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Well, Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been slashed. It’s all doom and gloom (joking, it’s not). Arsenal might have won at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday but Liverpool remain four points clear and with a game in hand.

Arne Slot’s side have been brilliant this season and are favourites for the title, but it would be remiss to think that the Reds will storm away and out of sight before January’s done and dusted.

It’s remarkable that Liverpool have even found themselves in such a promising position after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, with most assuming that Anfield would tussle for a place in the Champions League.

But Slot’s tactics and managerial expertise have propelled the Merseysiders into the ascendency across a range of fronts, and while Liverpool have only won three of their past seven top-flight fixtures, it’s anticipated the smoother sailing will return after a tough winter.

Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures (all comps)

Date

Competition

Opponent

17/01/25

Premier League

Brentford (A)

21/02/25

Champions League

Lille (H)

25/01/25

Premier League

Ipswich (H)

29/01/25

Champions League

PSV (A)

01/02/25

Premier League

Bournemouth (A)

Liverpool have endured. They usually do. And anyway, the Redmen often dip into the January transfer window to make one or two well-placed improvements, and that might take place in the coming weeks.

Liverpool & the January transfer window

Liverpool and the January transfer window, a match made in heaven. Be it Virgil van Dijk or Takumi Minamino, FSG have always enjoyed making a wonderful winter signing to advance Liverpool’s cause.

Van Dijk is the gold standard and his £75m move from Southampton might even be the Premier League’s greatest January transfer, revolutionising Jurgen Klopp’s backline and leading Liverpool to glory.

Years before, let’s not forget, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge both joined from different outfits in January 2013, with Luis Suarez completing a £23m transfer from Ajax two years prior.

More recently, however, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo enjoyed mid-season switches to Merseyside, having now gone strength to strength under Slot’s wing, integral parts of the Anfield make-up.

The Red Devils were left munching dirt clouds as Liverpool welcomed Gakpo to the fold, and now, FSG are looking to repeat the trick with one of the Premier League’s most underrated midfielders.

Liverpool eyeing Prem midfielder

As per Football Insider, scouts from Liverpool and Manchester United have been tracking Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes in recent months and could strike a deal this year.

Wolves are battling relegation but have improved under Vitor Pereira in recent weeks, and it would take a mammoth fee to convince the Old Gold to part with their engine this month.

However, a deal could certainly be struck this summer, with previous reports suggesting that the Anfielders would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £50m.

What Joao Gomes would bring to Liverpool

Gomes is a talented midfielder with an eye for a tackle. Wolves signed Flamengo’s prospect for £15m in January 2023, so he’s already accustomed to a winter rehousing.

71 appearances later, Gomes has scored five goals and assisted three more for his English employers, making good on talent scout Jacek Kulig’s praise that he is a “warrior” who “always gives 100% on the pitch.”

Gomes’ seasonal heatmap from the English top flight says it all: his boundless energy and enthusiasm across the different facets of the midfield game, completing 85% of his passes, 62% of his dribbles and averaging 5.1 ball recoveries per game.

He might be a dynamic and multi-faceted midfielder, but Gomes is a ball-winning monster at heart, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles (4.05) per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that he would bring combative energy to Liverpool’s rich engine room.

Premier League 24/25 – Top Tacklers

Rank

Player

Tackles (per 90)

1.

Daniel Munoz

71 (3.94)

2.

Moises Caicedo

63 (3.06)

3.

Noussair Mazraoui

62 (3.67)

4.

Joao Gomes

61 (3.41)

5.

Idrissa Gueye

58 (3.74)

5=

Alexis Mac Allister

58 (3.70)

Stats via Premier League

17th-placed Wolves might be embroiled in a fight to stay in the Premier League but Gomes has been a machine in the middle, capable of playing deep and more advanced.

His energy and expertise as a “box-crasher,” as analyst Ben Mattinson has called him, could bear dividends for a Liverpool side that has enjoyed so much success with Ryan Gravenberch as the deep-lying playmaker.

Liverpool needs to get this one done, especially when considering the rich history in welcoming winter talent to the first team. Given that the aforementioned Gakpo had been on Man United’s radar, like Gomes, there’s an even more pressing reason to ensure that he’s added to the ranks.

Leaving PSV Eindhoven, Dutch sensation Gakpo was only 23 when he moved to Liverpool, the same age as Gomes is now.

He’s been one of the key attacking pillars in Slot’s system this season, firing 12 goals and placing four assists across 30 appearances in all competitions.

The Netherlands international has been hailed as “Liverpool’s man for the big occasion” by reporter Beth Lindop, not blessed with the audacious prolificness of Mohamed Salah but indispensable as a title challenge is mounted.

How Liverpool would love to strike a blow in Man United hearts once again, strengthening their midfield ranks with a player who would be perfect for Ruben Amorim’s system.

The Old Trafford side have endured much market misery over the past decade but Liverpool’s talent radar is usually unerring, so it would be a travesty to lose this player to their rivals, who are desperately seeking a resurgence.

Whether Gomes is ready to make the jump is open to question, but based on the evidence from within tough conditions at Molineux, the Reds might just score a blinder by adding this one to the fold.

Related Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool eyeing "one of the best CFs in the world"

Liverpool are ready to hijack a big rival in order to sign this Darwin Nunez upgrade.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jan 14, 2025

The Dutch star came off the bench at half-time to score twice and put Nick Cushing's side in control of their Champions League quarter-final

Manchester City are on course for the last four of the Champions League after inflicting Chelsea's first defeat of the season on Wednesday night, triumphing 2-0 in the quarter-final first leg courtesy of a Vivianne Miedema brace. City started the game brightly with Mary Fowler at the heart of everything early on for the hosts, who were out for revenge after their weekend League Cup defeat to the Blues.

Lily Murphy was also causing Chelsea a few problems down the left flank as City dominated the first half but lacked the cutting edge in attack to find the breakthrough. Their interim boss Nick Cushing sent on Miedema at half-time in search of goal and it proved an excellent change as the 28-year-old went on to break the deadlock on the hour.

Fowler's cross was headed goalward by Laia Aleixandri and parried onto the bar by Hampton, only for the ball to fall kindly to an unmarked Miedema at the far post to emphatically knock home via a touch off the crossbar.

Chelsea ramped up the pressure late on, as Mayra Ramirez saw a goal disallowed for offside and substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneryd rattled the frame of the goal with a powerful drive. Yet it was the hosts who doubled their lead in the dying minutes. Kerolin hared down the right again before playing the ball in to Miedema to sweep home her second of the night and put City in control of the tie ahead of the return at Stamford Bridge next Thursday.

GOAL rates Manchester City's players from the Joie Stadium

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ayaka Yamashita (8/10):

  Confidently dealt with everything that came her way. Really important save late on to deny Kaptein and preserve her clean sheet.

  Kerstin Casparij (6/10):

  Handed Chelsea a chance in the first half after giving the ball away in a dangerous area but otherwise did OK. Some good moments going forwards, too.

  Gracie Prior (7/10):

  Another solid showing from the 20-year-old, who barely put a foot wrong.

  Laia Aleixandri (8/10):

  Enjoyed another good battle against Mayra Ramírez and did a great job. A fine header forced Hampton into a save before Miedema scored and she made a great block on Bronze late on as well.

  Leila Ouahabi (5/10):

  Some wobbly moments defensively and struggled against Chelsea's pace on the counter.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Yui Hasegawa (8/10)

  Really strong showing and was influential in the win. Always on the move and all of City's best attacks came through her.

  Jill Roord (6/10):

  Kept trying to get City going forwards. Had some sights of goal but her efforts were fairly tame.

  Jess Park (7/10):

  Was a willing runner and covered so much ground. Found more space in the second half which helped City offer more threat.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Kerolin (7/10):

  Had a quiet first half but was much more of a threat after the break with her direct runs down the right.

  Lily Murphy (6/10):

  Looked really dangerous down the left in the first period but wasn't involved enough. Hooked at half-time for Miedema.

  Mary Fowler (7/10):

  Was involved in all of City's best attacks. Played a role in the opener with a great ball into the box and worked tirelessly.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Vivianne Miedema (9/10):

  Came on at half-time and made the difference. Scored the opener and netted another late on with a classy finish that could prove crucial.

  Laura Coombs (6/10):

  Came on and will have enjoyed a victory over her former side.

  Laura Blindkilde Brown (N/A)

  A late sub.

  Nick Cushing (8/10):

  Had his team fired up after their disappointment at the weekend. Bringing on Miedema at half-time was a great call as she took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored twice.

Everton managed to reveal a layer of attacking quality in midweek, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in the Premier League.

It was the perfect fuel for Sean Dyche’s side to send the Toffees fanbase into rapture, with Liverpool travelling the less-than-a-mile distance from Anfield for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Storm Darragh had other plans. Howling winds and lashing rain precluded the match from taking place, with Saturday morning bringing about the dreaded news that the contest had indeed been called off.

It’s certainly frustrating, for Everton have entered a good moment and were ready to take on a Liverpool side contending with a host of injuries. Dyche was given a glimpse of attacking quality that has scarcely been on show throughout the term.

To be sure, the Blue Merseysiders need more from their frontal members.

Everton's attacking failures

Dyche has got a task on his hands to overturn the misery that has threatened his place in the Everton dugout. The Toffees might have earned a reprieve through their statement victory against Wolves but consistency has been lacking and that needs to change.

14th

Ipswich Town

23

14=

Newcastle United

23

14=

Nottingham Forest

23

14=

Nottingham Forest

23

18th

West Ham United

22

19th

Southampton

20

20th

Everton

19

While it’s true that Dyche has been let down by his forwards, namely Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has failed to register a direct goal contribution across his past nine Premier League outings, creativity has been negligible, with the Blues indeed the division’s bottom-placed side when it comes to creating chances.

Pretty damning – let’s hope the Wolves victory doesn’t prove to be a lonely outlier. Whether the club will have the financial power to strengthen in January remains to be seen, but they could certainly do with the booster.

Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but it’s also a useless thing. Even so, it’s a real shame, in hindsight, that Everton allowed Ademola Lookman to leave at the start of his career.

His dynamic qualities would be perfect for Dyche’s team.

Why Everton sold Ademola Lookman

Everton were the team that gave Lookman his first opportunity at the highest level, signing him from Charlton Athletic for an £11m fee in January 2017, when he was aged only 19.

Though he is now regarded as a top-class player, the versatile winger failed to establish himself with the Toffees, totalling just four goals across 48 appearances before being sold to RB Leipzig in 2019 in a deal worth £22.5m.

While Everton succeeded in turning a profit for their fringe prospect, it’s rather poignant to watch him do so well now, having finished 14th on the Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings after an incredible year with Serie A side Atalanta.

Aged 27, Lookman is established and ensconced in the prime of his career, and given that Atalanta wanted €70m (£59m) for their dynamic star this summer when high-ranked outfits such as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain were circling, Farhad Moshiri and co must surely feel a little bit rueful, having let a potential blinder slip through their fingers.

Ademola Lookman's performances in 2024/25

Lookman achieved continental acclaim at the final stage of the 2023/24 campaign, blasting in a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen to claim the Europa League crown.

He’s continued to make headway this year, having posted ten goals and five assists across 17 matches in all competitions, very much backing up the praise that he is Piero Gian Gasperini’s “superstar” – so journalist Sean Walsh has said.

As per FBref, Lookman ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 7% for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, denoting elite-level potency and an effective ball-carrying quality that shapes him into the complete package.

As you can see, he’s not just a one-trick pony, emerging to spearhead Atalanta’s trophy-lifting triumph. No, Lookman has found a stunning vein of consistency in the final third over the past several years and is now reaping the rewards of his hard labours.

FBref record the Nigeria international to be an exceptionally prolific force, but perhaps more curious is the fact that he has been compared to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jamal Musiala as a result.

Two heavyweights, Saka and Musiala set the gold standard in the Premier League and Bundesliga respectively, with the pairing considered to be among the most valuable players in the world, as per the CIES Football Observatory.

Goals scored

0.76

0.49

0.45

Assists

0.38

0.36

0.18

Shots taken

3.32

3.39

3.49

Shot-creating actions

5.71

5.68

5.57

Progressive passes

3.98

3.70

5.45

Progressive carries

5.09

4.98

5.15

Successful take-ons

1.97

1.62

3.91

Ball recoveries

4.08

4.37

4.24

Whether Lookman is actually at the same level as a player such as Saka is debatable; the Arsenal sensation is arguably the best right winger in the world right now, barring maybe Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

But it’s still a mark of his prowess and a frustrating reminder to Everton that they let him go before he had time to nurture his natural-born talents and bloom.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

While a player like Lookman would be a welcome addition to Dyche’s cause right now, let’s hope that the Toffees have learnt from their past mistakes and ensure that the up-and-coming stars of the present day are allowed to rise to the fore over the coming years.

Dyche's "new hope" could be Everton's answer to Mo Salah

Everton meet Liverpool in the rivals’ final Premier League contest at Goodison Park.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 7, 2024

West Ham United officials are ready to open preliminary talks with the agents of a manager, as the Hammers edge towards replacing Julen Lopetegui in the dugout.

Lopetegui "fighting to save job" as West Ham hold internal crisis talks

Reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic backed multiple reports in the press that West Ham held internal talks over Lopetegui’s future on Wednesday, with pressure intensely growing on the Spaniard.

Steidten holds talks with new manager and wants Lopetegui out of West Ham

The German is personally in favour of a change.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2024

It has been a woeful start to the Premier League campaign for West Ham, who have won just four times in 14 league games, despite spending north of £120 million on new additions in the summer transfer window.

The Irons have also been thumped 5-2 by Arsenal and 3-1 by Leicester City in the space of five days, piling pressure on Lopetegui who is now “fighting to save his job”, according to Ornstein.

West Ham, led by technical director Tim Steidten, are now assessing alternative candidates for the managerial position – should they indeed decide to hand Lopetegui his P45 amid calls for his removal.

Steidten has held talks with Edin Terzic, according to GiveMeSport, and is personally in favour of sacking West Ham’s current manager after their lacklustre start to the 2024/2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is contending for the West Ham job, while former FC Porto boss Conceicao is keen on replacing Lopetegui after leaving the Primeira Liga giants earlier this year.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

There are a few high-profile options if David Sullivan and co decide to make the decision and sack Lopetegui, but there is another candidate who is now reportedly entering pole position for the West Ham hot seat.

West Ham ready to open talks with Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui

Indeed, that man is former Chelsea and Brighton head coach Graham Potter.

The Englishman, who also sensationally guided Swedish minnows Ostersunds FK to the Europa League after successive promotions from the fourth tier, has been without a job since his sacking by Chelsea.

The 49-year-old is now entering the mix to succeed Lopetegui, as Football Insider share that West Ham are ready to open preliminary talks with Potter, who is said to be emerging as the lead contender.

Potter is apparently “ahead of Conceicao” in the race, with West Ham now prepared to advance their interest in the tactician in their pursuit of a new boss.

Scott Boland produced a typically miserly bowling performance to bowl 10 maidens out of his 19 overs

Tristan Lavalette18-Feb-2022Quick Scott Boland produced a typically miserly bowling performance as he tuned up for Australia’s tour of Pakistan during a grinding opening day in the Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and Queensland at the Junction Oval.Boland, who became a sensation during the Ashes after a remarkable start to his Test career, finished wicketless but conjured his famed disciplined line and length to frustrate Queensland, who reached stumps at 6 for 221. Debutant Jack Clayton held Bulls’ batting together with a determined 72 not out from 179 balls at No. 4.After starting with three maidens, Boland had just three deliveries scored off during his first 11 overs and finished with 0 for 24 from 19 overs. He was engaged in the second session in an absorbing duel with Matt Renshaw, who was the most fluent of the Bulls batters with 43 off 78 balls before falling on the stroke of tea.Queensland struggled against Victoria’s relentless attack as they crawled at two runs an over for most of the day after winning the toss. Openers Joe Burns (22) and Bryce Street batted cautiously during a rain-curtailed opening session to set the tone for the Bulls.Burns was bowled by young quick Mitch Perry without offering a shot, while Street fell lbw to pumped-up James Pattinson to end his laborious 23 off 98 balls.Queensland nosedived after the tea break marked by a sloppy run out to skipper Jimmy Peirson for a duck to slump to 5 for 157. Left-handed batter Clayton found much-needed support through Gurinder Sandhu (19) before the No. 7 fell to seamer Will Sutherland against the second new ball.Young allrounder Sutherland, who struggled in the BBL, conjured sharp pace and bounce in a lively performance to finish with 1 for 54 from 15 overs.The Bulls line-up boasts of Test squad members Mitch Swepson and quick Mark Steketee, who on Wednesday replaced injured team-mate Michael Neser in Australia’s 18-man travelling party.

Former Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez opened up on his time at Emirates Stadium as he accused the club of unfairly tagging him 'aloof'.

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Azeez accused Arsenal coaching staff of unfairly treating himLeft Arsenal in January 2024 Gunners coaching staff misjudged himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Azeez, who graduated from the Gunners' youth system, made his first and only appearance for the club in December 2020 in the Europa League. In the next three seasons, he was sent out on loan to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan Athletic before he left the club permanently in January 2024. Recalling his time at the North London club, the 22-year-old felt that he was 'misjudged' by the coaching staff.

AdvertisementWHAT MIGUEL AZEEZ SAID

Speaking to , the English player said: "I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged. Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave. If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’.

"I was just trying to improve. “That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together. The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things. I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’. Nah, I’m just being myself."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Azeez added: "I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels. There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving. I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football. When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners, who are currently seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they host West Ham at Emirates Stadium.

If there is one area that Newcastle United have struggled in so far this season, it is scoring goals. The Magpies have not been able to rely on their star striker, Alexander Isak, who has just one goal to his name in the Premier League and is currently injured. Harvey Barnes is currently their top scorer with three goals, followed by Anthony Gordon with two.

It is certainly a worry for Eddie Howe. His side have managed just eight goals all season, the joint-fifth lowest in the entire Premier League. As per Understat, they are drastically underachieving on their expected goals, which currently sits at 9.63xG.

A lack of goals from starters and players off the bench has left the Magpies desperate for someone who can change a game, just like Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

Duran’s stats so far this season

It has been a simply astronomic rise to the top for Villa’s striking sensation Duran. He has developed a reputation as the latest heroic Premier League super sub, and when he steps onto the pitch, there is a sense of expectation from Villa fans, and dread from opposition fans.

This term, the Columbian striker already has four goals in seven Premier League appearances, despite having played just 184 minutes, and having not yet started, meaning all goals have come as a substitute. In the top flight, the most minutes he has played in a single game is just 29.

German giants Bayern Munich have also been on the end of his remarkable feat off the bench. The 20-year-old found the back of the net against them as a substitute in the Champions League, a remarkable strike from halfway inside the Bayern half, lobbing the great Manuel Neuer.

The stats on FBref also show just how good the former Chicago Fire centre-forward has been this term. He has the second highest goals per game average in the Premier League this term, with 1.9, and the equal best goals per shot number, with 0.4 along with Jamie Vardy.

It has been a truly remarkable campaign for the young Columbian, who will be hoping he can continue his electric form. Indeed, he is the sort of player Newcastle could use off the bench right now, who can make a difference late in a game, having actually been linked with a move for the rising star over the summer.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Such a deal never materialised, but the Magpies may well have someone returning from injury soon enough who can make a similar sort of impact as Duran.

Newcastle’s super sub

The player in question here is England international striker Callum Wilson. The 32-year-old striker has struggled with injury during his time at St James’ Park, although has still got a great record in that famous black and white shirt. Wilson has scored 48 goals and has 11 assists in just 108 games for the club.

Like Duran, the former Bournemouth man has a real knack for scoring goals off the bench. Over the past two seasons, Wilson has managed to do so seven times in 21 appearances from the bench.

Wilson goals off the bench in PL for Newcastle
Season	Opponent	Minute subbed on	Minute scored
2022/23	Man United	80th	88th
2022/23	Spurs	66th	67th
2022/23	Southampton	46th	54th, 81st
2023/24	Villa	68th	77th
2023/24	Brighton	58th	90th+2
2023/24	Sheffield United	66th	72nd
Stats from Transfermarkt

In the 2023/24 campaign, he averaged 0.82 goals per 90 minutes, according to Fbref. That placed him eighth among all Premier League players last term, with Duran one of those ahead of him. He also ranked joint-eighth for the number of goals per shot, coming in at 0.21. He was described as a “machine” by football statistician Statman Dave for a reason.

Frustratingly, the striker, who went to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is yet to play this term due to an injury. However, Howe confirmed recently that he hopes to have their number nine available after the international break.

Having a player as effective as Wilson back could transform the Magpies’ season. They are currently struggling to find the back of the net, but if the Englishman can stay fit and firing, he could help them score more goals regularly, and give them a much-needed impact off the bench.

Isak will love him: Newcastle will look at signing elite PL winner in 2025

He could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 8, 2024

Dissect Liverpool’s performance against Arsenal, and you’d find plenty to criticise. It was an imperfect display, one that Arne Slot will know could have yielded far more rotten fruits, had the Gunners capitalised on their early energy.

Mikel Arteta has built his side to elite status, but they looked depleted on Sunday afternoon and saw their influence pared down as the contest went on, something that Liverpool took advantage of in the closing stage.

Indeed, having initially restored parity in the first half through skipper Virgil van Dijk’s header, the Reds clawed back once again through Mohamed Salah’s tidy finish, capping off a delicious team move with less than ten minutes on the clock.

Mohamed Salah's influence for Arne Slot

We’re now two months away from January. It’ll be a new year, one rich with possibility but fraught with danger for Liverpool. Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Salah will all be free to chat with clubs overseas and make pre-contract agreements.

Once again, Salah proved to be the architect of Liverpool’s success, scoring at the Emirates Stadium to level the scores and stay four points above stuttering Arsenal, albeit ceding the Premier League’s top spot to Manchester City – who have dauntingly sauntered into pole position at the first quarter of the campaign.

That’s eight goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Egyptian king, who might be 32 now but is hardly detached from the supreme athletic prowess that complements his prolific shooting and improved playmaking.

To think that this man’s esteemed Anfield career could be reaching its conclusion is almost unthinkable, but the stark reality is that FSG have it all to do, with arguably the three most important Liverpool members leaving Slot’s project simultaneously. The setback could be significant.

Salah’s £350k-per-week contract towers above the rest of the squad’s earnings, and rightly so, his brilliance demanded a twist to the previously rigid structure. However, whether FSG will continue to cover such a financial cost remains to be seen.

Liverpool: Highest-paid Players 2024/25

Rank

Player

Salary

1.

Mohamed Salah

£350k-per-week

2.

Virgil van Dijk

£220k-per-week

3.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£180k-per-week

4.

Alexis Mac Allister

£150k-per-week

4=

Alisson Becker

£150k-per-week

4=

Ryan Gravenberch

£150k-per-week

4=

Federico Chiesa

£150k-per-week

Wages via Capology

If Liverpool are to lose their linchpin, sporting director Richard Hughes must surely replace Salah with a fitting successor, one whose potency and overall performance levels suggest that he could not just add to but enhance this wonderful breadth of offensive quality on Merseyside.

Luckily, pre-emptive moves are indeed being made.

Liverpool now eyeing Salah successor

According to a report from Sky Sport Germany last week, Liverpool are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, who is valued at around €60m (£50m) by the sixth-place Bundesliga outfit.

Though Frankfurt have ruled out the Egyptian departure in January, Marmoush could be up for grabs next summer given that contact has already been made.

The 25-year-old would leap at the chance to move to the Premier League and play for Liverpool, no doubt enticed by the success of his country’s talisman.

Why Omar Marmoush could replace Salah

Let’s get one thing straight: Salah has entered the later stage of his career, and even if he pens an extension on Merseyside, it would be imprudent to neglect to search for an heir on the right flank.

Hailed as a “10/10” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, Marmoush would be a fitting replacement, and not only because of the shared ancestry. The Frankfurt striker has gone from strength to strength in Germany over the past few years, now regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s finest and most fearsome forwards.

Harry Kane attracts attention from his homeland as he maintains eye-catching rates of scoring with Bayern Munich, but remarkably, the Liverpool transfer target is going punch for punch with the Three Lions captain in 2024/25, suggesting that he could step into his compatriot’s shoes and provide Liverpool with goals and assists aplenty.

German Bundesliga: Top Scorers 2024/25

Rank

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

1.

Harry Kane

8

9

4

1=

Omar Marmoush

8

9

4

3.

Victor Boniface

8

6

1

3=

Tim Kleindienst

8

6

1

5.

Michael Olise

8

5

2

Stats via BBC Sport

It’s quite a thing, and with efforts in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal (the German version of the FA Cup) placed in the equation too, it can be seen that Marmoush has posted ten goals and seven assists across all competitions this season – even more goal contributions than Salah.

The talent’s creativity and ball-carrying quality suggest that he could perform as a sort of early iteration of Salah at Liverpool, ranking among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Such skills have led FBref to present Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. as the Frankfurt star’s most similar player, a real testament to his fleet feet and direct style of play, almost unorthodox in his motions.

The Brazilian has been one of the finest players in the world across the past few years and is expected to finish second in the Ballon d’Or rankings, having risen to the status of Madrid’s star forward in a line carrying the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham.

Vinicius Jr.’s sharp dribbling, flair and flamboyance have made him one of the most dangerous forwards of his generation, having scored 32 goals and supplied 18 assists since the start of last season.

He ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 8% for assists and the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90 (FBref), with such metrics making it clear to see how the 24-year-old operates in a similar realm to that of Marmoush.

Liverpool know of the Los Blancos galactico’s star power only too well, but by signing their own version of the South American, Slot might just get his hands on the perfect Salah successor, one who could spearhead the new era.

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Com o aval do técnico Abel Ferreira, o Palmeiras vai iniciar as tratativas pela contratação do argentino Marcos Rojo, de 31 anos, ex-Manchester United, atualmente no Boca Juniors e que pode atuar tanto como zagueiro quanto lateral-esquerdo.

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A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo Uol e confirmada pelo LANCE! por pessoas da diretoria alviverde. Na imprensa argentina, o interesse palmeirense em Rojo viria desde dezembro, quando foram realizadas as primeiras consultas junto ao staff do zagueiro/lateral-esquerdo.

O jogador tem vínculo com o Boca Juniors até o final de 2022, o que forçaria o Verdão a abrir negociações com os argentinos para conseguir sua transferência. Há cláusula inclusive que permite a renovação automática até 2023 do vínculo se cumpridas certas exigências.

Segundo o site Transfermarkt, referência na avaliação de preços de atletas no mundo todo, Rojo valeria algo em torno de 3,6 milhões de euros. Mas existem outras atenuantes para o Palmeiras avançar nas negociações. Isso porque ele tem um dos maiores salários do clube portenho, é o atual capitão e tem imensa admiração da torcida.

Rojo preencheria os requisitos sonhados pelo treinador português, de ser canhoto e saber sair jogando se tornando opção para fazer uma ligação entre a defesa e o meio-campo.

Atualmente, o Palmeiras tem apenas Renan como opção de canhoto entre seus zagueiros. Valber Huerta, cuja contratação fora acertada junto ao Universidad Católica, acabou reprovado nos exames médicos em dezembro.

Após Huerta, o Verdão buscou dois nomes de zagueiros canhotos, Samir, ex-Flamengo, e Gustavo Dulanto, do Sheriff, da Moldávia, mas não houveram avanços nas negociações.

Além do fator tático, Abel conhece o argentino dos tempos em que trabalhou no Sporting B. Rojo defendeu a equipe principal de Lisboa entre 2011 e 2013.

Rojo saiu do Sporting para atuar no Spartak Moscou, da Rússia, onde acabou vendido ao Manchester United pouco depois após participação de destaque na seleção argentina vice-campeã da Copa do Mundo de 2014, no Brasil.

Ficou sete anos no futebol inglês, onde acabou atuando de zagueiro nas mãos do técnico português José Mourinho, posição pela qual disputou também o Mundial de 2018. Está desde 2021 no Boca, onde desfalcou o clube em algumas partidas por problemas físicos.
+CONFIRA O CAMINHO DO PALMEIRAS NO MUNDIAL DE CLUBES

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After their first defeat under Arne Slot against Nottingham Forest, the pressure was on Liverpool at San Siro on Tuesday evening, but the Reds breezed past AC Milan to get back to winning ways.

Milan 1-3 Liverpool reaction

When Christian Pulisic burst down the right-hand side before shocking Alisson with an inch-perfect strike to give Milan the lead within three minutes, Liverpool’s minds would have flashed back to just a few days prior when Callum Hudson-Odoi struck to secure the points for Forest at Anfield. But Ibrahima Konate quickly eased any building doubts for Slot’s side, heading home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick.

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As it turns out, Liverpool found a weakness in Milan through that set piece and quickly exploited it once more. This time, with Kostas Tsimikas on the corner, it was Virgil van Dijk who headed home to flip the game on its head and hand the Reds the advantage. Then finishing the game off in style through Dominik Szoboszlai’s counter-attack goal, Liverpool made it four wins from five under Slot and his first in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, despite not getting on the scoresheet, one Liverpool forward left many impressed in his first start under Slot. The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani described Cody Gakpo as “smart”, sharing the player ratings from popular Italian paper Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Gazzetta’s man of the match analysis for Gakpo claims he was a “nightmare” for the hosts: “He starts very wide on the left and almost always jumps towards Calabria and forces Maignan into non-trivial saves. He got the assist for the third goal. For Paulo Fonseca he was a real nightmare.”

The numbers only back that praise up too – playing a starring role with an assist for Szoboszlai’s goal, Gakpo also won seven duels, showing more pace and physicality than usual in an all round excellent display.

"Smart" Gakpo is one to watch under Slot

Amid links to Anthony Gordon in the summer, there were several doubts over the future of Liverpool’s left-hand side. Both Luis Diaz and Gakpo struggled to establish themselves in the role when Liverpool needed them most last season to spark concerns over whether those at Anfield needed a key attacking boost. Those concerns have since been put to bed, however.

Diaz has already got off to a fantastic start under Slot with three goals in four games, before passing the responsibility to Gakpo in the Champions League to get an assist to his name.

This wasn’t the same Gakpo that we often saw under Jurgen Klopp, who didn’t always earn his £120,000 a week salary last term. The quiet, reserved, unconfident player we saw far too many times looked in the past. In his place was a Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner playing in his favoured role under fellow Dutchman Slot. And if that version of Gakpo continues to feature then he’ll be one to watch.

Bouncing back in style after the Forest defeat, Liverpool were able to flex the depth of their quality in Milan to get their Champions League campaign off to the perfect start.