Liverpool
Mohamed Salah misses this golden opportunity against Manchester United đł
Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd: 4/10 duo flop as Alexander Isak fears hit new heights
LIVERPOOL 1-2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Two of the Premier League big boys went head-to-head at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool were defeated by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday
Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United following a scintillating clash at Anfield. The Merseyside giants fell behind just two minutes into the match as Bryan Mbeumo swept the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili after Alexis Mac Allister had been left on the floor with a head injury following a clash with team-mate Virgil van Dijk.
Arne Slotâs men fluffed their lines time and time again as they pushed forward and created havoc. The home side finally grabbed an equaliser 12 minutes before the end as Cody Gakpo fired the ball in from close range. But Harry Maguire headed in a winner for United six minutes later as Liverpoolâs struggles continued. And Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players.
Mamardashvili: 7
Wasnât able to keep out Mbeumoâs early effort but made a string of fine saves afterwards to keep his side in the game. Also launched a lovely ball forward to Gakpo after Liverpool had fallen behind as the Reds went route one. Was utimately on the losing side after being beaten by Maguire’s header.
Conor Bradley: 4
Started ahead of Jeremie Frimpong but lacked quality on and off the ball. Canât match Trent Alexander-Arnoldâs output going forward and will struggle to hold onto his place in the coming weeks off the back of this display.
Ibrahima Konate: 8
Was called into action on too many occasions and was Liverpoolâs best defender on the day as the United attack caused the hosts all sorts of problems. Won headers and made tackles as Van Dijk struggled.
Virgil van Dijk: 5
Often came out second best in duels and was caught out of position for Mbeumoâs strike after colliding with Mac Allister. Was a threat in the air at the other end as his team-mates attempted to find his head with set-piece deliveries into the box.
Milos Kerkez: 4
Struggled against a dominant United side and was targeted as a weak link in the Reds defence. Was in no manâs land for the Red Devilsâ opener and was also guilty of taking too many touches when Liverpool needed to get going. Gave the ball away as United nearly netted a second goal before half an hour of the match had been played and looked nervous throughout.
Harry Maguire scored Manchester United’s winning goal against Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Ryan Gravenberch: 6
One of his weakest games of the season as he failed to stamp his authority in midfield. Would have made more of an impact if he was utilised further forward.
Alexis Mac Allister: 5
Suffered a head injury after an accidental clash with Van Dijkâs elbow in the lead-up to Unitedâs opener, with Liverpool players complaining that the match should have been halted. Was forced to wear head protection afterwards. Left Ryan Gravenberch exposed at times as he pushed forward.
Mohamed Salah: 7
Was one of Mohamed Salahâs better performances this season as he proved to be a menace in attack. Whipped in a teasing cross to Van Dijk early on moments before he had a silky exchange with Isak. Picked out Gakpo with an exceptional pass midway through the first half as the Netherlands international saw his effort cannon back off the post. But fired off target when presented with a gilt-edged chance in the second half when he should have scored. Still far from his best.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 5
Occupied the attacking third. But it would have helped the team more if either Szoboszlai or Mac Allister had played a bit deeper. Worked hard but had a limited impact on proceedings.
Cody Gakpo: 8
Is always a huge threat in the final third. Nearly equalised in the first half after being teed up by Salah. Hit the post again in the early stages of the second half, before striking the woodwork for a third time with a deflected effort. Kept knocking on the door and finally got his reward with a tap in late on.
Alexander Isak: 5
Snatched at a shot half an hour into the match but fluffed his lines as the ball bobbled wide. Then had another big chance after being played in by Ibrahima Konate but saw his effort repelled by Senne Lammens. Lacked energy and yet to score in the Premier League for his new side after four appearances. Has been way off his best since arriving from Newcastle.
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Substitutions
Hugo Ekitike: 8
Came on for Alexis Mac Allister just after the hour mark and sparked the home fans into life when he shot from range moments later. Had another shot soon afterwards and was full of energy.
Florian Wirtz: 7
Will be disappointed after being left out of the starting line-up for the third time in four league matches. Replaced Conor Bradley but didnât prove to be the catalyst for a late Liverpool resurgence.
Curtis Jones: 6
Replaced Ryan Gravenberch in a triple substitution at the same time as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were introduced to the action.
Federico Chiesa: 7
Was asked to come up with the goods late on after coming on for Alexander Isak. Provided the assist for Gakpoâs strike but it wasn’t enough to secure a draw.
Jeremie Frimpong: 6
Came on for Mohamed Salah with five minutes of the 90 remaining but didnât have enough time to win his side a point.
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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 Nørgaard, 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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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 đđŚđŚđđŠđ 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.
Liverpool
NEW: Ibrahima Konate wants around ÂŁ350k a week to extend his contract with Liverpool.
This Is Anfield ⢠Liverpool FC News ⢠Liverpool FC Transfer Rumours â˘
Ibrahima Konate contract: Liverpool âconfidentâ after new offer âin last few day
Sources in France are expecting Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract with Liverpool following a new offer, despite ongoing interest from Real Madrid over a free transfer.
Konate did not enjoy the most positive of evenings as Liverpool lost 3-0 at Man City last time out, but the Frenchman remains a key player moving forward.
It has made his expiring contract a priority for the club after landing new deals for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah as well as spending close to ÂŁ450 million on new signings.
But with an agreement yet to be reached and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all linked, there has been a growing acceptance that Konate will in fact leave.
However, LâEquipe now report that a new offer was made to the centre-backâs representatives in the last few days and the Premier League champions are âconfidentâ of a renewal.
Liverpoolâs decision-makers are doing âwhat is necessaryâ to tie their No. 5 down for the long term, as was the case with Van Dijk and Salah last season.
Konateâs current salary â more than was claimed!
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool’s Ibrahima KonatĂŠ during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That will likely include a substantial wage increase, though claims Konate is currently earning around ÂŁ70,000 a week have been quashed.
The Athleticâs David Ornstein told NBC Sports last month that his salary was âmore than double that,â suggesting around ÂŁ150,000 a week.
Of course that could make negotiations more delicate, with Konate likely to be pushing close to the highest bracket in terms of pay if he signs a new contract, but it can be argued that this would be logical.
Despite misgivings over the 26-year-oldâs form this season he is undoubtedly part of the core of the squad and if he commits his future could remain so during a difficult transition to come.
Konate could be a future leader
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND – Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring the second goal with teammate Ibrahima KonatĂŠ during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Van Dijk will turn 35 next summer, by which point he will have a year left on the deal he signed in April, and there is a need for succession planning despite his world-class status.
That would not only require a replacement in his role as left-sided centre-back, but also, in the long term, as one of the leaders of the squad.
Konate may not currently be viewed as part of Liverpoolâs established leadership group, but is considered to play an important role off the pitch as well as on it.
Hugo Ekitike recently referenced his countrymanâs role in helping him settle at the club, while Jarell Quansah is among those to have benefited from his support in recent years too.
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