Liverpool
Slot outlines how Isak and Ekitiké will be used after dramatic Anfield victory
Slot outlined a plan to rotate Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké after Liverpool’s 3–2 win at Anfield.
Arne Slot used Liverpool’s 3–2 Champions League win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield to underline a rotation plan for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké while also taking a first look at his new signing. Virgil van Dijk’s last-gasp winner completed a rollercoaster night that saw all three names involved at various points.
Isak started and logged 58 minutes before being replaced by Ekitiké. That sequence was planned with fitness in mind: Isak barely had a preseason at Newcastle and needed game time to build up condition. Ekitiké, who has impressed in the opening weeks of the 2025–26 season, benefitted from a spell off the bench and made an immediate impact.
Slot had hinted at the possibilities before kickoff. He told TNT Sports: “Hugo could be a player that plays off the left side, not like the way Cody [Gakpo] or Mo [Salah] is playing with holding the width and taking on the 1-v-1s, but he could become a second striker.” He added: “But in general, I think both of them [Isak and Ekitike] are more No. 9s than any other position.”
After the match Slot reiterated his satisfaction with both forwards. He said: “I’m really happy [Isak] could start today. That’s why we didn’t play him against Burnley. He was good today and when Hugo came in, he was a big factor also. We have two great No. 9s and we’re going to use them, both of them, throughout the whole period they’re here.”
Ekitiké has already shown comfort operating off the left, with interchanging runs alongside Wirtz and Gakpo through preseason. Slot’s approach gives Liverpool the flexibility to change the shape midgame or name both in starting lineups later in the campaign. That option could prove important as the club defends their Premier League title and pursues silverware across all competitions.
Slot’s careful management suggests it is unlikely both will start the Merseyside derby against Everton this weekend, though the pair should have involvement in that fixture.
Arsenal
Gameweek 9 verdicts: Chelsea edge United, Arsenal stun Liverpool
A full set of Gameweek 9 predictions, including Chelsea vs Man Utd and Liverpool vs Arsenal.
Gameweek 9 brings a stacked Premier League schedule, with several meetings that carry clear weight in the early-season picture. The most eye-catching fixtures are Chelsea against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool’s home clash with Arsenal, while there are also plenty of tight contests elsewhere across the division.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are tipped to come through 2-1 against a Manchester United side under pressure after back-to-back three-goal defeats to Como and Bournemouth. Michael Carrick remains in charge for the trip to west London after talks with Bruno Fernandes and the rest of the squad, but this feels like a critical test. Chelsea have their own issues, yet home advantage and the absence of João Pedro could still matter in a narrow contest.
Bournemouth’s strong run is expected to continue with a 2-1 win over Leeds United. The Cherries have produced a striking sequence of results across multiple competitions, and with Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson supported by Eli Junior Kroupi’s return, they look well placed to extend that momentum.
Other calls point to draws for Brentford against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United against Everton, while Coventry and Sunderland are forecast to cancel each other out. Hull are backed to edge Ipswich 1-0, and Manchester City are favoured to beat Brighton 3-2 in what could be the weekend’s most open game.
Tottenham are projected to keep improving with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Aston Villa are expected to defeat Fulham 3-0 after their recent uptick in form. The standout result, though, is at Anfield, where Arsenal are predicted to win 2-1 after Liverpool’s recent consistency meets a team looking to respond after a cup setback. The final matchup, Newcastle versus Everton, is also forecast to finish level.
Barcelona
Araujo future discussion remains premature despite strong Liverpool loan spell
Araújo is thriving at Liverpool, but his agent says it is still too early to discuss a permanent move.
Edoardo Crnjar, the owner of the Excellence Sport agency, has urged caution over any talk of a permanent switch to Liverpool for Ronald Araújo, even while expressing clear satisfaction with the defender’s impact this season.
Araújo, who is on loan from Barcelona, has been one of only three players to feature in all 13 Liverpool matches so far. He has also contributed two goals and proved valuable both at centre back and at right back, which has only intensified speculation that Liverpool could seek to turn the loan into a permanent deal.
Crnjar, however, insisted that any decision remains distant. “Ronald is performing well, and we are very pleased with his contributions,” the agent told winwin . “However, it is still far too early to discuss his future at this stage.
“He feels very good; he is happy playing for Liverpool and pleased to be helping the club and his teammates—just as he has already expressed himself.”
Araújo has already made his own position clear. Earlier this month, he said it is “still early” to think about his long-term future, although he and his family are “very happy” with life in England.
His contract at Barcelona runs until 2031, but Liverpool’s route to a permanent move is straightforward in financial terms. Barcelona inserted a buy-option clause into the deal, believed to be worth €55 million ($61.4 million), so the fee is already known if Liverpool decide to act.
There remains the possibility of Liverpool attempting to renegotiate when the loan ends next summer, in the same way Barcelona approached Marcus Rashford’s future with Manchester United. Even so, the level of praise Araújo has received may make a discount difficult to secure.
Julian Ward, Liverpool’s new sporting director, will ultimately judge whether the 27-year-old is worth the investment. Araújo’s versatility has already been a major asset, although he may not be viewed as a first-choice starter when everyone is fit.
Barcelona
Ronald Araujo’s Liverpool revival has changed the picture completely
Ronald Araújo has turned an uncertain Liverpool loan into one of the season’s standout stories so far.
Liverpool have not always found loan signings easy to trust, which is why the reaction to Ronald Araújo’s arrival in August was measured rather than enthusiastic.
The defender joined on a season-long deal with an option to buy, arriving from Barcelona as club captain but with only 11 La Liga starts in 2025-26 behind him. Once widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in Spanish soccer, his reputation had been clouded by concerns over rash decisions, positional errors and injuries. Many saw the move as a hurried attempt to cover defensive gaps.
Less than three months later, the picture looks very different. Araújo has emerged as a strong candidate for Liverpool’s player of the season so far, having adapted quickly to both right back and central defense. He has started six of the club’s eight Premier League matches and has been praised for his ferocity and commitment.
That edge has made him an immediate favourite with supporters. His style has been described as pure Barclays defending, and social media has responded in kind to “Big Ron”. In Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton, he was named Player of the Match after producing a sliding header tackle inside his own box to protect the clean sheet. He won all five of his duels, made 11 defensive contributions and reached 36.3 km/h, reportedly the fastest speed in the Premier League this season.
His impact has not been limited to defending. Araújo already has two Champions League goals and one assist, with the standout moment a backheel for Dominik Szoboszlai in the comeback win over Atlético Madrid. He also made a long pressing run in that match, a sequence that underlined how quickly he has become part of the team’s identity.
The move has also provided a fresh start after his leave of absence from Barcelona for mental health reasons. Jamie Carragher said: “The fans have absolutely fallen in love with him straight away,” and added: “Sometimes you have players like that. They’ve come, they’ve got a bit of a backstory. At Barcelona maybe they were happy to see him go, but the Liverpool supporters opened their arms and gave him a big cuddle, and he seems to be enjoying it.”
Liverpool hold a £47 million option to buy him at the end of the season, though his age means the decision will not be straightforward. Araújo is enjoying the moment for now, but his resurgence has already given both clubs plenty to consider.
