Liverpool’s dramatic 1-0 win at Turf Moor had plenty of talking points – but none more heated than Arne Slot’s decision to haul off Milos Kerkez before half-time.

The Reds snatched all three points thanks to Mohamed Salah’s ice-cold penalty deep into stoppage time, awarded after Hannibal Mejbri’s handball. But long before Salah’s late heroics, Slot made a move that set tongues wagging among supporters.

Kerkez, who arrived from Bournemouth in the summer and had started all of Liverpool’s opening league matches, saw his afternoon cut short in just the 38th minute. Booked for simulation by referee Michael Oliver, the 21-year-old was swiftly replaced by Andy Robertson – a change that many fans labeled as “ruthless.”

For some, Slot’s call was spot on. One supporter posted: “Smart move – he already had a yellow and another foul could’ve cost us.” Another agreed: “Robertson changed the game straight away. That’s why the boss made the switch.”

But not everyone was convinced. Critics felt Kerkez had been thrown under the bus too early: “He shouldn’t even be starting ahead of Robbo… give the kid time to prove himself,” one fan argued. Another added bluntly: “Kerkez is too wild right now. Two games already where an early yellow forced us into a substitution.”

Despite the debate, Slot’s decision proved vital. Liverpool tightened up defensively after Robertson’s introduction, keeping Burnley at bay before Salah sealed the win at the death.

With a Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid looming, followed by the Merseyside Derby, Slot’s no-nonsense approach might just be a preview of how he plans to manage his squad this season – with ruthlessness when necessary.