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      Arsenal and Liverpool in three-horse transfer race to sign Brentford star who’s scored same amount of goals as Man Utd

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      ARSENAL are engaged in three-way transfer race to sign Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, reports suggest.Mbeumo, 25, has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season by scoring eight Premier League goals in just nine matches for Thomas Frank’s Bees.Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of a three-team transfer race after scoring the same number of goals as Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle are discussing a deal while Arsenal are also interestedCredit: GettyThese eight goals astonishingly put him level with Manchester United’s league tally for the season so far, which sums up the Red Devils’ troubles pretty well.Cameroon international Mbeumo courted interest from some of England’s top clubs over the summer, with Newcastle top of a list including the Gunners and Liverpool, according to the Chronicle.However, the £50million price tag saw them baulk at a transfer.But the winger’s strong start to the season has kept Eddie Howe and co keen on a deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Telegraph report Newcastle are looking to strengthen their forward options and are internally discussing a move for Mbeumo in January.The Magpies were hit with spending restrictions in the summer in order to comply with league Profit and Sustainability rules.This saw them part ways with huge talents in Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, with the pair now doing well at Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.Since the takeover of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, the Toon have spent more than £400m on new talent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, following news that PIF will cut investment from their sovereign wealth fund on international spending from 30 per cent to 18-20 per cent, the Toon may have to deal with tighter pockets a little longer.PIF have assured supporters their backing will not change and will press on with plans for a new stadium, though this will not help with the immediate issues regarding PSR compliance. ‘Watching Arsenal is like watching Netflix… you always have to wait for the next season’, says Man Utd legendStruggles in terms of recouping transfer fees have left their hands tied, which the Telegraph report could restrict their winter plans too.In the meantime, Toon have triggered a one-year extension to Sean Longstaff’s contract.The St. James’ Park outfit tried to land Marc Guehi in the summer with a deal that almost hit £70m, which was rejected by Crystal Palace.Newcastle sit 12th in the league, while rivals Liverpool are second and Arsenal are third after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates last weekend.Liverpool brought in one player in Federico Chiesa in the summer, with Arne Slot largely using the stars left over from Jurgen Klopp’s reign.This being said, the club did also confirm the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next summer in a £25m deal.On the other hand, Mikel Arteta recruited heavily with Riccardo Calafiori the main arrival from Bologna for £42m.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Merino was added in midfield for £33m and David Raya’s loan transfer from Brentford was made permanent for £27m.Raheem Sterling and Neto also came in on loan.Liverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

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      Liverpool put Jurgen Klopp’s £4m mansion on Merseyside’s Millionaire’s Row up for sale after Arne Slot turned it down

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      LIVERPOOL FC have put Jurgen Klopp’s £4million home up for sale — after his successor Arne Slot turned it down.The Dutchman and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.Arne Slot turned down Jurgen Klopp’s £4million former homeCredit: GettyIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp to stay on rent-freeCredit: GettyThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year linkCredit: PP.Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developerCredit: Willie VassThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Read More on SportEx-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. He was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.Most read in FootballIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.The German and wife Ulla were often spotted in a local pub. Removal vans moved in after he revealed he was stepping down.Slot, 46, who impressed at Feyenoord, has enjoyed the best start of any manager at Anfield, winning 11 of his first 12 matches. The club was asked for comment.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliation More

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      Huge Arsenal blow as Gabriel Magalhaes forced off in Liverpool clash to deepen defensive crisis

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES has become the latest Arsenal player to fall foul of injury.The defender was forced off the pitch during the Sunday afternoon 2-2 draw between the Gunners and Liverpool at the Emirates.Gabriel is the latest Arsenal injury set to cause Mikel Arteta a headacheCredit: GettyHe was forced to leave the pitch following a tussle with Darwin Nunez which left him grimacingCredit: GettyGabriel could be out for at least six weeks depending on the severity of the injuryCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta’s defensive options had already been depleted with injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and the suspension of William Saliba.However, following a second-half tussle with Darwin Nunez, Gabriel appeared to feel something and was then seen grimacing.He then fell to the floor in pain before receiving treatment to try and help him to carry on.But it proved to be ineffective, and Gabriel was taken off through injury in the 54th minute and replaced by Jakub Kiwior.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe knock was reported to be a knee injury sustained after it was jolted during his duel with Nunez.Footage of Gabriel while receiving treatment saw him holding his left knee, seemingly confirming this assessment as the club doctor also checked for a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.He was able to walk off the pitch and down the tunnel, but could now face weeks on the sideline.If Gabriel has suffered an MCL injury, then the amount of time he will miss will depend on the grade of the blow.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA grade 1 issue will heal within 1-3 weeks while a grade 2 could take between four and six weeks and a grade 3 will take at least six with proper treatment.Jurrien Timber then added to these problems when he was replaced by teen Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 75th minute after the Dutchman was also forced to the floor with injury and received treatment.Arsenal fans say ‘time to upgrade the wardrobe’ as Gunners release ‘orgasmic’ new clothing range Gabriel returned to the side of the pitch later on to see out the remainder of the match.While Arteta will see the return of Saliba following his one-game suspension, Calafiori, Tomiyasu and Tierney remain out.Arsenal were also dealing with knocks to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka before the Liverpool game.However, star player Saka was deemed fit enough to play before he opened the scoring with a vicious close-range shot after ten minutes.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored from a set-play to level the score.Arsenal ratings vs LiverpoolARSENAL lost further ground in the title race with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Arne Slot’s side are a top team, but it will still frustrate Mikel Arteta that his team couldn’t clinch all three points having twice led the match.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.BEN WHITE – 7He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.GABRIEL – 7Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.MIKEL MERINO – 8A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season. And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.DECLAN RICE – 8Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.BUKAYO SAKA – 9Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/AETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI, 85) – N/AClick here for more Arsenal news.But the hosts responded with a free-kick of their own as Declan Rice’s superb free-kick was headed home by Mikel Merino shortly before half-time, and then confirmed following a lengthy VAR check for offside.Liverpool equalised for a second time in the 81st minute through Mohamed Salah.Arsenal did get the ball in the net through Gabriel Jesus in injury time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul earlier in the move.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves Liverpool a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table, while Arsenal are now five adrift of the league leaders.Jurrien Timber was also forced off through injuryCredit: GettyGabriel returned to the Arsenal bench later on More

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      Liverpool fighting Chelsea for £50million-rated ‘new Mo Salah’ who’s outscoring Harry Kane in Bundesliga

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      LIVERPOOL are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush to be their new Egyptian king.With Mo Salah yet to extend his contract, the Reds have upped their interest in his international team-mate Marmoush.Liverpool want to sign Omar MarmousCredit: AFPMo Salah could leave at the end of the season when his contract expiresCredit: GettyAccording to reports in Germany, Eintracht have told Liverpool they will want £50million.Salah, 32, is into the final year of his current deal and will be free to talk to overseas clubs in January.And the Reds are preparing to have to deal without their main man from next season. Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in the last year of their deals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCairo-born Marmoush, 25, has bagged nine goals and four assists in just seven Bundesliga appearances, including a brace in a 3-3 draw with Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich earlier this month.Chelsea are also said to be interested in Marmoush, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season and has more than Kane in Bundesliga this term.His agent Michael Reschke has hinted at a move, suggesting his client could receiving offers from all over the world.He said: “We have good plans for Marmoush.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Marmoush has been delivering outstanding performances recently and a bright future awaits him.“He currently has a global market, so we don’t rule out receiving offers from all over the world.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds“Marmoush is greatly loved within Eintracht Frankfurt, so offers are not only expected from within Germany but from all over Europe.“This isn’t a strange matter, and we should all expect it because his performance, level, and name have become like gold currency and the energy he possesses on the pitch promotes him.“He has a completely distinctive style, his eyes are sharp, and I cannot compare him to anyone else. He is a wonderful and special player.” More

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      If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are OUT of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’

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      LOSE to Liverpool, and Arsenal are out of the Premier League title race.That is according to Paul Merson, who believes the Gunners cannot afford to fall behind because the “gulf is massive” at the top.Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash against Liverpool is a must win gameMartin Odegaard remains unavailable for selection with the Norway star desperate to return to trainingQuestion marks hang over Bukayo Saka’s availability after the Arsenal ace limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations LeagueArsenal, who sit third in the Prem after a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, host leaders Liverpool on Sunday.But they will do so without the spine of their team.With captain Martin Odegaard out with an ankle injury sustained on international duty, Bukayo Saka a doubt and William Saliba suspended after a red card at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.And former Gunner Merson believes Sunday’s crunch clash could determine Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMerson told Sky Sports: “This is a big football match, a huge football match. “I’d go as far as to say that if Arsenal get beat here, I think they’re out of it. I really do.”And people can say ‘Oh there’s 29 games left’ but after Manchester City beat Southampton, Arsenal will be six behind them.”And if they lose on the weekend, they’re going to be seven behind Liverpool.Most read in FootballArsenal suffered their first defeat of the season after going down to 10 men at BournemouthFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”These teams put up figures and don’t look like they’re going to get beat by the lesser teams. The gulf is massive. I think this is a huge game.”Arsenal could also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who came away from their cagey 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk injured, and Jurrien Timber, who picked up a knock against PSG, when Liverpool come to town.Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal suffered with tiredness against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta admitted his side were tired in the second half against Shakhtar, who could have earned themselves a point were it not for David Raya’s excellent save to deny Pedrinho’s long-range shot in the 92nd minute.Liverpool have a couple of injury problems of their own and have a day less to recover after their 1-0 trip to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.Goalkeeper Alisson is out with a hamstring injury while question marks remain over Diogo Jota, after the Portugal star limped off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.It may not be must-win just yet, but it’s close to must-not-lose for Arsenal.Because while the gulf is massive, the margin for error is small. Mikel Arteta’s side are already four points off leaders Liverpool and three points behind last season’s title rivals City, who host 19th place Southampton, who are winless this term.But Merson might be being too hasty as Arsenal suffered four defeats by New Year last season, going onto to lose five games all season.Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      ‘I’m not a Man City, I’m not a Liverpool – but I am a cold night away in Stoke’ says viral boxer in threat to opponent

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      BOXER Johnny Fisher described himself as a cold night away in Stoke – in a warning to whoever shares the ring with him.Fisher, whose dad Big John has become a sensation on TikTok, is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Johnny Fisher next to Moses Itauma at the big London press conferenceCredit: GettyAnd he returns on December 21 on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. He faces 22–1 Aussie Demsey McKean – a former sparring partner of Anthony Joshua’s – on the bill in Saudi Arabia.But already talk has turned to a future battle of the British unbeatens against 10-0 Moses Itauma. And Fisher responded with: “I will fight anyone. Anyone out there I will fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”What they’ve got to realise is my value I bring to the table but listen, I’m not a Man City, I’m not an AC Milan, I’m not a Liverpool but I am cold night away in Stoke.”And to beat me you’ve got to pull your socks up and put your on to beat me. “But listen, Moses Itauma, a great talent I’ve got so much respect for him and that is a massive fight for the British public down the line and I think that can happen.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair have sparred in the past and even agreed to go out for Fisher’s trademark Chinese takeaway after. Most read in BoxingAnd Itauma added: “Me and Johnny have had a few conversations. “I don’t hate the man but listen I feel like the fight will there on the table if we want it. “One day we’ll have it. Maybe a Chinese after.” Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk II Launch Press Conference More

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      Virgil van Dijk contract: Liverpool ace confirms talks over new deal ARE ongoing as he credits Slot’s tactical influence

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK is in talks over a new Liverpool deal and is “having fun” under new boss Arne Slot.The Reds captain, 33, is one of a trio of stars out of contract at the end of the season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Virgil van Dijk is in talks over a new contract at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersHe is enjoying life under Arne SlotCredit: ReutersAll three could discuss terms with clubs overseas from January if new contracts are not signed.But Van Dijk, who joined for £75million in January 2018, says he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.”What the future brings, I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people, and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, you guys will know it as well.”But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLiverpool’s win over Chelsea on Sunday kept them at the top of the table, a point ahead of holders Manchester City.Van Dijk, who won the Premier League in 2020, says he is blocking out talk of a title push in Slot’s first season.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.He said: “Everyone can have their opinion but I know, a lot of people know opinions can change every three days now in terms of people saying someone can win the league and someone can’t.”There is no point listening to any of that. I don’t do that.”I focus on one game at a time, I want to be successful, I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in, I want to try and win it.”We know how difficult it is but I am going to give it a very good go.”Van Dijk has also given credit to Slot for the club’s new tactical approach to matches.He added: “I think it is the work we put in and it starts up front. That is the most important thing.”You saw Darwin (Nunez) coming on against Chelsea, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign.”It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to success.”I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed.”I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how it works, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.”And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.” More

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      Jamie Carragher is warned ‘don’t bring that here’ live on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was ordered not to bring his “CBS chat” live on Sky Sports after covering his beloved Liverpool’s win over Chelsea.The Reds beat the Blues 2-1 at Anfield thanks to a stunning display by Curtis Jones, who won a penalty that led to Mohamed Salah’s opener and scored the winner after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser.Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates ordered Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards not to bring their ‘CBS chat’That comment led to the entire panel laughing their socks offCarragher and Richards work together at CBS with Thierry Henry and Kate AbdoCredit: GettyCarragher provided punditry alongside former team-mate Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards, with whom he also covers the Champions League on CBS.The ex-England international insisted Jones “should have” been awarded another penalty for Liverpool.Presenter Kelly Cates immediately responded: “You’ve firmed up a bit.”Richards addressed his fellow CBS analyst: “You were 50-50 at half-time, has someone been in your DM’s?”Read More on FootballThe panel then burst into laughter before Carragher quipped: “No it was a penalty, you leave my DMs out of it.”Cates replied: “Alright, don’t bring your CBS chat on here”And Sturridge ended the funny segment by saying: “Chill out man, what’s going on.”Carragher and Richards often find themselves taking a cheeky dig at each other live on the CBS studio alongside fellow legend Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the duo are usually more subtle when working with Sky Sports.The pair will be returning for the Champions League action this coming Tuesday on CBS.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’They will be covering Arsenal clash with Shakhtar Donetsk before Manchester City’s encounter with Sparta Prague and Liverpool’s visit at RB Leipzig on Wednesday. More