All posts by z3u9t.icu

Silly season is upon us, but given that Liverpool are the best team in England having won the Premier League, there are scant players across the globe who wouldn’t at least consider a move to Anfield this summer.

And players will come through the gates. FSG hit the jackpot when appointing Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp last year, an affable but contrasting personality whose meticulous tactical approach has borne dividends.

Having done the business without any proper first-team investment, Liverpool’s owners are happy to get their purse out and reward the Dutch coach, with a range of incomings expected.

While replacing Darwin Nunez, who has failed to react positively to Slot’s tactics and is expected to leave at the end of the season, is the chief attacking priority, especially with Mohamed Salah now tied down for two more years, Slot is keen to strengthen across a number of areas.

And that intrigue has led to Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers added to Liverpool’s shortlist.

Liverpool's interest in Morgan Rogers

Rogers has only been at Aston Villa for 14 months, but he’s made quite the impression, leaving Middlesbrough in the Championship to sign for Unai Emery’s side in a £15m deal.

His rise and rise has caught Liverpool’s eye, that’s for sure, with the mighty Fabrizio Romano revealing to GIVEMESPORT this week that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the top clubs to have been scouting the 22-year-old this season.

However, sealing a deal is hardly going to be a walk around Stanley Park, for Manchester United have also shown an interest in Rogers of late and were met with a response that a bid worth £68m would be required for Villa to consider his departure.

The ice-cold England international has scored 14 goals and added 13 assists across 50 Villan appearances this season, though it bears testament to the level of his ability that it is the underlying quality that has lifted him toward the top of Liverpool’s summer shortlist.

However, with Villa expected to play hardball, especially so if they retain their place in the Champions League, Liverpool might be forced to turn their heads elsewhere.

Luckily, a fitting and more affordable alternative has been earmarked.

Liverpool chasing new forward

As per Football Insider, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is open to a move away from east London this season after a disappointing campaign, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all interested.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, Reds fans will be pleased to know that FSG are singled out as the main party in the race so far, confident that they can seal a summer deal for a figure lower than his £80m release clause.

The player himself, meanwhile, is said to want to ‘make that move’ to Anfield and would ‘jump at the opportunity if an offer arrives’.

While some will harbour reservations after the Ghanaian’s below-par output this season, this talent is unquestionable and the Hammers are willing to consider cut-price offers.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

In August 2023, West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for a £38m fee, pipping Brighton & Hove Albion to his signature. Regarded as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.

He played an important part for United last term, scoring 14 goals and laying on nine assists as David Moyes’ side fought for European qualification in the Premier League and drove their way into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, losing over two legs against Bayer Leverkusen.

However, there’s no denying that Kudus has fallen down a notch this season, albeit struggling alongside the masses over a deeply frustrating year for the Irons.

Matches (starts)

33 (27)

28 (28)

Goals

8

4

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.5)

2.4 (0.8)

Pass completion

84%

90%

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes*

0.8

1.0

Dribbles*

3.8

3.0

Ball recoveries*

6.4

4.5

Tackles*

2.0

1.2

Duels won*

8.5

6.6

There is a reason why Liverpool have maintained an interest in the winger over the past year. Kudus would be the first to admit he has endured a testing campaign, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.

Indeed, his propensity for danger down the channels is quite a thing; for instance, Kudus disabled a firm Arsenal defence during a shock victory at the Emirates Stadium back in February, all but ending the Gunners’ feeble title hopes.

This is perhaps best illustrated through FBref’s data. The statistical site list that he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Curiously, FBref also record that Rogers is one of Kudus’ most comparable players when assessing data from the ongoing Premier League season, and if the Villa man does prove to be unattainable in the market this summer, Liverpool may be convinced to move down a different track.

The statistical likeness suggests that either star would be a fitting addition to an already talented and dynamic frontline. Both have been profiled, and both are firmly on Hughes’ radar.

A “fearless” ball-carrying threat, as has been said by scout Antonio Mango, Rogers is proving himself to be a dangerous player indeed, breaking from midfield or the left flank and closer and closer toward the goalmouth, where his growing potency has indeed led to 27 goal involvements across all competitions this season.

However, Kudus demonstrated last season his elite level for West Ham. He will be annoyed at his own regression under Julen Lopetegui and now Graham Potter at the London Stadium, but there’s little question he has ‘generational’ quality that Slot could tap into and shape into something truly special for Liverpool.

Imagine him & Gakpo: Slot driving Liverpool deal for £60m "game-changer"

Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2025

Liverpool are now plotting to sign a goalkeeper who is statistically similar to Manchester United’s Andre Onana for just £4 million, according to a recent report.

Liverpool confirm Van Dijk’s new contract and being summer planning

Just under a week after confirming Mohamed Salah signed a new contract with Liverpool, the Reds have now announced that superstar defender Virgil van Dijk has signed a new deal until the summer of 2027.

Total cost of Virgil Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract is over £40,000,000

There could be a big transfer twist on the cards.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 17, 2025

The 33-year-old, who was set to become a free agent this summer, was being eyed by German giants Bayern Munich, but the Dutchman has committed to the Premier League side, and his new contract will reportedly see him earn £400,000 a week.

“I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions, obviously, that go through my head right now speaking about it. It’s a proud feeling; it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing, and I’m so happy.

“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan, and it was always Liverpool.

“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things; it gives me a great feeling.”

Liverpool eye new back-up goalkeeper if Kelleher departs

As Van Dijk commits his future to the Reds, according to German outlet Sport Bild, Liverpool are interested in signing goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas from Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are desperate to raise funds.

The report states that Nicolas has interest from England and particularly from Liverpool. That is because the current head of first-team goalkeeper coaching, Fabian Otte, has worked with Nicolas before, and he could be in line for a move to Anfield to help strengthen their options between the sticks.

The Reds are planning to make an immediate move for the shot-stopper, and the right offer could see this deal accelerate, as Mönchengladbach are desperate for cash to balance their books. Nicolas has a market value of just 5 million euros, which is roughly £4 million.

The report adds that the 27-year-old is seeking one final big contract in his career, but perhaps worryingly, Nicolas is statistically similar to Man United’s Onana. The pair have similar passing figures and share poor penalty saving records, placing the Manchester United ‘keeper second on FBRef’s ‘similar players’ tool.

Nicolas

Onana

Apps

19

31

Goals against

25

41

Goals against per 90

1.37

1.32

Saves

69

85

Save percentage

78.3%

69.8%

Clean sheets

4

9

Passes completed

669

868

Passes attempted

794

1192

Penalty kicks faced

5

4

Penalty kicks saved

0

1

Liverpool already have Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia in the summer, but that is not stopping them from looking for another goalkeeper, as Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to leave while Vitezslav Jaros could go out on loan, opening up a spot for a veteran third choice.

Liverpool have been boosted in their attempts to sign a £50m-rated Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool days away from Premier League glory

The Reds’ 1-0 win away to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon edged them one step closer to winning the title, with glory now within touching distance for Arne Slot and his players.

Liverpool know they will be crowned Premier League champions if they win at home to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, but in fact, they could even seal the title before then in the unlikely event that Crystal Palace prevail at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Slot will know that a busy summer is still required at Anfield, however, with his squad flawed in certain areas, such as left-back and centre-forward, and new signings continue to be linked with the Reds.

Ballon d’Or favourite Raphinha has been mentioned as a surprise option for Liverpool, but he feels more likely to sign a new deal at Barcelona, while highly-rated Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga has also been backed to come in and be a long-term acquisition.

Liverpool boosted in race to sign £50m Bournemouth star Huijsen

Speaking on Give Me Sport‘s Market Madness podcast, Romano claimed that Real Madrid may pull out of the race to sign Liverpool target Dean Huijsen, amid continued interest in the Bournemouth centre-back, who has a £50m release clause in his contract:

“I’m hearing that internally at Real Madrid, they have still not decided whether they want to sign a centre-back or not in the summer, how much they want to spend. They have Raul Asencio at the club who is doing very well. So that’s why Real Madrid are not so convinced, not about Huijsen, but about signing a new centre-back in the summer.

“And this is why the timing is helping the English clubs. So Liverpool will be there, Arsenal will be there, Chelsea will be there. The release clause is £50m, so the negotiation is on player side, basically. And I’m sure that all these three clubs will push and push again in the next days, weeks, to try reach an agreement with Dean Huijsen and his camp.”

This is a definite plus for Liverpool, who seemingly continue to see Huijsen as a leading option to come in and bolster their central defensive options this season, and rightly so.

The Spain Under-21 international has been superb for Bournemouth throughout the season, playing with a maturity far beyond his 19 years, averaging 5.9 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in the league.

As big a blow as Trent: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star

Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool star potentially on the move this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

If Liverpool manage to pip other huge clubs to Huijsen’s signature ahead of next season, it would feel like a major coup, with the former Juventus youngster having the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in Europe.

The striker position has been a huge issue for Everton over the last couple of years, with no player able to fill the void and nail the role down as their own.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin started the season as the number one option, but his injury issues have once again reared their head, failing to appear in a single game since the end of January.

The 28-year-old has also recently been linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer, with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest ready to pounce for his signature.

Beto has since filled in over the past couple of weeks, scoring five goals in four appearances at one stage, but has failed to find the net in any of his last five outings under David Moyes.

Such form could see the manager delve into the market to land a new talisman, with one name linked with a move to kickstart the move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Everton plotting summer move for £80m talisman

According to TBR, Everton are targeting a move for Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis this summer, but gave some serious competition from other sides in England’s top-flight.

Newcastle United, Forest, Fulham and West Ham United are also interested in making a move for the 26-year-old this summer, unsurprisingly so given his form in Portugal.

The Greek international has registered 24 goals and nine assists in his 46 appearances across all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.

The report states that the Liga Portugal outfit don’t want to part ways with their star man, but could be resigned to losing him should any side trigger his £80m release clause.

Whilst it would be an astronomical fee for the Toffees to pay, he would provide the goals needed in the final third, being their own version of a player who’s set the Premier League alight.

Why Pavlidis would be Moyes’ very own Isak at Everton

Newcastle forward Alexander Isak has thrived beyond the imagination of everyone in the Premier League, firing the Magpies to new heights during his time on Tyneside.

The Swede has netted 59 goals in his 102 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side in the last three seasons, leading to links to the likes of Arsenal and Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

However, any deal for the 25-year-old would set any interested parties back around £150m, highlighting how impressive he’s been since his move to St James’ Park back in the summer of 2022.

The Toffees could land their very own version of the Swede this summer in the form of Benfica ace Pavlidis, who’s been labelled as a similar player to Isak by FBref.

When delving into their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Greek has managed to match or outperform the Magpies’ talisman in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

Games played

28

27

Goals & assists

19

25

Pass accuracy

75%

75%

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

43%

Shots on target per game

1.5

1.4

Aerials won

1.4

0.9

Aerial success rate

38%

33%

Pavlidis, who’s been labelled “fantastic” by former footballer Jay Bothroyd, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also won more aerials per 90, whilst also winning more of the aerial battles he’s entered, potentially offering Moyes the all-round centre-forward presence he’s been lacking at Goodison.

Whilst £80m may appear to be a hefty sum for a player who is unproven in the Premier League, the 26-year-old has demonstrated his qualities which would certainly boost the club’s attacking department in the future.

With multiple sides interested in his signature during the upcoming window, they will have to work tirelessly to complete a deal, but it would be one that is worthwhile if he can replicate his form from recent seasons.

Their answer to Salah: Everton want to sign "generational" Liverpool talent

Everton are targeting a summer move for a player who could upset a few should he join the Toffees.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 10, 2025

Arsenal were finally back in action on Tuesday night, and after months off with a hamstring injury, so was Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon didn’t start the Premier League game against Fulham, but he did come off the bench midway through the second half and then, just seven minutes later, scored what ended up being the winning goal.

It was a cameo that reminded everyone of just what the Gunners have been missing since December, and if they are to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League, it’ll no doubt be in part down to him.

In even more exciting news, Andrea Berta seems intent on supporting Saka next season by signing an international star who’d be his dream teammate next season.

Arsenal's transfer targets

Following what is likely to be another season without any silverware, it’s no surprise that the transfer rumours around Arsenal are already coming thick and fast, with one of the most significant in recent days concerning Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian is supposedly another one of Berta’s targets, as not only has he seriously impressed for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, producing 19 goal involvements in 29 games, but he worked with the Italian during his time with Atlético Madrid and has a release clause of around £62.5m in his contract.

Someone who could join for free in the summer is Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sané, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and has reportedly held “concrete” talks with the North Londoners.

However, with the German set to turn 30 midway through next season, fans might want the club to sign a younger winger for the long term, which is what appears to be happening with Nico Williams.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to the Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Arsenal are currently “exploring a summer move” for the Athletic Bilbao gem, who has a release clause worth about £48m in his current contract.

In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that, as one of “his first acts as the club’s sporting director”, Berta has already “held talks” with the player’s representatives.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ incredible ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be unreal alongside Saka.

Why Williams would be a dream for Saka

When it comes down to it, there are a couple of intertwined reasons why Williams would be such a good signing for Arsenal and, specifically, Saka, with the first being his raw output.

For example, in just 37 appearances last season, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, scored eight goals and provided 16 assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.54 games.

Appearances

37

38

Goals

8

9

Assists

16

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.64

0.42

Then, this season, he’s scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances, which comes out to a slightly reduced but nonetheless impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games.

Having a player who is this productive on the left wing will not only reduce the burden on the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, but with how frequently the Spaniard scores or assists, he will likely see his own tally increase.

Moreover, the fact that he’s so dangerous will force opposition defenders to focus on both wings instead of doubling up on the Englishman as they do today, which should open up space for the 23-year-old, which is the second reason he’d be a dream teammate.

Finally, according to FBref, the Bilbao dynamo sits in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for successful take-ons per 90, which again, should see him pull defenders away far more than the North Londoners current left-wing options do.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Williams this summer, as his output is spectacular, and even when he’s not scoring or assisting, he has the ability to make things happen, which will make him a dream to play with for Saka.

Their best CF since Aubameyang: Arsenal in talks to sign £58m "powerhouse"

The unreal goalscorer would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2025

Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to keep close tabs on an Elliot Anderson alternative who Ruben Amorim once called a “natural leader”.

Roy Keane slams "schoolboy" Man Utd star after West Ham draw

Just when it seems like Man United are making progress, the Red Devils are hit with more frustration. This time, it was West Ham United who took full advantage to snatch a point at Old Trafford thanks to Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser.

It’s now one win in five for Ruben Amorim’s side and club legend Roy Keane couldn’t hold back his criticism any longer following the draw against West Ham.

It was another game in which United failed to make their attacking prowess count as Keane questioned midfielder Mount following his cameo from the bench.

It’s not the first time that Amorim’s midfield has been questioned and it certainly won’t be the last. INEOS are well aware that additions in that area should be next on their list of priorities, having reinforced the frontline in the summer.

18x ball lost: Amorim must ruthlessly bench overhyped 5/10 Man Utd man

This Man Utd ace struggled in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham

ByJoe Nuttall 7 days ago

As such, names such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have emerged as 2026 targets. The former is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, with United among the chasing pack to land his signature.

But the Nottingham Forest star isn’t the only name on their shortlist. Instead, they could yet form a reunion between Morten Hjulmand and Amorim.

Man Utd keeping close tabs on Hjulmand

According to Caught Offside, Man United scouts are now keeping close tabs on Hjulmand in case they miss out on both Anderson and Wharton. The Sporting CP star is valued at £50m – making him a cheaper alternative to Anderson – and is someone that Amorim knows well from his time in Lisbon.

Minutes

1,067

1,260

Progressive Passes

91

119

Tackles Won

16

20

Ball Recoveries

79

115

Although Amorim was quick to dub Hjulmand a “fantastic player” at Sporting, there’s no denying that Anderson should remain Man United’s top option.

The Nottingham Forest star has blown the Dane away, statistically speaking, so far this season and has done the same comparison to a number of Premier League stars.

He won’t come cheap and United must overcome the hurdle of competition from Manchester City and others, but INEOS simply have to go all out for the England international in 2026. If the Red Devils are to rise again, they cannot settle for second best.

"Pretty torrid" – Samuel Luckhurst slams Man Utd star vs West Ham

There is a feeling that Manchester United’s recruitment has turned a corner this season, even with Ruben Amorim’s side still languishing in mid-table in the Premier League.

Bryan Mbeumo, for instance, has already scored six times for the club, while Senne Lammens has tasted defeat just once in his first six games in the sticks.

More is expected of both Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko – who have scored only three goals between them – yet there have certainly been reasons for encouragement, not least the Brazilian’s stellar showing away at Anfield.

That almost £250m quartet have made an impact, no doubt about it, with the INEOS regime looking to have learned from the mistakes of the previous summer – and those that came before them.

Sancho vs Antony: Who was the worst signing?

The beauty of Mbeumo is that the former Brentford man – signed for around £71m – has hit the ground running. He is delivering what supporters would have hoped for, and more.

That certainly hasn’t been the case for United forwards of the recent past, with far too many expensive gambles having backfired, not least in the case of Jadon Sancho and Antony.

Starting with Sancho, the £73m man was courted for over a year before arriving in the summer of 2021 for what looked like a knockdown price at the time, having chalked up 107 goals and assists in 137 appearances during his first spell at Borussia Dortmund.

Hampered by an ear infection, the Englishman never really got going right from the off, in truth, overshadowed too by the subsequent capture of Cristiano Ronaldo.

After such a drawn-out saga, there was a muted excitement when Sancho did arrive, while he subsequently produced mere moments of quality, including the opener in Erik ten Hag’s first win against Liverpool.

The 25-year-old – now on loan at Aston Villa – has been truly forgettable, while Antony’s 2022 signing remains regrettable, with United forking out £86m on a player who was valued at around £25m just a year or so earlier.

A Ten Hag favourite at Ajax, the mercurial Brazilian did score in his first three league games, but that was about as good as it got in Manchester for the much-maligned left-footer.

Two statement goals did follow that season against Real Betis and Barcelona in the Europa League, albeit with that only heightening the belief that he is more suited to a league like LaLiga, where he is currently thriving.

He did at least have those moments, alongside his FA Cup strike against Liverpool, perhaps giving him the edge in the wooden spoon battle with Sancho – not least with expectations having been quite so high for the ex-England international.

Cost

£86m

£73m

Games

96

83

Goals

12

12

Assists

5

6

PL Games

62

58

PL Goals

5

9

PL Assists

3

6

Miserable marquee moves have, of course, followed since, but INEOS might well have made the worst of them.

Man Utd's biggest waste since Antony and Sancho

£70m might have been spent on Casemiro in that same summer as Antony’s arrival, but for all his flaws, the ageing midfielder is still an important figure for Amorim.

Rasmus Hojlund, at £72m, is another questionable, costly deal of recent times, although the Dane did at least finish his first season as the club’s top scorer in all competitions.

Looking back to last summer, too, the investment in Matthijs de Ligt is beginning to bear fruit, while, despite a shaky showing against Everton, Leny Yoro still looks destined to be a star of the future.

The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of another high-profile capture from that INEOS-led window, in the form of £50m man, Manuel Ugarte.

Now, the merits of selling Scott McTominay can continue to be debated, although the real issue is that having sold the Scotland star for £26m, the club then spent almost double on what only looks to be a downgrade in the midfield ranks.

Indeed, while McTominay has gone to secure Ballon d’Or nods and Scudetto triumphs, Ugarte has remained a polarising presence at Old Trafford, having struggled right from the off following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

Neglected by Ten Hag, the reunion with Amorim initially looked set to be a fruitful one for the Uruguayan, having memorably put in a standout showing at Anfield in January.

Just four months later, however, the 24-year-old was merely an unused substitute in the Europa League final, having reportedly been given a dressing down by Amorim at Carrington in the wake of that defeat.

Like Donny van de Beek before him, even linking up with a former manager hasn’t helped to spark his United career into life, with Ugarte again notably overlooked during Monday’s defeat to Everton.

In the words of his manager, the £120k-per-week flop is “struggling” right now, with his woes on the ball particularly evident.

Among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues this season, he ranks in just the bottom 15% for progressive passes and the bottom 20% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

The £50m man – who has two goals and six assists in 55 games for the club to date – has only actually started two league games this season, with Amorim favouring the experience of Casemiro ahead of him in that midfield two.

Entering what is a pivotal second season for Ugarte, he is showing no signs of being a player for the long term at Old Trafford, with midfield improvements drastically needed in 2026.

To have forked out such a substantial fee for a truly limited player – one described as “embarrassing” earlier this season by journalist Alex Turk – reflects poorly on the INEOS regime, with the ‘struggling’ asset already heading the way of Antony and Sancho as a notable transfer misfire.

Not Lammens: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a player who has massively failed to deliver at Old Trafford since his transfer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

Liverpool find themselves in a rut and under pressure to get results, something Arne Slot could help alleviate by making a club-record signing at Anfield.

Despite VAR controversy surrounding Nottingham Forest’s open goal, the Reds were well and truly second best in a 3-0 defeat to the Tricky Trees that has plunged the reigning champions into the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Another abject display has left Slot’s side with six losses from their last seven top-flight matches, and the Dutchman delivered an honest reaction to a damaging defeat that may be the final nail in the coffin regarding their slim hopes of retaining the title.

He said: “Another big disappointment. We started off quite well for the first half an hour. We conceded the 1-0, and we weren’t able to play the way we did in the first half hour. I don’t know. I heard it wasn’t offside, so if it’s not offside, there’s nothing to debate. We created and were waiting for us to score a goal. The set piece changed everything, and they scored two.

“If things go well or things go bad, it’s my responsibility. We weren’t able to create enough. I tried to adjust a few things, but it didn’t work out. We were unable to score a goal. You never know in this stadium, if you score a goal, then things can work out.”

Another ineffective outing for record signing Alexander Isak have only added fuel to the fire regarding their poor campaign, signalling that arrivals are needed in January to steady the ship. Come January, the Reds and FSG may now be willing to do just that in record fashion with a new midfielder.

Liverpool preparing record Joao Neves bid

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing a record £140 million bid for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves, someone they believe could be a pivotal piece of their engine room jigsaw as they look to catch the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for silverware.

While there is belief that he may be attainable at some point down the line, Luis Enrique has insisted that the Portugal international is not for sale at any price and that he won’t be sold unless there is a drastic change in plans from the standpoint of player and club.

Joao Neves on fire in 2025/26 – all competitions

Appearances

9

Goals

6

Assists

0

Labelled “excellent” by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool view Neves as a potential era-defining acquisition, and it is easy to see why after his exploits in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League-winning campaign last term.

Nevertheless, managing to bring him to Merseyside will be no easy feat, and the financial muscle involved would likely create headlines around the world should Slot and company be able to snap him up.

Worse than Konate: Slot must drop 2/10 Liverpool flop who lost 100% duels

Mark Goldbridge has commented on how Arsenal look when managing the absence of a key part of their attacking line.

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Brian Brobbey scored a last-gasp equaliser as high-flying Sunderland held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

A stop-start first-half suddenly sparked into life when former Arsenal academy product Dan Ballard sent the hosts ahead with a thumping finish, ending the Gunners’ run of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Bukayo Saka levelled with a low effort after the break and, with Arsenal having controlled most of the game for the second half, Leandro Trossard sent the visitors ahead with a stunning effort from outside the area.

Late drama followed as Brobbey stabbed home from Ballard’s header to earn a point for the hosts against the division’s top side.

Roefs then denied Calafiori at the death, with Ballard blocking Merino’s follow-up after the save, as the Black Cats held on for the point.

During the game, a comment was made about the Gunners going forward when they are without one of their summer additions.

Gyokeres "massively" missed by Gunners

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Goldbridge noted how much Arsenal were missing Gyokeres, who picked up an injury in their game against Burnley. The content creator said:

Signing in the 2025 summer transfer window, much has been said about Gyokeres since he arrived at Arsenal, having been signed to solve their striker problems. The Swede has not yet found a consistent string of goalscoring form, but has had a positive impact on the team in other ways.

Against Sunderland, Mikel Merino picked up an assist for Saka’s opener, having been deployed as a makeshift striker. Otherwise, however, the Spaniard, who is a natural midfielder, struggled to have much of an impact, with Arsenal facing initial struggles in breaking the Black Cats down.

Unflinching at their status as a newly-promoted team, Sunderland’s stoppage-time equaliser against the Gunners ensured a point that, based on their display, was certainly deserved. Arsenal can only hope that it does not go onto hamper their Premier League title hopes.

It is apparent, however, that the club lack a certain fluidity in attack when Gyokeres is absent from the first team, which was a contributing factor in them failing to come away from the North East with three points.

Arsenal have best finisher since van Persie for Arteta

Manchester City picked up another Champions League win to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side overcame Borussia Dortmund, convincingly beating the German outfit 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

City were at their clinical best against Dortmund, bagging two goals in each half. Phil Foden, operating in the right half-space, opened the scoring. He fired his effort home from outside the penalty area on his left foot.

Erling Haaland was next to get on the scoresheet, just before the half-hour mark. The City number nine, who was their captain on the night, scored his 27th goal of the season for club and country. It was an easy goal for someone as dangerous as Haaland, who pulled away into acres of space and fired home.

After the halftime break, Foden scored his second of the night. It was a carbon copy of his first goal, too.

Once again, the England international picked the ball up in the right half-space and bent his strike into the bottom left corner.

Dortmund did pull one back to give them a fighting chance, but Rayan Cherki added a fourth to cap off a good night’s work. Indeed, the Frenchman must be in contention for a start in City’s next game.

Changes Guardiola could make after Dortmund

It was certainly a good performance from the Citizens, with their two standout players, Haaland and Foden, really putting their Bundesliga opposition to the sword.

They are players who have surely locked down their starting spot, although Guardiola could tinker with his lineup based on Wednesday night.

Indeed, Cherki is one of the players who could slot into the side.

He had a superb impact off the bench, scoring a well-taken goal which saw him carry the ball 30 yards or so, into the Dortmund penalty area and unleash his shot past Gregor Kobel.

In his ten-minute cameo, the former Olympique Lyon attacker completed one out of one dribble and won two ground duels. It was a busy night, continuing his good form and surely putting himself in contention to start City’s next game against Liverpool.

Nico Gonzalez also impressed in midfield, and with Rodri still not fully fit, there is a case to suggest he is City’s first-choice number six. Simon Bajkowski, City writer for the Manchester Evening News, gave the Spaniard a 7/10 for his efforts against Dortmund.

There is one player against Dortmund who disappointed, and it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps him in the lineup.

The Man City player who struggled vs. Dortmund

It is certainly hard to pick holes in a 4-1 home win in the Champions League. However, there were a few moments against the Bundesliga giants where City struggled to keep a firm grip on the game, particularly towards the end when they conceded.

Indeed, one of the players who struggled more than others was right-back Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international, who is a midfielder by trade, had a couple of lapses in concentration which could have cost his side late on.

One of those came in the 80th minute, when a sliced pass from Josko Gvardiol went right across the City backline. The right-back was caught napping, and Carney Chukwuemeka pounced on the loose ball.

Luckily for Nunes and City, Gianluigi Donnarumma got there first.

Despite the good performance from his side, it was a disappointing showing from the former Wolves man. Nunes lost the ball 11 times and only managed to win one out of his five attempted duels.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

86%

Possession lost

11

Recoveries

5

Clearances

3

Ground duels won

1/3

Aeiral duels won

0/2

It was certainly a frustrating night’s work from Nunes. Bajkowski gave him a 6/10 and criticised his defensive awareness, explaining that ‘he abandoned his post too often’. It was a performance that left a lot to be desired.

With a huge game against Liverpool next up, it will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps Nunes in the side, or chooses to rotate him out of the lineup. Of course, he will be coming up against Cody Gakpo, who has been Arne Slot’s first-choice left winger this season.

The Dutchman is in excellent form, with five goals and assists in ten Premier League games. Nunes certainly can’t afford to switch off like he did against Dortmund, because City will be punished.

It is a big call for Guardiola, who has the likes of Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov as options at right-back waiting in the wings. The City boss might well decide to rotate Nunes in the crunch clash this weekend.

Forget Haaland & Foden: 41-touch star had "his best game in a Man City shirt"

Man City beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and this player starred

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2025