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Dominik Szoboszlai: “We’re taking care of ourselves and securing our points.”

The Hungarian midfielder believes there is a strong sense of confidence within the Liverpool squad as they lead the Premier League at Christmas.

To say that Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start under Arne Slot would be an understatement. Following an exciting 6-3 victory over Tottenham, the Reds are four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. They also lead their Champions League group and have advanced to the semifinals of the EFL League Cup. Remarkably, Liverpool have lost only once across all competitions this season (looking at you, tricky trees).

After Sunday’s win over Spurs, Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai spoke with the media about the team’s impressive start and the belief that new manager Arne Slot has instilled in his players—a belief that has been wholeheartedly reciprocated by the squad.

“Probably actually no-one expected him, us to start so well – but he is believing in the team, we are believing in him. We need the whole squad, that has showed many times. It doesn’t matter who plays, we give our best on the pitch: Champions League, cups and in the Premier League as well. That’s why we are top of the table and top of the Champions League.”

Liverpool fans who have been around long enough will remember that being top of the table at Christmas doesn’t necessarily guarantee that position will be maintained by season’s end. While caution is always warranted, this team certainly looks poised to challenge for titles. Despite injuries to key players, the squad has shown resilience, with various players stepping up and delivering solid performances to keep collecting points, while other teams have stumbled. For Szoboszlai, he prefers to keep the focus on the team and their own progress rather than the table.

“I think everybody is dreaming of this situation, but we see many times teams who are in front of other teams, and there is still six months to go. We are looking at the table a little bit but also we are just taking care of ourselves, securing our points. Still one more game [in hand] to go in front of the other teams, we want to be as much in front as we could [be].”

So, for now at least, fans can enjoy the moment of topping the table at Christmas. Who knows—perhaps a few contract extensions will be the perfect holiday surprise.

December 24, 2024
Liverpool vs Leicester: Confirmed squad, predicted lineup, and injury updates for Premier League match

Liverpool will be without Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley for their Premier League encounter with Leicester on Boxing Day.

Both defenders have been unavailable since the impressive 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Anfield on November 27.

Bradley, who filled in well for Trent Alexander-Arnold during that match, picked up a hamstring injury that was initially expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Konate, who also started the game and played the full 90 minutes, was seen limping after the final whistle due to a knee issue sustained from a challenge by Real substitute Endrick.

Like Bradley, Konate’s recovery was expected to take several weeks.

Before Sunday’s thrilling 6-3 win over Tottenham, Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided an update on the pair, saying: “These are the two that are still ‘in the red’, so they don’t train with us at the moment. They are on their way back but they don’t train with the team yet.”

When asked about their potential return, Slot added: “That is, what I’ve said before, quite difficult. We thought, I thought, that [Diogo] Jota would have been back a bit earlier already and sometimes the end stage of rehab takes a bit longer.

“Sometimes they join [training] and then they are like, ‘I’m not completely ready to start yet.’ So, let’s wait and see but we have very good rehab personnel over here and they’ve done some good work already with Alisson [Becker] and a few others.

“The main thing is that if they come back, they are ready to come back and we must not focus on one, two or three days. It’s more important for the long term that they stay fit afterwards.

“Until now they have done really well and hopefully with Conor and Ibou the same thing happens.”

Alexander-Arnold has fully recovered from his hamstring issue and reclaimed his spot at right-back, while Joe Gomez continues to cover for Konate at centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.

There are no new injury concerns for Liverpool following the dramatic win at Spurs, so a similar lineup is expected for the Boxing Day match against Leicester, who are currently in 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone. Under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester have struggled this season, winning only three of their 17 matches so far, suffering heavy defeats to Newcastle and Wolves.

Liverpool, sitting at the top of the Premier League, could extend their lead to seven points if they beat Leicester and Chelsea drop points in their home match against Fulham earlier that day. Slot might consider making some changes to keep his squad fresh for what looks like a straightforward game, part of a busy festive period that also includes matches against West Ham and Manchester United, plus a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Nunez all came off the bench against Tottenham and will be hoping to start against either Leicester or West Ham. Summer signing Federico Chiesa will also be looking to play his first Premier League minutes since September, having featured as a substitute in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton but not being included in the squad for the Tottenham game.

Wataru Endo will also be eager to seize an opportunity, while Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas provide further options for Slot if he decides to rotate his defensive lineup.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Jota; Nunez

Injured: Bradley (hamstring), Konate (knee)

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Thursday, December 26, 2024

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Referee: Darren Bond

How to watch: Amazon Prime Video

December 24, 2024
Liverpool ‘pressure’ club into contract decision as £60m January transfer stance ‘comes to light’

Recent Liverpool Transfer Rumours and Updates on AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Brighton’s Joao Pedro

Liverpool have only a week left before they can bolster their squad with new signings, as the January transfer window rapidly approaches. Speculation surrounding potential deals is intensifying as the Reds look to strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.

Arne Slot has enjoyed a successful start to his tenure as Liverpool’s head coach, with the club holding a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as Christmas approaches. The Reds will return to action on Boxing Day, hosting Leicester City at Anfield for their final home match of the year.

With the January transfer window nearing, rumors about potential signings are becoming more frequent, and this is expected to continue in the coming days and weeks.

The ECHO now takes a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumors surrounding Liverpool.

One setback for Liverpool has been their pursuit of AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic. The Reds have been tentatively linked with the United States international in recent weeks, and with the January window approaching, speculation has increased. According to Calciomercato, Milan are planning to offer Pulisic a new contract to ward off interest from clubs like Liverpool.

Pulisic’s current deal with Milan runs until 2027, with the club reportedly holding an option to extend it by another year. There are also claims that Liverpool could face competition from Manchester United for Pulisic’s signature, but their chances may diminish if he agrees to a new contract with Milan.

In other transfer news, Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Brighton’s Joao Pedro. Recent reports have suggested the Reds are interested in signing the Brazilian forward when the transfer window opens. Football Insider has confirmed Liverpool are still monitoring Pedro’s performances, with the club keeping a close eye on his progress at Brighton. The Seagulls have reportedly set a £60million asking price for the 23-year-old, who has scored four goals and registered three assists this season.

Liverpool are eager to add more attacking options to their squad, but Brighton are believed to be reluctant to let Pedro leave in January, potentially forcing the Reds to wait until the summer to make their move.

December 24, 2024
Latest Liverpool injury updates and potential return dates for Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley

Liverpool’s injury situation has improved significantly in recent weeks, with several key players returning since early December. Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Kostas Tsimikas, all of whom have faced lengthy injury setbacks this season, have all made their comebacks this month.

Despite this progress, head coach Arne Slot is still without a fully fit squad, as both Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate remain sidelined. Here’s the latest on their recoveries:

Ibrahima Konate
Konate suffered a knee injury in stoppage time during Liverpool’s victory over Real Madrid at the end of November, following a clash with Endrick and Virgil van Dijk. It was initially reported that the French center-back would be out for five to six weeks, ruling him out of Liverpool’s hectic December fixtures.

Expected return date: January 2025

Conor Bradley
Bradley’s injury also occurred in the match against Real Madrid, where a strong performance was interrupted by a hamstring issue in the second half. According to The Belfast Telegraph, the Northern Ireland international is also expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Expected return date: January 2025

What Slot said about Konate and Bradley’s returns
On December 20, Slot commented: “These are the two that are still ‘in the red’, so they don’t train with us at the moment. They are on their way back but they don’t train with the team yet.”

When asked about their potential return, he added: “That is, what I’ve said before, quite difficult. We thought, I thought, that [Diogo] Jota would have been back a bit earlier already, and sometimes the final stage of rehab takes a bit longer. Sometimes they join [training] and then they are like, ‘I’m not completely ready to start yet.’ So, let’s wait and see but we have very good rehab personnel over here and they’ve done some good work already with Alisson and a few others.”

He concluded: “The main thing is that if they come back, they are ready to come back and we must not focus on one, two, or three days. It’s more important for the long term that they stay fit afterwards. Until now they have done really well and hopefully with Conor and Ibou the same thing happens.”

December 23, 2024
Three lessons from Tottenham’s decisive victory against Liverpool for Arne Slot’s Reds

LONDON— At least for Liverpool supporters, watching Sunday’s Tottenham vs. Liverpool match was a lot of pleasure. From the north London away end, Liverpool’s supporters cheered the Premier League leaders as they pounded and feasted on a dishevelled and exhausted Tottenham to win 6-3. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz each scored twice for Arne Slot’s team, which leads the Premier League standings at Christmas. Cody Gakpo was a persistent threat, and Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai also got involved. After Liverpool had taken a 5-1 lead, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke both scored late to give the result some legitimacy, and James Maddison momentarily put it 2-1.

Here’s a revised version of the article with paraphrasing, preserving the quotes and italics:

Key Takeaways from Another Classic Tottenham vs Liverpool Clash

Liverpool’s Fluid Attack Without a Traditional Number Nine
It was hard to pinpoint who was leading the line for Liverpool, and that’s a positive for Arne Slot. Liverpool generated nine significant chances, boasted over 4.46 expected goals, and registered 24 shots on target. Much like the days when Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino effortlessly interchanged in attack, Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz did so repeatedly against Spurs. With midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai joining in, often creating a four-on-four during counterattacks, this was Liverpool at their best. Darwin Nunez is struggling up front, but Slot has decided that a traditional number nine isn’t essential. This approach works well, as Liverpool’s dynamic attackers and rampaging midfielders are hard to contain, enabling them to press high and exert pressure. Add Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott into the equation, and Liverpool have a versatile set of players to rotate smoothly within this system. Slot has managed to fit all of Liverpool’s key attackers and midfielders into the starting lineup, making it a thrilling spectacle, with Ryan Gravenberch providing the necessary balance as a true holding midfielder.

Tottenham Depleted and Exhausted

With key absences—two starting center-backs, a left-back, and the goalkeeper—this was always going to be a challenging match for Tottenham. They seemed fatigued from the outset, having played a demanding 4-3 win against Manchester United in the League Cup just days earlier, and it showed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ange Postecoglou lacks sufficient rotation options, forcing him to field inexperienced players and squad members out of position at the back. Coupled with Spurs’ notorious high defensive line, this setup was always vulnerable. In their past three home games across all competitions, Spurs have conceded 13 goals to Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool. These setbacks won’t define their season, and Postecoglou will take solace in his side’s persistence, as Kulusevski, Son, and Solanke continued to try and create chances, helping Spurs score three goals. However, it’s clear that Tottenham must strengthen their defensive depth, even with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie eventually returning. Losing key players should not cause such a drastic drop in performance—building a strong squad, not just a starting eleven, is the next step in Postecoglou’s project at Spurs.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Could Hinder Liverpool’s Title Challenge
The main flaw in Liverpool’s current setup seems to be their lack of pace in defense. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez are commanding center-backs, but when Tottenham exploited the spaces on the flanks of Liverpool’s central defenders, stretching them with crosses into the box, Liverpool appeared vulnerable. The Reds have now conceded two or more goals in four of their last five Premier League matches. While this hasn’t been an issue as long as they continue to score three or four goals per match, it’s not a sustainable strategy and could cost them valuable points over the course of the season. In the title race, Arsenal have a more solid defense than Liverpool, and if the Reds are to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League title, they will need to shore up their defensive weaknesses. In simple terms, they may need to adopt a more pragmatic approach. While Slot’s emphasis on attacking play and excitement is admirable, Liverpool must find a way to balance this with defensive stability to secure their success this season.

This paraphrased version maintains the essence of the original article while restructuring sentences for clarity and variety.

December 23, 2024
Liverpool Transfer Updates LIVE: Mohamed Salah Update, Jamal Musiala Interest, Spurs Reaction

Liverpool will sit atop the Premier League table by four points on Christmas Day after their 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in North London this weekend. The Reds also have a game in hand.

Luis Diaz (twice), Mohamed Salah (twice), Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai all found the net to secure the win for Arne Slot’s side. However, despite the commanding scoreline, Slot will be looking for improvements defensively after conceding three goals, which Salah highlighted in his post-match interview on Sky Sports.

“We were quite good up front but defensively we need to improve as a team,” Salah said. “Conceding three goals is quite hard. It’s a good result, hopefully we just keep going.”

Liverpool’s next match will be at Anfield against Leicester City on Boxing Day. The Reds will play the Foxes in the late game, kicking off at 8pm UK time (3pm ET).

Stay tuned for all the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumors in today’s live blog, including reaction to their 6-3 win over Spurs.

Neville Compares Liverpool to Manchester United Sides

Gary Neville remarked that the current Liverpool team reminded him of the dominant Manchester United sides he played in. The Reds, having secured a crucial 6-3 win over Tottenham, are now four points clear at the top of the Premier League table as Christmas approaches.

In the wake of Liverpool’s thrilling victory, Neville praised their game management, even though Spurs scored two goals in the final 20 minutes, which kept the match slightly more competitive.

“They remind me a little bit of us (the United teams Neville played in),” Neville said on Sky Sports. “We would play high tempo for 15 minutes then we’d sit back and play deep on the counter, then sometimes we’d slow it down and try and control the game if we were one or two goals up.”

Slot’s Frustration Despite Spurs Victory

Although Liverpool triumphed 6-3 against Tottenham, manager Arne Slot expressed frustration with certain aspects of the team’s performance. While the scoreline may suggest a close game, Tottenham never truly threatened, especially as Liverpool built a 5-1 lead before Spurs scored two late goals through Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke.

However, Slot was not satisfied with his team’s approach after the hour mark, criticizing some players for relaxing too much. He called it “not good enough” despite securing all three points.

“For 60 minutes we did everything we had to do, we were comfortable and good with the ball. The main thing is we worked very, very hard,” Slot told Match of the Day. “But then the same players with the same quality thought that 10 or 15 minutes of not working as hard was good enough. Tottenham have enough quality to score goals if you give them chances. You have to be on top of your game for the whole game and we didn’t do that.”

Salah Reflects on Milestone, Future Uncertain

Mohamed Salah became Liverpool’s fourth-top all-time goalscorer with his brace against Tottenham. Reflecting on the achievement, Salah said: “I didn’t think about it before the game but I am glad I did it. It’s something that makes me happy and proud and hopefully there is more to come.”

When asked about his future, Salah gave a brief response: “No.”

Liverpool Eyes Musiala Move

Liverpool is reportedly ready to act if Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala becomes available. The 21-year-old, whose contract runs until 2026, has yet to agree to an extension with Bayern, prompting interest from Liverpool.

Musiala, who previously played for Chelsea’s academy before moving to Bayern, could still sign a new deal with the Bundesliga club, but Liverpool has apparently “made contact” to signal their interest if the situation changes.

December 23, 2024
Liverpool star prefers Barcelona move if contract negotiations with Reds break down

The futures of several Liverpool players are currently uncertain due to their contract situations at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all in the final year of their contracts with the club. However, there is another player whose future at the club is also in doubt due to a lack of agreement over a new deal.

According to Spanish outlet Antena 2, Liverpool are facing difficulties in their efforts to extend the contract of winger Luis Diaz. The report indicates that if a new contract cannot be agreed upon, Diaz may prefer a move to Barcelona, although other prominent clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Diaz has been a key player for Liverpool, with his attacking contributions playing a major role in the team’s success this season. He has helped the team reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League standings.

The report also mentions that Liverpool value Diaz at approximately €80 million (£66.2m/$83.5m), a sum that financially-strapped Barcelona would find difficult to afford. Despite this, Diaz is reportedly keen on joining the Spanish giants, though Barcelona would face challenges in negotiating a transfer.

Luis Diaz has been an integral part of Liverpool’s squad, scoring nine goals and providing three assists so far this season. He has firmly established himself as the first-choice left-winger for the club.

Liverpool would prefer to retain Diaz and are likely to make every effort to ensure he remains at Anfield for the long term. With Salah approaching the final years of his career in the Premier League, it is crucial for the team to hold on to key players like Diaz, who can both score and create goals.

The Colombian international still has much room for growth in his career, and his potential is high. However, it remains to be seen whether his future will be at Liverpool or elsewhere.

In addition to Diaz’s situation, teammate Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to leave the club in the near future, while Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been linked with a move to Anfield.

More news…..

“He will depart and I’m certain” – Transfer expert reveals major Liverpool update

Liverpool have undergone a complete transformation under Arne Slot this season. They are currently at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings, seemingly unstoppable.

Key players such as Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been performing excellently, with each of them reaching new heights under the Dutch manager’s guidance.

However, one player has drawn criticism from fans for his performances this season. Darwin Nunez has scored just two goals in 11 Premier League matches, a disappointing return for a striker playing in a team challenging for titles.

Transfer expert David Lynch believes that Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. He shared his thoughts with Sports Mole:

“It’s essentially settled now. I just don’t think there’s a debate there around Nunez. I think the die’s cast now. I think Nunez is what he is – two-and-a-half seasons in now, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, so the job is now to get the best out of him that you can between now and the end of the season, and then he will leave and I’m sure he’ll find somewhere else where [he will] fit better and [be] more appreciated.”

“It’s not been a very good signing, but as I say, it’s just important now to refocus on what he can do and what he can contribute between now and May.”

Liverpool require additional goals from Darwin Nunez

Liverpool need more goals from Nunez, as while his work rate has been commendable, his finishing has been a significant concern for the team.

His lack of awareness in front of goal and failure to capitalize on chances has cost Liverpool points this season, especially in the recent match against Newcastle United.

To address this, Liverpool are reportedly considering Brighton’s Joao Pedro as a potential replacement for Nunez next year, with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram also catching the club’s attention.

For Liverpool to reach the next level, they need a more prolific goal-scorer in their attack.

December 22, 2024
How Liverpool Can Defeat Man Utd to Sign £38m Wonderkid

Liverpool are always looking for ways to improve their squad. Whether through selling players or acquiring new talent, the club can be ruthless when necessary. This approach has been a key factor in their success, and Arne Slot has exemplified it in his evaluation of the squad he took over from Jurgen Klopp.

For instance, Wataru Endo, who had been the team’s defensive midfielder, quickly saw his role replaced by Ryan Gravenberch. Similarly, Jarell Quansah’s involvement was limited when Slot recognized that Ibrahima Konate was the ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk. Making such critical decisions is essential for a team’s success, and in the transfer market, Liverpool may need to act swiftly if they are to secure one of their targets from a direct rival.

Man Utd express interest in Mastantuono

Liverpool have been keeping an eye on River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono in recent weeks. The 17-year-old Argentine is highly regarded as one of the most promising young talents in world football, having already played 40 matches in Argentina’s top division despite his young age.

Earlier this month, River Noticias reported that Liverpool is among several clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, monitoring the attacking midfielder. Mastantuono’s release clause is set at €47m (£38m), a record fee for a player coming from the Argentine leagues. A recent TyC Sports report indicated that Mastantuono is increasingly likely to leave River Plate this season, intensifying the competition for his signature.

Currently, in Liverpool’s squad, only Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott are capable of playing in the No10 role. At under £40m for such a highly rated young player, Mastantuono could be a risk worth taking.

However, GIVEMESPORT now reports that Liverpool could face competition from one of their direct rivals if they don’t act quickly.

Liverpool eye Mastantuono

Manchester United is said to have been closely monitoring Mastantuono’s development, but they have reportedly been cautious about moving for him in January after a slight dip in his form. This opens up an opportunity for Liverpool to secure him if they act decisively in the upcoming transfer window. Waiting too long could see them miss out on a significant chance to add a fresh dynamic to their team.

Liverpool are known for their interest in South American players, such as Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez, all of whom are in the current squad. However, the Reds typically prefer players who have had some experience in Europe before making the move.

Although taking a chance on Mastantuono would be risky, the potential rewards are high. Even if he struggles initially, the player is still young with immense potential, and other clubs would likely pursue him in his early 20s. His ceiling as a potential superstar is enormous.

It remains to be seen how Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards will proceed, but the club is certainly active in scouting some of the world’s top young talents.

December 22, 2024
Liverpool urged to pay £40-50m for January target also pursued by Arsenal and Man United

Liverpool are eager to sign Antonee Robinson from Fulham in January.

As reported by Football Insider, they will need to pay a fee of approximately £40-50 million to secure the USMNT star’s services.

The 27-year-old left-back has proven himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League and could be the perfect replacement for Andrew Robertson. The Scottish international has shown signs of decline, with recent performances being underwhelming. Robertson requires a suitable replacement, and the Fulham defender would be an excellent acquisition.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in the player, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.

Robinson has contributed 6 assists for Fulham in the league this season, solidifying his importance to the team. It’s no surprise that Fulham are asking for a premium price for him.

Liverpool have the financial resources to complete the transfer and should move to sign him in the upcoming weeks.

Manchester United and Arsenal also have a need for Robinson.

It’s not surprising that Manchester United are targeting the player. Luke Shaw has been plagued by recurring injury issues, and Manchester United need a more dependable option in that position. Robinson has demonstrated his quality in the Premier League and could make an immediate impact if he joins Old Trafford.

Similarly, Arsenal are in search of a top-tier left-back who could surpass Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 27-year-old fits the bill, and it will be fascinating to see where he ultimately chooses to go.

Robinson will likely be drawn to the opportunity to join a major club. Having proven his abilities with Fulham, he will want to play for a team capable of winning significant trophies. As he is in the prime of his career, he will want to compete regularly at the highest level.

More news…..

“I’ve been in that situation before” – Alan Shearer shares bold prediction for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches and will aim to extend that streak when Liverpool faces Everton on Saturday.

Alan Shearer has endorsed Salah’s chances of breaking Jamie Vardy’s Premier League scoring streak record. The Egyptian winger has found the net in seven straight league games and needs to score in five more to surpass Vardy, who set the record in 2015 by breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous streak.

Vardy, now 37, scored in 11 consecutive matches during Leicester City’s title-winning 2015/16 season, surpassing van Nistelrooy’s 10-match run. His goals came against Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Stoke, Arsenal, Norwich, Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Watford, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

Salah, now on a seven-match streak, is closing in on Vardy’s record. He began his run with a goal against Chelsea and has followed it up with goals against Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa, Southampton, Manchester City, and Newcastle.

Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, believes Salah can break Vardy’s record. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Everton, Fulham, Tottenham, Leicester, and West Ham.

Shearer told Betfair: “As a player, when you’re on a run like Salah is, you feel pretty unstoppable. I’ve been in that position myself, and you just can’t wait for the next game to come around.

“You don’t go out there hoping you’re going to score, you go out knowing that you’re going to score. Standing in that tunnel before a game when you’re in red-hot form, it’s a great feeling, believe me.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me to see him break Jamie Vardy’s Premier League scoring streak record, especially with the form he’s in, the player he is, and the chances that Liverpool create. With the Christmas and New Year period full of matches, it’s a great time for him.”

“Can he break the record? I wouldn’t put it past him, he’s that good of a footballer.”

December 21, 2024
Unrecognizable lineup delivers familiar outcome – 5 key takeaways from Southampton 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool advances to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, opening up more opportunities for silverware but also increasing the number of games.

Many changes, same Liverpool

Arne Slot made eight alterations to his Liverpool lineup following the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Fulham. Young players like Jarell Quansah, Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton, and Harvey Elliott were given starting roles, while Caoimhin Kelleher returned to the lineup for Carabao Cup duties, even with Alisson available again.

Despite the changes, Liverpool’s performance remained consistent with the strong displays seen under Slot this season. At times, they seemed vulnerable, but the statistics tell a different story, with Southampton’s expected goals (xG) at 0.32 and Liverpool’s at 1.66, according to FotMob.

By the end of the match, James McConnell and Jayden Danns had also seen action, as Slot utilized the players at his disposal, even when the game was still in a precarious position. There was a moment of concern when Quansah appeared to have committed a foul near the end, possibly conceding a penalty or free-kick, but no decision was made, and the reshuffled lineup held on for another victory.

Endo’s role

Wataru Endo was listed as a centre-back in the lineup, and although he occasionally positioned himself on the left of a defensive pairing with Quansah, he played multiple roles during the game. He was often seen in midfield and even appeared on the edge of the box at times.

Endo was instrumental in starting the move that led to Elliott’s second goal. After making a pass to Cody Gakpo, he surged forward into midfield to support the attack. Although Endo has not been a regular feature in Slot’s plans, this performance showed that he can handle significant responsibility and demonstrate tactical discipline, potentially earning him more playing time in the future.

New signing spotted on the south coast

This season, Liverpool has impressed through the quality of its existing players, their adaptation to Slot’s methods, and the coaching on display. Despite limited new additions, they have been one of the best teams in Europe.

Federico Chiesa, the only summer signing, played in just his second match where he featured for more than a half. A skillful nutmeg near the touchline even earned applause from Southampton fans. However, he missed a chance close to goal in the second half, seeming unsure whether to shoot or pass to a teammate. Later in the game, he showcased flashes of his potential, but Southampton’s defenders prevented him from scoring with crucial blocks.

Despite mixed performances, it was refreshing to see a new player on the pitch, and Chiesa could be valuable in the second half of the season, even though it’s still unclear what exactly he brings to the team.

Good progress: more games

Liverpool holds a strong lead in the Premier League, but the club’s focus should remain on the league as things can change quickly. Despite making numerous changes to the squad, Slot’s team still reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, adding at least two more fixtures to their schedule.

The semi-finals remain two-legged, which unnecessarily adds more matches. Additionally, the FA Cup will begin in January, and the Champions League is also returning, with Liverpool granted a bye to the last 16 thanks to their strong group-stage performance.

A successful team means more games, and now the key is for Slot to ensure that the team’s early success does not become a burden.

Jota a risk?

Even with the heavy rotation, Slot still gave playing time to key players, including Diogo Jota, who has struggled with injuries at Liverpool. Jota played around 30 minutes at the end of the match, a decision that could be vital for his fitness in the Premier League.

Normally, there may be a temptation to rest injury-prone players, but the current Liverpool coaching staff seems to prioritize keeping everyone engaged and match-fit. While many first-team players rested for this game, Jota’s situation was different. The staff likely felt that getting him into rhythm and maintaining his fitness was more important than giving him rest, especially when it comes to keeping him injury-free.

December 21, 2024