Football

Liverpool's title credentials received a significant boost as they overcame a resilient Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield, reclaiming the Premier League summit. Mohamed Salah's penalty and Curtis Jones' decisive strike propelled the Reds to their 10th victory in 11 games under manager Arne Slot.Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson briefly equalized in the second half, but the Blues succumbed to their first league defeat since the season opener against Manchester City. Liverpool's triumph places them one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, their next opponents at the Emirates.Chelsea, despite the setback, displayed encouraging signs in a performance that tested Liverpool's limits. The Blues remain six points adrift of the top in sixth place.Slot's only defeat at Liverpool came against Nottingham Forest after the September international break. In response, the Dutchman benched South American internationals Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez due to their recent transatlantic exertions.Jones' inclusion in the starting lineup proved inspired, as the England international earned Liverpool's penalty and scored the winning goal. Chelsea escaped a red card in the opening minutes when Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Diogo Jota, an incident similar to William Saliba's dismissal for Arsenal against Bournemouth.Despite Chelsea's early possession dominance, Liverpool's pace on the break posed a constant threat. Salah's penalty gave the Reds the lead after Jones was brought down by Levi Colwill. Cody Gakpo's goal was ruled out for offside, while Jackson struck the woodwork for Chelsea.Chelsea received a reprieve before halftime when VAR overturned a penalty decision against Jones, who was adjudged to have been touched by Robert Sanchez. However, the Blues equalized within three minutes of the restart through Jackson, who was initially ruled offside but was shown to be onside by Ibrahima Konate.Liverpool regained the lead three minutes later when Jones converted Salah's cross. Chelsea pressed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear chances until stoppage time. Renato Vega and Christopher Nkunku missed opportunities to level the score.

Mohamed Salah Released Early from International Duty, Will Miss Mauritania QualifierLiverpool star Mohamed Salah will not feature in Egypt's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania next week, as confirmed by his club on Saturday. The 32-year-old forward has been released early from international duty amid concerns over playing on artificial turf and injury risks.On Friday, Salah played a pivotal role in Egypt's 2-0 victory over Mauritania, scoring the second goal to seal the win. However, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan expressed concerns about the potential impact of playing on Mauritania's artificial turf on Salah's fitness.Egypt, the record seven-time African champions, currently sit atop Group C with a perfect record after three rounds. They need just a single point in their next match to secure qualification for the tournament.Liverpool also confirmed that Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has been released early from international duty after receiving two yellow cards in the Netherlands' 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Hungary.Both Salah and van Dijk will not participate in any further international matches this month, as Liverpool seeks to manage their workload and minimize the risk of injuries.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the head of football operations at Red Bull, the Austrian energy drinks giant. This move marks a significant departure from Klopp's previous role as a hands-on coach, but it aligns with his desire to take on a more strategic and advisory position.Klopp's appointment at Red Bull is a testament to his exceptional leadership and football acumen. During his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, he transformed the club into a formidable force, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles. His ability to motivate players, implement innovative tactics, and create a winning culture has earned him widespread admiration.In his new role, Klopp will not be directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Red Bull's football clubs, which include RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls. Instead, he will serve as a mentor and advisor to the coaches and management of these clubs, providing strategic guidance and support.Klopp's decision to join Red Bull is also influenced by his desire to pursue other interests. He has expressed a keen interest in Formula One, where Red Bull is the principal sponsor of the reigning champion team of Max Verstappen. Additionally, Klopp retains a sponsorship role with German sportswear maker Adidas.The move to Red Bull also provides Klopp with an opportunity to spend more time at his home on the Spanish island of Majorca. He has previously stated that he was exhausted by the demands of his role at Liverpool and that he needed a break from the intense pressure of coaching.Klopp's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans and pundits have expressed concerns that he may not be as effective in a non-coaching role, while others believe that his experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to Red Bull's football operations.Regardless of the differing opinions, Klopp's move to Red Bull is a significant development in the world of football. It marks the end of an era at Liverpool and the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most successful managers in recent history.

Liverpool's title hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be sidelined for "a few weeks" due to a hamstring injury. The Brazilian international suffered the injury while making a clearance in Liverpool's 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Alisson was forced to limp off in the second half of the Premier League clash at Selhurst Park, with Czech international Vitezslav Jaros, 23, coming on to replace him. Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted after the game that he does not expect to have his first-choice goalkeeper available for a while."What I do know is that when a player walks off like he did, it normally means he's not in the Brazil squad and I don't expect him to be in the team for the first match we play after the break," Slot said."We have to wait and see but it will be a few weeks for him to be back. I think it is, yes (his hamstring)."Alisson has been hampered by hamstring injuries in the past, and his latest setback will come as a major blow to Liverpool. The Reds are currently top of the Premier League table, but they will now have to cope without their first-choice goalkeeper for a significant period of time.Slot also confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister was replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai at half-time due to a groin injury. The extent of Mac Allister's injury is not yet known, but Slot said that he is unlikely to be fit for Argentina's upcoming international fixtures."How bad that is, it's not for me to judge at this moment," Slot said. "He felt it and said 'it's not good to keep on playing because it could be made worse'.""It's difficult for me to say if he can play for Argentina. It was in the groin area."Liverpool's next game is against Chelsea on October 1, following the international break. It remains to be seen whether Alisson will be fit enough to return for that match, but his absence would be a major blow to Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League title.

Arne Slot's Liverpool reign has begun with an unprecedented eight wins in nine matches, as the Reds secured a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League. Slot's tactical acumen has seamlessly transitioned from Feyenoord, where he guided the Dutch club to the Champions League knockout stages.Alexis Mac Allister, who has flourished under Slot's more flexible approach, opened the scoring in the first half. The Argentine midfielder's incisive run and clinical finish showcased his newfound freedom. Liverpool's dominance continued, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez threatening to extend the lead.However, Bologna emerged from their slumber and nearly equalized. Riccardo Orsolini's header was blocked, Dan Ndoye's drive struck the woodwork, and Kacper Urbanski forced a fine save from Alisson Becker. Liverpool's defense, led by Trent Alexander-Arnold, was tested but held firm.In the second half, Liverpool regained control and Salah delivered the knockout blow. The Egyptian maestro cut inside from the right flank, effortlessly glided past Juan Miranda, and curled a superb strike into the far corner. Salah's 49th Champions League goal sealed the victory and extended Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season.Slot's understated approach has ensured Liverpool's seamless transition from Jurgen Klopp's successful era. The Dutchman has deftly maintained the team's attacking prowess while instilling a renewed sense of discipline and tactical flexibility.Liverpool's victory against Bologna is a testament to Slot's managerial acumen and the team's unwavering belief in his vision. As the Reds embark on another Champions League campaign, they will be buoyed by the confidence and momentum gained under their new manager.

Liverpool Face Tough Test in Champions League Opener Against AC MilanLiverpool will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a challenging away fixture against Serie A giants AC Milan on Wednesday, September 18. The match will mark the debut of new Liverpool manager Arne Slot in the competition.Liverpool enter the game on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Despite winning the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 and reaching the final twice more, pressure is mounting on Slot to deliver success in Europe.Milan, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to their Serie A season, winning just one of their opening four league games. The Italian giants will be eager to make a statement in the Champions League and will pose a significant threat to Liverpool.The match will be played at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. It will be live telecast on the Sony Sports network and live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.Liverpool will be without several key players for the match, including Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Ibrahima Konate. Milan, on the other hand, will be boosted by the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been out injured since May.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their Premier League defeat and establish themselves as contenders in the Champions League, while Milan will be aiming to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

Arne Slot's honeymoon period at Liverpool has come to an abrupt end following a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Dutchman, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, now faces the daunting task of restoring the Reds' European dominance while balancing his own tactical vision with the expectations of the club and its supporters.Liverpool's return to the Champions League after a year's absence has been met with a challenging draw. They will face AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSV Eindhoven, all formidable opponents with a rich history in the competition. The Reds' struggles against Forest, who defended resolutely with 11 men behind the ball, have exposed cracks in their attacking prowess.Despite enjoying nearly 70% possession, Liverpool lacked the necessary spark to break down Forest's defense. Slot expressed frustration at his team's inability to create clear-cut chances, highlighting the need for improvement in their ball retention and attacking efficiency.The defeat has cast a shadow over the positive start Slot had made to his tenure. Liverpool had won their opening three Premier League games without conceding, but the Forest loss has raised questions about their ability to adapt to different styles of play.Slot must now strike a delicate balance between imposing his own style and maintaining the support of the players and fans. He has emphasized the importance of consistency in preparation and attitude, regardless of the result.The international break provides a brief respite for Liverpool, but the return of key players like Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister will be crucial in addressing their attacking deficiencies. Mohamed Salah remains a vital cog in the team, but Slot must find ways to reduce the reliance on the Egyptian, who is entering the final year of his contract.Captain Virgil van Dijk has called for a "reality check" after the Forest defeat, acknowledging the need for improvement to achieve their goals this season. The contrast between Liverpool's performances in recent games has highlighted the challenges Slot faces in transitioning the team while maintaining their competitive edge.

Nottingham Forest pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday, September 14, 2024, as they defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. The victory marked Forest's first at the iconic stadium since 1969 and sent shockwaves through the Premier League.Liverpool dominated the opening half, but their profligacy in front of goal proved costly. Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai both came close to breaking the deadlock, but their efforts went wide. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels also made a series of crucial saves to keep the Reds at bay.The second half saw a more determined Forest side emerge. They pressed Liverpool high up the pitch and created several chances of their own. In the 72nd minute, substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi received a brilliant crossfield ball from Anthony Elanga and curled a superb effort past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.Liverpool threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Forest held firm. Virgil van Dijk's late header flew over the bar, and the Reds were left to rue their missed opportunities.The victory was a major statement of intent from Forest, who have now won their first three league games under new coach Arne Slot. Liverpool, on the other hand, were left to lick their wounds after a disappointing performance.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign has hit a major roadblock after a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. The Dutchman, who was appointed in May, is already facing immense pressure after losing three of his first four games in charge.Ten Hag's tenure began with a promising 2-1 victory over Brighton in the Premier League opener. However, that optimism quickly evaporated with a 4-0 thrashing at Brentford and now the Liverpool debacle.The former Ajax boss has been backed with a significant transfer budget, spending over £200 million on new players. But the results have not matched the investment, leaving Ten Hag under scrutiny.In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges facing his team. "It's not like I'm Harry Potter, that is what you have to acknowledge," he said. "We just had a third game in the season, again we have to build a new team."Ten Hag pointed to the inexperience of his squad, with several key players still adapting to the Premier League. He also defended Casemiro, who was at fault for Liverpool's first two goals."I think that in football everyone has to take responsibility," Ten Hag said. "He's a great character. He has won everything in his career. I'm sure he will keep contributing to our team."Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag remains confident in his team's ability to challenge for trophies this season. "At the end of the season I'm quite confident that we will have a big chance to lift another trophy," he said.However, United's hopes of competing for the Premier League title appear slim. They are already six points behind defending champions Manchester City and Liverpool.The defeat to Liverpool has exposed the deep-rooted problems at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has a lot of work to do if he is to turn things around and restore United to their former glory.