, at least we know the starting rotation is guaranteed to look different in August. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Thursday that reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will make his long-awaited season debut against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. Gil, who turned 27 in June, suffered a high-grade lat strain in spring training. It is unclear if Gil will work on a strict pitch count against the Marlins. He struck out seven and allowed a solo home run in his final rehab start at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night. Gil went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 151 2/3 innings last season, becoming the first Yankee since Aaron Judge (2017) to win AL Rookie of the Year. He would have likely opened as the Yankees’ No. 3 or No. 4 pitcher had he not gone down in spring training. Boone said that Cam Schlittler is expected to start on Saturday. Schlittler, a 24-year-old who debuted earlier this month, owns a 15-9 K-BB ratio and a 4.91 ERA in his first 14 2/3 innings. Although Boone acknowledged that Schlittler could move to the bullpen, he added that those conversations haven’t happened yet. “We’ll see where the dust settles today with everything,” Boone told reporters. The Yankees entered Thursday at 59-49 and trail the Toronto Blue Jays by four games in the AL East. However, the Yankees hold a one-game lead over the rival Boston Red Sox for the AL’s top Wild Card spot.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
