The night at Anfield was supposed to be another routine step forward in what has already been a dream start to Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot. The Carabao Cup third-round clash against Championship side Southampton looked, on paper, like a chance for Liverpool’s new manager to rotate his squad, give opportunities to fringe players, and still sail comfortably into the next round. The stadium was alive with expectation, the fans ready to enjoy another victory, but what unfolded on the pitch turned into one of the most dramatic and controversial games of the season so far.
Liverpool did win the match. They defeated Southampton 2-1, with goals from Alexander Isak and late substitute Hugo Ekitike. The scoreboard at full-time showed progression, but behind the numbers there was chaos, frustration, and a performance that left pundits, fans, and even players questioning the depth and readiness of certain individuals in the squad. One man, in particular, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons – Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong, who only joined Liverpool in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen in a high-profile transfer, was expected to come in and bring fresh energy, pace, and attacking dynamism to the right-back position. He was seen by many as the long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose role under Arne Slot has shifted more into midfield creativity and tactical fluidity. Instead, Frimpong’s display against Southampton quickly turned into a nightmare, the kind of night every footballer dreads.
Tim Sherwood, working as a pundit for Sky Sports, did not hold back in his assessment. He was blunt, harsh, and brutally honest. He said live on air: *“Frimpong is having the worst game you can ever imagine.”* Those words echoed across social media within minutes, with fans clipping the moment, sharing it, and adding their own angry takes. For Frimpong, this was supposed to be a night to prove himself. Instead, it became an evening of embarrassment.
The match itself had moments that summed up the chaos perfectly. In the first half, Southampton nearly took the lead. Adam Armstrong’s shot crashed against the bar, the rebound fell kindly to Leo Scienza, but he somehow headed wide from close range. Just 36 seconds later, Liverpool punished them, with Alexander Isak finally breaking the deadlock after being anonymous for much of the game. That moment of luck saved Liverpool from going behind, but it highlighted how fragile and unbalanced they looked, especially on the right-hand side where Frimpong was struggling.
Arne Slot had made 11 changes to his starting lineup. It was a bold move, but also a statement of belief in the depth of his squad. Players like Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and Isak were mixed with summer arrivals and youngsters. On paper, it was still a side strong enough to handle Southampton, but in reality, it was disjointed. The midfield lacked control, the defence looked shaky, and the attacking play had no rhythm.