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Liverpool

Late Turnaround at Anfield Reveals Fragility in Both Camps

City’s late comeback at Anfield exposed flaws on both sides, narrowed Arsenal’s lead and questions..

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Manchester City’s 2–1 win at Anfield on Sunday summed up a match of high drama and clear deficiencies from two teams that have dominated recent title races. “It was a brilliant advert for the Premier League,” a breathless Pep Guardiola said after his side came from behind to claim victory.

Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring as Liverpool improved after the break, only for Bernardo Silva to level in the 84th minute before Erling Haaland converted the decisive penalty. The result gave Guardiola his first win away at Liverpool with fans and saw Haaland net his first Premier League goal at Anfield, while narrowing the gap to Arsenal to six points.

Yet the contest exposed lasting problems. The Reds shipped goals number 34 and 35 of the season, a sharp contrast to last year’s title-winning tally of 32. The balance between attack and defence remains elusive; as Rafael Benítez once put it, “If you cover your head, you have your feet cold, but if you cover your feet, you have your head cold.” Slot’s side were punished for a slow start and still conceded 17 shots, seven on target.

Liverpool’s recent personnel changes were referenced in the match narrative. After dropping Mohamed Salah in the autumn and tightening up, the club shifted back toward a more open approach on Salah’s return. That swing was evident in their recent 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth and in Sunday’s encounter. Ryan Gravenberch admitted the visitors were “way better” in the opening 45 minutes.

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City, too, showed inconsistency. Guardiola acknowledged the pattern: “It has happened many times,” and warned, “We are not consistent over 90 minutes, but we try to grow.” He praised Bernardo’s influence: “Belief from our captain,” and added the manager’s fuller appraisal: “He is one of the best players I have every trained with.” “He is the perfect captain. It is a joy for me as a manager to have him. The team comes first. His contribution is massive and he is one of the legends of this club.”

With 13 games remaining, Liverpool find themselves four points adrift of Champions League qualification and five behind Manchester United. Both sides can draw positives from Anfield, but the performance underlined that neither has solved the persistent problems undermining a title charge.

Liverpool

Gravenberch Commits Long-Term to Liverpool and Sets Sights on More Trophies

Gravenberch signs new long-term Liverpool deal, targets trophies after growth under Arne Slot. this.

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Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool and made clear his priorities for the coming years. The club did not release the exact length of the deal, but reports suggest it will run until 2032.

Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich in 2023 and endured a slow start, but he became a key figure last season under Arne Slot. That progression continued into 2025/26 when the defensive midfielder produced the best goalscoring form of his career, registering four league goals for the first time.

On signing his contract he reflected on the decision and his place at the club. “I feel really, really good,” Gravenberch told club media. “I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.

“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”

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The timing of the new deal comes as Liverpool pursue silverware in two competitions this season. The club’s chances of ending the campaign with a trophy may rest solely on the FA Cup and Champions League, and Gravenberch acknowledged the short-term focus while outlining a longer-term ambition to return Liverpool to title contention.

“For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible,” he continued. “And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool. ]”

His progress from an unsettled arrival to a regular performer under Slot has given Liverpool a midfield option who combines defensive work with an improved scoring threat. The new contract secures that option as the club plans the next phase of its domestic and European campaigns.

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Slot soothes concerns after Mac Allister withdrawn; Liverpool show midfield depth

Arne Slot said “I think so, yes.” after Alexis Mac Allister’s late withdrawal; Liverpool show depth.

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Arne Slot moved to calm nerves after Alexis Mac Allister was withdrawn late against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. The substitution looked worrying at the time, but Slot offered reassurance when asked about the midfielder’s condition: “I think so, yes.”

The match also marked the return of Florian Wirtz from injury, a timely addition to Liverpool’s squad, although the team did not ultimately require his influence to control the game. At the base of midfield, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch provided solidity and composure, while Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones delivered productive displays further forward.

Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha emerged as the standout performer. He “stole the show and was unfortunate not to join his teammates on the score sheet,” drawing praise and attention for his display. That performance intensified debate around the player who has been limiting his opportunities this season, Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo started in an unfamiliar role as a central striker and struggled to look comfortable. The draft of his performance underlined a wider issue: those difficulties can also be said for many of his appearances as a left winger this season. The continued rise of attacking options complicates selection decisions for Slot.

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Wirtz’s introduction from the bench adds further options to an already crowded midfield. Slot now has an abundance of confident, in-form players to call on as Liverpool prepare for a demanding trip to Türkiye to face Galatasaray in midweek. If Liverpool’s attack-minded stars continue to build form, selection pressures will increase and Slot’s choices may be tested.

For now, the immediate concern over Mac Allister appears to have been eased. The match offered evidence of the squad’s depth and posed fresh selection questions as Liverpool look ahead to their midweek fixture and the remainder of the season.

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Liverpool Lodge $116 Million Call for OIise as Rashford Forces Barcelona’s Hand

Liverpool have made a $116 million OIise call; Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Transfer News Live.

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Two developments dominate the transfer headlines: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Both items arrived as distinct but related signals about activity in the market.

Liverpool’s move is notable for its scale. A $116 million call places OIise at the centre of significant interest, and the figure alone frames the situation as one that demands attention. The report that Liverpool have taken the initiative is the sole detail provided about that approach, and it is enough to underline the seriousness of the club’s intent.

Separately, Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. That phrase indicates action originating from Rashford that prompted a response from Barcelona. No further mechanics or timing are supplied; the fact given is that Rashford’s actions have compelled Barcelona into a decision-making posture.

Taken together, the two short reports point to a transfer environment in which high-value calls and player-driven developments coexist. Liverpool’s $116 million call for OIise reads as an aggressive valuation-led step. Rashford’s influence on Barcelona suggests a situation shaped by individual initiative rather than only by clubs negotiating in isolation.

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There is no additional detail on negotiations, counteroffers, or outcomes. The information available is limited to the two core facts: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. From those facts, the clear takeaway is that significant financial commitment and player-driven momentum are both present in current transfer reporting.

As items of transfer news and transfer rumours, these reports will be subject to follow-up. For now, the record is concise: a high-value call by Liverpool centered on OIise, and a development in which Rashford has caused Barcelona to act.

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