Ex-Ireland International Kenny Cunningham has shot down Arne Slot’s claim that Alexander Isak’s injury was the result of a dangerous tackle from Tottenham’s Mickey van de Ven.
The Swedish forward was forced off after scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Spurs last Saturday, and it later emerged that he had broken his foot and would be out for months.
It was just his third goal for the Reds, but Isak was injured after being tackled by Van de Ven in the act of scoring. It went unnoticed by the matchday officials, but during the week, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made a bid to have the challenge reviewed.
Alexander Isak injured during this challenge from Micky van de Ven. Pic: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
‘For me, it was a reckless challenge.’ Slot said ahead of Liverpool’s match against Wolves. ‘I spoke a lot about the challenge from Xavi Simons, which was completely unintentional. I don’t think you’ll ever get an injury from that tackle.
‘The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make it 10 times, I think 10 times there is a serious chance a player gets a serious injury.’
It was serious stuff from Slot, and a claim backed by the likes of ex-Liverpool and Wales forward Dean Saunders. However, former Ireland international and Wimbledon defender Kenny Cunningham quickly shot down the claim.
Pic: PremierSportsIRL/X
‘I don’t think so.’ Cunningham said, when asked if he believed the challenge was dangerous on Premier Sports before Liverpool’s game with Wolves. ‘We’re defenders ourselves, Damian [Delayney], we know exactly in that position you have to throw yourself in front of the ball. It’s a last-stitch tackle you’re hoping to get a block.
‘You’ve got no control over your back leg there. There is going to be a certain level of contact. There’s a small level of endangerment, but maybe so, but every natural instinct tells you as a defender there “I’m struggling to make up the ground.” He stays on his feet there. He’s basically presenting Isak with a shot on target. So no fault for me to Van de Ven.’