Liverpool
Horrendous performance đ Whyâs Slot sticking with HIM đ€
Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Man Utd: Reds Slump to 11-Year Low
A late Harry Maguire header condemned Liverpool to a 2â1 defeat at Anfi
Liverpool lost at home to Manchester United for the first time in over ten years. / Carl Recine/Getty Images
Liverpool succumbed to their fourth successive defeat in all competitions on Sunday afternoon, their worst run of form since 2014, as a late Harry Maguire header meant Manchester United escaped Anfield with a 2â1 victory.
The Red Devils thus prevailed on Liverpoolâs patch for the first time in almost a decade, as the woes of the reigning Premier League champions continued in the wake of the October international break.
Arne Slotâs hosts were stunned by Bryan Mbeumoâs opening goal barely a minute into the narrative-laden contest, and the visitors led for much of the way until Cody Gakpo finally restored parity in the second half. Liverpool looked on course to complete a dramatic turnaround after the Dutchmanâs tap-in, but United instead landed the all-important third goal through Maguire.
Arsenalâs victory at Fulham on Saturday means Liverpool are now four points adrift of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table.
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Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
Cody Gakpo hit the woodwork three times before scoring. / Carl Recine/Getty Images
GK: Giorgi Mamardashviliâ5.4: An early concession set him back, and he didnât exactly operate as a figure of calm between the posts.
RB: Conor Bradleyâ6.5: There wasnât too much thrust from the typically effusive right-back, and it was no surprise Slot opted for his withdrawal on the hour.
CB: Ibrahima KonatĂ©â6.9: After a poor couple of weeks, KonatĂ© was superb here. United would have had much more joy in transition if it werenât for the Frenchmanâs ability to recover.
CB: Virgil van Dijkâ7.5: Outside of one or two moments, Van Dijk was distinctly off colour.
LB: Milos Kerkezâ6.3: Liverpoolâs left-hand side was messy, and Kerkez perhaps couldâve done more to exploit the space he was afforded by Unitedâs defensive shape.
CM: Ryan Gravenberchâ6.5: Was an injury doubt heading into the game and could only last an hour. Didn’t quite get a grip on proceedings, and there was little from him in possession.
CM: Alexis Mac Allisterâ5.8: His afternoon got off to an awful start thanks to Van Dijkâs elbow, but his positioning and combination play with Dominik Szoboszlai did trouble United.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlaiâ7.5: Lots of legs and plenty of energy. Probably wanted more from him as a facilitator between the lines.
RW: Mohamed Salahâ6.3: Salahâs poor start to the season continued on Sunday. Simply far too wasteful and unreliable in possession. It was telling that he was substituted while Liverpool were chasing a goal.
ST: Alexander Isakâ6.3: The wait for his first Premier League goal in red goes on, and although he wasnât involved all that much, the Swede missed a big chance in the first half.
LW: Cody Gakpoâ8.3: Well, he did get one, but Gakpo shouldâve finished the game with three or four.
Substitutes
Rating (Out of 10)
Florian Wirtz (61â for Gravenberch)
6.6
Hugo EkitikĂ© (61′ for Mac Allister)
6.0
Curtis Jones (62â for Bradley)
6.7
Federico Chiesa (72â for Isak)
7.1
Jeremie Frimpong (86â for Salah)
N/A
Subs not used:Â Freddie Woodman (GK), Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Rio Ngumoha.
Man Utd (3-4-2-1)
Starting XI:Â Senne Lammens; Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot; Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha
Subs used:Â Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Ć eĆĄko, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo
Player of the Match: Senne Lammens (Man Utd)
Liverpool 1â2 Man UtdâHow It Unfolded at Anfield
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Mohamed Salah didnât ever get into the game on Sunday. / Michael Regan/Getty Images
The October international break arrived at a good time for Liverpool off the back of three defeats, and Manchester Unitedâs visit presented the champions with a fantastic opportunity to rediscover their very best.
However, Ruben Amorimâs Red Devils showed signs of life against Sunderland two weeks ago, with their stable, stress-free performance that resulted in three points offering supporters hope that theyâd inflict more misery upon the hosts.
Unitedâs start was ideal, as Mbeumo crept in behind Virgil van Dijk and finished over Giorgi Marmardashvili, having been found by Amad Diallo. It was a stunning opening sequence, although Liverpool felt aggrieved due to Alexis Mac Allisterâs head injury in the build-up to the goal. Van Dijkâs accidental elbow on his teammate resulted in the midfielder wearing a rather unflattering piece of headwear for the remainder of the contest.
The early setback tamed Anfield, and Liverpool did struggle to craft any attacking momentum in response to falling behind. Amorimâs adored system troubled Slotâs side, with Unitedâs mobile front three leaving Van Dijk in a perpetual state of stick or twist. The Dutchman was as poor as he has been for months.
Chances arrived at both ends before the half-hour mark, with Bruno Fernandes spurning an excellent opportunity to double the visitorsâ lead in between Cody Gakpo hitting the post and Alexander Isak firing straight at Senne Lammens when one-on-one with the United keeper.
Next:Â The Top 50 Premier League Players of All Time
Liverpoolâs success against Amorimâs 5-4-1 defensive shape was fleeting, but Arne Slot didnât opt for a drastic overhaul until the hour mark, after Gakpo hit the woodwork for a third time. The Redsâ 4-2-4 included all of their shiny new toys from the summer, with Isak partnering Hugo EkitikĂ© up top and Florian Wirtz playing in midfield.
Slotâs bravery enlivened the Kop, and Mohamed Salah shouldâve restored parity immediately after the triple-change, but he shanked his effort at the back post wide. It seemed as if United had weathered that storm, but Liverpoolâs probing started to pin the visitors, who thought they could sit in and exploit the Redsâ aggressive shape on the counter.
Gakpo had come the closest to beating Lammens, and the Dutchman finally found the net from close range after Liverpool prevented United from breaking. That set the stage for a frenetic finale, with the likely home victory that most would have suspected after Gakpoâs strike was compromised by a pinpoint Maguire header at the other end.
There was still time for the Reds to come again, and Gakpo ought to have scored his second equaliser when Jeremie Frimpong picked him out with an excellent cross. However, the goalscorer headed woefully wide.
That would prove to be Liverpoolâs last major moment, as United managed the eight minutes of stoppage time well to ensure they secured a dramatic and memorable victory at Anfield.
Liverpool vs. Man Utd Half-Time Stats
Statistic
Liverpool
Man Utd
Possession
60%
40%
Expected Goals (xG)
0.70
0.74
Total Shots
7
6
Shots on Target
4
3
Big Chances
2
3
Pass Accuracy
88%
71%
Fouls
3
7
Corners
2
2
Liverpool vs. Man Utd Full Time Stats
Statistic
Liverpool
Man Utd
Possession
63%
37%
Expected Goals (xG)
2.76
1.26
Total Shots
19
12
Shots on Target
6
4
Big Chances
5
5
Pass Accuracy
86%
68%
Fouls
8
14
Corners
9
4
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS AND GOSSIP
Liverpool
Zinedine Zidane Liverpool, Liverpool manager news, Fabrizio Romano transfer update, Arne Slot sacked, Liverpool ÂŁ20m deal, Premier League news, Liverpool manager replacement, Klopp legacy, Anfield updates, Liverpool football news
Zidane Set to Take Over at Anfield After Arne Slot Exit
Liverpool fans finally have something to cheer about after months of speculation. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have officially reached an agreement with Zinedine Zidane, who is ready to replace Arne Slot at Anfield on a three-year deal.
The deal reportedly includes a ÂŁ20 million fee, which Liverpool are set to pay to finalize the move. Sources confirm that all parties are on board, and the only remaining step is the formal announcement, which could come within the next 48 hours.
Zidane, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, brings a wealth of experience and European pedigree, something Liverpool fans hope will restore their teamâs dominance after a turbulent season.
Fans React: Relief and Excitement Across Anfield
The news has sent shockwaves across the footballing world. Fans took to social media to express joy, relief, and cautious optimism.
One Liverpool supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
âFinally! Zidane at Liverpool! The club needed a manager of his caliber â this is huge for the future.â
Another added:
âÂŁ20m for a manager? Worth every penny if he can bring us back to glory. Klopp left a legacy, but Zidane can take us even further.â
The sentiment is clear: Anfield is buzzing with anticipation.
Can Zidane Uphold Kloppâs Legacy?
Replacing a legend like Jurgen Klopp is never easy. Zidane faces the dual challenge of managing expectations and navigating a squad in transition. Liverpool have struggled in recent months, leaving fans desperate for a strong leader to restore confidence on and off the pitch.
Insiders suggest Zidaneâs tactical flexibility and experience in European competition were key factors that convinced the board to move quickly. Analysts believe he could implement a style that combines Kloppâs pressing philosophy with a more structured defensive system.
Arne Slotâs Departure: A Turbulent End
Arne Slotâs reign at Liverpool was marked by high-profile signings but inconsistent results. Despite significant summer investments, the Reds struggled to find form in the Premier League and Europe, leaving the board with little choice but to act.
Zidaneâs arrival signals a new era at Anfield, and the club is hoping the Frenchman can stabilize the team and challenge for major trophies immediately.
What This Means for Liverpoolâs Transfer Plans
Zidaneâs presence at Anfield is expected to have a direct impact on the clubâs upcoming January transfer window plans. Sources suggest the manager will have a strong voice in squad restructuring, potentially targeting high-profile additions to fit his tactical vision.
Liverpool supporters are optimistic that the combination of Zidaneâs experience and the current squad talent can push the Reds back into title contention, both domestically and in Europe.
Conclusion: Liverpool Fans Get Their Man
After months of speculation, uncertainty, and fan frustration, Liverpool have finally secured a world-class manager. Zidaneâs arrival is seen as a bold step forward â a ÂŁ20m investment that could shape the clubâs future for years to come.
Liverpool
BREAKING NEWS LIVE : Arsenal âenter raceâ for PL star to replace summer signing with club urged to âaccept their offerâ
Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson with the Gunners ânot backing downâ over his price tag, according to reports.
The Gunners have made a great start to the new season with Mikel Artetaâs men currently sitting top of the Premier League table after 11 matches.
Arsenal are four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, while defending champions Liverpool â who occupy eighth position â are eight points adrift.
New sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw a huge summer of spending at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal splashing out over ÂŁ250m on eight new signings.
The Gunners now have incredible depth in all positions but there is one area that they still want to improve over the next couple of transfer windows.
Spanish website Fichajes insist that Arsenal have âentered the raceâ to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, who is wanted by numerous clubs.
READ:Â Premier League mood rankings as Liverpool drop a full 15 places!
In October, reliable Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Man Utd and Newcastle are two of the clubs looking at the possibility of signing Anderson.
Plettenberg wrote on X: âManchester United and Newcastle are just two of many top clubs closely monitoring Elliot #Anderson. Their interest has already been registered. #MUFC Forest are aware. Key player. Understand for a transfer in the summer, a fee of around ÂŁ100â120 million is currently being demanded. There is no release clause.â
Fichajes adds that Arsenal âare not backing downâ despite Nottingham Forest demanding over ÂŁ100m for the England international.
The report continues: âFor Arsenal, the signing of Elliot Anderson represents an investment in both the present and the future. The club has signed midfielders like Christian NĂžrgaard, but he is now over 30, highlighting the need to find a player with greater potential. Anderson fits that profile: young, dynamic, and capable of becoming the linchpin of the midfield.
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đ Arsenal âwill look at sellingâ Myles Lewis-Skelly on one condition as major clubs circle
âArsenalâs technical staff see him as a long-term solution, as well as a significant upgrade from their current squad. Although Nottingham Forest are demanding a very high feeâreportedly between ÂŁ100 and ÂŁ120 millionâArsenal are considering making that investment to secure the player before other clubs inflate his price.â
Arsenal are now urging Nottingham Forest to âaccept their offerâ but that is seen as the Gunnersâ âmain challengeâ as they attempt to sign the former Newcastle United star.
BBC Radio Nottinghamâs Colin Fray insists that Anderson should be âon the planeâ to North America for the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
Fray said: âIt is great for Forest fans to have a player like that to watch week in week out at the moment. He just keeps delivering all of these excellent performances.
Liverpool
West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen is the latest name in the ring for Liverpool FC to replace Mohamed Salah on a long-term basis. The Hammers would only be prepared to consider letting him go if they receive a đ đđŠđŠđđ©đ offer. Bowen’s future at the London Stadium remains secured until the summer of 2030 after the England international signed a 7-year extension in 2023.
Liverpool, Tottenham ‘suffer blow’ in pursuit of West Ham attacker
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a blow in the race to sign West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen.
Bowen joined the Hammers in the January transfer window of 2020 and has become one of their key players, making 250 appearances and scoring 77 goals.
West Ham have struggled badly in the Premier League in 2025-26, currently sitting 18th in the table, but Bowen has been one of their most consistent performers, contributing four goals.
Bowen has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent years, but it appears that the Hammers have no intention of selling their prized asset.
Liverpool and Tottenham suffer blow in Bowen chase?
The Reds have explored the 28-year-old as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, but the deal is unlikely to materialise.
Likewise, Spurs are also keen to land the former Hull City winger after signing Mohammed Kudus, Bowen’s former teammate, in the summer, but any move is unlikely.
According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham will only part ways with Bowen if they receive an irresistible offer for their talismanic forward.
As of now, the Hammers have received no bids for their left-footed winger, who could certainly be tempted by the proposition of playing Champions League football, something West Ham cannot provide at the moment.
Bowen has a contract at the London Stadium until 2030, and Liverpool and Spurs will have to pay a hefty transfer fee to lure him away from West Ham.
Liverpool and Tottenham have other targets
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The Premier League champions spent heavily on bolstering their forward department in the summer, but they still need another winger at some point, either in the January window or next summer.
In recent months, the Reds have been heavily linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is also someone they reportedly admire.
Tottenham have reportedly shown interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but in recent weeks, the north London outfit has also been linked with Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.
Bowen would be a terrific signing for both clubs, but it appears that even if they do not get him, they have other options lined up.
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