Footage shows how Liverpool bench reacted to awful 38th minute moment in 1-0 win vs Newcastle

By Billy Meyers

Earlier today, Liverpool recorded a vital 1-0 win over Newcastle to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Before kick-off, it was revealed that Jürgen Klopp had made the surprising decision to rest a number of key players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The England international’s absence meant that Jordan Henderson was on freekick duty at St James’ Park, and one effort from the Liverpool No.14 left his teammate in fits of laughter on the bench.

What’s the story?

Well, in the 38th minute, Henderson blasted a close-range freekick over the crossbar, to the amusement of Alexander-Arnold.

The 23-year-old was filmed leaning over Peter Krawietz to get another look at the set-piece on the monitor, before he sits back down to laugh about it with Ibrahima Konate and Caoimhin Kelleher.

You can see footage of Alexander-Arnold laughing at Henderson’s freekick below.

When you’re as good at dead-ball situations as Alexander-Arnold is, you’re allowed to judge others for poor attempts.

Had the Liverpool No.66 been on the pitch, the chances are that the ball would’ve flown beyond Martin Dubravka and into the back of the net.

Liverpool took a risk with Trent Alexander-Arnold

In our view, it was a risky move from Jürgen Klopp to sideline a player who is arguably the most creative footballer at Anfield.

Joe Gomez is a vastly different type of player, and in selecting him ahead of Alexander-Arnold, the Reds lost a big chance creation outlet down the right flank.

Fortunately, they just did enough to scrape by thanks to a goal from Naby Keita.

However, if Liverpool had failed to beat Newcastle, there surely would’ve been many questions asked about why Klopp benched Alexander-Arnold.

Now, however, it has turned out to be a great decision, as Liverpool picked up three points and also have a rested Alexander-Arnold to select next time out.