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LIVERPOOL will host rivals Manchester United this afternoon after an emergency meeting took place today over the safety of supporters.Severe snow hit the region, with airports closing, causing travel chaos – John Lennon Airport’s runway was closed this morning but is now back open.It has now been confirmed that the match will be going AHEAD – but three EFL clashes have been called off today at Chesterfield, Fleetwood and Newport.The headline team news from Anfield is that Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes returns from a one-match ban, while Ibrahima Konate is back in the Liverpool starting eleven.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appLiverpool team: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Salah, DiazMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Amad, Fernandes, HojlundFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Mo still the main manMo Salah just loves playing against Manchester United.In fact, no player in Premier League history has a record against the Red Devils quite like the Egyptian.The Egyptian king has both scored more goals (12) and provided more assists (6) against United than anyone else since the competition’s rebrand in 1992.He’s having some season too.Salah has been involved in 30 Premier League goals this season (17 goals and 13 assists), scoring and assisting in eight different games. It is already the most occasions that a player has done both in a single campaign ever.It is also the fifth time that the forward has registered 30+ goal involvements in a season (also 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22 and 2022-23), the joint most of any player in Premier League history along with Alan Shearer.Copy linkCopiedFT: Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Well, what a game that was! Three penalties across 90 minutes and the spoils are shared at Craven Cottage.It was a late spot kick from Raul Jimenez that clawed Fulham back level.Manchester United will be relieved that one of their relegation rivals have dropped points…Credit: PACopy linkCopied’They’re so bad’, slams KeaneRoy Keane has delivered a no-nonsense attack on Manchester United’s lack of improvement under Ruben Amorim.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “If you look at the stats, my goodness, they are so bad.”Obviously, the new manager has come in and there has been no response from the players which is a big concern.”They don’t look like a great group. They’ve got no world-class players.”They haven’t got a striker that can get them out of jail. The goalkeeper is not great. The players have to be held accountable.”I just want a bit of passion in their performance. It’s disgraceful what they’re doing week in, week out.”You look at the evidence over the last month or two and even previously, and you ask yourself, ‘How can Manchester United even come here to Anfield and get a result?'”Copy linkCopiedOn the benchesAs suspected, Marcus Rashford misses out through illness. Here’s the options on the sidelines for both teams…Liverpool bench Kelleher (GK), Bradley, Chiesa, Jota, Elliott, Endo, Nunez, Quansah, TsimikasMan Utd benchBayindir (GK), Antony, Casemiro, Collyer, Eriksen, Garnacho, Malacia, Yoro, ZirkzeeCopy linkCopiedHow they line upSo we know who is starting, but here’s how that should look as a formation for both sides…Copy linkCopiedTeam newsHere we go, here’s a look at who is lining up for both sides at Anfield…LiverpoolAlisson, Van Dijk (c), Konate, Diaz, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-ArnoldMan UtdOnana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Fernandes (c), Hojlund, Amad, Dalot, Ugarte, MainooCopy linkCopiedGoalscoring woesManchester United have failed to score in any of their last three games in all competitions.Meanwhile Liverpool have scored in every single game they’ve played in since September 17.Ruben Amorim has to find someone who can step up and score when it matters the most.At the moment, The Red Devils don’t have a goalscorer.Copy linkCopiedIpswich creeping upThat Sammie Szmodics goal means that, as things stand, Kieran McKenna’s side are just FOUR POINTS behind Man Utd in the table.It also pulls them just out of the relegation zone.We’ve all joked about it, but are United really in a relegation battle?Copy linkCopiedHT: Fulham 0-1 IpswichIt’s half-time in today’s early Premier League kick off and Ipswich have the lead.The Tractor Boys are ahead through a Sammie Szmodics goal and are now 45 minutes away from back-to-back victories.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEarly team newsWe still have about 45 minutes until we find out what XIs both managers have chosen, but here’s he we know won’t be playing.Liverpool will still be without Joe Gomez while both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley have undergone late fitness tests.For United, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw all remain injured.Exiled Marcus Rashford has been ill and is expected to miss today’s match too.Copy linkCopiedNeville and Carragher get stuck inGary Neville and Jamie Carragher were shovelling the snow at Anfield earlier today.Although, it seemed as though Neville was keen to throw the snow back on the pitch and get the match postponed.While Carragher wanted to make sure Liverpool could take on a Man Utd side on a torrid run of form.Copy linkCopiedThe view from Martin Lipton at Craven CottageFulham vs Ipswich TownGrey, gloomy, wet, miserable. And that’s just Omari Hutchinson, ruled out for Ipswich with a groin injury.The loss of the in-form midfielder in a blow for the Tractor Boys, although Liam Delap has been ploughing it up all season to give them a chance of survival.Fulham, unbeaten in seven since they were thumped at the Cottage by Wolves, leave out Andreas Pereira, linked with an £18m move back to Brazil with Palmeiras. Tom Cairney comes in with Marco Silva insisting it is about ensuring more “control” in the middle. MmmmCopy linkCopiedStark differencesHere’s a look at the comparison between Liverpool’s top scorer this season, Mohamed Salah, and Man Utd’s number one bagsman, Bruno Fernandes. The damning stats show the difference at both clubs this term.Copy linkCopiedPitch preparedThe Anfield pitch has been cleared and is ready to welcome both sides later this afternoon.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopied’Surface is perfect’Gary Neville has told Sky Sports that the Anfield pitch is “perfect” ahead of the derby bout later this afternoon.The Man Utd icon added: “It won’t affect the quality of play”.Copy linkCopiedFulham vs Ipswich lineupsWell we know that Fulham vs Ipswich is definitely going ahead given the lack of snow in London.So here’s a look at how both sides line up for the Premier League’s 2pm KO.Copy linkCopiedState of playSo here’s a look at that games are going ahead and what games have been postponed across the Prem and EFL today.Premier LeagueFulham vs Ipswich – 2pm (on)Liverpool vs Man Utd – 4:30pm (on)ChampionshipSunderland vs Portsmouth – 3pm (on)League TwoCrewe vs Bromley – 3pm (on)Chesterfield vs Gillingham – POSTPONEDFleetwood vs AFC Wimbledon – POSTPONEDNewport vs Morecambe – POSTPONEDCopy linkCopiedNewport game OFFNewport County vs Morecambe has been called off due to the weather.The postponement means that three of the four League Two clashes due to be played this afternoon have been called off. Crewe vs Bromley will be the only League Two match played.Copy linkCopiedBoost to Liverpool title hopesThe fixture going ahead will be a huge boost to Liverpool’s title hopes.The Reds now get to play an out-of-form Man Utd side for the chance to widen their lead at the top of the table.After Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton yesterday, Liverpool can go EIGHT points clear with a game in hand if they win this afternoon.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedM62 clear The M62 is currently clear of snow and running in normal order.The road will be the main route that most Man Utd fans will take to get to Anfield this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd statementManchester United have doubled down on the decision for the game to go ahead with a statement of their own.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool confirm game onLiverpool have released a statement on X confirming that this afternoon’s match is taking place.Copy linkCopiedCarra confirmsJamie Carragher appears to confirm that his former side Liverpool will take on Man Utd today. We’re still awaiting official statements from either club.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING – MATCH ONEarly reports are indicating that the game WILL go ahead.After another inspection on the playing surface it has been decided the match will be played between Liverpool and Man Utd.Copy linkCopiedGround staff at workThe ground staff at Anfield are out on the pitch doing their best to get the surface ready.An army of employees are scraping the snow off the surface.Just under 15 minutes until we should have an update on if the game will go ahead.Copy linkCopied More

NEWCASTLE UNITED have beaten Manchester United 2-0 as the Red Devils end 2024 with another horror show.The Toon took an early lead through Alexander Isak’s close-range header with just four minutes on the clock.Things went from bad to worse for Ruben Amorim’s side after Joelinton doubled Newcastle’s advantage on 19 minutes.Man Utd offered little in the second half and the Magpies cruised towards a valuable three points on the road.Defeat to Newcastle means the Red Devils go into 2025 on the back of four straight defeats in all competitions. Match result: Man Utd 0-2 NewcastleMan Utd team: Onana, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Eriksen, Dalot, Amad, Hojlund, Zirkzee.Newcastle team: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, GordonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Magpies have plenty to play forEddie Howe’s Newcastle are now fifth in the league.The Magpies are just three points behind Chelsea in fourth, who have lost two games on the bounce.Finally the future is looking bright for the Geordie faithful and it will certainly be a happy New Year in the North East.Copy linkCopiedNothing gets any easier for Red DevilsMan Utd need more than ever a run of results to give the side some confidence in their game.Sadly for the Red Devils, they have a tough run of fixtures coming up.They have now lost five of their last six games and are only seven points from the bottom three.Copy linkCopiedRuben gives stark warningThe Portuguese manager spoke of tonight’s game and his tactics for his new side:We are suffering always the first goal in set pieces. We have a lot of problems. It is really clear today that Newcastle is the better team. It was really tough on me to bring Josh (Zirkzee) off but we needed another midfielder. I know he is a really good guy, I can understand why he went down the tunnel. I am not going to change my approach, if it is not working, maybe they need another coach.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedPrice of Swede rocketing up weeklyAlexander Isak is impressing everyone with his performances for Newcastle this season, with plenty of big clubs watching.There are some sides across European football who are crying out for a striker like the Swede.The Magpies will have their work cut out keeping him at St James’ Park, but every goal and assist is adding £10m to his price.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNo end in sight for AmorimThe manager was honest with the fans when he came into the club, telling them that will be a lot of pain to get to where they want to be.He certainly was not lying.After a couple of early wins against questionable sides in the Europa League, many thought the good times were back.Now they realise, those are just a distant memory.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedNeville rips into Red DevilsThe former Man Utd full-back give a frank assessment of his old team:You are watching the worst pound for pound football team in the country right now. Bar none.Gary NevilleSky SportsCopy linkCopiedBrazilian dominates at Old TraffordBruno Guimaraes seems to be thriving in the number 8 position.To be fair, he is happy to be the box-to-box midfielder and gets back to help out his defence also.When they hiigh-press, he is all over the back four and forces opponents into errors.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 0-2 NewcastleThat is five defeats from their last six games for Man Utd.Newcastle scored two goals early on and never looked back.The only criticism if any is that they should have scored more.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 0-2 NewcastleThe referee brings this game to an end.It was a dreadful performance from Ruben Amorim’s side.This is definitely an evening to be a Magpies’ fan here.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle90+2. This is an impressive victory for The Magpies.To add to the fans’ joy, results elsewhere are going their way too.When the camera pans onto the Man Utd fans, they have a look on their faces like they are watching their homes being burgled on ring doorbell cameras live.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle90. The home fans stream out of Old Trafford in their numbers.Alexander Isak should be called ‘The Magician’ this evening.After all, he has made 70,000 Man Utd fans disappear it seems.We are going to have an added three minutes.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle88. If Man Utd are going to do anything in this game they need a goal from this Eriksen free-kick.He looks to whip it into the box but Burn heads it away, inadvertently taking it away from his own keeper.Antony goes around in circles as he cuts into the middle of the park, trying to avoid using his right foot.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle86. Amad dribbles the ball into the box and goes down.The referee is not interested his penalty claims at all.To be fair, the Man Utd winger goes down easier than most elevators.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle84. Newcastle fans are still loving their trip down south.Willock and Barnes are coming on for The Magpies.They replace Murphy and Gordon.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle84. Antony is on for de Ligt now.Having seen most of his career on the wing for Man Utd, it will be interesting to see how he is at centre-back.Man Utd need to throw caution to the wind a little more now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle82. Garnacho looks to take on Guimaraes in the Newcastle half.The Brazilian reads it well and blocks him.Momentary chance of a counter but it breaks down.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle80. Schar is booked for a foul on Hojlund.The free-kick is played into the box and de Ligt heads it into the path of Hojlund.He cannot get onto the end of it however.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle78. Still no sign of the introduction of Rashford for the hosts.It looks liike Antony is being prepared to come on.The away fans are now singing ‘sacked in the morning’ to Ruben Amorim.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle76. The hosts are passing it around but there is no penetration.It’s like trying to put a hole in the wall with a drillbit made of jelly.Newcastle’s goal is not being put under any threat whatsoever.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle74. We have got to that stage now where The Magpies may start considering shutting up shop.Three points and a clean sheet would do nicely for Eddie Howe.Man Utd are running out of time to change this result.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle72. This is the quietest the home fans have been at Old Trafford since……..their last defeat.We have Newcastle to thank this time for the fact we are not hearing Christmas songs about Frenchmen who haven’t played for the club for some 27 years.Man Utd fans once used to accuse Liverpool fans of living in the past, they now seem to be the Marty McFly of football.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle70. The Man Utd defenders need to be careful with their challenges.A few times now Dalot has gone lunging in on Isak, he was just lucky that the Swede saw them coming and sent him to the shops on both occasions.Otherwise he would be giving the referee something to think about.Not a good idea when that official is Simon Hooper, he doesn’t operate well his brain requires engaging.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle68. The Magpies are starting to ask questions in the final third.This time Hall gets into the box but he decides to go for goal and sends it sailing over the crossbar.Gordon is raging, he felt he should have laid it off to him in a better scoring position.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle66. The Magpies need to try and get another goal to put this game to bed.As things stand they fully deserve a win and the three points but if Man Utd get a goal, this could provide a nervy end.When the ball is played through for Hall to chase, Onana comes sprinting out of his box and clatters the player.The Man Utd fans are relieved to see an offside flag.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-2 Newcastle64. Amorim looks set to bring on Garnacho and Yoro.Considering they are chasing the game and two goals down, that seems like employing the services of a couple of arsonists to put out a fire for you.Either way they replace Casemiro and Martinez.Copy linkCopied More

IPSWICH have beaten Chelsea 2-0 to claim their first Premier League win of the season at Portman Road.The Tractor Boys took a shock lead through Liam Delap’s 12th-minute penalty.Right after half-time, former Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson fired Ipswich into a 2-0 lead.The hosts held firm, despite late pressure from the Blues, to claim a well-deserved three points.Match result: Ipswich 2-0 ChelseaIpswich team: Walton, Burns, O’Shea, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Hutchinson, Broadhead, DelapChelsea team: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Joao Felix, NkunkuFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from Portman RoadAnd that’s all from the Premier League for 2024.It’s been a mixed year for Chelsea, and it’s ended on a sour note with defeat at a struggling but spirited Ipswich.But the Blues will be aiming to roar right back in 2025, and we’ll be there with them when they football restarts in January.Until, thanks for joining us and a happy new year!Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!Before we call it a night, it’s time to relive a memorable night at Portman Road by enjoying David Kidd’s match report of Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at Ipswich Town.Here, Chelsea’s lavishly-assembled team were made to look foolish by an Ipswich side who hadn’t won at home all season. And Maresca was right about one thing – Chelsea were never in a title race. After taking just one point out of nine over the festive period, they are now ten points adrift of Liverpool having played a game more.David KiddThe SunCopy linkCopiedNext up for the BluesChelsea will hope to right their run of form when 2025 arrives, and first up for the Blues is a London derby at Selhurst Park.After an FA Cup tie with League Two Morecambe, Enzo Maresca’s side return to league action at Stamford Bridge against high-flying Bournemouth.Further home games with Wolves and West Ham await, sandwiching a trip to faltering champions Manchester City.Copy linkCopiedMaresca calls for improvementJust as he played down talk of a title challenge, Enzo Maresca was quick to quash the suggestion that Chelsea are going through a minor crisis.Instead, the Italian insists that a difficult period like the Blues are currently experiencing was inevitable, and shows just how much his squad still have to do in order to truly compete at the top.And while Maresca believes the club can be proud of where they’re at as they enter 2025, he has called for an improvement in performance when they head to Crystal Palace on January 4th.I expected this kind of moment in the season. It’s almost impossible to have a season when you don’t have a moment like this. No one expected us to be in this position where we are. It shows we are moving in the right direction, but we are also far from the best teams in England. We have to be satisfied with where we are but we also have to do many things better.Enzo MarescaBBC SportCopy linkCopiedMisfiring Blues blank againAfter bagging 16 goals in five successive wins, Chelsea’s forwards appear to have forgotten where the net is.The Blues have scored just once in their three games since. Their 20 shots against Ipswich this evening is the club’s most attempts without scoring in a Premier League away game since a 0-0 draw at Everton in December 2017 (25 shots).Copy linkCopiedDevastating Delap destroys Chelsea defenceIpswich Town striker Liam Delap put in a sensational match-winning performance this evening, one that will undoubtedly have had clubs all over Europe taking notice. The 21-year-old not only won and scored his first half penalty, but then brilliantly teed-up Omari Hutchinson’s goal after the break.Delap was a tireless runner and outlet for his team throughout, and his performance saw him score and assist in the same game for the second time this season.He is only the second ever Ipswich player to do so more than once in a single campaign, following in Finidi George’s footsteps from back in 2001-02.Copy linkCopiedPortman problems remain for BluesIpswich finally land their first home win since returning to the Premier League – but perhaps we should have seen it coming.After all, the Tractor Boys have never lost to Chelsea here since the top-flight was rebranded in 1992.In six Premier League meetings at Portman Road, four have been drawn with Ipswich’s last win before this evening coming in August 1993.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Portman RoadTwenty shots at goal, 722 passes and 76% possession, but still Chelsea couldn’t find a way through the Ipswich rearguard.It means the Blues have failed to score in consecutive Premier League away games in a single season for the first time since a run of three under Maurizio Sarri in February 2019.Copy linkCopiedGoing fourth into new yearPreparing themselves for a two-horse title race just a fortnight ago, Chelsea will begin 2025 in fourth place behind leaders Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.And after results elsewhere, the Blues also have in-form Newcastle breathing down their necks.Aston Villa 2-2 BrightonIpswich 2-0 ChelseaMan Utd 0-2 NewcastleCredit: premierleague.comCopy linkCopiedFull time – Ipswich 2-0 ChelseaPortman Road erupts as John Brooks blow his whistle, and Ipswich have their first Premier League home win for 22 years.Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys are full value for their victory too. They soaked up pressure superbly when necessary, and then bullied Chelsea on the counter-attack thanks in main to the immense Liam Delap.Delap won and scored a penalty in the first half, and then set up former Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson to score in the second.It means that Ipswich will begin 2025 with renewed hope in their battle against relegation, but for Chelsea, their title challenge may already be over before it began.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea90+5. It’s going off again in the middle, and Chelsea are once again cementing their reputation for being bad losers.At their best this season, they have been a scintillating side of attacking flair.At their worst – like this evening – they have been a disgrace.On this occasion, Enzo Fernandez steps out of line and is the latest to receive a yellow card.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea90+3. Another Chelsea shot goes awry, and now it’s time for Ipswich’s two goalscorers to receive a heroic reception as they take their leave.Omari Hutchinson is withdrawn for Jack Taylor, and then the magnificent Liam Delap makes way for Ali Al-Hamadi.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea90. Cole Palmer takes a dive by the corner flag and gets nothing for his troubles other than some choice words from the Ipswich defence and barracking from the home support.The visitors have five more minutes of stoppage time to get through before they can draw a line under a shambolic evening.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea88. The Chelsea players are losing their heads here somewhat. Now Colwill picks up a booking for his reaction to not getting a free-kick after an aerial challenge with Delap. He didn’t deserve one, and if anything had a sly kick out at his opponent.And his reaction to being booked isn’t the best either with his mouth giving it plenty in the direction of both the Ipswich bench and the match officials. Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea87. It’s another flashpoint!Malo Gusto and Leif Davis are going at it after the Ipswich left-back refused to give the ball back after being pushed over by his opponent.I’m not sure why he had to, to be honest, it was certainly his free-kick. After some grappling, pushing and shoving, the referee issues yellow cards to both players.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea85. Chelsea are up to 678 passes for the evening. It’s their most in a Premier League game this season.Unfortunately, it has got them precisely nowhere.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea83. Cole Palmer drifts a hopeless cross behind for a goal-kick as ironic cheers ring out from the home fans.You know things are bad when ever Chelsea’s star performer is getting it wrong.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jordan Davies at Portman RoadSome Chelsea fans have already started heading for the exits and the train back to London. They have seen enough.It is probably the right call. Chelsea do not even look close to getting back into this one.(You have to stay though, Jordan).Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea80. There’s some more nonsense involving Cucurella, who has gone down off the ball after a coming together with Morsy.Meanwhile, Chelsea are complaining about a Phillips challenge on Neto.In truth, there is nothing in either incident, and all it serves is to break the game up much to the home side’s delight.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea78. Two changes apiece as the clock moves towards the 78-minute mark.Kieran McKenna brings on the fresh legs of Kalvin Phillips and Sammy Szmodics for Jens Cajuste and Nathan Broadhead, while Enzo Maresca sees if Pedro Neto or Malo Gusto can change his team’s fortunes.Noni Madueke and Axel Disasi make way.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea76. The flag stays down as Nicolas Jackson races through on goal!The Chelsea substitute sidefoots wide and the flag goes up!A whole evening summed up in one act for the Blues. Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea74. Liam Delap is at it again! When his team need it most, the Ipswich striker carries the ball upfield on his own, shrugging off challenge after challenge.But rather than just alleviating the danger for a short period, h then creates a chance of his own – breaking beyond two defenders and thumping a shot at goal that Jorgensen has to tip over.This has been a phenomenal performance from the 21-year-old.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea72. A dangerous inswinging corner from Enzo on the left draws an excellent defending header from Woolfenden.Chelsea’s Argentine gets another go, but once again the Ipswich backline stands firm to clean.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea70. There are claims for a handball from the Chelsea players as the ball ricochets around the Ipswich penalty area, but these are more in hope that expectation.Twenty minutes remain and the Londoners are getting desperate.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Chelsea68. Ipswich fancy their chances of increasing their lead on the counter!A Delap knock down ends with the ball falling nicely for Broadhead, who steers a half-volley into the hands of Jorgensen.Copy linkCopied More

LIVERPOOL have thrashed West Ham 5-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota fired the Reds to a third straight top-flight triumph on a routine night for Arne Slot’s men.Earlier, Manchester City finally stopped the rot with a 2-0 win over Leicester in the early kick-off.Elsewhere, Tottenham had to settle for a point after Wolves scored late on to secure a 2-2 draw.Nottingham Forest continued their good run with a 2-0 win away at Everton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Fans want clarity on contract rebelsWith January fast-approaching, the trio of Liverpool players who are out of contract in the summer would be able to speak to foreign clubs.As a result, the supporters just want to know who is planning to stay at Anfield.Not that the ongoing talks seem to be bothering the players, all three put in world-class performances today.Credit: ReutersCredit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTough fixtures ahead for RedsLiverpool will need to keep putting in the performances as we head into 2025.They have some tricky away trips in their next five games and will be hoping for more performances like today.Not many teams in the Premier League will be relishing facing Arne Slot’s side right now.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives his thoughts on matchAfter their emphatic win in the capital, Liverpool’s Dutch manager gave Sky Sports his view on the performance:Today we kept control of the whole game. We spoke about giving the chances to teams. If you look at his numbers, Mo is in a very good place. The way we played with the ball, the amount of chances we created pleased me. I don’t think we give the West Ham fans a lot to cheer about, that was important.Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedSalah stars as contract talks continueMohamed Salah put in another vintage display this evening.The Egyptian King was rightly awarded the man of the match award for his performance against The Hammers.Reds’ fans will be hoping that the club can tie down Salah to a new contract as he is currently playing some of the best football of his career.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool send message to rivalsArne Slot’s side sent a warning to the rest of the Premier League today against West Ham.Week by week they seem to be getting better under their new manager.Next up, rivals Man Utd travel to Anfield.Ruben Amorim will be having some sleepless nights between now and then.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolThis was the definition of the word demolition.Liverpool are just scoring goals for fun this season.As the stats show, it could have been so many more.West Ham can count themselves lucky that it was only five-nil.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool90+2. We are into the second minute of the four added.Not that most of the West Ham fans would know, judging by all the empty seats, they are all back sat in their front rooms.For the Liverpool fans, this has been an enjoyable trip to the capital.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool88. This is some way for West Ham to end their unbeaten run.They need to count their blessings though, had their keeper not had such a good game, this would have been double figures.Liverpool have been irresistible once again.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool84. This Liverpool team will take some stopping this season.Salah dribbles the ball from the halfway line, dancing past The Hammers’ challenges.He lays it off to Jota, who slots it in the top corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Diogo Jota (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool80. The London Stadium is emptying out like the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics has ended.West Ham’s fans will be disgruntled with the display today but they have to be more realistic and on this occasion admit they met a team who are just too good for them.Arne Slot’s side have well and truly burst some bubbles here today.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool76. Liverpool bring on Elliott and Tsimikas.They replace Jones and Robertson.Chance for the league leaders to rotate their team with plenty of fixtures coming up.The Hammers look like they have been run ragged tonight.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool72. If it wasn’t for Areola, this would look like a rugby score.As The Reds pile forward once again, Jota brings a ball down in the box brilliantly before getting a well-struck shot away.The Hammers keeper reacts well to keep it out.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool68. The West Ham players are going down like they are made of glass.Any contact, mainly where the ball has been won fairly, and they are rolling around on the floor like they have been kneecapped by the mafia.There are more goals in this game, sadly for the hosts, they seem they will all come from Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool64. West Ham are taking the damage limitation approach now.Five defenders and everyone behind the ball when The Reds have it.As a result, Slot’s side have so much time on the ball the game is just turning into one-way traffic.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool60. Arne Slot’s side are just fearless this season.Home or away, they take the game to whoever they are playing.You could rename this stadium to the ‘London Library’ now.Bowen comes off, struggling to shake off an injury.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool56. This is men against boys in the capital.Lopetegui’s side are not even in the same league as the visitors.The ball is played to Alexander-Arnold some way out, he shifts it in front of him and lets fly from distance.It takes a deflection off Kilman, wrong-footing Areola, and heads straight into the back of the net.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool52. As it seems technology is here to stay in the game, maybe we need to go full tilt and have fully automated officiating.Bowen looks the run away from Mac Allister, who slides in and wins the ball before looking to go forward.Anthony Taylor blows up for a free-kick, what even are the rules of football now?The Liverpool man clearly won the ball there.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool48. We are back underway at the London Stadium.A threaded ball finds Salah but as he looks to bend one in the far corner, Areola tips it around the post for a corner.The Hammers have brought on Fullkrug and Todibo at the interval.To be fair, unless this was a FIFA game and they were bringing on a peak Bobby Moore, Paulo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez they are unlikely to worry The Reds too much.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolBig test for The Hammers in their own backyard now.They need to try and get the next goal or they could be on the end of the same sort of hiding The Reds gave Tottenham.For the league leaders, it is all about keeping the levels up and not taking their foot off the gas.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolIt is a footballing masterclass from Arne Slot’s side in the capital.They are so much better than this West Ham team that the hosts look a punch-drunk boxer each time they attack.The important thing for the league leaders now is not to take their foot off the gas and put The Hammers to the sword.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett in LondonLiverpool are good value for a three-goal lead and this could now get really messy for West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half.West Ham fell to pieces once Mohammed Kudus saw his shot hit the post with the team trailing at 1-0. Lots of boos at half-time although some fans have already gone home.Copy linkCopied More