Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has explained why he picked Curtis Jones to play as a false nine against Manchester City rather than a more conventional option in Darwin Nunez, who was left on the bench.

"First of all Diogo Jota told me yesterday that he wasn’t fully recovered yet, so he couldn’t start," Slot told LFCTV.

"Cody Gakpo only trained for the first time yesterday, so that means two attacking options less.

"And I felt if you play away at City you have to defend a lot.

Arne Slot explains why he didn’t start striker vs. Man City – 2 not fully fit	Arne Slot explains Darwin Nunez stance and addresses Alisson Becker Liverpool future	'First of all': Arne Slot explains why he really decided to leave Diogo Jota on the bench against Man City

Slot had criticized Nunez's reaction to missing a sitter for Liverpool against Aston Villa midweek when he didn't make much of an impact for the second game running.

Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz also gave the Reds an out-ball during the second half when the tactic was to sit in and defend.

"We wanted to play with two wingers because if you always defend you have no choice," Slot explained before the game.

Liverpool's tactics worked and while Manchester City was on top in the second half, the Reds were never under much pressure and Alisson Becker wasn't hugely tested.

Nunez could have gotten the nod, but he didn't impress midweek, and Jones was a much more effective pressing tool who helped keep Manchester City at bay until he tired.


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