تعرض لاعب منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم للإصابة قبل مواجهة أوزبكستان، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما، اليوم الجمعة، في بطولة ودية تقام في الإمارات، استعدادًا لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.
ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع أوزبكستان، في دور نصف النهائي، من البطولة الودية، التي تقام في الإمارات، خلال الفترة من 13 حتي 18 نوفمبر.
طالع | تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام أوزبكستان وقرر حسام حسن إجراء تغيير في تشكيل منتخب مصر، حيث سيشارك محمد شحاتة بدلًا من حمدي فتحي، بعدما اشتكى الأخير من آلام خلال التسخين، وفضل الجهاز تغييره.
وتنطلق مباراة مصر وأوزبكستان، اليوم الجمعة، في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7 بتوقيت السعودية.
وسيواجه المتأهل من مباراة مصر وأوزبكستان، منتخب إيران في المباراة النهائية من البطولة الودية التي تقام خلال التوقف الدولي الخاص بشهر نوفمبر الحالي، وذلك يوم الثلاثاء المقبل.
Fiery burst wrecks hosts’ hopes of taking lead, before Gubbins’ fifty builds for visitors
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Sonny Baker claimed five wickets for Hampshire•Getty Images
Hampshire 293 (Middleton 79, Weatherley 62, Taylor 5-55) and 139 for 2 (Gubbins 55*) lead Worcestershire 249 (Libby 100*, Hose 82, Baker 5-72) by 183 runsSonny Baker’s five-wicket haul and a Nick Gubbins half-century helped drive Hampshire into the ascendency on Day Three of the Rothesay County Championship clash against Worcestershire.Baker’s morning burst of three wickets saw him to figures of 5 for 72, as Jake Libby’s 100 not out could not see Worcestershire into the lead despite early promise, as his side were bowled out for 249.With a lead of 44, the visiting side batted through the day with relative comfort on a flattening wicket, as Joe Weatherley and Fletcha Middleton made early progress for their side.Gubbins then scored an unbeaten 55 to see his side to 139 for 2 at the close, with the away side well in the hunt for a third County Championship victory of the season.With a lengthy delay to the start of proceedings on the third morning of the match, Hampshire enjoyed an excellent start to the day as Baker produced an eye-catching three wicket burst to reduce Worcestershire to 189 for 5.The visitors welcomed a stroke of luck in the second over of the day when Adam Hose feathered a strangle down the leg-side, to depart without adding to his overnight score, before Baker picked up the wickets of Brett D’Oliveira (1) and Ethan Brookes (0) as the hosts reeled under the clouds at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Searching for their first Rothesay County Championship win since mid-May, Hampshire began the afternoon session in similar vein to the morning, with Libby watching his side fall behind in the contest.Matthew Waite helped add 34 with the Worcestershire opener, before he nicked off to James Fuller for a cautious 21 as the Division One strugglers watched another promising position fall away beneath them as they limped to 223 for 6.Part-timer Nick Gubbins was thrown the ball in the 80th over of the innings as the visitors looked to move things on before taking the new ball but were overjoyed when Tom Taylor was pinned LBW in an innocuous over as the home side slid further behind the eight-ball.Hampshire tightened their grip on the match, as Kyle Abbott (1 for 27) and Baker removed Ben Allison and Adam Finch, with Libby 98 not out and his side still trailing by 46 runs.Libby added the two runs required to reach a gritty century off 235 balls, registering the first century by a Worcestershire player at Visit Worcestershire New Road this summer.Baker capped a fine individual performance as he returned in the next over to secure his five-wicket haul and ensure his side took a healthy lead of 44 runs into their second innings, with Worcestershire all-out one run short of a batting bonus-point.Hampshire lost Joe Weatherley in the 11th over of their reply, when he was LBW to a full ball from Waite but marched on unfazed to pass fifty with comfort.Middleton got in and showed signs of extending his good form from the first innings but was unable to capitalise on his positive start as he was caught behind off an Adam Finch delivery, with his side 120 runs in front.Gubbins made his way to a comfortable half-century as the evening drew to a close, as he and Tilak Varma batted through to stumps with Hampshire in total control at 139 for 2, with a commanding 183-run lead heading into the final day.
Liverpool slumped down to eighth in the Premier League table after they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at The Etihad in the last game before the international break.
The Reds have now lost seven of their last ten matches in all competitions and five of their 11 games in the Premier League, in what has been a dismal defence of their title so far.
Arne Slot will be disappointed with his side’s dreadful run of form and should use the international break to come up with a new way of approaching matches to turn the season around.
One thing that the Dutch head coach must look to do is to revive Mohamed Salah’s form, because the reigning Premier League Player of the Year has not been at his best.
How far Mo Salah's numbers have fallen this season
The Egypt international won the Player of the Year award by delivering 29 goals and 18 assists in the top-flight last season, helping the Reds to the Premier League title.
Unfortunately, the left-footed superstar has not quite been at his sparkling best for Slot in the current campaign, although he has still delivered four goals and two assists in 11 league games.
Appearances
38
11
Goals
29
4
Minutes per goal
116
246
Big chances missed
24
6
Conversion rate
22%
15%
Key passes per game
2.4
1.9
Assists
18
2
As you can see in the table above, Salah is scoring and assisting goals less frequently than he did last season, with a lower conversion rate, which is why the manager needs to find a way to get him back to his best.
Per Sofascore, the winger registered three shots without any going on target and created three chances without any of them being ‘big chances’, but he was not the only Liverpool forward who failed to deliver.
Why Hugo Ekitike's place in the XI should be on borrowed time
Hugo Ekitike put in a disappointing performance in the number nine shirt and his place in the starting line-up may be on borrowed time come the other side of the break.
The France international was given the nod to lead the line for the Reds against the Cityzens, but he was just as ineffective as Salah at the top end of the pitch.
Per Sofascore, Ekitike did not take a single shot in the match and only made one key pass, whilst he also lost 100% (2/2) of his duels, which speaks to how underwhelming his display was.
In his 11 minutes on the pitch after the post above, the former Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward did not take any shots or attempt any dribbles, but he did create one chance in what was an “anonymous” performance.
Ekitike has now failed to score in his last five appearances in the Premier League for the Reds, per Sofascore, and has only scored three goals in ten games in the division in total.
Unlike Salah, the French striker does not have an incredible career at Liverpool to buy him more time in the starting XI if performances like his one against Manchester City persist, which is why he may be on borrowed time in the XI.
On top of that, Alexander Isak returned from injury to make the bench on Sunday, which puts further pressure on Ekitike. The former Newcastle man scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, per Sofascore, and could take his place in the starting line-up unless the ex-Bundesliga star improves his performances.
Man City fans' brutal chant sums up Florian Wirtz's time at Liverpool
The German struggled, yet again, for the Reds against Manchester City.
Chelsea skipper Reece James has sent a warning to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup as he urged the football’s governing body to rethink kick-off times to protect players from potentially "dangerous" heat conditions. The 25-year-old defender, who lifted the Club World Cup with Chelsea in the United States earlier this year, described the sweltering temperatures during the tournament as "super difficult" and believes that matches played in similar conditions next summer could put players’ health at risk.
Research warns of dangerous heat levels across US venues
A recent study by Queen’s University Belfast found that 14 of the 16 stadiums hosting matches in North America could reach or exceed temperatures deemed unsafe for prolonged physical activity. During Chelsea’s pre-tournament training sessions in Philadelphia, the team faced a severe heat warning with temperatures hitting 37°C and humidity levels pushing the perceived temperature closer to 45°C. The club’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez nearly collapsed during the game against Fluminense. He later revealed that he "felt dizzy" and needed medical attention midway through the game.
"Thank you for asking that question, because honestly, the heat is incredible," he said. "The other day, I got a bit dizzy during a play and had to go down to the ground. Playing in this kind of temperature is very dangerous. Especially for the spectacle as well, for the people who come to enjoy the game at the stadium, and for those watching at home. The pace of the game isn’t the same; everything slows down a lot. Hopefully next year they change the schedule at least, so that it’s more of a show, and football stays beautiful and exciting."
AdvertisementAFPJames echoes Fernandez thoughts
James echoed those concerns and believes the solution lies in rescheduling kick-off times to cooler evening hours, especially for the games staged in southern and central US states.
"It's super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England – there's not anything like that before," said James. "Later kick-offs when it's not so hot and humid. That would definitely help. For sure, that would definitely help."
When asked if FIFA had got in touch with him for any feedback, he replied, "No, I haven't been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times. I'm sure they will have asked someone. Maybe managers or people at the clubs. I'm sure they will have got some feedback."
FIFA’s plan to counter heat crisis
According to FIFA is considering late-night kick-offs for matches involving major European nations to mitigate the heat issue. This could mean start times mirroring the Club World Cup’s schedule, with games at 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 and even 02:00 BST. Such timings would help avoid the worst of the afternoon sun in the US while also catering to international TV audiences.
"You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot," James continued. "Once you are out there you adapt the longer you are there, when you are settled in once place and try to limit the things you can. The pitches when we were there weren't the greatest either and made it a little bit harder but hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around hopefully it's better."
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AFPEngland preparing for the heat battle
England have already secured qualification with two games to spare, and preparations are underway for the unique climate challenge that awaits them across the pond. Assistant coach Anthony Barry confirmed that the team will hold a warm-weather training camp in Florida to help players acclimatise to the conditions. Players will also undergo specific fitness conditioning to cope with the intense humidity that can sap energy and concentration.
Concerns over player welfare in extreme temperatures are nothing new. The 2022 Qatar World Cup was moved to winter to avoid similar risks, but this time, with matches spread across three countries and multiple time zones, the challenge remains unprecedented. Cooling breaks will be an important tool to counter the heat, but more exhaustive measures are required to ensure player safety.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs that are tracking Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
Having qualified for European football in three seasons under Emery, who has overseen a revolution at Villa Park, the Villans endured a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign. Villa, who did not score in any competition until mid-September, only picked up their first Premier League win on the 28th September.
Just days earlier, Villa beat Bologna 1-0 in the Europa League, a victory that kicked off a five-game win streak across all competitions. The club have since beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park, before falling to a 2-0 loss at Anfield against defending champions Liverpool.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Villa have been linked with a number of players. Having had well-documented troubles with PSR rules in recent months, it is clear that Villa’s first-team needs something of a revival through new additions, which they could get if they sign this particular forward.
Villa interested in Samu Aghehowa
As per Football Insider, Villa are interested in acquiring the services of Samu Aghehowa. Since joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, the forward has blossomed into one of Europe’s most-promising number nines and as such, has garnered interest from multiple clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on the Spaniard and as per Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Villa and Arsenal are also eyeing a move, while Newcastle may drop out of the race having signed Nick Woltemade.
Aghehowa would not be cheap. Understandably, Porto are keen to hold onto their star striker, who has an £88 million release clause in his contract. A lethal goalscorer, Aghehowa has been described as a “powerhouse” for his displays in Portugal.
Samu Aghehowa Porto Stats in All Competitions
Appearances
57
Goals
36
Assists
4
Yellow Cards (Red Cards)
7 (1)
Minutes Played
4,147′
In September, Roberto Olabe joined Villa as their President of Football Operations, replacing Monchi who had filled a similar role. January will mark Olabe’s first window with the Villans and Aghehowa would certainly be a statement first signing for the Spaniard.
Having lost Jhon Duran in January 2025, it could be argued that Villa are yet to replace the striker. Evann Guessand signed in the summer, but the former Nice forward has predominantly been used out wide by Emery.
Aghehowa, contrastingly, would be an out-and-out number nine were he to sign for Villa, offering England international Ollie Watkins a viable level of competition. The Spaniard would be a sensational addition, though whether Villa can agree a deal for him remains to be seen.
Heather Knight is expected to be fit for the World Cup after being named in England’s squad for the tournament, but her side will be without veteran seamer Kate Cross, who has been overlooked for selection.Knight, the former England captain, hasn’t played since injuring her hamstring during England’s home series with West Indies in May but it’s understood that her recovery is sufficiently on track to warrant her selection on Thursday.Danni Wyatt-Hodge also returns to strengthen the batting after being omitted in the 50-over format throughout the English summer, having made her last ODI appearance during the ill-fated Ashes tour of Australia in January.That means batter Maia Bouchier and allrounder Alice Davidson-Richards miss out, as does Cross, with England opting for four spinners to play in India and Sri Lanka during the tournament which starts next month.Sophie Ecclestone leads the spin contingent, which also includes fellow left-armer Linsey Smith and offspinner Charlie Dean, as well as legspinner Sarah Glenn, making her return after featuring in the West Indies series but missing out on the subsequent visit by India through June and July.England’s seam attack consists of Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Em Arlott, who made her international debut in May. Nat Sciver-Brunt is hopeful of returning to bowling in her allrounder role after a long-standing Achillies problem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Head Coach Charlotte Edwards said the tournament posed a “huge challenge” but she believed her side was capable of competing “with anyone”.”Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” Edwards said.”Conditions mean we have gone for the extra spinner and we’re lucky to be able to have such depth in this department, it’s fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back. That does mean there’s no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them.”It’s also great to have Danni back in the squad, she’s been in good form in domestic cricket and she’ll bring dynamism and depth to our batting, alongside Heather, who we are absolutely delighted to be able to select. She’ll be a huge asset for us.”Commentating on the women’s Hundred match between Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets a few hours after the announcement, Cross expressed her disappointment.”A lot for me to process,” Cross said on Sky Sports. “It’s probably been a disappointing summer in terms of England cricket. I feel like I’ve done quite well in this tournament. I performed for Lancashire.”But it’s difficult when you go into a subcontinent World Cup and you can tell that the head coach wants a little bit more spin in her armoury, then it makes sense in my head. So there’s a lot of logic that’s mixed with a lot of emotion at the minute.”Cross revealed she had only learned of her omission at 9am on Thursday, two hours before the squad was announced.She will next play for Northern Superchargers against Invincibles on Saturday as her side, currently placed second on the table, look to keep themselves in finals contention.Missing out on the 50-over World Cup places Cross at an interesting juncture in her career. She turns 34 in October and, while a home T20 World Cup beckons next year, she has fallen out of England favour in the shorter format.She played her last T20I during the tour of Ireland in September 2024 while the first-choice squad were in the UAE preparing for the T20 World Cup, where England eventually crashed out in the group stages.She has also forged a successful side-hustle in commentating, although she acknowledged the difficulties of her on- and off-field careers colliding on a day like this.”I probably wouldn’t have talked about this openly live on the television if I wasn’t doing commentary,” she said. “But I’ve got 24 hours to turn it around to play a game for the Northern Supercharges on Saturday.”It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but this is professional sport, we sign up to it, it doesn’t always go your way, and I’ve held back the tears so there we go, we can finish talking about it.”The World Cup runs from September 30 to November 2 and will be the first ICC tournament in charge for Edwards and captain Sciver-Brunt.England Women’s squad: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Wilson Seneme, Presidente da Comissão de Arbitragem da CBF, admitiu que houve um erro de arbitragem na vitória do Corinthians sobre o Grêmio, pelo Brasileirão. Ele afirmou que o árbitro Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima deveria ter assinalado pênalti para o Timão por uma falta cometida sobre Matheus Bidu no primeiro tempo.
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+ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians
Seneme interpretou que João Pedro, lateral do Grêmio, foi imprudente na disputa com Bidu, e complementou o raciocínio dizendo que a equipe do VAR se concentrou mais em analisar o comportamento do atleta corintiano no lance.
– Visivelmente o defensor do Grêmio tem uma ação imprudente. Mesmo que não tenha uma referência clara de puxão ou empurrão, o simples fato de colocar o peso do corpo nas costas do adversário, com essa carga, é o suficiente para levar esse jogador ao chão (…) Para nós aqui ficaram elementos para considerar a ação imprudente. Me parece que a equipe VAR se focou muito na ação do atacante e esqueceu de avaliar a ação do defensor – disse Seneme.
O lance envolvendo Bidu aconteceu aos seis minutos do primeiro tempo. O lateral do Corinthians foi derrubado por João Pedro dentro da área e pediu pênati. Na visão dos responsáveis pelo VAR, o defensor do Timão se jogou e atrasou a passada ao sentir o contato.
O lance gerou revolta na diretoria do Corinthians. Alessandro Nunes, gerente de futebol do Timão, tentou invadir a central de operação do Árbitro de Vídeo, em Porto Alegre. Aos gritos de “vergonha”, o ex-jogador e atual dirigente do clube paulista socou a porta da sala do VAR na Arena do Grêmio. No entanto, vale ressaltar que as operações em relação ao árbitro de vídeo acontecem na sede da CBF, no Rio de Janeiro.
+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão
A jogada teve continuidade e resultou em falta de Bruno Méndez em Lucas Besozzi, e o zagueiro do Corinthians foi expulso. Tanto o técnico Mano Menezes quanto Wilson Seneme acharam a expulsão de Méndez justa.
Charles and David also contributed with the bat to hand Patriots their third loss in four games
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-2025
Roston Chase’s fifty formed the backbone of the St Lucia Kings’ innings•CPL T20/Getty Images
After a washout in their opening game, St Lucia Kings beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three runs in a last-ball thriller in Basseterre to register their first win of CPL 2025. This was Patriots’ third loss in four games.After being sent in, Kings rode on the half-centuries of Johnson Charles and Roston Chase and a 23-ball 46 from Tim David to post 200 for 8. Patriots started well in their chase but had lost three wickets by the end of the powerplay. It became 66 for 4 after nine overs. At that point, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster gave Patriots a 5.32% chance of winning.Jason Holder kept them in the game singlehandedly, striking a 29-ball 63. After he fell, Navin Bidaisee took over and brought it down to four needed off the final delivery. David Wiese bowled a slot ball; Bidaisee swung towards long-off but could not clear David. Apart from scoring a 38-ball 61, Chase also picked up 2 for 27 from four overs and was named the Player of the Match.Earlier, Kings were 21 for 2 after three overs before Charles and Chase injected momentum into the innings by adding 50 off 26 balls for the third wicket. After Charles fell, Chase and David carried on. Chase hit Dominic Drakes for three fours in an over and, later, David smashed Holder for three sixes in his one over.Jason Holder’s valiant knock could not bring a win for Patriots•CPL T20/Getty ImagesThey added 80 off 50 but after they both departed, the incoming batters could not keep the momentum going and managed just 21 from the last three overs.Andre Fletcher and Kyle Mayers gave Patriots a start of 43 in 4.2 overs. But once Wiese broke that stand with Mayers’ wicket, Patriots’ chase got derailed. Khary Pierre, who had opened the bowling, removed Fletcher and Mikyle Louis in the next over to make it 49 for 3 after the powerplay. Chase dropped a tough return catch of Rilee Rossouw. It did not prove costly as Chase dismissed him in his next over. Holder came and hit Tabraiz Shamsi for 4, 6, 6 off successive balls in the tenth over to take the side to 84 for 4 at the halfway stage.Holder kept hitting and brought up his fifty with his fifth six, off Wiese and off just 23 balls. He added 77 off 40 balls for the fifth wicket with Bidaisee, in which the latter’s contribution was 9 off 11.Once Holder fell, Bidaisee opened up and dispatched Shamsi for 4, 4, 6. He hit a six in each of the next four overs and got to his fifty in 35 balls. But he could not take Patriots over the line.
Tottenham Hotspur have made some big additions over the last couple of years, with many of which have made a huge impact on their recent success in Europe.
The hierarchy has been boosted in recent days, after it was confirmed that former Sporting Director Fabio Paratici would return to his role after a two-and-a-half-year absence.
He’s been known to make key additions such as Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski during his previous stint in North London, but he could be about to land similar quality in the future.
With the transfer window still a couple of months away from reopening, the 53-year-old has a key period ahead of him to identify players who would improve Thomas Frank’s squad.
However, the Italian has wasted no time in finding players who could become top targets when the chance arises at the midway stage of the Premier League campaign.
Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent under Paratici
Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been hugely touted with a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his impressive start to the new campaign.
The 25-year-old has already scored six times and registered three assists in his seven league outings, with it being reported that he currently has a release clause in his deal at the Vitality.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović a talent who is firmly in their sights, according to TEAMtalk’s latest report.
They claim that Paratici’s links with the Old Lady could help the Lilywhites in their pursuit of the centre-forward, with his deal set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
It also states that Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Serbian international, but they could face competition from Chelsea for his signature in the near future.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus
In an attempt to build on their Europa League success, Spurs spent over £100m on new additions during the off-season to help strengthen Frank’s chances in the role.
Mohammed Kudus was just one of the additions made, with the hierarchy paying local rivals West Ham United a whopping £55m for his services and signature.
The Ghanaian has already made himself a fan-favourite in North London after making an immediate impact in the Premier League under Frank’s guidance.
The 25-year-old has scored once and registered four assists – the most of any player in the squad – whilst laying on more goals for his teammates than any star in the division.
His assists alone highlight the quality he possesses within attacking areas, but such numbers could improve further should Vlahovic make the move to England in the near future.
Whilst he’s already netted six goals in his 11 outings in 2025/26, his underlying stats further highlight why his addition would be perfect for Kudus in the years ahead.
The Serbian, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Luca Toni, has averaged 1.2 shots on target per 90, with 43% of his efforts troubling the opposition ‘keeper.
Games played
11
Goals scored
6
Shots on target
1.2
Shot on target accuracy
43%
Aerials won
2.4
Goals scored per 90
0.81
Touches in opposition box
4.5
Fouls won
1.7
Such numbers could hugely play into the hands of Kudus, given his assists, but the big-money addition also ranks in the 97th percentile for crosses completed, which would certainly be perfect for Vlahovic.
The Juve star has also won 2.4 aerial duels per 90, with such a figure handing the Dane’s side a needed focal point to play off when they find themselves under pressure.
He’s ranked in the 92nd percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, with such numbers making him the perfect talisman to complete the Lilywhites’ attack.
It’s unclear if a deal would be completed in January or the summer, but it’s evident that a deal for the 25-year-old would be one that could add a new dimension to the frontline.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up
If he can strike up a partnership with Kudus, it would also take the latter to the next level and hand Frank’s side a greater chance for added success in the near future.
No Porro, £40m winger joins: The dream XI Paratici could build at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could be set for some changes after Fabio Paratici returned to North London.
Roy Keane believes Liverpool can no longer be considered Premier League title contenders, saying their 3-0 thumping at Manchester City proves they are in a "crisis". Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku saw Pep Guardiola’s City confirm themselves as the likeliest challengers to league leaders Arsenal, in what was a damaging defeat for the reigning champions.
Haaland, Gonzalez & Doku all on target against lacklustre Liverpool
All eyes were on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as City and Liverpool aimed to not only dent each other’s title hopes, but equally close the gap on an Arsenal side who were held to a 2-2 draw with Sunderland the previous day.
And on the 1,000th game of Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career, it was City who outlined their title credentials, roaring past a Liverpool side for whom it looked like it was one game too many in their mini-revival following victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
Haaland, Gonzalez and man-of-the-match Doku did the damage for City, who are now second in the table and just four points behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool remain eight points adrift of the Gunners, having lost a fourth consecutive away game in the league for the first time since 2012.
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Manchester United icon Keane lays into Slot's Reds after the game
And such was the sluggish nature of Liverpool’s loss at City that Manchester United legend Keane feels Arne Slot’s men are now unlikely to defend the title which they claimed last season.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, Keane told "You can't be considering Liverpool for the title. That was a sore defeat. But this reminded me of [the] City of old. They were outstanding. They are back in the mix."
He then said it is "crisis time for Liverpool," adding: "It's okay to lose to a club like Man City – it's a tough place to come. But to lose seven in ten – five league losses already – It has to be a crisis for a club like Liverpool.
"I thought Liverpool looked like a really weak team today. The manager said he was pleased with the second half, but the game was over! It's easy to play well when you're not playing for anything.
"I thought [Slot's] assessment of the game was spot on. City looked stronger, technically better and more physical than Liverpool today. [Liverpool] still had moments, they've always got quality, but the goals they're giving away – their decision making – was not good enough. There was a lack of intensity, a lack of energy. The subs, when they came on, looked really soft. I think it is a crisis for Liverpool."
Van Dijk stops short of getting involved in debate over disallowed goal
While Liverpool were second best for the majority of the match, they will feel aggrieved they did not register at least one goal in the game.
The Merseysiders thought they had delivered a sucker punch in the first half when captain Virgil van Dijk headed home from Mohamed Salah’s corner, but the goal was ruled out after Andy Robertson was adjudged to have been interfering with play from an offside position.
However, Netherlands international Van Dijk refused to get embroiled in a debate over the decision, saying "it doesn’t matter what he thinks about the incident."
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Netherlands centre-back insists 'it doesn't matter' what he thinks
When asked about his disallowed goal after the final whistle, Van Dijk told "In football the officials are deciding the key decisions and we have to deal with it on the pitch. There is no point discussing this from my point of view. The reality is that we lost 3-0 and that is a big blow.
"It doesn't matter what I say [about the goal] because anything I say will be in the media and the whole international break will be about my comment on the decision. I just focus on the fact we lost. You guys can debate if it should have stood.
"It's about finding consistency and carrying on. Now we go to our countries, stay fit and be ready for a big run after. We are not going to give up whatsoever. We are in November and we are ready for a long season and a big fight."