Author: Grace Johnson

Arne Slot allowed himself a small smile when he admitted Tuesday that this season tested him “by a mile.” Even if Slot achieves great success in the future, this campaign has pushed the Dutchman to unprecedented limits. After winning the Premier League in his first season at Liverpool, he now faces a torrent of setbacks, bad luck, and blows to the team. Liverpool’s Struggles on Paper The statistics paint a grim picture. Liverpool won their first five league games this season but only collected 24 points from the next 20 matches. By comparison, Roy Hodgson earned 25 points in 20…

It was after Manchester United’s first game against West Ham this season that Ruben Amorim let his guard slip regarding Kobbie Mainoo. United drew 1-1 with the struggling Hammers at Old Trafford in December. Mainoo remained on the bench throughout, and Amorim opted for Lisandro Martinez over Luke Shaw as a final attempt to find a winner. “You always ask me the same thing,” Amorim told reporters when asked why the 20-year-old had not played. “I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England, but that doesn’t mean I need to put him on when I…

Sometimes the video assistant referee (VAR) cannot win, caught between what feels right in the spirit of the game and what is correct in the laws of football. Manchester City thought they had scored a decisive third goal at Liverpool, capping one of the most dramatic finishes this Premier League season has seen. But VAR stripped the goal away after reviewing a foul committed just before the ball crossed the line. Fans may hate it, pundits may criticise it, and football itself may shrug. Yet VAR official John Brooks had no choice but to intervene. A foul occurred that allowed…

As Hugo Ekitike walked off to the cheers of the Anfield crowd last Saturday, he took his seat on the bench. Alexander Isak patted his teammate’s hair from behind. A finisher recognised another finisher. Isak’s chance will come again, but the record £125m summer signing sits sidelined with a broken leg. All he can do is watch and admire Ekitike. And there is plenty to admire. Liverpool fans have quickly forgotten the absence of Sweden international Isak. Ekitike has adapted seamlessly to Premier League life. Impressive Numbers and Historic Feats Since joining Liverpool for £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt, the 23-year-old…

Michael Carrick has given the first sign that he wants to stay as Manchester United head coach beyond this season. Carrick has avoided discussing his future at Old Trafford since taking over as Ruben Amorim’s temporary successor on 13 January. Unlike Amorim, he does not seek headlines or share sensitive matters the club would prefer to handle internally. Carrick focused on improving United When asked about Manchester United’s summer plans and his role in them, Carrick’s answer caught attention. “Nothing’s changed, to be honest,” he said. “I’m fully aware of the role I’m doing here and the responsibility I’ve got.…

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says former players turned pundits have a “duty of responsibility” toward the next generation. Speaking with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, Van Dijk warned that some opinions cross into clickbait. He said commentators often provoke reactions without considering the mental impact on players. “For me, I can handle it, but I worry about the next generation,” Van Dijk told Neville. Van Dijk has spoken out before This season, Van Dijk repeatedly criticized certain pundit remarks. In November, he called Wayne Rooney’s claim that Liverpool lacked leadership “lazy criticism.” He revisited the topic days later while appearing…

Cristiano Ronaldo might leave Al-Nassr in June. The 40-year-old Portuguese continues training but risks missing a second consecutive match. If he leaves the Saudi Pro League, he could return to his first club, Sporting Lisbon. Manchester United targets new midfielders Nottingham Forest’s England international Elliot Anderson, 23, tops Manchester United’s list of midfield targets. Also on the list are Adam Wharton, 21, from Crystal Palace, and 22-year-old Cameroonian Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Atletico Madrid eyes Cristian Romero Atletico Madrid plans a move for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, 27. The Spanish club reacts to a social media post from the Argentine,…

Lamine Yamal scored, and Marcus Rashford provided an assist as Barcelona overcame Albacete to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The holders controlled the game from start to finish, ending the Second Division side’s remarkable run in the competition. Yamal gives Barca the lead Teenager Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute, marking his first goal of the season in the tournament. Barcelona dominated possession for much of the first half but struggled to create clear chances until the Spain international’s decisive finish. After Rashford and Frenkie de Jong pressured high in Albacete’s half, Yamal struck with a single…

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr faces uncertainty after he missed Monday’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that the 40-year-old refused to play, citing frustration with the club’s management under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and rivals Al-Hilal, the nation’s most successful club with 19 league titles, operate under PIF, which also owns Newcastle United. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, signing a record £177 million annual contract. Despite the salary, he has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup with the Saudi club. He renewed a two-year…

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a club-record deal worth up to £48m. The 25-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Selhurst Park and will wear the number 22 shirt. Palace moved quickly for the Norway international as Jean-Philippe Mateta appeared close to a transfer to AC Milan. Mateta stays as Milan withdraw Palace pursued Strand Larsen while Mateta looked set to leave south London. The France international has managed a knee issue in recent weeks. He underwent an initial medical examination on Sunday and completed further tests on Monday. AC Milan…