Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson faced significant criticism from fans on social media after his performance in the Premier League match against Arsenal on October 27, which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal took the lead just nine minutes into the game, with Ben White’s through ball finding Bukayo Saka, who easily got past Robertson before scoring with a left-footed shot. Liverpool quickly equalized in the 18th minute through Virgil van Dijk, who headed in a corner from Luis Díaz. However, Arsenal regained their advantage just before halftime when Mikel Merino scored with a header from a Declan Rice set-piece in the 43rd minute. Liverpool fought back again, with Mohamed Salah scoring in the 81st minute after a rapid counterattack led by Darwin Núñez.
Robertson was substituted in the 63rd minute for Konstantinos Tsimikas. His individual stats were underwhelming, with 34 touches, two clearances, and a pass accuracy of 73%. He did not make any key passes and lost possession nine times. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with comments ranging from “Robertson is finished” to suggestions that he should start looking for a new club. Some fans pointed out that Robertson has struggled for a year, with one noting the missed opportunity to target a left-back last summer. Others suggested that Tsimikas might currently be a better option due to his one-on-one defensive skills. Several fans even called for Robertson to consider retirement, citing concerns about his physical decline.
Robertson, who joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, has been instrumental in the team’s successes, including the Premier League and Champions League titles. This season, he has contributed to seven clean sheets in 12 appearances. His contract runs until 2026, but recent performances have raised questions about the need for reinforcement in the left-back position.
Despite the criticism of Robertson, Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, remained positive about the team’s overall performance. In the post-match press conference, he praised his players for their resilience, noting that they came back twice against a strong Arsenal side, especially after a challenging European match earlier in the week. He emphasized the difficulty of playing in front of a passionate crowd and commended the team’s response after going down 2-1. Slot highlighted the “energy and strength” displayed by Liverpool, viewing their ability to fight back as a positive aspect of the match.
Following the draw, Liverpool sits in second place in the Premier League with 22 points, just one point behind leaders Manchester City. They will face Brighton twice in the coming week: first in the EFL Cup Round of 16 on October 30 and then in the Premier League on November 2. These upcoming matches present a chance for Liverpool to regain momentum and for Robertson to address the recent criticism with a stronger performance.
