Slot acknowledged Ekitike's impressive debut, but emphasized the importance of winning the game. He pointed out that Ekitike had only recently joined the team and had limited time to adapt to the new environment. Slot also mentioned that Ekitike's injury would be a significant concern for the upcoming matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Arsenal.

Despite taking Ekitike off, Slot praised his performance, stating that he had a good impact on the game. Slot's decision to substitute Ekitike was a precautionary measure to ensure the team's readiness for the upcoming matches.

Slot's comments suggest that he is aware of the team's limitations and is taking steps to manage the risk of injury to his players. He is likely to continue evaluating his squad and making adjustments as needed to ensure the team's success in the Premier League.