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Liverpool overcame a stiff challenge from West Ham on Sunday to emerge with three big points in the Premier League title race.

The Reds stumbled last weekend against Fulham and in truth have looked a little leggy more than a few times recently, but they got the job done at Anfield.

One of the better performers during last week’s disappointment at Craven Cottage was Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa has barely had a sniff during the Premier League this season, making only four appearances – all from the bench – for Liverpool.

With Darwin Nunez ruled out through illness, there was perhaps a chance for Chiesa to get on the pitch against West Ham.

But while that opportunity was never afforded to him by Arne Slot, the Italian was spotted looking ‘absolutely furious’ on the bench.



Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Slot’s lack of faith in Chiesa has been one of the more baffling features of Liverpool’s season.

The 27-year-old has shown glimpses of his quality when given chances and can clearly offer more than he’s been allowed to.

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Despite his lack of game time, though, reports have claimed that Chiesa is happy at Liverpool and is not planning on leaving the club in the near future.

His actions tend to back up those claims.

And according to journalist Beth Lindop, Chiesa was seen kicking every ball from the bench during Sunday’s game.

READ MORE: What Virgil van Dijk did after scoring winner for Liverpool vs West Ham and how ‘animated’ Arne Slot reacted

“Federico Chiesa absolutely furious with every foul being given against Liverpool here,” Lindop reported on X.

“Not sure I’ve ever seen a player less involved on the pitch be so passionate about off it.”

It seems as though Slot is never going to trust Chiesa to make a difference in a game where Liverpool have a slender lead.

Given the pedigree of the player as a seasoned international and a European Championship winner, that is a bizarre stance to take.

Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see what happens with Chiesa this summer.

Maybe it is simply a case of the former Juventus man taking a season to bed in.

Whether he stays at Anfield or not, though, Liverpool seem to have left an indelible mark on Chiesa.

It’s great to see the Italy international displaying such passion from the bench, but we’d rather see him out on the pitch.
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