Liverpool and Sunderland played out an eventful 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night through two deflected strikes in the second-half.

 

The two sides went in level at the break after a tepid first period, and it took until the 68th minute for the opener to be scored as Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort flew past Alisson.

Bobby Robson had a secret trick with players

 

Florian Wirtz has struggled since joining Liverpool for a huge fee in the summer, but it was his shot that looped over Robin Roefs nine minutes from time after hitting Nordi Mukiele.

 

Both teams had chances to win it late on, with the visitors coming closest as Federico Chiesa denied Wilson Isidor with a goal-line block after a quick counter attack.

 

There were a few questionable decisions made by match referee Stuart Attwell on the night, and Football Insider have picked out three calls that he got wrong.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

Virgil van Dijk deserved a booking for foul on Brian Brobbey

 

Liverpool were slow all over the pitch in the first-half, and Virgil van Dijk was lucky not to be booked just 15 minutes into the encounter for a clear foul on Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

 

The Reds’ captain failed to win the ball as he charged through the back of the Dutchman with the visitors looking to attack.

Attwell chose not to even give Sunderland a free-kick, let alone book Van Dijk, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively telling Football Insider that the “reckless” challenge was clearly worthy of a yellow.

 

Noah Sadiki avoided ban for bad foul on Ryan Gravenberch

 

While Liverpool may have been lucky not to see Van Dijk in the book, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will also have been relieved not to receive a yellow card of his own for a poor tackle on Ryan Gravenberch in the first-half.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

Sadiki, who joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer crunched his opposite number in the 24th minute as he turned on the halfway line looking to progress the ball forward.

 

It was a clear foul and given by Attwell, but also worthy of a booking due to it’s ferocious nature. The referee did not show the DR Congo his fifth booking of the season, however, meaning he avoided a ban and is still available to face Man City this weekend.

 

Ibrahima Konate should have seen yellow for foul on Brobbey

 

Ibrahima Konate has been under-fire among Liverpool fans for his poor performances this season, and that continued here as he looked shaky up against the burly Brobbey all evening.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

The Dutch striker put himself about with real intent throughout and, as well as the earlier Van Dijk foul, should have earned Konate a booking in the second-half for an obvious trip.

 

He stuck a leg out to bring Brobbey down just before the hour mark as Sunderland counter-attacked, but because the visitors kept going forward as Attwell waved play-on, the official then failed to remember the offence when the ball next went out of play.

 

Ibrahima KonateLiverpoolNoah SadikiStuart AttwellSunderlandVirgil van Dijk

 



 

(Credit: Imago)

 

HomeNews

 

Lionel Messi’s return to Europe: Premier League contenders revealed to strike January deal

 



 

Evan Shaw

 

Wed 3 December 2025 20:30, UK

 

Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a return to European football in the final stages of his career.

 

The former Barcelona legend turned his back on the European game at the end of a two-year stint with PSG back in 2023, and has since been plying his trade in the MLS.

 

Messi was linked with a move away from Inter Miami throughout the summer transfer window, with sources revealing to Football Insider that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs were keen to make him a marquee signing for their league.

 

A return to Europe was also on the cards at one stage, and the same links are now emerging ahead of the January transfer window.

 



 

Credit: Getty Images

 

Man City the favourites to bring Lionel Messi to the Premier League

 

Messi ultimately decided to stay put at Inter Miami back in the summer, and he has since extended his contract to theoretically keep him stateside until 2028.

 

However, that has done little to prevent speculation that he could return to Europe this winter, and that appears to have seen the eyes of several clubs light up.

 

The 38-year-old managed a staggering 35 goals from 33 games in the MLS in 2025, and also added an astonishing 21 assists.

 

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

 

There is no doubt that he would still be an asset to clubs in the world’s strongest leagues, and there is already plenty of speculation as to who he could join if his return from America does materialise.

 

Barcelona are currently the bookies’ favourites to land the Argentine, with Manchester City deemed the most likely candidate from the Premier League.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently priced at 12/1, with Chelsea next behind them at 22/1. There are also possibilities for the duo of Liverpool and Manchester United, but both are seen as distant at this stage.

 

What has Lionel Messi said about the Premier League

 

Messi will have a huge focus on the World Cup next summer, so he may ultimately be reluctant to make a big change in his career just months away from what could be his final tournament on the world stage.

 

The attacker’s own views towards the Premier League also go against the idea of him moving to England in the final years of his career.

 

Messi has always been quick to stress his admiration for the Premier League, but specified back in 2012, that he could never play in English football, according to The 42.

 

“It (English football) is very competitive and played at a phenomenal speed. They play with their heart, with plenty of emotion, spirit and determination,” the then-Barcelona star revealed.

 

“But I could never see the day arrive when I would play in England.”

 

Granted plenty has changed his Messi made those comments about the Premier League, but if it hasn’t appealed to him in the past, it would be a huge surprise if he now decides to step out of his comfort zone at this stage of his career.

 

ChelseaLionel MessiLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedPremier League

 

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I wouldn’t be surprised if Vitalii Mykolenko retired at Everton after what he said

 

Liverpool and Sunderland played out an eventful 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night through two deflected strikes in the second-half.

 

The two sides went in level at the break after a tepid first period, and it took until the 68th minute for the opener to be scored as Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort flew past Alisson.

 

 

 

Bobby Robson had a secret trick with players

 

Florian Wirtz has struggled since joining Liverpool for a huge fee in the summer, but it was his shot that looped over Robin Roefs nine minutes from time after hitting Nordi Mukiele.

 

Both teams had chances to win it late on, with the visitors coming closest as Federico Chiesa denied Wilson Isidor with a goal-line block after a quick counter attack.

 

There were a few questionable decisions made by match referee Stuart Attwell on the night, and Football Insider have picked out three calls that he got wrong.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

Virgil van Dijk deserved a booking for foul on Brian Brobbey

 

Liverpool were slow all over the pitch in the first-half, and Virgil van Dijk was lucky not to be booked just 15 minutes into the encounter for a clear foul on Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

 

The Reds’ captain failed to win the ball as he charged through the back of the Dutchman with the visitors looking to attack.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

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Attwell chose not to even give Sunderland a free-kick, let alone book Van Dijk, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively telling Football Insider that the “reckless” challenge was clearly worthy of a yellow.

 

Noah Sadiki avoided ban for bad foul on Ryan Gravenberch

 

While Liverpool may have been lucky not to see Van Dijk in the book, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will also have been relieved not to receive a yellow card of his own for a poor tackle on Ryan Gravenberch in the first-half.

 

 

 

Sadiki, who joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer crunched his opposite number in the 24th minute as he turned on the halfway line looking to progress the ball forward.

 

It was a clear foul and given by Attwell, but also worthy of a booking due to it’s ferocious nature. The referee did not show the DR Congo his fifth booking of the season, however, meaning he avoided a ban and is still available to face Man City this weekend.

 

Ibrahima Konate should have seen yellow for foul on Brobbey

 

Ibrahima Konate has been under-fire among Liverpool fans for his poor performances this season, and that continued here as he looked shaky up against the burly Brobbey all evening.

 

 

The Dutch striker put himself about with real intent throughout and, as well as the earlier Van Dijk foul, should have earned Konate a booking in the second-half for an obvious trip.

 

He stuck a leg out to bring Brobbey down just before the hour mark as Sunderland counter-attacked, but because the visitors kept going forward as Attwell waved play-on, the official then failed to remember the offence when the ball next went out of play.

 

Ibrahima KonateLiverpoolNoah SadikiStuart AttwellSunderlandVirgil van Dijk

 

 

Lionel Messi’s return to Europe: Premier League contenders revealed to strike January design

 

Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a return to European football in the final stages of his career.

 

The former Barcelona legend turned his back on the European game at the end of a two-year stint with PSG back in 2023, and has since been plying his trade in the MLS.

 

Messi was linked with a move away from Inter Miami throughout the summer transfer window, with sources revealing to Football Insider that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs were keen to make him a marquee signing for their league.

 

A return to Europe was also on the cards at one stage, and the same links are now emerging ahead of the January transfer window.

 

 

Man City the favourites to bring Lionel Messi to the Premier League

 

Messi ultimately decided to stay put at Inter Miami back in the summer, and he has since extended his contract to theoretically keep him stateside until 2028.

 

However, that has done little to prevent speculation that he could return to Europe this winter, and that appears to have seen the eyes of several clubs light up.

 

The 38-year-old managed a staggering 35 goals from 33 games in the MLS in 2025, and also added an astonishing 21 assists.

 

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

 

There is no doubt that he would still be an asset to clubs in the world’s strongest leagues, and there is already plenty of speculation as to who he could join if his return from America does materialise.

 

Barcelona are currently the bookies’ favourites to land the Argentine, with Manchester City deemed the most likely candidate from the Premier League.

 



 

Credit: Imago

 

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently priced at 12/1, with Chelsea next behind them at 22/1. There are also possibilities for the duo of Liverpool and Manchester United, but both are seen as distant at this stage.

 

What has Lionel Messi said about the Premier League

 

Messi will have a huge focus on the World Cup next summer, so he may ultimately be reluctant to make a big change in his career just months away from what could be his final tournament on the world stage.

 

The attacker’s own views towards the Premier League also go against the idea of him moving to England in the final years of his career.

 

Messi has always been quick to stress his admiration for the Premier League, but specified back in 2012, that he could never play in English football, according to The 42.

 

“It (English football) is very competitive and played at a phenomenal speed. They play with their heart, with plenty of emotion, spirit and determination,” the then-Barcelona star revealed.

 

“But I could never see the day arrive when I would play in England.”

 

Granted plenty has changed his Messi made those comments about the Premier League, but if it hasn’t appealed to him in the past, it would be a huge surprise if he now decides to step out of his comfort zone at this stage of his career.

 

 

Darren England must shoulder part of the blame after Lucas Paqueta talked himself into a red card during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool.

 

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Paqueta’s red card for dissent was easily avoidable on Sunday, 30 November.

Premier League CRISIS? ️ Is…

Emotions were clearly high as the Hammers lost 2-0 to the out-of-form Reds, having put in a strong display at the London Stadium before two second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.

 

It was only a one-goal game when the Brazilian was handed his marching orders by the referee, having charged into Dominik Szoboszlai before arguing the case to earn him two bookings in quick succession.

 

“It’s ridiculous behaviour” ❌

 

Lucas Paquetá is SENT OFF for talking himself into a second booking. pic.twitter.com/Hgjy7kBck3

 

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025

 

View Tweet

 

Lucas Paqueta lashes out after decision goes against the West Ham star

 

Due to his recent history of betting allegations, Paqueta blamed the FA for his outburst against Liverpool, labelling the entire ordeal as “ridiculous” in a social media rant after full-time.

 

Supporters have also suggested that Jarrod Bowen could have done more as captain, but the West Ham playmaker will now be unavailable, and his ban could be extended after sarcastically applauding the decision.

 

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The 28-year-old had only just returned from suspension, having picked up five yellow cards in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, leaving supporters extremely frustrated.

 

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side had multiple chances to take at least a point against Arne Slot‘s team, but after the sending-off, the Reds were always going to see out the victory away from Anfield.

 

Darren England could be at fault after the Paqueta saga vs Liverpool

 

Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “Self-discipline is so important in a referee and a player. He’s clearly dissenting, but it does take two to form an argument.

 

“The referee hangs around. Give him a yellow card, then get the hell out of there. He’s not going to continue the argument if he’s not there. What you do is run alongside the captain, once the game has restarted, and tell him to calm the player down.

 

“The referee just stands there, handing out the yellow before another one. Then what you see is the player applauding the referee. He’s going to get an additional sanction for that.“

 

Premier League managers push for sensible VAR change to rid ‘nervousness’

 

 

Premier League managers are urging for a common-sense change to VAR appointments as the technology continues to be a significant talking point.

 

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to the English top flight at the start of the 2019/2020 season, and it has been a constant source of debate since.

 

After Virgil van Dijk‘s goal was disallowed at Man City, Liverpool contacted the PGMOL to raise “serious concerns” over the gaps in the VAR process.

 

As it stands, on-field referees are paired with a different lead VAR operator, meaning there is no opportunity for consistency in communication and accuracy.

 

But Premier League managers want that to change, according to League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan.

 

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Bevan, who helps represent managers in the Premier League and EFL, said: “We’ve had a lot of Premier League managers’ meetings with Howard Webb, some good and some not so good.

 



 



 

“Premier League managers would very much like to see the VAR referee being someone who is refereeing with the man on the pitch every week, so there’s not a nervous relationship.

 

“That’s so they understand each other, they understand how they operate to a greater degree, and Howard Webb and PGMOL are working towards that.

 

“Recruitment is a big issue for them, and training and development. I think they will get there eventually, but it’s about trying to make fewer errors, because VAR is here to stay.

 

He added: “The VAR referee should be permanent, not one week on and one week off. The more games that they do, practice makes perfect.”

 



 

It is a sensible next step for the Premier League to take as it will help establish a working relationship that, hopefully, will create clearer communication and trust.

 

There is no single fix that will make all clubs, players or supporters happy, but if it contributes to consistent decision-making, that will go a long way in easing the current frustration.

 



 

Liverpool contact PGMOL

 



 

According to reports on Monday, Liverpool contacted referees’ chief Howard Webb “to raise serious concerns” about Van Dijk’s disallowed goal at the Etihad.

 

His goal was ruled out after the linesman raised his flag, with VAR Michael Oliver checking and confirming the decision, which ruled Andy Robertson was interfering in an offside position.

 

The club’s “view is that the usual checks and balances that are central to the VAR process did not take place, and they believe a different outcome may have been reached.”

 

Moreover, Liverpool believe “the wording of the law is clear and that no elements of the criteria needed to disallow the goal were met so it should have been allowed to stand.”