Arne Slot feared the worst after Lutsharel Geertruida decision during Sunderland win

Liverpool came up against Lutsharel Geertruida for the first time since failing in its attempts to sign him in the transfer window, with Arne Slot fearing the worst after seeing him step off the bench

Arne Slot has admitted he feared the worst during Liverpool's game against Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has admitted he feared the worst when he saw Lutsharel Geertruida coming off the bench for Sunderland during Liverpool’s win on Tuesday.

The Reds became the first away side to record a victory at the Stadium of Light this season thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header. The result sees Liverpool narrow the gap to Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.

Not everything went the visitors’ way though, with yet another injury to contend with after Wataru Endo had to be stretchered off, leaving Slot with even fewer options to call upon in defense.

Although the Reds were deserving of their victory, it was far from a comfortable night in the north-east, and their recent record in trying to close out games would no doubt have left a few fans nervous.

And even Liverpool’s boss wasn’t immune to feeling a little worried, especially after seeing Geertruida make his way from the bench.

The Reds made a late attempt to sign the defender during the transfer window, although the deal was called off when it became clear that Sunderland would be unable to find a replacement in time.

Liverpool attempted to sign Geertruida late in the transfer window(Image: Getty Images)

Slot of course knows the 25-year-old well from their time together at Feyenoord, and after losing yet another option at right-back, there was a sense of dread upon seeing his former defender make his way onto the pitch.

“Since Geertruida came in [for Sunderland], I thought this would sum it up completely if he scores to make it 1-1 but thankfully he didn't,” Slot admitted after the game.

Liverpool would indeed go on to hold on to its lead, which could prove crucial after both of its rivals for the top five slipped up this week.

The Reds managed to avoid a similar fate to the one they suffered against Manchester City just a few days earlier, with Slot’s remaining defenders standing up to the pressure from their hosts.

“I think we had the biggest chance in the extra time with Mo Salah and a few other moments, but at least to see how we defended because there were a few times that we had to throw our bodies in front of the ball,” Slot said.

“I think Wata [Endo] - I pick him out because he had the injury. He stayed on the pitch with the injury he got and challenged for another - in a set-piece - for another duel.

“That mentality I saw throughout the whole team. Ibou [Konate] played a great game against [Brian] Brobbey, who is always difficult to play against. Mo was working, doing his work off the ball a lot.

“Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] had a few very important tackles, but it was also really helpful that our fans were so loud. This stadium is, of course, known for the home fans, but I think the away fans tonight were incredible as well, especially in the last 20 minutes.”