Trent Alexander-Arnold 'froze' during Brighton's third goal and nobody can understand what he was doing

Trent Alexander-Arnold's lack of an attempt to help defend during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion has angered fans on social media.

The Reds were dismantled at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon to send their season into a full-blown crisis.

A brace from Solly March and a sublime solo effort from Danny Welbeck was enough to condemn Jurgen Klopp's side to their sixth league defeat.

Welbeck controlled the ball in the Liverpool box by flicking March's throw-in over Joe Gomez's head before beating Alisson at his near post.

Take nothing away from Welbeck, who produced a wonderful piece of skill and finish. Supporters have instead focused their fury on Alexander-Arnold, who was nowhere in the backline.

The 24-year-old was instead occupying a position outside the box as March took his throw-in. He didn't bust a gut to get back into position either.

Alexander-Arnold barely moved as he saw Welbeck drift away from Ibrahima Konate and bamboozle Gomez with his lovely piece of skill.

Even if Welbeck didn't manage to score, Alexander-Arnold's lack of movement meant Kaoru Mitoma or Alexis Mac Allister were unmarked to turn home a rebound.

It's been a tricky campaign for the England international who can usually point to his attacking contributions to mask his defensive shortcomings.

He's only registered two assists in all competitions though, which has seen several social media users start to turn on him.

One person commented: "That is actually really poor. He still wonders why he can't start for England."

A second put: "You guys wanted him in a midfield role. There you go."

Someone added: "Leave him alone bro his controller died."

While a fourth admitted: "Trent gets way too much stick, but my brother in Christ what was this."

Klopp said the defeat was perhaps the worst he's had since taking charge of Liverpool in October 2015.

After challenging for a quadruple towards the end of last term, Liverpool are a whopping 16 points behind league leaders Arsenal already.

Klopp admitted: "I can't remember a worse game. I honestly can't.

"Brighton played very well. They deserved to win. It was a very organised team against a not very organised team.

"Of course we're very concerned. How can you not be after a game like this?"

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Liverpool

Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_