Arne Slot’s shot at redemption fades away after showreel of embarrassments | Andy Hunter

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Budapest or bust it is, then, for Liverpool’s hopes of silverware this season and quite possibly Arne Slot’s prospects of remaining in his job, although thoughts of this team reaching a Champions League final appear ludicrous in light of their gutless exit from the FA Cup.A pity whistle on 90.04 from referee Michael Oliver sounded an appropriate death knell for a pitiful performance by the fading Premier League champions. The Liverpool pair barely broke stride in their attempts to stop him.Liverpool’s efforts were unfathomable, especially when considering there had been some encouraging signs for the visitors until Virgil van Dijk dragged his leg into the back of Nico O’Reilly’s ankles to concede a clear penalty in the 37th minute.

He had only conceded four in his previous 319 appearances for the club.Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk concedes a penalty against Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, his fourth this season. Quick to regroup and drop in numbers when out of possession, Liverpool had contained Pep Guardiola’s team too in what had been an even Cup tie before Haaland punished them from the penalty spot for the second meeting in succession.All of which made Liverpool’s reaction to falling behind inexcusable.

The nature of the visitors’ subsequent collapse was disgraceful, Slot’s worst nightmare writ large in a competition that offered a chance to salvage a season of decline.Liverpool had six players against City’s four when the hosts broke in first half stoppage time but were carved open easily as Haaland glanced home the second. The fourth saw O’Reilly walk through the Liverpool defence having been kept onside by Van Dijk, before squaring for Haaland to complete his treble and Liverpool’s misery.