MOST PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS BY CENTTRE-BACKS

 

WHAT VIRGIL VAN DIJK, ANDY ROBINSON AND ARNE SLOT SAID ABOUT MOHAMED SALAH 'APOLOGY' IN MILAN

Liverpool's manager, captain and vice-captain were all asked about the absent Salah after the Reds won 1-0 at the San Siro on Tuesday

Virgil van Dijk spoke about Mohamed Salah's situation(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah wasn't in Milan in person, but that didn't stop him being a topic of conversation after Liverpool pulled off an excellent 1-0 win over Inter Milan courtesy of a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty.

The Hungarian's spot kick - controversially awarded after a tug of Florian Wirtz's shirt - restored a feelgood factor to Liverpool after Salah's extraordinary outburst following Saturday's 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road which has placed his future at he club in serious doubt.

Broadcasters Amazon Prime Video were keen to get the views of Liverpool's captain, vice-captain and head coach following the victory, specifically around whether or not Salah had apologised to the club and his team-mates, and here's what all of them said:

Dominik Szoboszlai fired home the only goal(Image: Getty Images)

Ian Doyle

Mohamed Salah sees one Liverpool role filled already as Arne Slot gets message he was waiting for

Liverpool FC

Arne Slot guided Liverpool to a 1-0 win at Inter Milan(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Paul Gosrt

Arne Slot yet to answer £200m Liverpool question as Reds boss sends Ibrahima Konate message

 Liverpool FC

 "Obviously it's difficult but its a collective difficult situation we're all in. Obviously between Mo and the club things are going on and the consequences means he is not here today. That is the reality but nothing changes for our motivation to get results for the club."An apology? I don't think I am the one who has to speak about if someone has to apologise. It's him airing his feelings, and that is something the club has to deal with and me as well. Nothing has really changed, we've have our responsibility. So the focus was there. Nothing has changed and he trained as well by the way.""The reality is Mo is also going to Africa at the weekend, I have known Mo for such a long time, been through a lot, highs and lows, we're a big part of this at LFC, so we speak and those types of things will stay indoors as they should. And we as a team of players we raise ourselves and be against the outside noise and I encourage the players to listen."

Vice-captain Andy Robertson

"A tough situation obviously. We are talking about, for me, one of the greatest players to ever play for the club.

"Whatever happens happens internally now and we are all together and that's the main thing in the changing room and I think you can see that today.

"(Will it be resolved?) That will be up to other people, it's not up to me. I love playing with Mo Salah and hope to continue to play with him."

And head coach Arne Slot told the broadcaster, including pundit Clarence Seedorf who had asked about a potential apology from Salah:

"I think tonight it should be all about a team like this tonight, against a team like this who are winning and a stadium like this. The focus should be on that tonight. I can fully understand if I go into the press conference on Friday and all the questions are on Mo but I think these players deserve for it to be about them tonight."You say everyone makes mistakes in life but then it should be does the player think he has made a mistake as well? And then the next question is does this come from me or him?"

Slot was later asked about Salah again at his post match-press conference, and brought up Seedorf's words:

"I am happy that you asked that," he said. "Clarence said that in his opinion [Mo and I should speak] and I said that is his opinion and I didn’t say anything about who should make the first step or whatever.

"It was his opinion and I am happy I can clarify that so the headline tomorrow is not what I have said. It was [Seedorf's] opinion. Where I stand on that is that tonight it should be all about the players that are here.

"In the rich history of Liverpool, they have had many of these evenings, but after the season we are in, if you have an away win in this stadium against this team then it should be about the midfield or about Ibou (Konate) or the players who are here. They deserve all the credit.

"I can understand on Friday I will get a lot of questions about other things but tonight it is about the ones who are here."

- Paul Gorst & Mark Jones

TOP TEN GREATEST CENTRE-BACKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY | VIA GIVEMESPORT

 

VIRGIL VAN DIJK MEME 😆

 

LIVERPOOL FUME OVER MAN CITY 'DOUBLE STANDARDS' AS SKY SPORTS PUNDIT SHARES VAR THEORY

Liverpool were angered that Virgil van Dijk had his equaliser chalked off for offside at Man City, with Arne Slot referencing a similar goal scored by Pep Guardiola's side that led to suggestions of subconscious bias

Virgil van Dijk had his equaliser ruled out for offside - leaving Liverpool fuming(Image: Getty Images)
 

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming that Virgil van Dijk had a goal disallowed at Manchester City - and claimed their opponents had a goal given in a similar scenario last season at Wolves.

On that occasion their goal stood with then Wolves boss Gary O'Neil hinting at "something in the subconscious around decision-making" when it came to giving goals for the Premier League's biggest sides.

Van Dijk thought he'd headed home an equaliser for the Reds at the Etihad in the first-half on Sunday. The Dutchman reeled away before a VAR checked began, with his goal subsequently chalked off after Andy Robertson was deemed to be in an offside position.

The Liverpool left-back was stood beyond the last City defender, leading VAR to determine that he had interfered with Gianluigi Donnarumma. City, though, were on the right end of a similar decision last season when John Stones scored deep into stoppage time, despite Bernardo Silva being close to goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Slot was quick to bring that up as he bemoaned the referee's decision. He said: "Immediately after the game, someone showed me the goal, that what the same referee allowed City against Wolves last season. So it took the linesman 13 seconds to raise his flag to say it’s offside. So there was clearly communication."

On that occasion VAR, who awarded the 95th minute goal, claimed that "Bernardo Silva wasn't in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper". O'Neil, though, wasn't sold and questioned whether the side nearer the bottom had again been on the wrong end of the decision.

He said last season: "Without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves? If I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I'd upset the little guy. Nothing against little guys, but you know what I mean? Like, there is something in there and they definitely don't do it on purpose.

Man City had a goal given last term at Wolves despite Bernardo Silva being in an offside position(Image: Sky Sports)
 

"I know they're 100 per cent honest and they're doing the best job they can and I respect them fully. But maybe, maybe there's something that just edges in in that direction when it's really tight."

Van Dijk's disallowed goal on Sunday came shortly before Nico Gonzalez doubled City's lead - his shot deflecting in off the Liverpool defender. Gary Neville was among those stunned that the Dutchman had his effort chalked off by VAR.

He said on co-commentary: “I think he is outside the eyeline of the goalkeeper. I think [Arne] Slot is right to be fuming. The goalkeeper is not getting anywhere near that. He had a clear line of sight.”"

- Samuel Meade

MAN UNITED ICON WAYNE ROONEY GETS FINAL RESPONSE FROM VIRGIL VAN DIJK AFTER PUBLIC WAR OF WORDS

Virgil van Dijk has responded to Wayne Rooney's recent Liverpool criticism.(Image: Amazon Prime)

Manchester United icon and their record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney got a final response from Virgil van Dijk after criticism of Liverpool's recent form.

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney received a frosty response from Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, after recent criticism of both the defender and Arne Slot's side.

The two Premier League champions have engaged in a public exchange over recent weeks, following Rooney's assertion that the Dutchman's performances had dipped below his usual standards.

The ex-United forward called on van Dijk to hold the likes of Mohamed Salah, and others, to account for their poor performances, following a difficult spell, losing six of their previous seven fixtures before a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Liverpool then delivered an impressive display against Real Madrid, with Alexis Mac Allister netting the winner.

Following that success, Van Dijk spoke with Amazon Prime Video on various subjects and, with Rooney present on the punditry panel, their public disagreement was inevitably addressed.

"It's easy to say now because we've won twice in a row [it's going well]," he stated. "In a world of chaos we have to stay calm and keep the perspective of things. There is so much football to be played, so many twists and turns that can happen. At times, the noise was a lot [Smirk]."

Presenter Gabby Logan interjected: "Are you looking at anyone in particular?"

Van Dijk responded: "No, no, not at all. I think it's very important to put things into perspective, keep your head down, working and get out the situation, because our quality is not the issue we have.

"It will always be made bigger, but I think it's important that top players, those who have played at the top - who have also dealt with a lot of difficult moments - put things into perspective, as well.

"Of course [the criticism has been fair], if you are losing games as a Liverpool player, for four or five in a row, then it's a fair criticism.

"That's fairly normal in that sense, but I think it's over the top at times as well. But that's because we live in a world with so many platforms and so many people can say stuff."

Rooney, 40, then commented: "I'm not saying anything [laughing]... I think I've spurred them on and put them on a winning streak."

Following Rooney's explanation of events, the Liverpool captain wrapped things up: "I think if you watch games, you'd see I take responsibility.

"I thought the comment about me signing my new deal and then all is fine, I thought that was a bit [kisses teeth], but that is my personal opinion."

- Kieran Horn and Matty Hewitt

VIRGIL VAN DIJK SNATCHES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN FOR LIVERPOOL AS DIEGO SIMEONE SEES RED

Champions League: Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday. Simeone was shown a red card in the aftermath of Van Dijk's 92nd-minute header after his side had come from 2-0 down to level thanks to a double from Marcos Llorente. Liverpool looked on course to wipe the floor with the struggling Spanish giants after scoring twice in the opening six minutes.

Mohamed Salah outshone Alexander Isak on his first Liverpool start as his free-kick deflected in off Andy Robertson before the Egyptian fired home himself.

Llorente was the scourge of Liverpool five years ago as Atletico came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Anfield in a contentious last-16 tie.

History was set to repeat itself until this time Liverpool grabbed the late winner that lit the fuse between the home support and the visiting manager.

Simeone appeared to be demanding the removal of one fan in particular even after he was shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.

"In the same way we fight against racism, we should look at this too because we don't have a right to respond and it is not easy to be insulted during the entire match," said Simeone.

"My reaction isn't justifiable but do you know what it is like to be insulted for 90 minutes?"

Liverpool have now won all five of their opening Premier League and Champions League games with winning goals after the 80th minute.

But Arne Slot was disappointed not to have had the three points wrapped up well before stoppage time after a flying start.

"A game like this should not have gone to a late game winner," said the Dutch coach.

"I understand that's the story of this game and the last five games but for me it is a different game than the ones we played before. We had so many great attacks today where we could have scored the third goal."

Salah on song

Isak made his debut after becoming the most expensive player in English football history following his 125 million pounds ($170 million) move from Newcastle.

Liverpool's triumvirate of big money forward signings, also including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, has at times left Salah on the fringes of the action in the opening weeks of the season.

But Salah was back to his best on Wednesday.

Robertson knew little about his goal as Salah's free-kick hit the Scotland captain to completely wrong-foot Jan Oblak.

Moments later Salah showed his speed, strength and quick feet to see off three Atletico challenges and slot in from Ryan Gravenberch's pass.

Salah was close to a stunning third after being sent clear by Wirtz's through ball as Liverpool looked set to run riot.

Atletico have endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening four La Liga matches.

Against the run of play the visitors suddenly had a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Llorente prodded a shot into the far corner.

Liverpool were nearly made to rue a series of chances to put the result beyond doubt before Llorente struck again.

Salah came closest when he hit the inside of the post at the end of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite not dropping a point in the Premier League so far, chinks in Liverpool's armour have been exposed after a huge summer overhaul of the squad that cruised to the title last season.

Including the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace, Slot's men have now conceded two or more goals in four of their opening six matches of the campaign.

There was some fortune to Atletico's leveller as Llorente's volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister to leave Alisson Becker helpless on 81 minutes.

But the rock solid defensive organisation of Simeone's best Atletico sides is lacking in his current crop and they failed to resist the Liverpool onslaught.

Van Dijk was left completely unmarked to power in Szoboszlai's corner, causing the Argentine's anger to boil over.

- Agence France-Presse

LIVERPOOL AGREE £116M DEAL TO SIGN FLORIAN WIRTZ FROM BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Liverpool linked Florian Wirtz (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBAL

Liverpool are close to securing the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a British record transfer deal worth £116m.

Liverpool saw two bids rejected by Leverkusen, who had initially put a £126m price tag on Wirtz, before accepting an initial £100m payment, plus bonuses of up to £16m. These bonuses are understood to be heavily tied to Liverpool winning major trophies with Wirtz playing a key role.

The fee surpasses the previous British record set by Moisés Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea and smashes Liverpool’s own record transfer of £85 million for Darwin Núñez. It also eclipses the £75 million the club paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.

Despite serious interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Wirtz opted to join the Merseyside club after being convinced by Arne Slot’s vision for the future of the team. The 22-year-old, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young talents, is believed to be excited by the prospect of being a central figure in Slot’s new era at Anfield.

The Bundesliga Players’ Player of the Season for 2024/25, Wirtz made his debut for Leverkusen at the age of 17, and has scored 57 goals in 197 games for the club.

He helped them win the Bundesliga for the first time in 2024 and has scored seven goals in 31 appearances for Germany since making his national debut in 2021.

According to Paul Joyce, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes led the club’s negotiations with Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes, with talks intensifying over the past few weeks.

David Ornstein reports the German international has signed a five-year contract running until June 2030, and is expected to undergo a medical on Merseyside next week once the transfer window officially opens.

This move signals a bold new era at Anfield under Arne Slot. The Dutchman has wasted no time in stamping his authority on the squad. Wirtz will become Liverpool’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong.

Both players chose Liverpool not just for the club’s stature, but for the ambitious project being built under Slot’s leadership. Wirtz’s arrival is not just a statement of intent, it’s potentially a foundation for the next great Liverpool side.

- Nazira Yusuf

LIVERPOOL STAR VIRGIL VAN DIJK & WIFE

 

VIRGIL VAN DIJK | LIVERPOOL

 

LIVERPOOL SHOW GRIT IN DERBY WIN, BUT IS VAN DIJK IN DECLINE?

LIVERPOOL, England -- Liverpool restored their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Everton at Anfield. It wasn't a vintage performance from Arne Slot's side, who were looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

Everton defender James Tarkowski was lucky to avoid picking up an early red card for a reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister before striker Beto saw an effort ruled out for offside. Beto also hit the post later in the first half, but it was his countryman Diogo Jota who decided the contest with a fine finish for Liverpool after the break.

The result continues Everton boss David Moyes' dismal record at Anfield, with the Scotsman now winless in 22 visits to the stadium, having lost 15 and drawn seven. It is, however, only Everton's second league defeat since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as manager back in January, with the Blues currently sitting 15th in the table.

For Liverpool, there is still work to do, but Wednesday night's welcome return to winning ways means they now need a maximum of 13 points from their final eight games to secure the title. -- Beth Lindop

Jota picks his moment

Jota has scored 65 goals for Liverpool, but few will have meant more to him than his latest strike against Everton. For much of the Portugal international's Anfield career, he has been revered by fans for his clinical edge, but this season, his golden touch has -- at times -- abandoned him.

Jota's fine finish in front of the Kop was his ninth goal in all competitions for Slot's side this term, but only his first since his header in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Jan. 14.

That his 10-game goal drought has coincided with Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United has led to debate in some quarters over the striker's long-term future.

Diogo Jota scored the winning goal to give Liverpool a 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Again in the first half against Everton, Jota struggled to make an impact, before opening the scoring with a trademark cool finish past Pickford after the break. His relief was palpable as he wheeled away in celebration, and the cheers from the Liverpool supporters showed just how much they were delighted in their No. 20's timely return to goal-scoring form.

With eight league games still to play this season, Slot will surely hope Jota's strike in the Merseyside derby is the catalyst for his revival in the final weeks of the season. -- Lindop

VAR fails on Tarkowski regarding red card call

Everton defender Tarkowski should have been sent off for a terrible challenge on Liverpool's Mac Allister just 11 minutes into the game. The tackle was so reckless that even Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, working as a TV pundit, said the Toffees' centre-back should have been given a red card, saying, "That's a straight red, he could have broken his leg. That's a red all day long."

Referee Sam Barrott awarded a free kick to Liverpool and immediately issued a yellow card to Tarkowski for the foul. Barrott should have seen the ferocity of the challenge and shown a red, but the bigger mistake was by VAR official Paul Tierney, who chose not to tell Barrott to review the challenge, despite checking it himself.

Tarkowski had won the ball with his initial challenge, but it was the former England defender's follow-through that merited further action. With his studs up in a sliding challenge, Tarkowski caught Mac Allister on the thigh with real force.

Controversy came about regarding a challenge from Everton's James Tarkowski on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, which resulted in the defender getting only a yellow card. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

But Tierney inexplicably chose not to take further action, with his decision that Barrott's on-field call of a yellow card for a "reckless foul" was correct.

Barrott's failure to spot the foul in real time was an error, but perhaps understandable due to the pace of the game and his inability to see it again. But Tierney had no such excuse, and this was another example of VAR failing in its basic duty of correcting on-field mistakes -- and this was a big one. -- Mark Ogden

Liverpool's attack misfiring

No team has scored more goals than Liverpool's 70 in the Premier League this season, and yet, with the summer transfer window hurtling into view, the need for a shake-up of the Reds' attack is glaring.

Mohamed Salah has been imperious for much of the season -- notching 32 goals in all competitions -- but, with the Egypt international out of contract at the end of the season and about to turn 33, Liverpool need reinforcements to help share the load. Match-winner Jota has nine goals this season, while wingers Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo have 13 and 16, respectively. Darwin Núñez has seven, and summer signing Federico Chiesa has two.

On paper, those numbers make for encouraging reading. But when you consider that Jota, Núñez, and Díaz have scored just four goals in their last 44 appearances combined, Liverpool's reliance on Salah suddenly looks stark.

A summer reshuffle is needed if Liverpool want to build on the success of this season and continue to challenge for the biggest prizes. -- Lindop

Everton must seal a permanent deal for Alcaraz

It will be of little consolation to Everton after losing at Anfield yet again, but on-loan midfielder Carlos Alcaraz was the best player on the pitch during this defeat, and he showed why the club must make his move a permanent one in the summer.

The 22-year-old arrived at Merseyside on loan from Brazilian club Flamengo in January, and he has been a key figure in their climb away from the relegation zone following Moyes's return to Goodison Park as manager.

Everton have been a tough team to watch in recent seasons, particularly under previous manager Dyche, due to the side being stacked with ball-winners and runners rather than players capable of dictating the play with creativity.

But Alcaraz has added flair and control to Everton's midfield, and he outshone Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Mac Allister with his contribution in this game.

Everton can sign the Argentina international for just £12 million when his loan ends this summer and, with their Premier League future as good as secured, keeping Alcaraz at the club as they prepare to launch a new era at their new stadium would be a smart move.

To make such an impact against the best midfield in the league this season underlined his quality and what he adds to Everton. -- Ogden

Van Dijk showing worrying signs of decline

Virgil van Dijk is one of the all-time great Premier League defenders, and the Liverpool captain is assured of legendary status at Anfield, but even the best can have a bad night, and he will want to forget his performance against Everton pretty quickly.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Van Dijk's Liverpool future is still in doubt. His form this season has been good enough to have earned a new deal already, but with his 34th birthday looming this summer, this wasn't a good time to display signs of decline.

The Netherlands international was caught out twice by Everton forward Beto in the first half, making mistakes that he would never have committed during his prime.

When Beto had a goal ruled out for offside -- a very tight decision -- in the first half, Van Dijk's failure to deal with the ball to the forward enabled him to take the chance and score, only for VAR to overturn the goal. Van Dijk had his back to Beto when the ball was played, so wouldn't have known the Everton man was offside.

But his second error was even more out of character. Again, it involved Beto, who latched onto a throughball and ran through Van Dijk, who had missed the ball completely when he attempted to intercept it.

Questions will be asked about Virgil van Dijk and how reliable he can be at Liverpool moving forward. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

When Liverpool won the league in 2019-20, much was rightly made of the fact that no forward had been able to beat Van Dijk in a one-on-one that season.

But Beto caught him out twice and, with respect to the Guinea-Bissau international, he is not in the top bracket of Premier League strikers.

Maybe this was a blip for Van Dijk, but perhaps it was a glimpse into the future. If it is, Liverpool might be reluctant to give their centre-half the kind of contract that he really wants. -- Ogden

Liverpool dig deep to return to winning ways

If winning ugly is a sign of champions, then Liverpool's latest outing showed why Slot's side now find themselves on the cusp of making history.

Not for the first time this season, the league leaders looked some way short of their sparkling best against Everton, lacking the flair and fluency that has been instrumental to them building up a commanding 12-point lead at the summit.

But winning is an addictive habit and, having suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time under Slot before the international break, Liverpool dug deep to clinch a victory that will do plenty to settle any nerves that have been brewing within the Reds fanbase of late.

At the final whistle on Wednesday night, there was an almighty roar from players and fans alike as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in the league to an impressive 26 games and, perhaps, banished some burgeoning doubts about their title-winning credentials.

"And now you're gonna believe us, we're gonna win the league," crowed the jubilant home supporters as they filed out of the stadium. Certainly, it's getting increasingly difficult to argue with that. -- Lindop

- Beth Lindop and Mark Ogden

VIRGIL VAN DIJK AFTER LIVERPOOL WAS KNOCKED OUT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

LIVERPOOL MUST BE READY TO 'SUFFER' IN PSG RETURN LEG, SAYS VIRGIL VAN DIJK

© AFP

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital.

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital. The Reds were outclassed for almost the entire match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday but clung on thanks to what goalkeeper Alisson Becker described as the performance "of his life". Harvey Elliott came off the bench to score the winner with his first touch on 87 minutes. Liverpool had only two shots, compared with PSG's 27 attempts at goal.

It was the Paris side's first defeat in 23 games, a run stretching back to November.

Liverpool will expect to be much stronger for the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, but Van Dijk warned the tie is not yet over.

"It should be a great game and we have to be ready to suffer as they are a very good team who were unbeaten for a very long time," said the Liverpool captain.

"What I really liked was the togetherness, everyone put a shift in and we know everyone can be better."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

"We don't want to be playing this way because everyone who plays football wants to have the ball a lot and wants to be dominating opponents," he said.

"But we played against a team with a lot of quality, world-class quality, and they made it very difficult for everyone in the world so far and they made it difficult for us but we found a way and we have to try to finish it off next week."

Slot's substitutes made a telling contribution as Darwin Nunez set up the winner for Elliott, while Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo helped snuff out the PSG threat.

"We are coming to the last stages of the season and the message is pretty clear -- everyone who is part of the team has to play a part when they come on," said Van Dijk.

"With the goal you saw Darwin makes it difficult for Marquinhos and the ball falls and he gives a good pass to Harvey for the finish.

"Even Wataru coming on, Curtis doing a good job is good to see. Everyone needs to feel that importance because there are many big games -- and decisive games -- coming up so we have to keep going."

Liverpool can extend their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League when bottom-of-the-table Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday.

- Agence France-Presse

EVERTON AIMS CHEEKY DIG AT VIRGIL VAN DIJK AFTER LIVERPOOL STAR'S MERSEYSIDE DERBY JIBE

Everton had the last laugh in Wednesday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool, their last ever meeting to be played at Goodison Park before the club's move to Bramley-Moore Dock

Everton appeared to mock Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after he labelled Wednesday's Merseyside derby their 'cup final'.

James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equaliser for Everton, who hosted the derby at Goodison Park for the final time, as they'll be moving to a new stadium next season. Tarkowski's goal sparked chaos on and off the pitch, with Everton fans invading the field of play after his goal to make it 2-2.

There was also a huge brawl between both sets of players in front of the away section. Four red cards were shown AFTER full-time by referee Michael Oliver, three for Liverpool and one for Everton.

The Toffees now only have six more matches left to play at Goodison before the Premier League season comes to an end. Referencing that fact on social media, Everton posted a video of their fans chanting during Wednesday night's game with the caption: "Six more 'finals' left at Goodison," adding two emojis; one face smirking and the other looking sad.

Fans have instantly drawn a connection between their post and Van Dijk's comments. "This is their cup final and they would try to do everything in their power to make it difficult for us," the Liverpool skipper told TNT Sports post-match. "It is a big boost for them but a blow for us."

Replies to Everton's post on X, formerly Twitter, included: "Hahaha, brilliant admin," and "Admin killing it again! Give that guy a raise.

Before kick-off, Liverpool fans taunted Everton with the fact they haven't lifted a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995. "At least an empty cabinet is easier to move," a banner read. Liverpool supporters who'd made the short journey across Stanley Park also had balloons with the numbers 30 and 1995.

 Everton won't mind the taunts now, though, as they were able to celebrate a memorable night at their famous home ground. "A special, special night and what a way to finish the last derby here," Tarkowski said. "It will be a special moment for the rest of my career and probably the biggest moment for me really.

I had an 80-year-old man grabbing me and then a five-year-old kid pulling me to the floor. There were stewards everywhere. Chaos – but what a moment it was. I've had a couple of proud moments; promotions and playing for my country, but for me this is the biggest just with everything which is happening right now, leaving this iconic stadium, probably for me it will be the biggest goal of my career.

- Nathan Ridley, Senior Sports Reporter

 

LIVERPOOL AND ARNE SLOT LEFT FUMING OVER 5 MICHAEL OLIVER DECISIONS AGAINST EVERTON

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was sent off in the wake of the final whistle against Everton. That came after Michael Oliver caused frustration with multiple decisions.

Michael Oliver during Everton vs Liverpool. (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool won't want to hide behind excuses for the draw against Everton. Arne Slot will not be pleased with how his side got sucked into the madness, not for the first time in this fixture — but there's little doubt that refeee Michael Oliver complicated the task for the Reds.

From the first whistle, everything seemed to be going against Liverpool. Bitty fouls were called against the visitor and allowed to slide for the host: Slot's side were hauled up for a foul every 59.7 seconds that Everton had the ball in play.

But as well as this general complaint of poor match control, Oliver incurred the wrath of the Liverpool faithful in several specific incidents. The most high-profile came late on, when Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were both denied VAR reprieves on the Everton equalizer, but there were flashpoints throughout the game.

Foul by Alexis Mac Allister on Iliman Ndiaye

Everton took the lead in the 11th minute, catching Liverpool out with a well-worked free kick that was finished off neatly by Beto. There was a check for offside, but replays showed that the striker was narrowly onside.

So what's the problem? Well, the free kick quite clearly should not have been awarded in the first place.

This is beyond VAR's remit, so it is up to Oliver to get it right on the pitch. Unfortunately, he completely fell for Iliman Ndiaye's dive.

For that is what it was. This wasn't a case of going down easily or manufacturing contact — Ndiaye simply cheated, throwing himself to the ground to hoodwink Oliver into believing Alexis Mac Allister made any kind of contact.

Oliver bought it. An understandable mistake, but particularly jarring in a game where he steadfastly refused to give anything soft to Liverpool.

In normal circumstances, I'd be calling for the lesser-spotted retrospective diving ban to be applied against Ndiaye; this is a rare case where the officials were successfully deceived by a deliberate act, and the consequences were massive. But judging by the way he departed the pitch 10 minutes later, we might not be seeing him for a long time anyway.

Yellow card for Andy Robertson

In fairness, plenty of Liverpool fans were more annoyed at Andy Robertson than Oliver for this one. But it was deeply frustrating when the Scot saw yellow early on for kicking the ball away.

It's the kind of incident that often goes unpunished. Robertson could just about argue that he was already committed to playing the ball before the whistle blew — if I'm being honest, he definitely had time to pull out of it, but there's typically a degree of leeway.

Oliver chose not to apply that approach, leaving Robertson with a long time to handle his booking. As with so many complaints against referees, it boils down to consistency.

Later in the contest, for instance, Beto punched the ball away after play had been stopped. Unlike Robertson, he could not even make a case that he was intending to play the ball legitimately, and yet a card was not produced.

Idrissa Gueye avoids second yellow card

Nobody wants to brandish a red card in the derby (except after the final whistle, apparently, when you can look like you're being authoritative with zero consequences for the match). But it was Oliver's job to referee the football match, not the occasion.

As such, he had no right to ignore Idrissa Gueye's brazen pull-back on Mohamed Salah as Liverpool sought to break away. Oliver signaled the advantage, using that to explain his decision amid protests from those in red, but Slot would undoubtedly have preferred to see the opponent reduced to 10 men.

Idrissa Gueye is put under pressure by Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool. (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

It was, after all, a textbook yellow card. Gueye made no attempt for the ball, dragging Salah back in order to stop the attack — had he not been on a yellow already, there would have been no question about it.

Everton will say that Conor Bradley benefited from similar lenience later on. But the Northern Irishman's second foul was far less of a nailed-on bookable offense.

Carlos Alcaraz not penalized for foul on Mohamed Salah

Despite playing into these headwinds, Liverpool had managed to take the lead. It was holding onto its advantage as the match entered five minutes of stoppage time.

The goal, of course, was to take the sting out of the game, and keep the ball up at Everton's end of the field. Salah sought to do just that, jinking past two Everton players before being hacked down by substitute Carlos Alcaraz near the edge of the area.

Of all the incidents Oliver allowed to slide, this was perhaps the most brazen. It's just inexplicable how he decided it was not a foul.

And the consequences proved to be dire. Rather than getting the chance to run down the clock a little more and perhaps work the free kick into the corner, Liverpool was forced onto the back foot, and Everton ultimately equalized.

There was not enough of a causal link for VAR to get involved. But it seems near-certain that Liverpool would have won the match if Oliver had not got this easy decision horribly wrong.

Everton's equalizer

I'll bundle the complaints about the equalizing goal into one section, but there was plenty to aggrieve Liverpool. For one thing, it came more than two minutes beyond the amount of time added on.

Of course, the referee has the power to extend play beyond the indicated "minimum", and Oliver was right to do so. A clash of heads between two Everton players did delay the contest.

But it's rare for match officials to genuinely reflect all additional stoppages when extending the amount of added time. Oliver certainly gave Everton every possible chance to find a second goal.

Then there was the offside check. It was very tight, resulting in a single green line being shown to viewers — that means that the decision fell within the Premier League's "tolerance", in which case the advantage goes to the attacker.

In other words, Abdoulaye Doucoure may well have been beyond Van Dijk. Unfortunately, the technology is not up to scratch.

Finally, there was a foul on Konate by Beto. Again, bear in mind that Oliver had been penalizing Liverpool for the smallest of infringements (and non-existent fouls) all game.

Yet despite looking right at it, Oliver did not see fit to punish Beto, even though he clearly impeded Konate. VAR left it alone as well.

Disallowing the goal would have caused absolute pandemonium at Goodison Park. You'd hope that didn't come into the thinking of Oliver and the VAR team — but this was a fitting end to a match where the officials did not appear fit to cope with the demands of the fixture.

- James Martin

MOHAMED SALAH ON LIVERPOOL CONTRACT FUTURE: 'MORE OUT THAN IN'

Mohamed Salah has said he is yet to receive a formal contract offer from Liverpool, adding that he is "more out than in" regarding whether he will stay at the club next season.

Salah, whose contract is set to expire next summer, has enjoyed an impressive individual campaign, having scored 12 goals in all competitions this term, including a brace in Liverpool's 3-2 comeback win over Southampton on Sunday.

However, speaking after the win at St Mary's, Salah admitted he was "disappointed" that the club has not yet formally tabled a new contract.

"Well, we are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club, [so] I'm probably more out than in," Salah told reporters.

"You know now I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven't received anything yet about my future.

"I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end it is not in my hands or the fans' hands. Let's wait and see. Of course [no offer is disappointing], yeah.

Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in 2017. James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

"I'm not going to retire soon so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and I'm trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I'm disappointed but we will see."

A source told ESPN that talks between Salah's representatives and Liverpool have been ongoing and positive, although his contract discussions were always expected to be complex and take time.

Salah signed his last Liverpool contract, which made him the club's highest earner, in June 2022. As things stand, he will be free to speak to clubs outside of England about a free transfer next summer when the winter window opens on Jan. 1.

The 32-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League however he was quick to shut down such talk on Sunday afternoon.

Salah is one of three Liverpool players whose current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, with club captain Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold also out of contract next summer.

Information from Mark Ogden contributed to this report.

- Beth Lindop, Correspondent

VIRJIL VAN DIJK 'ANGRY' AFTER FIRST RED CARD WITH NETHERLANDS

Virgil van Dijk was left angry with the decision to give him the first of two yellow cards against Hungary. David Balogh/Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk said he was "angry" with the decision to give him the first of two yellow cards as he was sent off for the first time in his Netherlands career in Friday's 1-1 Nations League draw with Hungary.

The Liverpool defender received two yellow cards in three minutes late in the second half, the first for dissent and the second a foul which was a straightforward booking.

That first card, for protesting after Donyell Malen was brought down as he surged towards goal with the Dutch trailing their hosts 1-0, left Van Dijk particularly frustrated.

"[The red card] is a bummer, should not have happened. But I'm especially angry about the first," Van Dijk told ESPN Netherlands.

"They say the captain is the only one who can talk to the referee. I walk up to him. Up tempo, but not in a nasty way, not at all. Very respectful. Because I felt it was a breakaway player, he did not go for the ball at all. If even the captain can not say anything ... then it gets difficult."

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was also left perplexed by his captain's first booking.

"That moment was frustrating," Koeman told the NOS. "I don't understand it. I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee.

"That foul [on Malen] was good for a red card. There was no intention at all to play the ball. That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient. He knows that himself."

Koeman confirmed he will not add to his squad for Monday's visit to Germany, who head Nations League Group A3 with seven points from three matches, two more points than the Netherlands.

It makes it a vital fixture in which the Dutch could rise to the top of the pool, or conversely be cut five points adrift with two games to play.

Koeman was left with a "reasonable feeling" after the draw in Budapest in which his side trailed to a first-half goal from Roland Sallai, but equalised late on through Denzel Dumfries, a goal that came after Van Dijk's red card.

"We didn't surrender, we went to play one-on-one and made the equaliser," he added. "Then they [Hungary] created some dangerous situations, but we defended well. That way you leave with a reasonable feeling."

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.

- ESPN News Services

LIVERPOOL KEEP OR DUMP: SALAH, VAN DIJK, NÚÑEZ TO MOVE ON?

Virgil van Dijk, left, and Mohamed Salah, right, are two of the more senior players in the Liverpool squad. Could they be on their way out soon? (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

 This is a big summer at Liverpool because so much has changed. It's not just Jurgen Klopp moving on after nearly nine seasons, but also at the very top of the club, with Michael Edwards and Julian Ward returning and Richard Hughes coming in as sporting director. Edwards, previously sporting director, comes back as chief executive of football, while Julian Ward, who succeeded Edwards as sporting director, is now technical director for all of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's owner.

It's not just a question of titles, either. Ward and Edwards were hailed as the architects of some of the club's most successful transfer campaigns, offering the yin to Klopp's yang. When they left, the power shifted to the manager, and with Klopp gone and a comparatively inexperienced Arne Slot coming in as manager, it feels as if this is partly a re-balancing.

FSG were willing to put up all or part of the club for sale not long ago, selling a minority stake to Dynasty Equity in September, and some will conclude that is a sign they want to avoid big transfers and look for value instead. That may be true, but there is definitely room to invest while staying within profit and sustainability rules (PSR) given the club has basically operated at breakeven in the past few seasons.

They might need that room, too. There is a ton of uncertainty in this squad, starting with the three players who become free agents in less than a year: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Salah and Van Dijk -- given their service to the club -- will likely be given plenty of latitude and the power to make their own decisions. Alexander-Arnold is more intriguing, given the other two are well into their 30s. He's just 25, he has had his ups and downs, he's the local kid made good and optics matter. And yet, for him to be most effective, the system has to cater to him.

Defensive midfield is also a major question mark, and while there's plenty of depth in some roles, there's far less in others. And, of course, any decision has to be made with Slot's preferences and style of play in mind. He shares some of Klopp's outlook on football, but there are also significant differences.

Editor's note: This is the third in this year's series, Keep or Dump, over the coming weeks on which players to keep, extend and move on from for all the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe. Find the Man City version here and the Arsenal version here.

KEEP/DUMP GROUND RULES

Remember: This is our assessment of what we think the club should do, player for player, with the squad at their disposal. It's not what we think they will actually do, though sometimes the two will align. That said, we take into account what we know of the club, coaching staff and player preferences, as well as their financial situation and any other factors that we think will impact personnel moves.

Where we disagree, or where we think our rationale is worth explaining, we've noted below.

GOALKEEPERS

Alisson (31 years old, contract expires in 2027)

Verdict: Keep

ARNE SLOT 'COULD BE A LIVERPOOL COACH' - VIRGIL VAN DIJK

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot.(Image: Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

 Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said Arne Slot "could be a Liverpool coach" due to his playing style and philosophy.

Slot, who won the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup last weekend, is the frontrunner to take charge of Liverpool next season.

Speaking after the 2-0 defeat against Everton in the Merseyside derby, a loss that has left put a major dent in Liverpool's Premier League title hopes, Van Dijk said that Slot has the credentials to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield.

"I find it difficult to answer it now, of course," Van Dijk told Viaplay. "But I think Arne Slot might be one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment.

"I think the way he plays and the philosophy he has that he could be a Liverpool coach. Only in my opinion, what I also read and hear, of course, is that it is far from finalised.

"We will see. Next year we will focus on that."

Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that Liverpool have opened talks with Feyenoord in an attempt to negotiate a deal for the club's head coach Slot.

The 45-year-old has emerged as the leading contender for the Liverpool job following Xabi Alonso's decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen and a cooling in the Premier League club's interest in Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim.

Slot rejected approaches from Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur last year -- Chelsea also expressed an interest in him -- and chose instead to sign a new three-year contract with the Rotterdam team.

Van Dijk was also outspoken about the performance of his Liverpool teammates against Everton.

"Do they really want to win the league?" Van Dijk said. "If you play like this overall in the game and not win any challenges and give the referee an opportunity to give a free kick away then we have no chance to win the title.0

"[I am] very disappointed in so many ways. Everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and think if they gave everything.

"It is a tough one and obviously we have to do better against a side near the relegation [positions]. If you play like today we have no chance to consider ourselves in the title race."

- ESPN

RIO FERDINAND HAS NAMED 12 PLAYERS HE CONSIDERS AS WORLD-CLASS AS A CONTROVERSIAL JUDE BELLINGHAM CLAIM WAS MADE

 

PA Wire

Since retiring from professional football, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has been working as a pundit, often appearing on TNT Sports’ coverage.

On Wednesday night, Ferdinand was tasked with naming a list of world-class players.

The 12 players were - Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane, Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.

However, fellow pundit and former Arsenal man Martin Keown questioned whether Bellingham can be considered as world-class.

He said: “I think Bellingham is one I question. He’s in amazing form, what he’s doing at Real Madrid right now, but we look at Saka.

“Saka’s been the England Player of the Year. Bellingham hasn’t got a look in. Maybe Rio is being a bit mischievous with Arsenal fans.”

Ferdinand then explained: “They’ve actually got that list a little bit wrong, because Bellingham was on the list just below that on his own, edging into there. I think the thing that lets him not be on that list, for me right now, is just time. He will be there – he’s in world-class form. You just need that time – and that’s where I see Saka.

“Saka’s got that world-class potential, he just hasn’t been exposed to the knockout stages of the Champions League – the longevity is the difference. If you look at that list, you can see they’ve played in the top, most prestigious games and they’ve produced in those moments. And they’ve all done ridiculous things over a long period of time.”

Ferdinand received criticism from Arsenal fans after claiming Saka is not world-class, he said: “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka’s been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid.

“But I think, it’s almost like what is world-class? He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Marcus Chan