‘They are not good’… ESPN pundit says two players are really costing Liverpool right now and have to leave immediately 

‘They are not good’… ESPN pundit says two players are really costing Liverpool right now and have to leave immediately

ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas are not good defenders.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side are in a great position in the league table – above Manchester City and just two points behind league leaders Arsenal. However, they haven’t been convincing at the back, and Nicol believes Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas are to blame.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
ESPN pundit says Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas are not good defenders
Questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s defending have been around for a long time now, and Steve Nicol has brought his Liverpool teammate Kostas Tsimikas into the discussion now.

Jurgen Klopp’s side deserve a lot of praise for where they are in the table – second after just one loss in 14 games in the Premier League.

However, following their 4-3 win over Fulham at Anfield on Sunday in what was a crazy game, everyone is talking about the Reds’ defence.

Conceding three goals at home is never ideal, especially against a club like Fulham, who had only scored 13 goals in as many games in the Premier League this season before Sunday.

When Nicol was asked if he agrees with Craig Burley’s assessment that Liverpool are not good enough at the back, he said on ESPN FC: “I do agree because right now, Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas are not good defenders.

“If you’ve got half of your back four who are not good defenders, it shouldn’t really be a surprise that you’re giving up chances and goals.”

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool need a new defensive midfielder
Liverpool have only conceded 14 goals in the Premier League this season, which means they have the second-best defensive record in the division.

However, that number is slightly misleading.

Liverpool have been conceding way too many chances. Lack of a proper defensive midfielder has made it easy for teams to penetrate, resulting in opportunities for them to score.

If Liverpool can get themselves a top-quality number six in January, we’re sure they will be much harder to score against, even with Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas’ weaknesses.

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Home » ARTICLES » “That’s a factor”- Gary Neville believes one man is keeping Liverpool in Premier League title race
“That’s a factor”- Gary Neville believes one man is keeping Liverpool in Premier League title race
By Debopriyo Mondal / December 5, 2023
Football legend Gary Neville on how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is the reason behind the Reds’ possible title run
While Gary Neville touts Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as an influential “factor” in the Premier League title race, his latest comments subtly discredit and diminish the Reds’ credentials as genuine contenders this season.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville suggested Liverpool could remain in the mix due to Klopp’s proven winning pedigree. However, he designated Arsenal and Manchester City as the frontrunners in his view.

Despite Liverpool’s dramatic and almost table-topping 4-3 win over Fulham on Sunday, Neville overlooked the Reds in declaring he wants to see Arsenal and City “go toe-to-toe” in the run-in again.

Gary Neville feels Arsenal and Manchester City are more equipped to win the title race this season. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
“Liverpool I’m not sure about but then they’ve got Klopp, so I think that’s a factor because he can win and he’s proven he can win.”

I think Arsenal have got what it takes to win a league I think that group of players are very good. There’s a lot to play for but the more points dropped, the more confidence Arsenal will gain.

What I would want to see is Arsenal and City in a run-in again, if Liverpool are there as well it becomes a three-horse race – great – but usually in the end, it becomes two. If it’s Arsenal and Manchester City again, it’ll be interesting to see how Arsenal handle it – I do feel like they’ll handle it.”

While namechecking Jurgen Klopp as a difference-maker, his analysis indicates a clear disrespect for Liverpool’s capabilities otherwise. Neville remains unconvinced the Reds can replicate their recent title-challenging form over a full campaign.

From a Liverpool perspective, Neville’s indirect doubt comes across as tone-deaf following the Reds’ consistent run this campaign. To imply this squad lacks the quality or commitment to challenge feels misguided.

Gary Neville touted Klopp as the x-factor behind Liverpool’s potential title-winning run this campaign.
Klopp may represent the crucial binding agent given his trophy-winning resume. But Liverpool undeniably boast elite game-changing veterans like Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and young guns like Trent Alexander Arnold and others who have conquered peaks before.

Liverpool sit just two points behind Arsenal and one point above City. Yet Neville classes Arsenal as more equipped “mentally and physically” to handle the mounting pressure based purely on last season’s collapse.

But Liverpool know exactly what it takes to withstand a title race grind after multiple epic duels with Pep Guardiola’s side. Arsenal must still prove they can backs-to-the-wall like the Reds have.

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Make no mistake – if Liverpool remain within touching distance after Christmas, they will be a formidable foe for Arsenal and City as spring approaches. Count them out at your peril.

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Jurgen Klopp anger spotted in Liverpool moment as Erling Haaland avoids punishment
Your Liverpool FC morning headlines as the FA charge Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s reaction during the Reds’ win over Fulham is spotted

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ByJake BaylissFootball Trends Writer
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

Here are your Liverpool morning headlines for Tuesday, December 5.

Jurgen Klopp left fuming on touchline as Darwin Nunez does things differently after Liverpool winner

Liverpool maintained their push at the top of the Premier League table with a dramatic victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold both netted in the closing moments as the Reds came from behind to earn a 4-3 triumph after an earlier Bernd Leno own goal and an Alexis Mac Allister screamer. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s men have now moved up to second and have lost only one of their last 25 top-flight matches.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes (and lots of injury time) at Anfield.

Read the moments missed here

FA make Erling Haaland decision Liverpool know all about as Man City charged

Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association after a controversial incident in their draw with Tottenham Hotspur – but Erling Haaland has escaped punishment for his tirade at the referee.

Liverpool’s title rivals were forced to settle for a draw with Spurs, following Dejan Kulusevski’s late equaliser at the Etihad. However, it was a decision by referee Simon Hooper in added time that captured the most attention, despite the end-to-end nature of the game.

Hooper had initially allowed play to go on after a foul on Haaland, The striker recovered to play a pass to Jack Grealish, who looked to be bearing down on goal, before the referee called the game to a halt and awarded the free-kick, much to the disbelief of many Man City players.

Read the full story here

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Liverpool could soar to new heights by signing “world-class” £87m Trent partner
BY
ANGUS SINCLAIR
PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO
Jurgen Klopp has this exciting forward firmly on his radar…

Liverpool continued their seasonal resurgence with an awesome fightback victory against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, preserving their 100% record at Anfield this season.

With Manchester City dropping points at home to Tottenham Hotspur later in the day, Jurgen Klopp’s side have now advanced to second place and remain just two points away from table-toppers Arsenal.

While this revival is impressive – Liverpool were poor last year and finished fifth – there is undoubtedly work still to be done and Klopp will aim to strengthen the defensive department in January and next summer.

But there’s a possibility that a certain forward will leave Anfield sooner rather than later, and, as such, contingencies appear to have been made.

Liverpool transfer news – Leroy Sane
If Mohamed Salah leaves Liverpool in 2024, reports from October claimed that Bayern Munich maverick Leroy Sane has been earmarked as the first-choice replacement.

Such rumours have persisted, and – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – transfer insider Dean Jones has issued an update on the budding saga, revealing that the €100m (£87m) star is of genuine interest to Klopp’s side.

Jones said: “Sane has been linked for a while and I think there’s something in it in terms of Liverpool want to be kept abreast of the situation, but I don’t think there’s anything imminent on the cards. I don’t think Sane is on the verge of joining Liverpool.

But there is going to come a point when they have to start thinking more clearly about what happens after Salah.”

Why Liverpool are interested in Leroy Sane
Basically, Liverpool are monitoring Sane’s situation at Bayern because of the lingering uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at Anfield, with the irreplaceable Egyptian forward needing an heir. As daunting as that sounds.

Salah, aged 31, is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign and was the subject of avaricious transfer attention from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in the summer, with Liverpool rejecting a staggering £150m offer late in the window.

It would be wrong to claim that Salah wasn’t interested in a move, but he remained a sterling example and did not even probe at the proposition of an exit, allowing the narrative to unfurl of its own accord.

That’s not to say that he will remain on Merseyside beyond his current deal, however, and the man who has plundered 199 goals and 86 assists from 325 appearances for the Reds will need a first-class replacement, and Sane may well be the man for the job.

Leroy Sane’s style of play
Signing for Bayern Munich from Manchester City for £55m in 2020 – where the Germany international scored 39 goals and provided 46 assists from 135 outings, notably winning two Premier League titles and the FA Cup – Sane has reinvented himself after a long-term injury at the end of his Citizens career.

Described as a “world-class” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sane is electric and dynamic and is comfortable across both wings, actually finding more prolific success on the right of late.

Indeed, the £332k-per-week whiz has been exemplary this season and has posted nine goals and seven assists across 20 appearances in all competitions – scoring seven from 12 matches on the right.

As per Sofascore, the 27-year-old gem has started 12 times in the 2023/24 Bundesliga, incredibly taking 3.1 shots and 3.6 key passes per game, completing 83% of his passes and averaging 3.3 ball recoveries per match.

Leroy Sane vs Positional Peers in Europe

Statistic

Per 90

Ranking

Goals scored

0.38

Top 12%

Assists

0.35

Top 9%

Shot-creating actions

5.19

Top 12%

Pass completion

79.5%

Top 17%

Progressive passes

5.44

Top 16%

Progressive carries

4.58

Top 20%

Successful take-ons

3.82

Top 3%

Data via FBRef.

Should Liverpool decide to further discussions to secure his signature in the near future, he will likely be used on the right, in the place of Salah, which could be the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Imagine Leroy Sane & Trent Alexander-Arnold
Sane’s ability to use his pace to bypass opponents is one of his biggest, and most innate, skills, but he has sharpened his creativity and technicality to a fine point over recent campaigns and could now feasibly succeed Salah in Liverpool’s attack.

RELATED
Liverpool could hand Trent new role by signing “breathtaking” £52m-rated target
Should he arrive, he could indeed find goals and assists easy to come by with Alexander-Arnold providing the good from deep; the £180k-per-week Scouser is regarded as one of the finest assisters in the world and has been praised as a “genius” by journalist Neil Jones.

Few defenders have ever boasted similar skills, and his ability to pick out teammates in the most promising of positions is something that Sane, who relishes weaving in behind, could revel in, returning to the Premier League and unleashing his finest work to date on the opposition.

Premier League: Highest-assisting Active Defenders

#

Player

No. of assists

1

Andy Robertson

57

2

Trent Alexander-Arnold

55

3

Kyle Walker

33

4

Kieran Trippier

32

5

Aaron Cresswell

30

*Sourced via premierleague.com

It’s worth noting that while James Milner and Ashley Young have produced more assists than any player on the table above, both have secured most through midfield roles, meaning they do not make the list.

Alexander-Arnold has long caused debate over his position, perpetually drifting forward and influencing attacking transitions with his celestial ball-playing skills, but he has always been deployed as the right-back in Klopp’s team and is tallied as such.

One matter that is not up for debate is that Alexander-Arnold is among the most destructively creative forces in European football, ranking among the top 1% of full-backs for assists and passes attempted, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 21% for goals scored per 90.

With Sane in front of him, Alexander-Arnold could simply continue doing what has served him so well throughout his career so far: supplementing Liverpool’s attack with defence-splitting, odd-defying balls.

Sane, for his part, is considered a similar player to Salah and has demonstrated his aptitude with both goals and assists across a glittering career so far, and he would surely be up to the task on Merseyside.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Sinclair • Opinions & Feature Writer
(1703 Articles Published)
Angus is a freelance analytical writer for Football FanCast.

Having graduated from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2022, Angus found a home at FFC after previously writing for Vavel and OurSoundMusic.

A passionate Liverpool supporter and a lover of statistics, Angus also holds a fondness for MMA and Tennis.

Outside of football, he is a voracious reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction.

Liverpool fan has theory on why Simon Hooper blew whistle to prevent Jack Grealish chance, he could be right
Marcus Chan

 

Published 13:49, 04 December 2023 GMT
| Last updated 14:10, 04 December 2023 GMT

A Liverpool fan has come up with a theory on why referee Simon Hooper made the hugely controversial call during Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur.

At the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night, City and Spurs played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.

However, the encounter was marred by Hooper’s controversial decision to stop a promising attack by City.

During stoppage time, Erling Haaland looked like he was fouled but stayed on his feet to play the ball towards Jack Grealish, who was looking likely to get on the end of the through ball.

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However, referee Hooper appeared to blow his whistle despite originally waving play on for advantage.

The decision left City fans and players fuming as Haaland reacted on social media shortly after the final whistle.

City boss Pep Guardiola was asked to comment on the incident but was not keen to discuss it in great detail.

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Now, a Liverpool fan has taken to social media with a theory about Hooper’s decision.

Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap wrote: “I have a really mundane suggestion as to what has gone on with the Hooper giving the free kick thing.

“I think he can’t see Grealish because of the three Spurs players and thinks Haaland has just put it into space. Then obviously he can and realises he has f**ked up.”

 

Image Credit: Getty
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said after the incident: “Haaland has lost his head. But l suspect that is partly frustration at having a pretty poor game in front of goal.

“City have conceded nine goals in four games. That will be a bigger concern at the end than the refereeing error when Grealish was through.”

Former City player Micah Richards added: “The referee had a brilliant game today until this moment. I don’t understand it.

“The referee puts the whistle to his mouth, he waves the play on to play advantage. Jack Grealish is clearly onside and Haaland plays the ball through – and then he stops the play, which I don’t quite understand.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty/Sky Sports

Topics: Erling Haaland, Football, Jack Grealish, Manchester City, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan
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Jurgen Klopp left fuming on touchline as Darwin Nunez does things differently after Liverpool winner
Moments you may not have spotted during Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday

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ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
Bookmark

Liverpool players celebrate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s late winner in the Premier League game against Fulham on December 3 2023 (Image: LFC TV)

Liverpool maintained their push at the top of the Premier League table with a dramatic victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold both netted in the closing moments as the Reds came from behind to earn a 4-3 triumph after an earlier Bernd Leno own goal and an Alexis Mac Allister screamer. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s men have now moved up to second and have lost only one of their last 25 top-flight matches.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes (and lots of injury time) at Anfield.

PAUL GORST: Kop makes clear who real hero of Fulham win was as Liverpool tweak pays off

IAN DOYLE: Jurgen Klopp has ‘underrated’ player who could help finally settle Liverpool debate

Kostas grab

There was so much going on during an incident-packed match that it was difficult to keep up at times. And the denouement arrived with Alexander-Arnold’s winning strike, which prompted bedlam in the stands and a succession of knee slides towards the corner flag.

And there was an amusing moment as the Liverpool players celebrated wildly in front of the Kop, with Kostas Tsimikas grabbing a nearby steward with both hands and shaking him wildly.

After the initial shock, the smiles on the Anfield employee at becoming embroiled in such a memorable moment suggest he didn’t mind so much.

Nunez sprint

The delight at the late turnaround was unconfined given the manner in which Liverpool had toiled throughout much of the second half.

Those struggles were perhaps best encapsulated in the performance of Darwin Nunez who, despite not having his best game, kept plugging away and ultimately played an important part in the build-up to the final two goals.

And when Alexander-Arnold netted, rather than join in with his team-mates in front of the Kop, Nunez belted it to the dugout where he embraced first Dominik Szoboszlai and then Jurgen Klopp. He loves doing it differently, does Darwin.

Klopp irate

The game, though, hadn’t finished at that point. And with more than seven additional minutes being played – to go with the 12 in the first half – where was still plenty of time for more shenanigans.

And one such instance happened during injury time when a tussle for possession between Ibrahima Konate and Carlos Vinicius ended with Fulham contentiously being awarded a throw-in.

If Konate waving his arms was a sign of the Frenchman querying the decision, then the reaction of Klopp on the touchline, bouncing up and down manically and gesticulating furiously in the direction of just about anyone who would take note, suggests the Reds boss really, really couldn’t believe it.

Salah intent

A lot, lot, lot earlier on in the first half, there was an amusing passage of play as Liverpool probed for a second goal. With Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno having cleared into touch, the Reds were keen on a quick restart from the resultant throw-in.

But seconds after play continued, the original ball booted into the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand reappeared by bouncing on to the pitch towards Mohamed Salah, causing confusion among players.

Salah, though, was so laser-focused he managed to win control of both footballs. Anyone wondering what separates good players from great ones now has an answer.

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Jurgen Klopp left fuming on touchline as Darwin Nunez does things differently after Liverpool winner
Moments you may not have spotted during Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday

SHARE
ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
Bookmark

Liverpool players celebrate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s late winner in the Premier League game against Fulham on December 3 2023 (Image: LFC TV)

Liverpool maintained their push at the top of the Premier League table with a dramatic victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold both netted in the closing moments as the Reds came from behind to earn a 4-3 triumph after an earlier Bernd Leno own goal and an Alexis Mac Allister screamer. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s men have now moved up to second and have lost only one of their last 25 top-flight matches.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes (and lots of injury time) at Anfield.

PAUL GORST: Kop makes clear who real hero of Fulham win was as Liverpool tweak pays off

IAN DOYLE: Jurgen Klopp has ‘underrated’ player who could help finally settle Liverpool debate

Kostas grab

There was so much going on during an incident-packed match that it was difficult to keep up at times. And the denouement arrived with Alexander-Arnold’s winning strike, which prompted bedlam in the stands and a succession of knee slides towards the corner flag.

And there was an amusing moment as the Liverpool players celebrated wildly in front of the Kop, with Kostas Tsimikas grabbing a nearby steward with both hands and shaking him wildly.

After the initial shock, the smiles on the Anfield employee at becoming embroiled in such a memorable moment suggest he didn’t mind so much.

Nunez sprint

The delight at the late turnaround was unconfined given the manner in which Liverpool had toiled throughout much of the second half.

Those struggles were perhaps best encapsulated in the performance of Darwin Nunez who, despite not having his best game, kept plugging away and ultimately played an important part in the build-up to the final two goals.

And when Alexander-Arnold netted, rather than join in with his team-mates in front of the Kop, Nunez belted it to the dugout where he embraced first Dominik Szoboszlai and then Jurgen Klopp. He loves doing it differently, does Darwin.

Klopp irate

The game, though, hadn’t finished at that point. And with more than seven additional minutes being played – to go with the 12 in the first half – where was still plenty of time for more shenanigans.

And one such instance happened during injury time when a tussle for possession between Ibrahima Konate and Carlos Vinicius ended with Fulham contentiously being awarded a throw-in.

If Konate waving his arms was a sign of the Frenchman querying the decision, then the reaction of Klopp on the touchline, bouncing up and down manically and gesticulating furiously in the direction of just about anyone who would take note, suggests the Reds boss really, really couldn’t believe it.

Salah intent

A lot, lot, lot earlier on in the first half, there was an amusing passage of play as Liverpool probed for a second goal. With Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno having cleared into touch, the Reds were keen on a quick restart from the resultant throw-in.

But seconds after play continued, the original ball booted into the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand reappeared by bouncing on to the pitch towards Mohamed Salah, causing confusion among players.

Salah, though, was so laser-focused he managed to win control of both footballs. Anyone wondering what separates good players from great ones now has an answer.

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