With both Leeds United and Burnley picking up Premier League results yesterday, it was up to Sunderland to keep up their end of the bargain today as another newly promoted side managed to stave off an unwelcome defeat.

Thankfully, it played out just like that as Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats battled it out with Aston Villa all match, earning themselves a well-deserved share of the points in the 1-1 draw come the end of the contest.

Sunderland, on another day, could well have buckled under the pressure after Reinildo Mandava received a first-half red card, culminating in the Villans then picking up an easy victory.

Instead, Sunderland stood tall and competed even when reduced to ten, with Wilson Isidor also getting in on the goalscoring action again, as the Frenchman continues to solidify himself as a fan favourite so early into the challenging Premier League campaign.

Why Isidor is a fan favourite at Sunderland

Already, Isidor was a well-liked striker on Wearside, considering he hammered home 13 strikes last season as promotion to the top-flight was achieved.

Now, however, he’s a next level of popular at the Stadium of Light, with this instinctive finish after a clever Granit Xhaka header set him free, his third league goal already on home turf.

That means the energetic number 18 now finds himself in the same conversations as former Black Cats goal machine Darren Bent, with Isidor hopeful of a similarly long-lasting career at the very top of the English game if he can keep up this red-hot streak of form.

Obviously, without the Frenchman’s crucial finish late on, Le Bris and Co. would have been staring down the barrel of a defeat.

But, the clinical attacker was given that platform to be the hero off the back of a heroic defensive display, as the bold hosts put their one-man disadvantage firmly to one side to fight their way to a gritty draw.

The Sunderland star who is as undroppable as Isidor

It shouldn’t be the greatest shock that Sunderland battled well at the back; however, with the newly promoted outfit just fresh off a 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace, that saw the Black Cats’ defence tested regularly.

Yet, it takes another level of determined display to be able to seal a result when down to ten men, but with Nordi Mukiele in the heart of defence being valiant once more, the lack of Reinildo on the pitch wasn’t as painful to come to terms with.

Mukiele hasn’t even needed a lengthy amount of time to grow accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, with the French colossus thrown straight into the deep end against the Eagles and Brentford in the previous encounter, only to win a ridiculous 15 duels in total.

The 6-foot-2 centre-back is becoming nearly as undroppable as Isidor by putting in these consistent attritional showings, with his hard-working approach clear for all to see again versus Villa, as the ex-RB Leipzig warrior was constantly put through his paces.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

47

Accurate passes

11/18 (61%)

Key passes

3

Clearances

12

Tackles

3

Total duels won

7/10

Amazingly, before delving deeper into his back-to-the-wall showing, Mukiele also impressed when attempting to carve out openings, with three key passes registered across his near faultless 90 minutes.

Yet, it was his battling nature that really shone through as the likes of Ollie Watkins were regularly kept at arm’s length, as seen in Mukiele winning 70% of his duels and registering 12 clearances to ensure Matty Cash was the only fortunate goalscorer for the visitors.

This never-say-die attitude on display today will stand Sunderland in great stead to beat the drop, knowing they don’t fold when the going gets tough.

After the match, Mukiele was rightly showered with praise, with Sunderland-based journalist James Copley heralding him as “absolutely incredible”, while Sky Sports’ Keith Downe dubbed him a “beast” for his commanding showing.

Further handed a 9/10 post-match rating by journalist Phil Smith – who also affectionately labelled the no-nonsense 27-year-old a “titan” – it really does look set in stone that Mukiele has to be in the heart of the Black Cats’ defence from now on, much like Isidor will feel even more assured that he is Sunderland’s leading man in attack.

Sunderland hit the jackpot on "complete" talent who's worth more than Xhaka

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MatériaMais Notícias

Ednaldo Rodrigues, presidente da CBF, montou um planejamento para definir se manterá ou não a técnica Pia Sundhage no comando técnico da Seleção Brasileira Feminina. O mandatário da entidade máxima do futebol brasileiro fará uma avaliação sobre o trabalho da treinadora e pretende conversar sobre o futuro da treinadora com as atletas mais experientes que disputaram o Mundial, incluindo Marta, que encerrou sua trajetória com a Amarelinha na competição. As zagueiras Mônica e Rafaelle, a lateral Tamires e a meia Andressa Alves também devem ser consultadas.

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O contrato de Pia com o Brasil tem mais um ano de duração, terminando em agosto de 2024, após os Jogos Olímpicos de Paris. No entanto, a possibilidade de mudança no comando técnico não está descartada, principalmente após a eliminação precoce ainda na fase de grupos da Copa do Mundo.

+ Cupom LANCEFUT com 10% OFF para os fanáticos por esporte em compras acima de R$299,90

Diante da possibilidade de desligamento do cargo, a treinadora sueca, que voltou para seu país natal após a eliminação brasileira no Mundial, enviou uma mensagem para Ednaldo pedindo para permanecer no cargo. A informação sobre esse contato foi divulgada inicialmente pelo ‘SporTV’ e confirmada pelo Lance!.

Pia Sundhage chegou à disputa da Copa do Mundo feminina prestigiada pelo elenco da Seleção Brasileira. No entanto, algumas tomadas de decisões durante a competição geraram discordância interna entre as jogadoras, fazendo com que a comandante ‘perdesse’ algumas atletas que tinha sob controle.

Ednaldo Rodrigues está ciente de que o clima de ‘lua de mel’ entre elenco e treinadora esfriou e, por isso, pretende conversar com as atletas. O presidente da CBF esteve bastante ativo acompanhando as atividades da Seleção Brasileira na Austrália e, inclusive, acompanhou a delegação da equipe nos dias de jogos. O homem forte da Confederação é um entusiasta do futebol feminino e pretende potencializar a categoria enquanto estiver no cargo.

Assim, sabendo da necessidade de conversas e avaliações, o mandatário da CBF não tem pressa para tomar a decisão. Ele pretende ‘curar a ressaca’ da campanha desanimadora no Mundial para ‘abrir as feridas’, tirar conclusões e chegar a definições distantes de qualquer emoção.

Zampa flew home to seek advice following a flare up of a problem he had previously battled in 2023

Alex Malcolm15-Apr-20252:44

Abhishek’s 141 an all-time great knock?

Australia legspinner Adam Zampa has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) due to a flare up of a previous shoulder injury.Zampa played in SRH’s first two matches of the tournament as the Impact Sub and took 1 for 48 and 1 for 46 in two very high scoring games – including the one which brought 528 runs between SRH and Rajasthan Royals. But he suffered some shoulder soreness in his bowling arm and missed the next four matches before flying home to Australia for further medical consultation.It is understood to be a recurrence of an issue he had battled in the lead-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup. There he recovered to finish as the tournament’s second-leading wicket-taker and was a key figure in Australia winning the trophy.Adam Zampa featured in two matches as the Impact Sub•Getty ImagesThere was a possibility that Zampa could return to the IPL after a short rest to settle the problem but SRH opted to replace him with 21-year-old Karnataka batter R Smaran.Zampa is now unlikely to play again until Australia’s next T20I series against West Indies in the Caribbean starting in late July. He is a key part of Australia’s build towards the T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka with the team set to play 19 bilateral T20Is between July and February ahead of the tournament.

After yet another draw in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are now expected to sign a defensive reinforcement in a last-gasp deadline day deal for Russell Martin.

Rangers set for busy deadline day

Without a win in their first four Scottish Premiership games under Russell Martin after their latest draw against Old Firm rivals Celtic, Rangers are in desperate need of last-minute additions.

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The Gers have had a nightmare few weeks under the former Southampton boss, from crashing out of the Champions League to then losing star man Hamza Igamane, but could yet enjoy a turning point if they get deadline day right.

The manager himself, meanwhile, once again chose to remain optimistic after his side’s 0-0 draw against rivals Celtic in what was a poor game between two sides that haven’t been at their true best as of yet this season.

Martin is adamant that the 49ers still have faith in his project and that could once again be showcased in the transfer market. With the hours ticking away on deadline day, the American owners are still reportedly eyeing some last-minute deals.

The likes of Youssef Chermiti, for example, are still on Rangers’ radar whilst another deal for a much-needed defensive reinforcement is expected to reach completion.

Rangers expected to sign Cornelius

According to Sky Sports, Rangers are now expected to sign Derek Cornelius from Marseille in a last-minute loan deal. The central defender, who can also play as a left-back, should offer Martin some welcome cover in both areas and potentially the addition that finally helps his side back to winning ways.

As highlighted by the Rangers Journal, Cornelius is particularly one to watch in possession and that should suit Martin’s style of play far more than his current options.

The Marseille man particularly stands out for his progressive passing ability, which is something Rangers have arguably lacked. As much as he is a defensive addition, having a defender who is capable of ending an opposition’s press with one line-breaking pass can quickly turn defence into attack in rapid fashion.

Meanwhile, at 27 years old, Cornelius is not an inexperienced option like Rangers have already signed this summer. He should be able to hit the ground running from the off at Ibrox.

Somerset loanee Jake Ball took five wickets on his Durham debut to help his new team take the early honours in their Rothesay County Championship match at Visit Worcestershire New Road. But Brett D’Oliveira’s bowlers struck back on a day when 14 wickets fell in the Division One clash.Ball took 5 for 47 as Worcestershire were dismissed for 162, thereby failing to collect a batting bonus point for the fourth successive match this season.However, having seen their bowlers make the most of winning the toss on a helpful pitch, Durham’s batters encountered their own problems in the evening session and the day ended with the visitors on 55 for 4 and the match evenly poised.Related

• Jake Ball signs for Somerset

• Durham sign South African Codi Yusuf amid injury crisis

The morning began poorly for Worcestershire, who slumped to 22 for 3 inside the first hour. Ball marked the beginning of his two-week loan spell by taking all the wickets in 12 deliveries, each of his victims being caught behind by Ollie Robinson.Gareth Roderick perished for 4 when cutting, Jake Libby feathered an attempted forward defensive stroke on 9 and Rob Jones nicked a drive when on only 3.Matters could have been even worse for Worcestershire had Henry Nicholls’ edge off Ball not evaded George Drissell’s grasp at third slip when the New Zealander had made 7. As it was, Nicholls and Adam Hose took their side to 75 for 3 at lunch, only for Hose to be lbw on the front foot to Ben Raine for 23 eleven balls after the resumption.Worcestershire’s woes continued when another Durham debutant, Codi Yusuf, who will play for Durham until early July, brought one back off the seam to have Henry Nicholls lbw for a 155-ball 42. Mathew Waite then meekly steered a wide delivery from the same bowler to the Lancashire loanee, Jack Blatherwick, at backward point and departed for 8.That left the home side on 116 for 6 just after the midpoint of the day’s play and D’Oliveira followed his colleagues to the pavilion half an hour later when he was leg before wicket to Ben Raine for 28. Hopes of a recovery were further dented on the point of tea when Drissell had Tom Taylor lbw for nought with a sharply turning off-break.Ball was switched to the Diglis End immediately after tea and had Ethan Brookes caught at long leg by Blatherwick for 23 before he completed his fine return when Jake Duffy nicked him to Drissell at slip. Yusuf finished with 2 for 36 from 12 overs but the visitors were also indebted to Raine, who held the attack together with figures of 2 for 16 from 17 overs.Durham’s reply began poorly when Alex Lees chopped on to Jacob Duffy for nought in the third over of the innings and having stroked four lovely boundaries, Ben McKinney was well caught low down at first slip by Hose off Taylor for 24.The visitors’ problems increased when Colin Ackermann was bowled by Waite’s second delivery of the innings for 5 and Worcestershire’s fightback was completed when Ollie Robinson was leg before wicket to Waite for a 17-ball nought. Having ridden his luck, Will Rhodes was 17 not out at the close and nightwatcher Blatherwick was unbeaten on 2.

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has praised his compatriot, AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric, saying the Croatian’s intelligence puts him a step ahead of everyone else. Rakitic also attributes Modric’s longevity to his unique lifestyle, noting that he approaches football differently from most players and genuinely enjoys the game as he tipped the Rossoneri to challenge for the Serie A title.

Widespread praise for Modric

Milan midfielder Modric has earned widespread acclaim for his performances since he joined the San Siro side after his long spell at Real Madrid came to an end in the summer. He became the oldest midfielder in Serie A history to score when he netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Bologna. Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Modric is always a step ahead of everyone else while Milan legend Demetrio Albertini compared him to Andrea Pirlo, praising his ability to elevate those playing alongside him.

AdvertisementGettyRakitic's praise for Modric and his secret to longevity

In an interview with , Rakitic spoke about how happy Modric is at Milan: "We spoke yesterday, he's very happy, he invited me to Milan. He says Italian football is very different from Spanish football, but he's having a great time. And he's also very happy with his teammates; his family is enjoying this new chapter. He has [director Igli] Tare to thank for all of this: he was the one who brought him to AC Milan."

Rakitic also revealed Modric’s secret to career longevity: "Luka is totally different from the others in his way of living and working. He enjoys his profession; he lives for football and does everything well. He has a physical trainer he works with every day, but he has a footballing intelligence that puts him ahead of everyone else. Now he's better than ever."

Milan's scudetto chances

After Milan collected an impressive four points against fellow Serie A contenders Napoli and Juventus, Rakitic believes that with a coach like Allegri and a winning mentality like Modric’s, the Scudetto is an achievable target. 

"It will be decided in March. I like teams that grow throughout the year: you don't have to be at their best in November or February, but in the spring. If the players do that, with a coach like Allegri who has won everything, they can win," he added.

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AFPMilan's upcoming test vs Fiorentina

Milan and Allegri will rely on Modric’s experience and technique as they aim to mount a Scudetto challenge. The Rossoneri face Fiorentina on October 19 and will hope they can secure all three points against Stefano Pioli’s side.

أصدر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة اليد عقوبة ضد نادي الزمالك، تتضمن الإيقاف عن المشاركة في بطولات إفريقيا لمدة موسمين وتغريمه ماليًا بعد قرار الانسحاب.

وعلم بطولات، أن الاتحاد الإفريقي أخطر نادي الزمالك رسميًا بعقوبة الإيقاف وغرامة مالية قدرها 25 ألف يورو، وذلك بعد قرار انسحاب النادي من بطولة إفريقيا للأندية عقب إجراء قرعة المنافسات، التي أسفرت عن تواجد الفريق في المجموعة الثالثة إلى جانب فرق: “منتدى المغربي، الصداقة الكاميروني، وكريكوس الأثيوبي”.

طالع أيضًا | بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك.. مواعيد مباريات كأس السوبر المصري لكرة اليد

وكشفت مصادر بطولات في وقت سابق، أن إدارة الزمالك قررت الاكتفاء بالمشاركة في بطولة كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية، المؤهلة لبطولة السوبر الإفريقي، بدل المشاركة في البطولة الكبرى.

يذكر، أن فريق النادي الأهلي لكرة اليد، توج ببطولة إفريقيا للأندية أبطال الدوري، التي أقيمت في المغرب، بعدما حقق الفوز على منتدى درب السلطان المغربي بنتيجة 31-20.

ويعد تتوج النادي الأهلي، ببطولة إفريقيا، هذا الموسم، هو الثامن في تاريخ القلعة الحمراء والثالث على التوالي.

A bombshell report reveals Barcelona's own technical experts rated Camp Nou constructors Limak as the worst option for the job. Club management overruled the 'non-binding' report, prioritising a deadline that has since been missed, with significant delays now hitting the iconic stadium's reopening and contractual penalties going unenforced.

• Barca's own experts rated Limak's bid as the worst

  Barcelona awarded the €960 million (£832m/$1.12 billion) Camp Nou renovation contract to Turkish construction firm Limak despite the company receiving the lowest score in a technical evaluation conducted by the club's own expert team, according to a bombshell report from . The team of engineers, architects, and financiers rated Limak's bid below 50 out of 100, placing it last behind consortiums led by Ferrovial and FCC. The report cited Limak's inability to justify its proposed construction schedule and its requirement of around €200 million in initial financing, compared to just €12 million requested by its competitors.

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• AFP
  

  Management overruled 'non-binding' technical report

  Despite the damning assessment from their internal experts, Barcelona's Espai Barça management, led by director Joan Sentelles, dismissed the report as "consultative and non-binding." Two days after the technical team's evaluation, a final binding report prepared by Sentelles and Technical Office Director Lluis Moya declared Limak the winner. The club has officially insisted that "the opinion that prevails and is legally binding is the assessment issued by the senior manager." This decision caused significant internal strife, leading to the resignation of Jordi Llaurado, the board director in charge of Espai Barca, who felt the process lacked transparency.

• 'Impossible' deadline proves the decisive factor

  The key reason for overriding the technical advice was Limak's aggressive timeline. The Turkish firm was the only bidder to guarantee a return to a partially reopened Camp Nou by November 2024, a deadline that competing firms, with extensive stadium-building experience, described to the club as "impossible." The final report acknowledged that the tight timeframe was the primary "factor that influenced the contractors' assessments." However, as of October 13, 2025, the project is already 317 days behind schedule, with the partial return now not expected until mid-November 2025 and the final completion pushed back to the 2027-28 season, validating the initial fears of Limak's competitors.

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• Club not enforcing penalty clauses despite significant delays

  The contract between Barcelona and Limak contains specific financial penalties for each day of delay. However, the club has so far failed to execute these sanctions. Club officials have attributed the delays to external factors, such as a lack of materials. This contradicts a clause in the contract, which explicitly states that "any delay due to a lack or delay in the supply of materials" is the contractor's responsibility and not grounds for an extension. The contract also stipulates that unilateral termination is possible if penalties exceed 10% of the total budget – around €96m.

It is shaping up to be an incredibly busy end to the summer transfer window for Glasgow Rangers as they look to build a squad that can turn things around at Ibrox.

Bojan Miovski was announced by the Light Blues as their latest signing earlier this week, and he made his debut against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Macedonia international scored 32 goals in his two seasons in the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen, per Transfermarkt, and will be looking to provide a big goal threat for Russell Martin.

One player who may not be a part of the manager’s squad beyond Monday’s deadline, though, is central midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who was left out of the squad to face Celtic.

The Scottish Sun reported that the player was left out of the squad because of his conduct behind the scenes in the build-up to the match, and that the decision was backed by senior players and members of staff.

Players and staff backing Martin’s decision suggests that the player has let himself down with his behaviour, rather than it being a case of the manager making a bad call.

Why Nicolas Raskin may leave Rangers

It was recently reported that Raskin’s father, Thierry, put out a rant on Facebook before later deleting the post, but not before outlets were able to pick up on what was posted.

Sport Witness relayed a translation of the post: “A coach who leaves out eight players from a team that reached the Europa Cup [Europa League] quarter-final last season, a coach who transfers eight players [and puts them in the team] that he knows very well [this kind of thing still exists!!!!!], but guys who come out of nowhere, and the guy has an oversized ego, to put it mildly, thinks he can play a match for the Champions League. Incredible, this football world is…”

If accurately reported, that does not bode well for Raskin’s future at Ibrox beyond the end of the transfer window, particularly when you add in that TEAMtalk claimed that West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves are all keen on the £15m-rated star.

Appearances

33

12

Tackles per game

2.8

3.7

Interceptions per game

0.6

1.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.6

7.4

Ground duel success rate

57%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

56%

55%

As you can see in the table above, Raskin produced impressive performances, particularly out of possession, in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League for Rangers last season.

On top of those defensive showings under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson, the Belgium international also delivered four goals and ten assists in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

But the reported issues behind the scenes, his omission against Celtic, the interest from Premier League teams and his father’s alleged comments, all suggest that he may be on his way out of the club.

Rangers interested in Championship star

With all of the speculation surrounding Raskin, it should not come as a surprise to learn that the club are reportedly looking to sign another midfielder.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon, Glasgow Rangers want to complete a last-minute swoop for Norwich City captain Kenny McLean before the deadline.

The reporter claims that the Scottish giants are interested in a deal to snap up the 33-year-old central midfielder to bolster their options in midfield and to ‘organise their shambolic side’, as Nixon put it.

Nixon adds, though, that Norwich want to keep the Scotland international, who started in their 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and that means that it could be a difficult deal to get done.

The midfield star has one year left on his contract at Carrow Road, with a 12-month option, and Rangers may have to splash out a decent fee to secure his signature.

Why Rangers should sign Kenny McLean

As long as the Gers do not have to break the bank to bring the 33-year-old talent to Ibrox, McLean would be a shrewd addition to the squad to allow the club to cash in on Raskin.

The situation with the Belgian star emerging so close to the end of the window is far from ideal, as it means that the club do not have loads of time to identify and sign a perfect long-term replacement.

This means that signing McLean on a two-year contract, for example, could be the perfect short-term solution that would then allow Rangers to sell Raskin before Monday’s deadline to ensure that they do not have a potentially disruptive figure, given the report around why he was dropped on Sunday, behind the scenes.

That would then provide the recruitment team with the time that they need to identify the long-term option in that position ahead of the January transfer window, or next summer.

McLean’s performances for Norwich in recent seasons in the Championship suggest that he could be an ideal short-term replacement for Raskin as a combative central midfielder who also offers creativity on the ball.

Starts

46

33

Goals

1

0

Big chances created

7

4

Assists

5

4

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.2

3.4

Ball recoveries per game

6.0

5.0

Duel success rate

59%

66%

As you can see in the table above, McLean is constantly looking to disrupt opposition attacks with tackles and interceptions, whilst winning the majority of his physical duels, which could help the leaky Ibrox defence.

The left-footed star provides a calm presence on the ball at the base of the midfield and has shown creativity already this season, with an excellent assist for Josh Sargent with his weak foot against Middlesbrough.

McLean could spray those kinds of passes over the top to find Miovski when they play games that have space in behind for the striker to run into, most likely in European matches.

Couple that with his defensive strengths in the middle of the park and it is easy to see why the Gers are reportedly interested in completing a last-gasp deal for the Canaries captain to potentially wave bye-bye to Raskin.

Rangers tipped to hire Russell Martin replacement in "box-office" move

The tactician is already attracting huge criticism.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2025

Manchester United secured a stunning victory an Anfield to condemn Liverpool to an unbelievable fourth consecutive defeat as the visitors won a pulsating derby 2-1. There was controversy just seconds into the match after Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front, despite a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up. Cody Gakpo equalised for Arne Slot’s side, but Harry Maguire’s header in the 84th minute sealed a memorable win for United.

Amorim’s side made a flying start to the match, taking a dramatic lead in the second minute as United broke quickly upfield and Mbeumo fired low past Giorgio Marmadashvili. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister took a blow to the head in the build-up, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot it, leaving the home fans furious. 

The visitors were the better side in the opening half with both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes missing gilt-edged chances to extend United’s lead, and as the game progressed it seemed Amorim’s team were likely to edge further in front. But Slot rang the changes on the hour and it was one of the substitutes, Federico Chiesa, who teed up Gakpo to fire home from close range and level the match. 

Anfield suddenly came to life as home fans sensed an unlikely victory, but it was United who scored again to stun the crowd as Maguire headed Fernandes’ cross back across goal to seal the points and United’s first win on this ground since back in January 2016.

GOAL rates Liverpool players from Anfield…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Giorgi Mamardashvili (5/10): 

  Playing just his second Premier League game for the Reds as Alisson remains injured and was stunned early on after Mbeumo struck the ball fiercely low past him for the opener. Was little he could do for Maguire's goal either. 

  Conor Bradley (6/10): 

  Impressed during the international break with Northern Ireland and was kept busy all afternoon by Dalot and Mount, but barely put a foot wrong. Was taken off in the 62nd minute. 

  Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

  Back in the starting line-up after recovering from injury and played Mbeumo onside for the opening goal. Was reasonably sound for the vast majority of the game. 

  Virgil van Dijk (5/10): 

  Ahead of the match, the Liverpool captain spoke about how it was ‘pretty clear’ his team needed to improve, but was partially at fault for the opener after failing to spot the run of Mbeumo in behind him.

  Milos Kerkez (5/10):

  An ever-present for the Reds so far this season, at the expense of Robertson, but endured a torrid first-half. Amad ran him ragged and looked very uncomfortable at times. 

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  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): 

  Has been one of Slot’s standout performers this season and, while he played positively throughout, he failed to make a major impact and took a hefty blow on his ankle before being subbed on the hour. 

  Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

  Took a hefty whack to the head just moments into the match and played the rest of the game wearing a protective covering. Covered plenty of ground, but was quiet by his standards and was subbed in the 60th minute. 

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

  Has been one of Liverpool's standout performers this season and, while he showed good attacking intent, was below-par. Moved into full-back position when Bradley was hooked on the hour mark.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10): 

  Wasted a golden opportunity, but snatched at the ball and fired wide from eight yards out in the 65th minute. Was a surprisingly quiet afternoon for the Reds talisman who normally thrives in these matches. 

  Cody Gakpo (7/10): 

  Recently admitted to feeling more at home at Liverpool than playing for his native Netherlands, and you can see why. Turned home Chiesa's cross from a couple of yards out and could have had a sackful more as he hit the post three times throughout the match. One of Liverpool's better performers. 

  Alexander Isak (4/10): 

  Will be hugely disappointed with his performance. Seemed nervous throughout and failed to show enough composure when half-chances came his way. Still not showing the quality which convinced Liverpool to invest so heavily in him. Was subbed in the 72nd minute, and there's work for Slot to do to get the best out of him. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Florian Wirtz (5/10):

  A few neat touches, but no impact. Wasn't on the pitch long enough to shoulder any blame for the defeat and will be looking the the forthcoming matches to be given more time from Slot.  

  Curtis Jones (5/10):

  Not enough time to make an impact in midfield after being brought on as Sot made wholesale changes on the hour mark. 

  Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

  Was a real live wire from the moment he came on the pitch. Had a few long-range efforts blocked, but without any luck. 

  Federico Chiesa (6/10):

  Was finally given his chance with 20 minutes remaining and repaid the manager's faith by setting up Liverpool's equaliser. 

  Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

  Did brilliantly down the wing to set up a chance for Gakpo, but the header sailed over the bar. 

  Arne Slot (5/10):

  The Liverpool boss has more questions than answers as he watched his side struggle all afternoon. Key players, particularly new signings, just aren't at the races. It's his job to find those answers, and find them soon. Four defeats in a row is unacceptable.