England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association.

The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool's Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday -less than 24 hours after City<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238"> lost 3-1 at Liverpool</a>.

"Both Joe and I have had words and figured things out and moved on. We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions got the better of me.

"...This is why we play this sport because of our love for it - me and @joegomez5 are good we both understand it was a 5-10 second thing... it's done, we move forward and not make this bigger than it is.

"Let's get focus on our game on Thursday," Sterling said on his Instagram account.

The FA has decided to drop Sterling from Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a "disturbance" in a private team area.&nbsp;

Sterling, who has scored 12 goals in 55 England appearances, has been one of the first-team regulars under manager Gareth Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win to Bulgaria.

Last season, he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association.

England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association. The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool's Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday -less than 24 hours after City lost 3-1 at Liverpool. "Both Joe and I have had words and figured things out and moved on. We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions got the better of me. "...This is why we play this sport because of our love for it - me and @joegomez5 are good we both understand it was a 5-10 second thing... it's done, we move forward and not make this bigger than it is. "Let's get focus on our game on Thursday," Sterling said on his Instagram account. The FA has decided to drop Sterling from Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a "disturbance" in a private team area. Sterling, who has scored 12 goals in 55 England appearances, has been one of the first-team regulars under manager Gareth Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win to Bulgaria. Last season, he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

Football: 'We figured things out': England's Sterling draws line under Gomez clash

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260">busy run of fixtures</a> across all competitions.

Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December&nbsp;18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition.

"I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website.

"So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure."

The teams involved in the December&nbsp;11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners.

"We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp.

Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

Klopp's side have an eight-point lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">atop the Premier League</a> as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends.

"Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November&nbsp;23 and January&nbsp;2.

Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December&nbsp;17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game.

Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted.

"The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions. Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December 18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition. "I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website. "So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure." The teams involved in the December 11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners. "We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp. Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Klopp's side have an eight-point lead atop the Premier League as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends. "Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November 23 and January 2. Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December 17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game. Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted. "The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Football: No pressure to land Club World Cup crown, says Liverpool's Klopp

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-do-not-want-to-lose-league-title-to-man-city-again-alisson-261026">hugely impressive 3-1</a> win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The victory, sealed with goals from Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, leaves unbeaten Liverpool on 34 points from 12 games, eight ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea, and nine in front of Pep Guardiola's fourth-placed City.

While talk of decisive results in November, with 26 games of the campaign remaining, is premature, the manner of Liverpool's win over a team which has dominated the league for the past two seasons was certainly a declaration of intent.

"The boys were completely focused and concentrated. It was so good," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said.

Anfield exploded when Liverpool grabbed a sixth-minute lead with a thundering drive from Brazilian Fabinho, who pounced on a poor clearance from Ilkay Gundogan and blasted past Claudio Bravo from over 20 metres out.

Yet City felt the stunning effort should have been ruled out -- and a penalty awarded to them -- as prior to the break that led to the goal Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside the box but the VAR review went against the visitors.

It was the latest VAR controversy in the Premier League and is certain to spark more debate, but while the opening goal set the tone, Liverpool's dominance was soon evident all across the field.

City pushed forward in response and Raheem Sterling missed a close-range header, but Liverpool struck again in the 13th minute when Andy Robertson crossed from the left and Salah nodded the bouncing ball past Bravo to make it 2-0.

Juergen Klopp's European champions, without a domestic league title since 1990, now had a firm grip on the game and caused constant trouble for City's shaky defence with their powerful surges forward.

Liverpool were on top physically and their pressing stopped City from establishing their usual possession game but still they managed to carve out some openings.

Sergio Aguero, who had a disappointing game, forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 25th minute and then the Argentine should have done better three minutes before the break when he shot wide after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne.

Guardiola needed to adjust something at the break to find a foothold in the game but City's third defeat of the season, after losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was assured when Liverpool made it 3-0 six minutes after the interval.

Jordan Henderson superbly worked space on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Mane dived to head home at the back post.

Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back for City in the 78th minute, drilling home a low cross from Angelino and the visitors enjoyed some late pressure but it was too late for a comeback from the champions.

City have not won at Anfield in the league since May, 2003 -&nbsp;their only win at Liverpool in 38 years, but manager Pep Guardiola took positives from Sunday's performance.

"It's not easy after being two goals down to react the way we reacted. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen from my team. That's what we needed and hopefully we can continue to make the steps we need," he said.

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and hugely impressive 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and hugely impressive 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. The victory, sealed with goals from Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, leaves unbeaten Liverpool on 34 points from 12 games, eight ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea, and nine in front of Pep Guardiola's fourth-placed City. While talk of decisive results in November, with 26 games of the campaign remaining, is premature, the manner of Liverpool's win over a team which has dominated the league for the past two seasons was certainly a declaration of intent. "The boys were completely focused and concentrated. It was so good," Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said. Anfield exploded when Liverpool grabbed a sixth-minute lead with a thundering drive from Brazilian Fabinho, who pounced on a poor clearance from Ilkay Gundogan and blasted past Claudio Bravo from over 20 metres out. Yet City felt the stunning effort should have been ruled out -- and a penalty awarded to them -- as prior to the break that led to the goal Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside the box but the VAR review went against the visitors. It was the latest VAR controversy in the Premier League and is certain to spark more debate, but while the opening goal set the tone, Liverpool's dominance was soon evident all across the field. City pushed forward in response and Raheem Sterling missed a close-range header, but Liverpool struck again in the 13th minute when Andy Robertson crossed from the left and Salah nodded the bouncing ball past Bravo to make it 2-0. Juergen Klopp's European champions, without a domestic league title since 1990, now had a firm grip on the game and caused constant trouble for City's shaky defence with their powerful surges forward. Liverpool were on top physically and their pressing stopped City from establishing their usual possession game but still they managed to carve out some openings. Sergio Aguero, who had a disappointing game, forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 25th minute and then the Argentine should have done better three minutes before the break when he shot wide after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola needed to adjust something at the break to find a foothold in the game but City's third defeat of the season, after losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was assured when Liverpool made it 3-0 six minutes after the interval. Jordan Henderson superbly worked space on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Mane dived to head home at the back post. Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back for City in the 78th minute, drilling home a low cross from Angelino and the visitors enjoyed some late pressure but it was too late for a comeback from the champions. City have not won at Anfield in the league since May, 2003 - their only win at Liverpool in 38 years, but manager Pep Guardiola took positives from Sunday's performance. "It's not easy after being two goals down to react the way we reacted. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen from my team. That's what we needed and hopefully we can continue to make the steps we need," he said.

EPL: Liverpool masterclass leaves Manchester City in tatters

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">3-1 victory </a>over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday.

Goals by Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane put Liverpool three goals up before Bernardo Silva's 78th-minute effort provoked a late City siege.

"You saw in the last 10 or 15 minutes when City scored the goal it gave them mental belief and from that moment they controlled the game," Klopp, whose side have an eight-point lead over Leicester City and Chelsea, said.

"But the other 70 minutes we controlled the game with our intensity and didn't let them do what they wanted. If that was so easy a lot more teams would try it, but the boys put in an incredible shift again."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260">Klopp</a>, whose side are now unbeaten in 29 Premier League games, said all three goals were "incredible".

"That's what you need on a day like this. You have to score special goals against them, and you have to defend with your heads which is what we did," he said.

"I don't know many ways to beat City but if we want to do it we have to do it with intensity and with forcing them into our game and that's what the boys did today."

Klopp said he could understand opposite number Pep Guardiola's frustration with the opening goal when Fabinho lashed home on the counter-attack after Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have handled in his own area.

"I didn't see it," he said. "People told me it hit Bernardo Silva's hand then Trent's. If Bernardo had scored with his hand it would have been disallowed, wherever the hand was.

"I understand how disappointed they are, we would feel exactly the same, 100 per cent. But on the other hand the reaction we showed seconds later in front of their box."

While admitting Liverpool were now in new territory with such a lead, Klopp said they might need every point.

"Each point we have we need to go through the most intense period ever," he said.

Alexander-Arnold described the win as a "massive three points" while fellow full back Andy Robertson said the opening goal had been crucial to the outcome.

"We didn't start the best. I think they had two corners inside the first minute so it was always going to be an important factor," he said.

"Now it's all about keeping it in perspective. We'll see where we are after Christmas and the busy period coming up."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a 3-1 victory over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a 3-1 victory over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday. Goals by Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane put Liverpool three goals up before Bernardo Silva's 78th-minute effort provoked a late City siege. "You saw in the last 10 or 15 minutes when City scored the goal it gave them mental belief and from that moment they controlled the game," Klopp, whose side have an eight-point lead over Leicester City and Chelsea, said. "But the other 70 minutes we controlled the game with our intensity and didn't let them do what they wanted. If that was so easy a lot more teams would try it, but the boys put in an incredible shift again." Klopp, whose side are now unbeaten in 29 Premier League games, said all three goals were "incredible". "That's what you need on a day like this. You have to score special goals against them, and you have to defend with your heads which is what we did," he said. "I don't know many ways to beat City but if we want to do it we have to do it with intensity and with forcing them into our game and that's what the boys did today." Klopp said he could understand opposite number Pep Guardiola's frustration with the opening goal when Fabinho lashed home on the counter-attack after Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have handled in his own area. "I didn't see it," he said. "People told me it hit Bernardo Silva's hand then Trent's. If Bernardo had scored with his hand it would have been disallowed, wherever the hand was. "I understand how disappointed they are, we would feel exactly the same, 100 per cent. But on the other hand the reaction we showed seconds later in front of their box." While admitting Liverpool were now in new territory with such a lead, Klopp said they might need every point. "Each point we have we need to go through the most intense period ever," he said. Alexander-Arnold described the win as a "massive three points" while fellow full back Andy Robertson said the opening goal had been crucial to the outcome. "We didn't start the best. I think they had two corners inside the first minute so it was always going to be an important factor," he said. "Now it's all about keeping it in perspective. We'll see where we are after Christmas and the busy period coming up."

Klopp praises Liverpool intensity after crucial win over City

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool's 3-1 win </a>over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football.

It was not so much the maths, though Liverpool's nine-point advantage over defending champions City, with a point less over Leicester City and Chelsea, is a significant gap, especially as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260"> Juergen Klopp's</a> side have lost one league game in 18 months.

But it was the manner of Liverpool's victory at Anfield which suggested that the fans' nearly 30-year wait for a domestic league title may be coming to a close.

City were by no means poor, and played their part in an entertaining encounter, but Liverpool were better in every department.

Klopp's side were sharper in attack, where Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both found the target, more solid at the back and in the midfield were faster, stronger, harder and more incisive, as always helped by their rampaging full-backs.

Liverpool are European champions after overpowering teams of the calibre of Barcelona, bullying them physically, ripping them apart with speedy bursts down the flanks from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson and through ruthless finishing.

City, though, have won the past two Premier League titles thanks to their technical brilliance and mastery of possession football which they executed with relentless consistency.

However, this season Liverpool have matched that level of consistency, unbeaten and with 11 wins from 12, they arrived at this game with the only question being whether they could cope with the unique challenge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-guardiola-is-the-best-manager-in-the-world-juergen-klopp-260679">Pep Guardiola's</a> City machine.

The only conclusion after 90 minutes of high quality football was that Liverpool have no weak spots. It is hard to think of any team in the world who would enter the intimidating atmosphere of Anfield confident of leaving with a win.

City, in contrast, have had a major weakness exposed due to injuries and made an unfathomable mistake in the transfer market by not replacing former captain Vincent Kompany when he left the club in the close-season and that has come back to bite them.

City inexplicably given their huge resources, went into this season with just three established central defenders -- John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte.

Given that Laporte has been sidelined by injury since August and Otamendi's form has been haphazard at best, City went to Anfield with midfielder Fernandinho filling in alongside Stones.

Liverpool in contrast were able to replace Virgil van Dijk's injured defensive partner Joel Matip with the experienced Croatian Dejan Lovren and still had England international Joe Gomez in reserve on the bench.

There was no glaring error from City's defenders but there was an air of vulnerability about them throughout the game and the sense of certainty that Liverpool would punish Guardiola's back line for any slip-up.

Last season, City delivered a tactically mature and disciplined performance in a goalless draw at Anfield but, as Guardiola conceded, this game was more similar to the 2018 Champions League quarter-final, where City were blown apart after going two goals down in the opening 20 minutes.

“If you give them an inch, they will take that and score goals," said City's Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who grabbed their late consolation goal.

"That’s what happens. You can play better than Liverpool and be 2-0 or 3-0 behind. They are maybe the best team in the world with their counter-attack, second balls and set pieces."

City will recover from this loss, surely will strengthen their defence in the January transfer window and it would be a foolish pundit who writes them off.

"It’s still November and we still have games to play. We’re not in an ideal position – we don’t want to lose games – and we have to improve," said Silva. “We were in this position last season. We’ll never give up."

Liverpool's protestations that this game decided nothing were inevitable but there was no hiding the desire Klopp has to deliver that long absent league title.

"Nine points, you cannot imagine that something like this happens," said the German. "But it's not important because who wants to be first in early November? We want to be first in May."

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football.

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football. It was not so much the maths, though Liverpool's nine-point advantage over defending champions City, with a point less over Leicester City and Chelsea, is a significant gap, especially as Juergen Klopp's side have lost one league game in 18 months. But it was the manner of Liverpool's victory at Anfield which suggested that the fans' nearly 30-year wait for a domestic league title may be coming to a close. City were by no means poor, and played their part in an entertaining encounter, but Liverpool were better in every department. Klopp's side were sharper in attack, where Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both found the target, more solid at the back and in the midfield were faster, stronger, harder and more incisive, as always helped by their rampaging full-backs. Liverpool are European champions after overpowering teams of the calibre of Barcelona, bullying them physically, ripping them apart with speedy bursts down the flanks from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson and through ruthless finishing. City, though, have won the past two Premier League titles thanks to their technical brilliance and mastery of possession football which they executed with relentless consistency. However, this season Liverpool have matched that level of consistency, unbeaten and with 11 wins from 12, they arrived at this game with the only question being whether they could cope with the unique challenge of Pep Guardiola's City machine. The only conclusion after 90 minutes of high quality football was that Liverpool have no weak spots. It is hard to think of any team in the world who would enter the intimidating atmosphere of Anfield confident of leaving with a win. City, in contrast, have had a major weakness exposed due to injuries and made an unfathomable mistake in the transfer market by not replacing former captain Vincent Kompany when he left the club in the close-season and that has come back to bite them. City inexplicably given their huge resources, went into this season with just three established central defenders -- John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte. Given that Laporte has been sidelined by injury since August and Otamendi's form has been haphazard at best, City went to Anfield with midfielder Fernandinho filling in alongside Stones. Liverpool in contrast were able to replace Virgil van Dijk's injured defensive partner Joel Matip with the experienced Croatian Dejan Lovren and still had England international Joe Gomez in reserve on the bench. There was no glaring error from City's defenders but there was an air of vulnerability about them throughout the game and the sense of certainty that Liverpool would punish Guardiola's back line for any slip-up. Last season, City delivered a tactically mature and disciplined performance in a goalless draw at Anfield but, as Guardiola conceded, this game was more similar to the 2018 Champions League quarter-final, where City were blown apart after going two goals down in the opening 20 minutes. “If you give them an inch, they will take that and score goals," said City's Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who grabbed their late consolation goal. "That’s what happens. You can play better than Liverpool and be 2-0 or 3-0 behind. They are maybe the best team in the world with their counter-attack, second balls and set pieces." City will recover from this loss, surely will strengthen their defence in the January transfer window and it would be a foolish pundit who writes them off. "It’s still November and we still have games to play. We’re not in an ideal position – we don’t want to lose games – and we have to improve," said Silva. “We were in this position last season. We’ll never give up." Liverpool's protestations that this game decided nothing were inevitable but there was no hiding the desire Klopp has to deliver that long absent league title. "Nine points, you cannot imagine that something like this happens," said the German. "But it's not important because who wants to be first in early November? We want to be first in May."

Premier League: Liverpool win over City suggests long wait may come to an end

Manchester City players were left fuming in the dressing room after watching replays of Liverpool's controversial opening goal in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">3-1 loss</a> at Anfield on Sunday, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside his own box in the sixth minute but instead of a City penalty the hosts broke and 22 seconds later Fabinho drilled in a spectacular goal from outside the box.

The goal was checked by VAR and allowed to stand as Liverpool went on to clinch the victory and move nine points clear of City in the Premier League title race.

"We saw the incident again in the dressing room afterwards and for me, obviously, it's a penalty - but if you ask a Liverpool player they would say, 'You can give it but it's maybe a 50-50 situation,'" Gundogan told reporters.

"It takes a tough mentality to fight against that and unfortunately they scored the second straight after."

City are aiming to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to win three consecutive Premier League titles but now occupy fourth spot in the table.

Last season, City recovered in the second half of the campaign to erase Liverpool's 10-point lead at the top and Gundogan wants the same level of commitment from his team mates.

"We have to accept it, but there is a long way to go. Last season in January we were quite far behind and able to turn it around," Gundogan added.

Manchester City players were left fuming in the dressing room after watching replays of Liverpool's controversial opening goal in a 3-1 loss at Anfield on Sunday, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said.

Manchester City players were left fuming in the dressing room after watching replays of Liverpool's controversial opening goal in a 3-1 loss at Anfield on Sunday, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said. Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball inside his own box in the sixth minute but instead of a City penalty the hosts broke and 22 seconds later Fabinho drilled in a spectacular goal from outside the box. The goal was checked by VAR and allowed to stand as Liverpool went on to clinch the victory and move nine points clear of City in the Premier League title race. "We saw the incident again in the dressing room afterwards and for me, obviously, it's a penalty - but if you ask a Liverpool player they would say, 'You can give it but it's maybe a 50-50 situation,'" Gundogan told reporters. "It takes a tough mentality to fight against that and unfortunately they scored the second straight after." City are aiming to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to win three consecutive Premier League titles but now occupy fourth spot in the table. Last season, City recovered in the second half of the campaign to erase Liverpool's 10-point lead at the top and Gundogan wants the same level of commitment from his team mates. "We have to accept it, but there is a long way to go. Last season in January we were quite far behind and able to turn it around," Gundogan added.

Manchester City players fuming at Liverpool opener: Gundogan

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has hailed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world as the Premier League rivals gear up for Sunday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-sense-chance-to-leave-city-in-their-wake-260408">top-of-the-table clash</a> at Anfield.

Leaders Liverpool have a six-point advantage over the defending champions and the match is a crucial one for both sides.

The build-up has been coloured by Guardiola saying Liverpool's Sadio Mane sometimes dived and then backtracking.

Klopp, who has taken a dig at City's "tactical fouling", drew a line under the verbal sparring on Thursday in an interview with Sky Sports television.

"We constantly get asked questions and sometimes we say what is in that second in our mind without thinking about anything else, that we are in public, that there is a camera," said the German.

"I couldn’t have more respect for Pep Guardiola, that’s how it is. I’ve known him for so long, for me still it’s a big thing to be his contender.

"For me he's the best manager in the world and we have the chance to win against his team which is very difficult but possible. That's enough for me."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-refuses-to-be-distracted-by-manchester-city-as-liverpool-welcome-genk-260004">Klopp</a> dismissed a suggestion that the match was as much one Liverpool could not afford to lose as must win.

"For me, it's a 100 per cent&nbsp;want-to-win game,100 per cent&nbsp;with all I have," he said. "We want to win and we try everything to make that happen, which is difficult enough. And then after that we will see how the situation is and use that situation.

"But it's a big one, we know that. The whole world will be watching that game, I would 100 per cent, everybody I know will, so it's a massive one."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a> winners Liverpool lost at Manchester City last season after a goalless draw at Anfield and were beaten to the title by a single point.

"Last year's performance of City at Liverpool was probably the biggest show of respect I ever got, that one of my teams ever got, because they played different to what they usually do," said Klopp.

"I expect a tight game. How exactly it will be, I don't know."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has hailed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world as the Premier League rivals gear up for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has hailed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world as the Premier League rivals gear up for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash at Anfield. Leaders Liverpool have a six-point advantage over the defending champions and the match is a crucial one for both sides. The build-up has been coloured by Guardiola saying Liverpool's Sadio Mane sometimes dived and then backtracking. Klopp, who has taken a dig at City's "tactical fouling", drew a line under the verbal sparring on Thursday in an interview with Sky Sports television. "We constantly get asked questions and sometimes we say what is in that second in our mind without thinking about anything else, that we are in public, that there is a camera," said the German. "I couldn’t have more respect for Pep Guardiola, that’s how it is. I’ve known him for so long, for me still it’s a big thing to be his contender. "For me he's the best manager in the world and we have the chance to win against his team which is very difficult but possible. That's enough for me." Klopp dismissed a suggestion that the match was as much one Liverpool could not afford to lose as must win. "For me, it's a 100 per cent want-to-win game,100 per cent with all I have," he said. "We want to win and we try everything to make that happen, which is difficult enough. And then after that we will see how the situation is and use that situation. "But it's a big one, we know that. The whole world will be watching that game, I would 100 per cent, everybody I know will, so it's a massive one." Champions League winners Liverpool lost at Manchester City last season after a goalless draw at Anfield and were beaten to the title by a single point. "Last year's performance of City at Liverpool was probably the biggest show of respect I ever got, that one of my teams ever got, because they played different to what they usually do," said Klopp. "I expect a tight game. How exactly it will be, I don't know."

Football: Guardiola is the best manager in the world, says Juergen Klopp

Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-fa-overturn-spurs-striker-sons-red-card-for-tackle-on-evertons-gomes-260237"> Premier League</a> crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories.

Rewind to the third day of the year at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool were in a similar position of strength.

Victory then would have shot them 10 points clear. They lost a frenetic clash 2-1, however, and City relentlessly reeled them in to win an epic title race with 98 points to Liverpool's 97.

This time Liverpool are at home, and victory would put them nine points clear. It feels like a chance they cannot afford to pass up as they seek a first league title since 1990.

"With a deficit like that,&nbsp;even in mid-November,&nbsp;Pep Guardiola knows he would have a mountain to climb to win the Premier League," former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer said this week.

Third-placed Leicester City welcome fifth-placed Arsenal on Saturday after fourth-placed Chelsea take on Crystal Palace but all eyes will be focussed on the showdown on Merseyside.

Rarely does a fixture, especially one played as early in the season, justify the hype but such is the quality and reliability of Liverpool and City, the consequences of the result are difficult to play down.

Liverpool have seemingly forgotten how to lose. They are unbeaten in 28 league matches since losing to City and at Anfield they have not lost in the league since April 2017.

Yet neither side have been quite at their best of late, relying on the never-say-die attitude that has become as important a weapon as their fearsome forward lines.

Both clawed back 1-0 deficits with late goals to claim 2-1 victories last weekend. City trailed Southampton before Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker turned it around.

Liverpool cut it even finer. They trailed Aston Villa until the 87th minute before goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane clinched a victory which means they have a little more margin for error this weekend.

"What Liverpool have is an incredible quality to fight right until the end," Guardiola said ahead of his side's Champions League clash away to Atalanta on Wednesday,&nbsp;24 hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Liverpool beat Genk</a> 2-1 at Anfield.

"Good teams keep going. They wear you down, they have that belief," Shearer said this week. "It happened to Man United under Alex Ferguson all those years ago, it's not a coincidence they scored all those late goals."

Guardiola spiced it up this week with comments claiming Liverpool's Mane was prone to diving. Klopp retaliated saying City had perfected "tactical fouling".

The talking will stop on Sunday, however, when England's finest two sides do battle.

"Both teams will try to win the game," Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said. "We're both in good shape. I think they are worried about us, we have players to hurt them. But they have players to hurt us. It's a game we need to win."

While talk of two-horse races is merited, City could actually be fourth come kickoff if Leicester beat Arsenal and Chelsea beat Palace on Saturday. Sixth-placed Sheffield United are also threatening to gatecrash the European places and travel to a Tottenham side without a win in four league games.

A Midlands derby provides the appetiser for Sunday's Anfield feast with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Aston Villa while Manchester United take on Brighton.

Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive Premier League crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories.

Liverpool have a gilt-edged chance to inflict a hammer blow on Manchester City's hopes of a third successive Premier League crown in a seismic clash at Anfield on Sunday but failure to do so could revive bitter memories. Rewind to the third day of the year at the Etihad Stadium and Liverpool were in a similar position of strength. Victory then would have shot them 10 points clear. They lost a frenetic clash 2-1, however, and City relentlessly reeled them in to win an epic title race with 98 points to Liverpool's 97. This time Liverpool are at home, and victory would put them nine points clear. It feels like a chance they cannot afford to pass up as they seek a first league title since 1990. "With a deficit like that, even in mid-November, Pep Guardiola knows he would have a mountain to climb to win the Premier League," former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer said this week. Third-placed Leicester City welcome fifth-placed Arsenal on Saturday after fourth-placed Chelsea take on Crystal Palace but all eyes will be focussed on the showdown on Merseyside. Rarely does a fixture, especially one played as early in the season, justify the hype but such is the quality and reliability of Liverpool and City, the consequences of the result are difficult to play down. Liverpool have seemingly forgotten how to lose. They are unbeaten in 28 league matches since losing to City and at Anfield they have not lost in the league since April 2017. Yet neither side have been quite at their best of late, relying on the never-say-die attitude that has become as important a weapon as their fearsome forward lines. Both clawed back 1-0 deficits with late goals to claim 2-1 victories last weekend. City trailed Southampton before Sergio Aguero and Kyle Walker turned it around. Liverpool cut it even finer. They trailed Aston Villa until the 87th minute before goals from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane clinched a victory which means they have a little more margin for error this weekend. "What Liverpool have is an incredible quality to fight right until the end," Guardiola said ahead of his side's Champions League clash away to Atalanta on Wednesday, 24 hours after Liverpool beat Genk 2-1 at Anfield. "Good teams keep going. They wear you down, they have that belief," Shearer said this week. "It happened to Man United under Alex Ferguson all those years ago, it's not a coincidence they scored all those late goals." Guardiola spiced it up this week with comments claiming Liverpool's Mane was prone to diving. Klopp retaliated saying City had perfected "tactical fouling". The talking will stop on Sunday, however, when England's finest two sides do battle. "Both teams will try to win the game," Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said. "We're both in good shape. I think they are worried about us, we have players to hurt them. But they have players to hurt us. It's a game we need to win." While talk of two-horse races is merited, City could actually be fourth come kickoff if Leicester beat Arsenal and Chelsea beat Palace on Saturday. Sixth-placed Sheffield United are also threatening to gatecrash the European places and travel to a Tottenham side without a win in four league games. A Midlands derby provides the appetiser for Sunday's Anfield feast with Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Aston Villa while Manchester United take on Brighton.

Premier League: Liverpool sense chance to leave City in their wake

Liverpool will field two different playing squads in the League Cup and Club World Cup in the space of 24 hours in December due to a lack of available dates to postpone their League Cup quarter-final, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The quarter-final against Aston Villa is set to be played on December&nbsp;17,&nbsp;the same week Juergen Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup where they play their first match on December&nbsp;18.

After knocking Arsenal out in the last 16, Klopp had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">threatened to pull</a> the Anfield side out of the League Cup if they could not find a suitable date for the quarter-final tie.

"We will be utilising two playing squads simultaneously, with one squad participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar and another in the Carabao Cup," the club said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The club would like to take this opportunity to underline that while this is not an ideal scenario, it is an outcome which was arrived at with the best interests of the competition, our fellow clubs and ourselves as the sole motivating factor."

Liverpool said they had discussed alternative dates with the English Football League but could not find a suitable one that would not compromise the competition's schedule.

Liverpool will field two different playing squads in the League Cup and Club World Cup in the space of 24 hours in December due to a lack of available dates to postpone their League Cup quarter-final, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Liverpool will field two different playing squads in the League Cup and Club World Cup in the space of 24 hours in December due to a lack of available dates to postpone their League Cup quarter-final, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The quarter-final against Aston Villa is set to be played on December 17, the same week Juergen Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup where they play their first match on December 18. After knocking Arsenal out in the last 16, Klopp had threatened to pull the Anfield side out of the League Cup if they could not find a suitable date for the quarter-final tie. "We will be utilising two playing squads simultaneously, with one squad participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar and another in the Carabao Cup," the club said in a statement. "The club would like to take this opportunity to underline that while this is not an ideal scenario, it is an outcome which was arrived at with the best interests of the competition, our fellow clubs and ourselves as the sole motivating factor." Liverpool said they had discussed alternative dates with the English Football League but could not find a suitable one that would not compromise the competition's schedule.

Football: Liverpool to field two different squads in two competitions simultaneously

Liverpool will not allow themselves to be distracted by the weekend's Premier League match against Manchester City and are solely focused on Tuesday's Champions League group game against Genk, manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">Juergen Klopp</a> has said.

League leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-and-city-grab-late-wins-manchester-united-lose-259581">Liverpool</a> host City in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday as they look to extend a six-point advantage.

European champions Liverpool are second in their Champions League group,&nbsp;a point behind Napoli,&nbsp;and Klopp's side host Genk at Anfield.

"I don't think about Man City, I don't have to tell the boys. The story they wrote the last three years is only possible because we focus on the next game," Klopp told reporters on Monday.

"We have big ambitions in the Champions League and it's an open group. We have to be 100% spot on, we have to make an atmosphere, get these points. For the people at Anfield, we need to focus on this match, same as the players.

"I don't doubt my players at all, I would feel a bit embarrassed if I had to tell them, 'Don't think about Man City already'."

Klopp also hit back at City boss Pep Guardiola, who accused Liverpool forward Sadio Mane of diving after his match-winning display against Aston Villa over the weekend.

"I don't know how he could have known about any incident in our game so quickly after the game," Klopp added. "Sadio is not a diver. There was a situation in the Villa game when he got contact and went down but there was contact.

"I'm 100 per cent&nbsp;sure if something like this happened to Man City they would want to have a penalty. I'm absolutely not in the mood to talk about Man City, I really want to talk about Genk."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oxlade-chamberlain-hits-double-as-liverpool-trounce-genk-257879">Liverpool beat Genk</a> 4-1 away in the previous round of fixtures but Klopp said they would "respect" the Belgian side as they were targeting a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League knockout stages.

"The group is still open and we need everyone," the German manager said. "They can still make Europa League so they still have targets. We need to respect them."

Liverpool will not allow themselves to be distracted by the weekend's Premier League match against Manchester City and are solely focused on Tuesday's Champions League group game against Genk, manager Juergen Klopp has said.

Liverpool will not allow themselves to be distracted by the weekend's Premier League match against Manchester City and are solely focused on Tuesday's Champions League group game against Genk, manager Juergen Klopp has said. League leaders Liverpool host City in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday as they look to extend a six-point advantage. European champions Liverpool are second in their Champions League group, a point behind Napoli, and Klopp's side host Genk at Anfield. "I don't think about Man City, I don't have to tell the boys. The story they wrote the last three years is only possible because we focus on the next game," Klopp told reporters on Monday. "We have big ambitions in the Champions League and it's an open group. We have to be 100% spot on, we have to make an atmosphere, get these points. For the people at Anfield, we need to focus on this match, same as the players. "I don't doubt my players at all, I would feel a bit embarrassed if I had to tell them, 'Don't think about Man City already'." Klopp also hit back at City boss Pep Guardiola, who accused Liverpool forward Sadio Mane of diving after his match-winning display against Aston Villa over the weekend. "I don't know how he could have known about any incident in our game so quickly after the game," Klopp added. "Sadio is not a diver. There was a situation in the Villa game when he got contact and went down but there was contact. "I'm 100 per cent sure if something like this happened to Man City they would want to have a penalty. I'm absolutely not in the mood to talk about Man City, I really want to talk about Genk." Liverpool beat Genk 4-1 away in the previous round of fixtures but Klopp said they would "respect" the Belgian side as they were targeting a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League knockout stages. "The group is still open and we need everyone," the German manager said. "They can still make Europa League so they still have targets. We need to respect them."

Football: Klopp refuses to be distracted by Manchester City as Liverpool welcome Genk

In echoes of last season's epic Premier League title race, Liverpool and Manchester City matched each other stride for stride to eke out 2-1 victories on Saturday when both had looked set for shock defeats.

In echoes of last season's epic Premier League title race, Liverpool and Manchester City matched each other stride for stride to eke out 2-1 victories on Saturday when both had looked set for shock defeats. They both trailed 1-0 at halftime but Sergio Aguero's 70th-minute equaliser and Kyle Walker's late winner earned champions City a 2-1 home victory over a gritty Southampton side. Liverpool left it even later. When Walker's goal went in at the Etihad Stadium they were still trailing 1-0 at Aston Villa, for whom Trezeguet scored his first goal for the club. Juergen Klopp's side were staring at their first league defeat for 10 months and having their lead halved but Andy Robertson headed them level. In the fourth minute of stoppage time Sadio Mane then glanced Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner past Tom Heaton to send the visiting fans into delirium. When the dust settled on a pulsating afternoon, Liverpool's six-point lead remained intact ahead of next weekend's seismic clash with City at Anfield. Tammy Abraham scored early on and created a second goal for Christian Pulisic after the break as Chelsea beat bottom side Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road, despite a superb display by Ben Foster between the posts for the home side. Manchester United's revival ground to a halt as they went down 1-0 at Bournemouth -- Joshua King's goal just before halftime sending the south coasters above United into seventh. Arsenal squandered a home lead for the second successive week. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal a first-half lead but Raul Jimenez earned Wolverhampton Wanderers a 1-1 draw. Nervous finale for Newcastle Sheffield United's impressive return to the top flight continued as they crushed Burnley 3-0, with John Lundstram's first-half double putting them in charge. Brighton & Hove Albion won a third successive home league game, beating struggling Norwich City 2-0. Newcastle United held on for a 3-2 win at West Ham United. Goals from Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jonjo Shelvey put Newcastle 3-0 up but they survived a nervous finale as Fabian Balbuena and Robert Snodgrass struck for the hosts who are now without a league win in five matches. For the third time in seven days, Liverpool displayed their mettle in the face of adversity. Last Sunday they came back from a halftime deficit to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Anfield. They then overturned 3-1 and 4-2 deficits to draw 5-5 with Arsenal in the League Cup on Wednesday before winning on penalties. But their luck appeared to have run out at Villa. With City turning things around, it seemed Liverpool's grip on top spot would be weakened considerably as Villa played with confidence after Trezeguet's 21st-minute volley. Liverpool had a Roberto Firmino equaliser ruled out in the first half for offside -- VAR confirming the decision despite it appearing a dubious one. They also had penalty appeals waved away as they chased an equaliser. But Klopp's side would not be denied as Robertson and Mane sealed the points in dramatic fashion. "I don't believe always we can win but I never give up that something is possible," Klopp said. "On days like this, in a stadium like this, you just have to be ready to fight." Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola offered similar sentiments after his side's tight squeeze against a Southampton side who showed immense spirit after losing 9-0 at home to Leicester last week. "We did everything, it was so difficult to attack when they defend with 11 players," he said. "We made a good comeback."

Liverpool and City grab late wins, Manchester United lose

The passionate debate over Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews in the Premier League took a surreal turn on Saturday when Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino's armpit was ruled offside.

Firmino's 28th-minute shot would have been an equaliser for Liverpool, who were trailing 1-0 to Aston Villa at the time, but a linesman ruled him offside and VAR confirmed that.

"The red line signifies Firmino was aligned to his armpit, which was marginally ahead of the last Villa defender," the Premier League tweeted by way of explanation above a photo with a line perpendicular to the ground going into the Brazilian's armpit.

Liverpool might have been furious at the ruling - had they not scored two late goals to snatch victory.

"We won 2-1, it’s now not that serious," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, adding that his analyst had shown him the incident after the game and he did not see an infraction.

"Sometimes it’s in your favour, and sometimes it’s against you. That's how it is. We have to make sure the new system helps the game and not confuses, that's all."

Villa manager Dean Smith said he thought Firmino was hard done by. "They’ve had the disallowed goal in the first half which I thought was a goal ... We’ve had gnat’s hair goals ruled against us ourselves (in past games)."

The passionate debate over Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews in the Premier League took a surreal turn on Saturday when Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino's armpit was ruled offside.

The passionate debate over Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews in the Premier League took a surreal turn on Saturday when Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino's armpit was ruled offside. Firmino's 28th-minute shot would have been an equaliser for Liverpool, who were trailing 1-0 to Aston Villa at the time, but a linesman ruled him offside and VAR confirmed that. "The red line signifies Firmino was aligned to his armpit, which was marginally ahead of the last Villa defender," the Premier League tweeted by way of explanation above a photo with a line perpendicular to the ground going into the Brazilian's armpit. Liverpool might have been furious at the ruling - had they not scored two late goals to snatch victory. "We won 2-1, it’s now not that serious," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, adding that his analyst had shown him the incident after the game and he did not see an infraction. "Sometimes it’s in your favour, and sometimes it’s against you. That's how it is. We have to make sure the new system helps the game and not confuses, that's all." Villa manager Dean Smith said he thought Firmino was hard done by. "They’ve had the disallowed goal in the first half which I thought was a goal ... We’ve had gnat’s hair goals ruled against us ourselves (in past games)."

Roberto Firmino's 'offside armpit' stirs VAR debate

Premier League leaders Liverpool may have got some late luck against Aston Villa and must improve, but still merited their latest comeback, elated manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Klopp's table-topping side were staring at their first league defeat in 10 months until the 87th minute of their game at Villa Park, but snatched a last-gasp victory thanks to headers from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane.

"We still have to learn, we still have to improve, we do, we will, I know that," Klopp told reporters after celebrating on the pitch at Villa Park with his relieved players.

"And sometimes you need to get knocks ... But at the end, in the moment, so far, we could sort it, most of the time. Yes of course when you score these kind of goals, it’s lucky but it’s not that we didn’t deserve to win the game."

Asked about his emotions, after Villa surprisingly took the game to Liverpool and could have scored within 60 seconds before they did in the 21st minute, Klopp said he has a single focus.

"I never thought a second about 'did we lose already?' or 'can we win?' We just have to try to score, that’s everything.

"It’s not that I think because now we have a couple of comebacks today is another comeback," said Klopp, whose team also went a goal down to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend before winning 2-1.

"We know it’s possible, everybody knows it’s possible, but we really know it, and the boys tried it ... That’s football ... We don’t have any alternatives, what can we do?"

Villa manager Dean Smith thought his team also deserved something from the game.

"It wasn’t one-way traffic, we’ve had opportunities to make it two-nil," he said. "I’m very proud of their performance … I think we’re a very competitive team at this level … Today we’ve gone toe-to-toe.

"I'm proud but also hurt because we deserved something from that game. We’ve got to take that hurt into the next game and learn from it."

&nbsp;

Premier League leaders Liverpool may have got some late luck against Aston Villa and must improve, but still merited their latest comeback, elated manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday.

Premier League leaders Liverpool may have got some late luck against Aston Villa and must improve, but still merited their latest comeback, elated manager Juergen Klopp said on Saturday. Klopp's table-topping side were staring at their first league defeat in 10 months until the 87th minute of their game at Villa Park, but snatched a last-gasp victory thanks to headers from Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane. "We still have to learn, we still have to improve, we do, we will, I know that," Klopp told reporters after celebrating on the pitch at Villa Park with his relieved players. "And sometimes you need to get knocks ... But at the end, in the moment, so far, we could sort it, most of the time. Yes of course when you score these kind of goals, it’s lucky but it’s not that we didn’t deserve to win the game." Asked about his emotions, after Villa surprisingly took the game to Liverpool and could have scored within 60 seconds before they did in the 21st minute, Klopp said he has a single focus. "I never thought a second about 'did we lose already?' or 'can we win?' We just have to try to score, that’s everything. "It’s not that I think because now we have a couple of comebacks today is another comeback," said Klopp, whose team also went a goal down to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend before winning 2-1. "We know it’s possible, everybody knows it’s possible, but we really know it, and the boys tried it ... That’s football ... We don’t have any alternatives, what can we do?" Villa manager Dean Smith thought his team also deserved something from the game. "It wasn’t one-way traffic, we’ve had opportunities to make it two-nil," he said. "I’m very proud of their performance … I think we’re a very competitive team at this level … Today we’ve gone toe-to-toe. "I'm proud but also hurt because we deserved something from that game. We’ve got to take that hurt into the next game and learn from it."

Liverpool got lucky but still deserved to win: Juergen Klopp

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">Liverpool</a> right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already played in two Champions League finals and is set to make his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday and the 21-year-old now has his sights set on the captain's armband.

"I am not shy in saying that (being Liverpool captain) is a dream for me," he said in an interview with the BBC&nbsp;

"Whether it comes true or not is not up to me. I don't pick who is captain.

"But that is something I would love to do one day. Captaining Liverpool is something I have always dreamed of and it is something that motivates me."

Alexander-Arnold grew up in the city and entered the club's academy at the age of six. He has no thoughts about playing anywhere else.

"I've always been a Liverpool player, Liverpool has always been my home," he added. "I have never thought about changing clubs.

"When I grew up, the dream was always to play for Liverpool. Now I am living the dream and I can't see that changing."

Liverpool face Aston Villa in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-liverpool-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-after-10-goal-thriller-258943"> Premier League </a>on Saturday.

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already played in two Champions League finals and is set to make his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday and the 21-year-old now has his sights set on the captain's armband.

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already played in two Champions League finals and is set to make his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday and the 21-year-old now has his sights set on the captain's armband. "I am not shy in saying that (being Liverpool captain) is a dream for me," he said in an interview with the BBC "Whether it comes true or not is not up to me. I don't pick who is captain. "But that is something I would love to do one day. Captaining Liverpool is something I have always dreamed of and it is something that motivates me." Alexander-Arnold grew up in the city and entered the club's academy at the age of six. He has no thoughts about playing anywhere else. "I've always been a Liverpool player, Liverpool has always been my home," he added. "I have never thought about changing clubs. "When I grew up, the dream was always to play for Liverpool. Now I am living the dream and I can't see that changing." Liverpool face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Football: Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold eyes captain's armband

Anfield debutant Curtis Jones scored the winning spot-kick as Liverpool beat Arsenal on penalties after an astonishing 5-5 draw to reach the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-stroll-to-3-1-league-cup-win-over-southampton-258735">League Cup</a> quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old substitute kept his cool in front of the Kop to send Liverpool through after the hosts had trailed 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4 before a stoppage-time equaliser by Divock Origi.

On a crazy evening, it looked as though Joe Willock's screamer had earned Arsenal a memorable victory, but Liverpool proved irrepressible as their barnstorming season continued.

Liverpool scored all five of their penalties while fledgling keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 20, saved from Dani Ceballos.

It was only the second time Liverpool had conceded five at home in the last 66 years. The other occasion was a 6-3 League Cup loss to Arsenal in 2007.

"We can talk about tactics but who cares on a night like this?" Klopp, whose side have dropped only two points in their opening 10 Premier League games, said.

"I hoped for the boys they would have a game to remember. What they did tonight, I lost it really.

"If you don't win nobody remembers it in three years, if it works out the boys will remember it forever."

Defeat was a bitter one for Arsenal manager Unai Emery whose decision to give Mesut Ozil only his third start of the season paid off with the German playmaker in dazzling form.

Willock's long-range effort appeared to have sealed a morale-boosting win for Arsenal after a difficult few days since squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace.

"A crazy match. I am very proud of their work, we had a high rhythm in the first 45 minutes," Emery said.

"At the end we were winning until the last action. Penalties are 50/50 and we lost. We are sad but our work, we deserve to have more. There are lots of positives to take."

Klopp and Emery changed their entire lineups from the weekend's Premier League action with winger Harvey Elliott becoming the youngest Liverpool player (16 years, 209 days) to start at Anfield.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mohamed-salah-fires-liverpool-to-comeback-win-over-spurs-258415">Liverpool</a> took the lead in the sixth minute as Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi scored a comical own goal, his attempted clearance from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's low cross going into the net off his knee.

Arsenal levelled after 19 minutes when Mesut Ozil picked out Bukayo Saka in space and after his shot was saved and Liverpool could not clear, an offside-looking Lucas Torreira tapped home.

Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal of the night seven minutes later to put Arsenal ahead, scooping in from close range after a save by Kelleher.

Liverpool self-destructed as Elliott's poor pass went to Ozil who played in Saka to square for Martinelli to score his seventh of the season and make it 3-1, but in the 43rd minute Elliott tumbled in the box at the other end and James Milner tucked away a penalty.

Milner's dreadful back pass allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to make it 4-2 after Ozil had performed wonders to recycle the ball but Arsenal old boy Oxlade-Chamberlain's spectacular effort reduced the arrears soon afterwards.

Liverpool equalised in the 62nd minute when Jones played in Origi who turned superbly before unleashing a shot too powerful for Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez.

Willock's goal arguably topped the lot though as he advanced forward before launching an unstoppable right-foot shot into the top corner from 30 metres.

But Liverpool have forgotten how to lose and Origi's shot on the turn, after a cross from 18-year-old Neco Williams, redeemed them at the death.

Anfield debutant Curtis Jones scored the winning spot-kick as Liverpool beat Arsenal on penalties after an astonishing 5-5 draw to reach the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Anfield debutant Curtis Jones scored the winning spot-kick as Liverpool beat Arsenal on penalties after an astonishing 5-5 draw to reach the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. The 18-year-old substitute kept his cool in front of the Kop to send Liverpool through after the hosts had trailed 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4 before a stoppage-time equaliser by Divock Origi. On a crazy evening, it looked as though Joe Willock's screamer had earned Arsenal a memorable victory, but Liverpool proved irrepressible as their barnstorming season continued. Liverpool scored all five of their penalties while fledgling keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 20, saved from Dani Ceballos. It was only the second time Liverpool had conceded five at home in the last 66 years. The other occasion was a 6-3 League Cup loss to Arsenal in 2007. "We can talk about tactics but who cares on a night like this?" Klopp, whose side have dropped only two points in their opening 10 Premier League games, said. "I hoped for the boys they would have a game to remember. What they did tonight, I lost it really. "If you don't win nobody remembers it in three years, if it works out the boys will remember it forever." Defeat was a bitter one for Arsenal manager Unai Emery whose decision to give Mesut Ozil only his third start of the season paid off with the German playmaker in dazzling form. Willock's long-range effort appeared to have sealed a morale-boosting win for Arsenal after a difficult few days since squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace. "A crazy match. I am very proud of their work, we had a high rhythm in the first 45 minutes," Emery said. "At the end we were winning until the last action. Penalties are 50/50 and we lost. We are sad but our work, we deserve to have more. There are lots of positives to take." Klopp and Emery changed their entire lineups from the weekend's Premier League action with winger Harvey Elliott becoming the youngest Liverpool player (16 years, 209 days) to start at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead in the sixth minute as Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi scored a comical own goal, his attempted clearance from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's low cross going into the net off his knee. Arsenal levelled after 19 minutes when Mesut Ozil picked out Bukayo Saka in space and after his shot was saved and Liverpool could not clear, an offside-looking Lucas Torreira tapped home. Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal of the night seven minutes later to put Arsenal ahead, scooping in from close range after a save by Kelleher. Liverpool self-destructed as Elliott's poor pass went to Ozil who played in Saka to square for Martinelli to score his seventh of the season and make it 3-1, but in the 43rd minute Elliott tumbled in the box at the other end and James Milner tucked away a penalty. Milner's dreadful back pass allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to make it 4-2 after Ozil had performed wonders to recycle the ball but Arsenal old boy Oxlade-Chamberlain's spectacular effort reduced the arrears soon afterwards. Liverpool equalised in the 62nd minute when Jones played in Origi who turned superbly before unleashing a shot too powerful for Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez. Willock's goal arguably topped the lot though as he advanced forward before launching an unstoppable right-foot shot into the top corner from 30 metres. But Liverpool have forgotten how to lose and Origi's shot on the turn, after a cross from 18-year-old Neco Williams, redeemed them at the death.

League Cup: Liverpool edge Arsenal on penalties after 10-goal thriller

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December.

Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield in a penalty shootout on Wednesday after their last-16 tie ended 5-5 in regulation.

However, the competition's quarter-finals are set for the week commencing December&nbsp;16, the same week Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-to-inaugurate-new-2022-stadium-during-club-world-cup-252855">FIFA Club World Cup</a>.

"We will not be the victim of this problem," Klopp told reporters. "The Carabao Cup ... if they don't find an appropriate place for us, not 3 a.m. on Christmas Day, then we don't play it.

"FIFA told us the Club World Cup will be there and we have to come there and we will do. The Premier League tells us we have to play in the Premier League, which we do obviously.

"If you have a fixture list where one team cannot be part of all the games, then you have to think about the fixture list. Hopefully it starts now."

Klopp also said that if the quarter-final tie cannot be moved then either their next opponent should advance or Arsenal could take Liverpool's place in the draw, which is to be held later on Thursday.

"We wanted to win it, we did that, and if they don't find a proper date for us then we cannot play the next round and whoever is our opponent will go through. Or Arsenal will play it," the German added.

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December.

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December. Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield in a penalty shootout on Wednesday after their last-16 tie ended 5-5 in regulation. However, the competition's quarter-finals are set for the week commencing December 16, the same week Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup. "We will not be the victim of this problem," Klopp told reporters. "The Carabao Cup ... if they don't find an appropriate place for us, not 3 a.m. on Christmas Day, then we don't play it. "FIFA told us the Club World Cup will be there and we have to come there and we will do. The Premier League tells us we have to play in the Premier League, which we do obviously. "If you have a fixture list where one team cannot be part of all the games, then you have to think about the fixture list. Hopefully it starts now." Klopp also said that if the quarter-final tie cannot be moved then either their next opponent should advance or Arsenal could take Liverpool's place in the draw, which is to be held later on Thursday. "We wanted to win it, we did that, and if they don't find a proper date for us then we cannot play the next round and whoever is our opponent will go through. Or Arsenal will play it," the German added.

Football: Juergen Klopp may pull Liverpool out of League Cup over fixture pile-up

Mohamed Salah claimed the 50th Anfield goal of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-dominates-ballon-dor-shortlist-with-seven-names-257421">Liverpool career</a> from the penalty spot as the Premier League leaders restored their six-point advantage at the top of the table after surviving a major scare against Tottenham.

It was a comeback victory that had Liverpool's demanding manager Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on his players for their composure in responding after Harry Kane had shot Spurs into a shock lead with only 47 seconds played.

Salah struck a clinical 75th-minute penalty into the bottom right-hand corner after Serge Aurier tripped Sadio Mane, which took him to a half-century of home goals in just his 58th outing.

It completed a second-half comeback, started when Jordan Henderson cancelled out a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-winning-streak-ends-with-draw-at-manchester-united-257174"> dramatic opening goal</a> from Kane.

There was more good news for Liverpool supporters after the game when Klopp revealed that Salah, who limped off in the closing minutes with what appeared to be an ankle problem, was only removed as a precaution.

"When we were 1-0 down, we didn't chase it immediately. We just played it," said a delighted Klopp.&nbsp;

"Very often the result is the result of the performance. The performance was really, really good. I liked it a lot. Being 1-0 down against Tottenham with the strength they have in counter-attacking is really tough."

He added: "The game I loved, a super game, how football should look, how we should play against a really strong, good organised side."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-making-same-old-mistakes-says-harry-kane-250773">Kane</a> struck inside a minute, becoming the joint-third highest scorer in the famous club's history with his 174th goal in Tottenham colours.

It was also one of the simplest after Moussa Sissoko sparked a scrambling counter-attack and set Son Heung-min racing upfield.

The South Korean's powerful strike from the edge of the area took a wild deflection off the head of Dejan Lovren before striking the woodwork but the rebound fell kindly for Kane to stoop and head into the gaping net.

It was a lead that lasted, somehow, until the 52nd minute when a Henderson cross was headed clear and turned back into the area by Fabinho.

Danny Rose appeared to nudge Roberto Firmino in the back but, with referee Anthony Taylor unmoved, the ball continued to the corner of the six-yard area where Henderson hit it on the half-volley into the Spurs goal.

Minutes earlier, Spurs might have doubled their lead when Son was sent clear on the end of a long clearance by keeper Paulo Gazzaniga. He rounded Alisson Becker but could only strike the cross-bar from a tricky angle.

But the equaliser was no more than Liverpool deserved after a dominant first-half spell in which only an inspired performance from stand-in goalkeeper Gazzaniga maintained the visitors' lead.

In one breathless, four-minute spell, Liverpool carved out five excellent chances, with Gazzaniga peerless in dealing with them.

"In this season we deserve more points on the table," said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are languishing in 11th spot in the table.

"It's a moment to stay strong, to keep pushing. Of course in a different season, this could have finished two or three-nil for us. But today for us it is a different way and it is important for us it is to stay calm and take the best decisions for the future.

"I've nothing (critical) to say because after five-and-a-half years it's a moment to be all together and show our support."

&nbsp;

Mohamed Salah claimed the 50th Anfield goal of his Liverpool career from the penalty spot as the Premier League leaders restored their six-point advantage at the top of the table after surviving a major scare against Tottenham.

Mohamed Salah claimed the 50th Anfield goal of his Liverpool career from the penalty spot as the Premier League leaders restored their six-point advantage at the top of the table after surviving a major scare against Tottenham. It was a comeback victory that had Liverpool's demanding manager Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on his players for their composure in responding after Harry Kane had shot Spurs into a shock lead with only 47 seconds played. Salah struck a clinical 75th-minute penalty into the bottom right-hand corner after Serge Aurier tripped Sadio Mane, which took him to a half-century of home goals in just his 58th outing. It completed a second-half comeback, started when Jordan Henderson cancelled out a dramatic opening goal from Kane. There was more good news for Liverpool supporters after the game when Klopp revealed that Salah, who limped off in the closing minutes with what appeared to be an ankle problem, was only removed as a precaution. "When we were 1-0 down, we didn't chase it immediately. We just played it," said a delighted Klopp. "Very often the result is the result of the performance. The performance was really, really good. I liked it a lot. Being 1-0 down against Tottenham with the strength they have in counter-attacking is really tough." He added: "The game I loved, a super game, how football should look, how we should play against a really strong, good organised side." Kane struck inside a minute, becoming the joint-third highest scorer in the famous club's history with his 174th goal in Tottenham colours. It was also one of the simplest after Moussa Sissoko sparked a scrambling counter-attack and set Son Heung-min racing upfield. The South Korean's powerful strike from the edge of the area took a wild deflection off the head of Dejan Lovren before striking the woodwork but the rebound fell kindly for Kane to stoop and head into the gaping net. It was a lead that lasted, somehow, until the 52nd minute when a Henderson cross was headed clear and turned back into the area by Fabinho. Danny Rose appeared to nudge Roberto Firmino in the back but, with referee Anthony Taylor unmoved, the ball continued to the corner of the six-yard area where Henderson hit it on the half-volley into the Spurs goal. Minutes earlier, Spurs might have doubled their lead when Son was sent clear on the end of a long clearance by keeper Paulo Gazzaniga. He rounded Alisson Becker but could only strike the cross-bar from a tricky angle. But the equaliser was no more than Liverpool deserved after a dominant first-half spell in which only an inspired performance from stand-in goalkeeper Gazzaniga maintained the visitors' lead. In one breathless, four-minute spell, Liverpool carved out five excellent chances, with Gazzaniga peerless in dealing with them. "In this season we deserve more points on the table," said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are languishing in 11th spot in the table. "It's a moment to stay strong, to keep pushing. Of course in a different season, this could have finished two or three-nil for us. But today for us it is a different way and it is important for us it is to stay calm and take the best decisions for the future. "I've nothing (critical) to say because after five-and-a-half years it's a moment to be all together and show our support."

Football: Mohamed Salah fires Liverpool to comeback win over Spurs

Liverpool won a court battle with shirt manufacturers New Balance on Friday, paving the way to sign a lucrative new deal with Nike from the 2020/2021 season.

A judge ruled in favour of the European champions' case that New Balance could not match Nike's enormous distribution network and promise to market Liverpool via "superstar athletes and influencers" such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Canadian rapper Drake.

New Balance claimed to have triggered a clause in the current deal which would allow them to maintain the contract for another five years come June 1, 2020, if it matched the terms of any competitor's offer.

Nike's £30 million-a-year offer for the next five years falls short of the reported £40 million New Balance currently pay per season.

However, Liverpool will also earn royalties of 20 per cent on all net sales of merchandise barring footwear plus bonuses for winning the Champions League and Premier League.

According to a report in The Athletic, Liverpool hopes to bank £60-£70 million in total per year from the Nike deal.

Mr Justice Teare found that "the New Balance offer on marketing was less favourable to Liverpool FC than the Nike offer" as the company could not match Nike's offer to use "global superstar athletes".

"It must follow that Liverpool FC is not obliged to enter into a new agreement with New Balance," the judge said.

In a statement, a Liverpool spokesman said: "Liverpool FC is pleased with the judge's decision to rule in favour of the club following the legal dispute with our current kit supplier, New Balance.

"We will continue with New Balance for the current season, in combination with preparing next season's Liverpool kits with our new supplier."

&nbsp;

Liverpool won a court battle with shirt manufacturers New Balance on Friday, paving the way to sign a lucrative new deal with Nike from the 2020/2021 season. A judge ruled in favour of the European champions' case that New Balance could not match Nike's enormous distribution network and promise to market Liverpool via "superstar athletes and influencers" such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Canadian rapper Drake.

Liverpool won a court battle with shirt manufacturers New Balance on Friday, paving the way to sign a lucrative new deal with Nike from the 2020/2021 season. A judge ruled in favour of the European champions' case that New Balance could not match Nike's enormous distribution network and promise to market Liverpool via "superstar athletes and influencers" such as LeBron James, Serena Williams and Canadian rapper Drake. New Balance claimed to have triggered a clause in the current deal which would allow them to maintain the contract for another five years come June 1, 2020, if it matched the terms of any competitor's offer. Nike's £30 million-a-year offer for the next five years falls short of the reported £40 million New Balance currently pay per season. However, Liverpool will also earn royalties of 20 per cent on all net sales of merchandise barring footwear plus bonuses for winning the Champions League and Premier League. According to a report in The Athletic, Liverpool hopes to bank £60-£70 million in total per year from the Nike deal. Mr Justice Teare found that "the New Balance offer on marketing was less favourable to Liverpool FC than the Nike offer" as the company could not match Nike's offer to use "global superstar athletes". "It must follow that Liverpool FC is not obliged to enter into a new agreement with New Balance," the judge said. In a statement, a Liverpool spokesman said: "Liverpool FC is pleased with the judge's decision to rule in favour of the club following the legal dispute with our current kit supplier, New Balance. "We will continue with New Balance for the current season, in combination with preparing next season's Liverpool kits with our new supplier."

Liverpool set for Nike deal after winning New Balance case

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday.

It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests but two sublime finishes by Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing his first game in the competition since suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma 18 months ago, put Liverpool in control before Sadio Mane and Mo Salah sealed the points.

Genk got a late consolation through Stephen Odey.

The victory lifted Liverpool to six points, one behind Group E leaders Napoli, although the evening began on a sour note when a banner depicting striker Divock Origi was removed from the away end with Liverpool condemning it as racist.&nbsp;

Liverpool had not won away from home in group play since a 7-0 win in Maribor two years ago but ended that sequence in emphatic fashion with a clinical display of firepower.

"I've definitely missed (the Champions League)," Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sat out almost the whole of last season, said. "It's nice to be back in the starting line-up and put in a performance to help the team."

It took them only two minutes for Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his mark. Receiving the ball just outside the area in a central position he took aim and fired a low shot inside the post.

Genk, who held Napoli to a 0-0 draw on matchday two after a 6-2 thrashing by Salzburg, were not about to roll over and their pace caused several alarms in the Liverpool defence.

A ball over the top released Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta but he shot wide and soon afterwards Paul Onuachu also got behind the Liverpool defence but was denied by Alisson.

A wide-open match then saw Liverpool go close to a second goal when Roberto Firmino's clever flick release Mane inside the area but his shot was saved by Gaëtan Coucke.

The chances came thick and fast and Liverpool had a let-off in the 26th minute when Samatta's bullet header beat Alisson but his celebrations were cut short when referee Slavko Vincic disallowed it and a lengthy VAR check backed up the most marginal of offside decisions.

Genk was still in the hunt but Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool breathing space in the 57th minute with a goal of supreme skill. Firmino played the ball back to the former Arsenal man and he dug out a first-time shot with the outside of his right foot that flew past Coucke and in off the bar.

Mane gave the scoreline a rather flattering look when he finished off a superb move after 77 minutes and Salah rubbed salt into the hosts' wounds with a silky turn and deft finish as Genk finally began to run out of steam.

Liverpool's win made it a full house for the four English clubs in Champions League action this week with Chelsea winning earlier and Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.0

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday. It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests but two sublime finishes by Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing his first game in the competition since suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma 18 months ago, put Liverpool in control before Sadio Mane and Mo Salah sealed the points. Genk got a late consolation through Stephen Odey. The victory lifted Liverpool to six points, one behind Group E leaders Napoli, although the evening began on a sour note when a banner depicting striker Divock Origi was removed from the away end with Liverpool condemning it as racist. Liverpool had not won away from home in group play since a 7-0 win in Maribor two years ago but ended that sequence in emphatic fashion with a clinical display of firepower. "I've definitely missed (the Champions League)," Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sat out almost the whole of last season, said. "It's nice to be back in the starting line-up and put in a performance to help the team." It took them only two minutes for Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his mark. Receiving the ball just outside the area in a central position he took aim and fired a low shot inside the post. Genk, who held Napoli to a 0-0 draw on matchday two after a 6-2 thrashing by Salzburg, were not about to roll over and their pace caused several alarms in the Liverpool defence. A ball over the top released Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta but he shot wide and soon afterwards Paul Onuachu also got behind the Liverpool defence but was denied by Alisson. A wide-open match then saw Liverpool go close to a second goal when Roberto Firmino's clever flick release Mane inside the area but his shot was saved by Gaëtan Coucke. The chances came thick and fast and Liverpool had a let-off in the 26th minute when Samatta's bullet header beat Alisson but his celebrations were cut short when referee Slavko Vincic disallowed it and a lengthy VAR check backed up the most marginal of offside decisions. Genk was still in the hunt but Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool breathing space in the 57th minute with a goal of supreme skill. Firmino played the ball back to the former Arsenal man and he dug out a first-time shot with the outside of his right foot that flew past Coucke and in off the bar. Mane gave the scoreline a rather flattering look when he finished off a superb move after 77 minutes and Salah rubbed salt into the hosts' wounds with a silky turn and deft finish as Genk finally began to run out of steam. Liverpool's win made it a full house for the four English clubs in Champions League action this week with Chelsea winning earlier and Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.0

Oxlade-Chamberlain hits double as Liverpool trounce Genk

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has recovered from an ankle injury to return to the squad for Wednesday's Champions League group game at Genk but they will take a late call on his participation, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

Salah has not played since injuring his ankle in a 2-1 win over Leicester City earlier this month and he missed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-winning-streak-ends-with-draw-at-manchester-united-257174">the 1-1 draw </a>at Manchester United over the weekend, which ended the Anfield side's 17-match winning streak in the Premier League.

"It looks promising," Klopp told reporters when asked about the Egyptian's participation. "Yesterday we weren't sure, today it looks good but we won't take any risks. We will see how he does overnight."

However, centre back Joel Matip (sore knee) and full back Trent Alexander-Arnold (virus) did not make the trip to Belgium with defenders Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez expected to replace them in the starting lineup.

"We thought (Matip's injury) would be a two-week thing before Man United," Klopp added. "It's not a serious thing but it's serious enough for him not to play tomorrow."

Defending champions Liverpool have three points after two games and are a point behind Group E leaders Napoli while Belgian champions Genk are bottom with one point.

"We don't want to make Genk bigger than they are but they are at home and they can be annoying," Klopp said. "They're a good team, we have to be here with the right mindset.

"They are organised and brave in their positioning. They don't play with the pressing line too much but go for second balls, have speed, good midfielders and very active full backs."

After Liverpool dominated this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-dominates-ballon-dor-shortlist-with-seven-names-257421">Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist,</a> with seven footballers nominated, Klopp said his players "deserved" to make the list and hoped he could keep them together for the next few seasons.

"I'm proud of my boys in general, not just because seven of them have been nominated. I like them a lot and I'm happy when they win things," the German manager said.

"If it's a sign that we are now a destination for players, I don't know. We want to work together for the next couple of years and we'll see what happens."

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has recovered from an ankle injury to return to the squad for Wednesday's Champions League group game at Genk but they will take a late call on his participation, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has recovered from an ankle injury to return to the squad for Wednesday's Champions League group game at Genk but they will take a late call on his participation, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday. Salah has not played since injuring his ankle in a 2-1 win over Leicester City earlier this month and he missed the 1-1 draw at Manchester United over the weekend, which ended the Anfield side's 17-match winning streak in the Premier League. "It looks promising," Klopp told reporters when asked about the Egyptian's participation. "Yesterday we weren't sure, today it looks good but we won't take any risks. We will see how he does overnight." However, centre back Joel Matip (sore knee) and full back Trent Alexander-Arnold (virus) did not make the trip to Belgium with defenders Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez expected to replace them in the starting lineup. "We thought (Matip's injury) would be a two-week thing before Man United," Klopp added. "It's not a serious thing but it's serious enough for him not to play tomorrow." Defending champions Liverpool have three points after two games and are a point behind Group E leaders Napoli while Belgian champions Genk are bottom with one point. "We don't want to make Genk bigger than they are but they are at home and they can be annoying," Klopp said. "They're a good team, we have to be here with the right mindset. "They are organised and brave in their positioning. They don't play with the pressing line too much but go for second balls, have speed, good midfielders and very active full backs." After Liverpool dominated this year's Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist, with seven footballers nominated, Klopp said his players "deserved" to make the list and hoped he could keep them together for the next few seasons. "I'm proud of my boys in general, not just because seven of them have been nominated. I like them a lot and I'm happy when they win things," the German manager said. "If it's a sign that we are now a destination for players, I don't know. We want to work together for the next couple of years and we'll see what happens."

Mohamed Salah back in Liverpool squad but may not be risked at Genk: Juergen Klopp

Manchester United have indefinitely banned a supporter who allegedly directed racist abuse at a Liverpool player in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-winning-streak-ends-with-draw-at-manchester-united-257174">Sunday's 1-1 draw</a> in the Premier League, the club said.

United stewards ejected the fan, who British media reported had targeted Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the first half of the game.

"Following our investigation into the alleged incidence of racist abuse on Sunday, we have issued an indefinite ban to the individual involved," a United spokesperson said in a statement to the British media.

"This individual is not welcome at Old Trafford and we want to reinforce that we will continue to take strong action against anyone who we identify has engaged in racist or discriminatory abuse, either online or at our matches.

"Racism and all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our club."

The fan can appeal against the ruling, the statement added,

The Premier League has urged fans to report abuse at matches as part of their No Room for Racism campaign.

The United ban is the latest in a series of incidents with alleged racist overtones at soccer games in Britain over the weekend.

An FA Cup fourth qualifying round match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned on Saturday due to reports of fans racially abusing Haringey's players.

On Sunday, Championship (second-tier) side Bristol City said it was investigating allegations of racist language used by its fans during a 3-0 away defeat at Luton Town a day earlier.

Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian launched an investigation into allegations that fans had directed racial abuse towards Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos during Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Manchester United have indefinitely banned a supporter who allegedly directed racist abuse at a Liverpool player in Sunday's 1-1 draw in the Premier League, the club said.

Manchester United have indefinitely banned a supporter who allegedly directed racist abuse at a Liverpool player in Sunday's 1-1 draw in the Premier League, the club said. United stewards ejected the fan, who British media reported had targeted Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the first half of the game. "Following our investigation into the alleged incidence of racist abuse on Sunday, we have issued an indefinite ban to the individual involved," a United spokesperson said in a statement to the British media. "This individual is not welcome at Old Trafford and we want to reinforce that we will continue to take strong action against anyone who we identify has engaged in racist or discriminatory abuse, either online or at our matches. "Racism and all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our club." The fan can appeal against the ruling, the statement added, The Premier League has urged fans to report abuse at matches as part of their No Room for Racism campaign. The United ban is the latest in a series of incidents with alleged racist overtones at soccer games in Britain over the weekend. An FA Cup fourth qualifying round match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned on Saturday due to reports of fans racially abusing Haringey's players. On Sunday, Championship (second-tier) side Bristol City said it was investigating allegations of racist language used by its fans during a 3-0 away defeat at Luton Town a day earlier. Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian launched an investigation into allegations that fans had directed racial abuse towards Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos during Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Manchester United ban supporter for alleged racist abuse in Liverpool draw

Dutch centre back Virgil van Dijk is one of seven Liverpool players on the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, with the Champions League winners dominating the nominations for France Football magazine's prestigious award.

Van Dijk's club teammates Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Georginio Wijnaldum and Alisson are also on the list, along with Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who have won the award 10 times between them, are included, but Messi's former teammate Neymar, who now plays for Paris St Germain, missed out.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made the cut, but there was no room for their teammate Harry Kane, while Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was another high-profile omission.

30-MAN SHORTLIST

Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk; Roberto Firmino; Alisson; Georginio Wijnaldum; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Sadio Mane; Mohammed Salah

Manchester City - Bernardo Silva; Riyad Mahrez; Kevin de Bruyne; Raheem Sterling; Sergio Aguero

Tottenham Hotspur - Son Heung-min; Hugo Lloris

Barcelona - Lionel Messi; Antoine Griezmann; Frenkie de Jong; Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Real Madrid - Eden Hazard; Karim Benzema

Juventus - Cristiano Ronaldo; Matthijs de Ligt

Bayern Munich - Robert Lewandowski

Ajax Amsterdam - Dusan Tadic; Donny van de Beek

Paris St Germain - Kylian Mbappe; Marquinhos

Arsenal - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Napoli - Kalidou Koulibaly

Atletico Madrid - Joao Felix

Dutch centre back Virgil van Dijk is one of seven Liverpool players on the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, with the Champions League winners dominating the nominations for France Football magazine's prestigious award.

Dutch centre back Virgil van Dijk is one of seven Liverpool players on the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, with the Champions League winners dominating the nominations for France Football magazine's prestigious award. Van Dijk's club teammates Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Georginio Wijnaldum and Alisson are also on the list, along with Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who have won the award 10 times between them, are included, but Messi's former teammate Neymar, who now plays for Paris St Germain, missed out. Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made the cut, but there was no room for their teammate Harry Kane, while Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was another high-profile omission. 30-MAN SHORTLIST Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk; Roberto Firmino; Alisson; Georginio Wijnaldum; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Sadio Mane; Mohammed Salah Manchester City - Bernardo Silva; Riyad Mahrez; Kevin de Bruyne; Raheem Sterling; Sergio Aguero Tottenham Hotspur - Son Heung-min; Hugo Lloris Barcelona - Lionel Messi; Antoine Griezmann; Frenkie de Jong; Marc-Andre ter Stegen Real Madrid - Eden Hazard; Karim Benzema Juventus - Cristiano Ronaldo; Matthijs de Ligt Bayern Munich - Robert Lewandowski Ajax Amsterdam - Dusan Tadic; Donny van de Beek Paris St Germain - Kylian Mbappe; Marquinhos Arsenal - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Napoli - Kalidou Koulibaly Atletico Madrid - Joao Felix

Liverpool dominates Ballon d'Or shortlist with seven names

Manchester United ended Liverpool's 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, and their 17 matches winning streak, with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But there was a disappointment for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side who were five minutes away from a surprise win before Liverpool substitute Adam Lallana grabbed an equaliser for the league leaders to cancel out Marcus Rashford's 36th-minute opener.

It was yet another Premier League game with VAR controversy which will continue to provoke debate about the system introduced this season.

The result cuts Liverpool's lead over second-placed Manchester City to six points and Juergen Klopp's side was far from their best.

"We were good enough for a point," said Klopp, "We were in charge 100% towards the end. We wanted a different result but to do that you have to play better."

United are now unbeaten in their last seven home games against Liverpool and while their battling display will boost morale, the 20-times champions are adrift in 13th place, 15 points behind the leaders.

"We have a team that works for each other and maybe this will turn their season," said Solskjaer.

"They are disappointed because they feel we should have won. Our fans showed they can see what's happening and we will get there."

It has been many years since United went into this fixture as clear underdogs with just two victories from their opening eight games.

On paper, the United line-up matched up poorly against Klopp’s side, especially with Paul Pogba out injured and Anthony Martial restricted to the bench as he returned from an injury lay-off.

Liverpool was without Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah, who was ruled out with an ankle injury with Divock Origi given a rare start alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in attack while Brazilian keeper Alisson Becker returned from injury.

Solskjaer’s headaches were added to when defender Axel Tuanzebe was injured during the warm-up, meaning Argentine Marcos Rojo had to be thrust into the starting 11.

But from the outset, United worked tirelessly, chasing down the ball in midfield and grew in belief while Liverpool never found their usual standard of fluency and invention.

Rashford scored after turning home a superb low cross from Dan James after the speedy Welshman had broken down the right flank.

The goal was subject to a video review and allowed to stand despite Liverpool claims that Victor Lindelof had fouled Origi at the start of the move.

Liverpool thought they had got level, two minutes before the interval, when Mane outfought Lindelof and poked home but the VAR review showed the Senegalese forward had handled the ball.

But Klopp's side, who had struggled to find openings, finally broke through in the 85th minute when Lallana slotted home Andy Robertson's low cross.

Manchester United ended Liverpool's 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, and their 17 matches winning streak, with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Manchester United ended Liverpool's 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, and their 17 matches winning streak, with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. But there was a disappointment for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side who were five minutes away from a surprise win before Liverpool substitute Adam Lallana grabbed an equaliser for the league leaders to cancel out Marcus Rashford's 36th-minute opener. It was yet another Premier League game with VAR controversy which will continue to provoke debate about the system introduced this season. The result cuts Liverpool's lead over second-placed Manchester City to six points and Juergen Klopp's side was far from their best. "We were good enough for a point," said Klopp, "We were in charge 100% towards the end. We wanted a different result but to do that you have to play better." United are now unbeaten in their last seven home games against Liverpool and while their battling display will boost morale, the 20-times champions are adrift in 13th place, 15 points behind the leaders. "We have a team that works for each other and maybe this will turn their season," said Solskjaer. "They are disappointed because they feel we should have won. Our fans showed they can see what's happening and we will get there." It has been many years since United went into this fixture as clear underdogs with just two victories from their opening eight games. On paper, the United line-up matched up poorly against Klopp’s side, especially with Paul Pogba out injured and Anthony Martial restricted to the bench as he returned from an injury lay-off. Liverpool was without Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah, who was ruled out with an ankle injury with Divock Origi given a rare start alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in attack while Brazilian keeper Alisson Becker returned from injury. Solskjaer’s headaches were added to when defender Axel Tuanzebe was injured during the warm-up, meaning Argentine Marcos Rojo had to be thrust into the starting 11. But from the outset, United worked tirelessly, chasing down the ball in midfield and grew in belief while Liverpool never found their usual standard of fluency and invention. Rashford scored after turning home a superb low cross from Dan James after the speedy Welshman had broken down the right flank. The goal was subject to a video review and allowed to stand despite Liverpool claims that Victor Lindelof had fouled Origi at the start of the move. Liverpool thought they had got level, two minutes before the interval, when Mane outfought Lindelof and poked home but the VAR review showed the Senegalese forward had handled the ball. But Klopp's side, who had struggled to find openings, finally broke through in the 85th minute when Lallana slotted home Andy Robertson's low cross.

Liverpool winning streak ends with draw at Manchester United

Manchester City will not win the Champions League this season unless they become more clinical in front of goal, manager Pep Guardiola said, after his team's 2-0 Premier League away win at Crystal Palace over the weekend.

Gabriel Jesus and David Silva were both on target as City ran out comfortable winners at Selhurst Park on Saturday, allowing Guardiola's second-placed team to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points.

Jesus' goal against Palace was the Brazilian's 50th for City but Guardiola pointed out that the 22-year-old had also missed several chances during the match.

"(Jesus) is so young," Guardiola told reporters. "We missed a lot of chances. We have to be clinical. When people talk about the Champions League being the target, we're still not ready... we can still improve."

City leads the league scoring charts with 29 goals this season, seven more than Liverpool, and despite his criticism, Guardiola said he was pleased with the forwards at his disposal.

Jesus was drafted into the starting line-up for the Palace game in place of Argentina international Sergio Aguero, who was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training on Wednesday.

"To compete with Sergio is maybe the most difficult thing... but Gabriel is so calm," Guardiola added. "Every training session he fights like an animal but he can improve."

City are next in action in the Champions League, where they host Italy's Atalanta on Tuesday.

Manchester City will not win the Champions League this season unless they become more clinical in front of goal, manager Pep Guardiola said, after his team's 2-0 Premier League away win at Crystal Palace over the weekend.

Manchester City will not win the Champions League this season unless they become more clinical in front of goal, manager Pep Guardiola said, after his team's 2-0 Premier League away win at Crystal Palace over the weekend. Gabriel Jesus and David Silva were both on target as City ran out comfortable winners at Selhurst Park on Saturday, allowing Guardiola's second-placed team to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points. Jesus' goal against Palace was the Brazilian's 50th for City but Guardiola pointed out that the 22-year-old had also missed several chances during the match. "(Jesus) is so young," Guardiola told reporters. "We missed a lot of chances. We have to be clinical. When people talk about the Champions League being the target, we're still not ready... we can still improve." City leads the league scoring charts with 29 goals this season, seven more than Liverpool, and despite his criticism, Guardiola said he was pleased with the forwards at his disposal. Jesus was drafted into the starting line-up for the Palace game in place of Argentina international Sergio Aguero, who was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training on Wednesday. "To compete with Sergio is maybe the most difficult thing... but Gabriel is so calm," Guardiola added. "Every training session he fights like an animal but he can improve." City are next in action in the Champions League, where they host Italy's Atalanta on Tuesday.

Manchester City not ready to win Champions League: Pep Guardiola

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-head-to-united-with-widest-gulf-in-years-256390">Sunday's home game </a>against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players.

Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured.

"We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish).

"I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer."

United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles.

"There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep.

"But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's home game against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players. Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured. "We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish). "I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer." United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles. "There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep. "But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will reinforce squad in January, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Chelsea's youthful new-look squad reminds Juergen Klopp of his Bundesliga-winning former Borussia Dortmund team, the Liverpool manager said on Friday.

With Chelsea operating under a transfer ban, manager Frank Lampard has turned to the young players in their ranks and the policy has come good so far with all their goalscorers this season being academy players, such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.

Klopp won two league titles and a domestic cup in Germany between 2010 and 2012 with a young squad and the 52-year-old saw similarities in Lampard's side, saying the transfer ban has not really affected Chelsea thanks to their youth policy.

"It's a really exciting team. It reminds me a little bit of my team at Dortmund years back when they were really young, maybe even younger than this team at Chelsea," Klopp told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge.

"People were always talking about how young they are but they only played because they were good. They didn't play because they were that young.

"If there was one club in the world who a transfer ban didn't hit that bad, it was probably Chelsea because of their policy of the last few years. They had players on loan who have come back."

Although new recruit Christian Pulisic is yet to hit the ground running for Chelsea, Klopp said their academy players have stepped up with the support of the experienced players in the squad.

"They brought in Christian Pulisic in the summer, I'm not sure about the money but for around 60 million pounds ($75 million), and all of the players around him now have the same value," Klopp added.

"Tammy Abraham is now a 60 million pound player, Mason Mount is for sure a 60 million pound player, if not more, (Callum) Hudson-Odoi was that already... (N'Golo) Kante, who looks like he could play for the next 20 years.

"They have Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and then all the experienced guys around them -- Pedro, Willian, Olivier Giroud and on the bench Michy Batshuayi."

Klopp confirmed midfielder Naby Keita was back training with the first team. Striker Divock Origi is unlikely to play on Sunday while Alisson is making progress in his recovery from a calf injury.

"(Alisson is) not in team training yet and we take it day by day," Klopp said. "We will see, too early to say. Medical department will tell me."

Chelsea's youthful new-look squad reminds Juergen Klopp of his Bundesliga-winning former Borussia Dortmund team, the Liverpool manager said on Friday. With Chelsea operating under a transfer ban, manager Frank Lampard has turned to the young players in their ranks and the policy has come good so far with all their goalscorers this season being academy players, such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.

Chelsea's youthful new-look squad reminds Juergen Klopp of his Bundesliga-winning former Borussia Dortmund team, the Liverpool manager said on Friday. With Chelsea operating under a transfer ban, manager Frank Lampard has turned to the young players in their ranks and the policy has come good so far with all their goalscorers this season being academy players, such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount. Klopp won two league titles and a domestic cup in Germany between 2010 and 2012 with a young squad and the 52-year-old saw similarities in Lampard's side, saying the transfer ban has not really affected Chelsea thanks to their youth policy. "It's a really exciting team. It reminds me a little bit of my team at Dortmund years back when they were really young, maybe even younger than this team at Chelsea," Klopp told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge. "People were always talking about how young they are but they only played because they were good. They didn't play because they were that young. "If there was one club in the world who a transfer ban didn't hit that bad, it was probably Chelsea because of their policy of the last few years. They had players on loan who have come back." Although new recruit Christian Pulisic is yet to hit the ground running for Chelsea, Klopp said their academy players have stepped up with the support of the experienced players in the squad. "They brought in Christian Pulisic in the summer, I'm not sure about the money but for around 60 million pounds ($75 million), and all of the players around him now have the same value," Klopp added. "Tammy Abraham is now a 60 million pound player, Mason Mount is for sure a 60 million pound player, if not more, (Callum) Hudson-Odoi was that already... (N'Golo) Kante, who looks like he could play for the next 20 years. "They have Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and then all the experienced guys around them -- Pedro, Willian, Olivier Giroud and on the bench Michy Batshuayi." Klopp confirmed midfielder Naby Keita was back training with the first team. Striker Divock Origi is unlikely to play on Sunday while Alisson is making progress in his recovery from a calf injury. "(Alisson is) not in team training yet and we take it day by day," Klopp said. "We will see, too early to say. Medical department will tell me."

Frank Lampard's Chelsea reminds Klopp of his young Dortmund team

Jurgen Klopp says&nbsp;Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season.

The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches.

And two late goals conceded in Naples in midweek meant their Champions League campaign started in disappointing fashion.

Klopp's men started last season's league campaign with three clean sheets and conceded just 22 Premier League goals all season, missing out on their first top-flight title since 1990 by a single point.

But Klopp said at his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday that the change was down to circumstances rather than system.

"No, there is no difference," he said at Liverpool's training ground. "We didn't focus more on offensive things and forget the defensive things.

"The goals happened completely strangely. There would have been a second clean sheet against Southampton if we don't concede that goal, there could have been different clean sheets in other games.

"Of course it's not exactly what we wanted but we don't collect clean sheets. We want to win football games and we are still early in the season."

Klopp, whose side travel to Frank Lampard's Chelsea on Sunday, was asked about the importance of Virgil van Dijk and whether he had concerns about any potential injuries ruling the Dutchman out for a period of time.

"That's the reason why we have four centre-halves," he said.

"It's not easy for the 'in the moment number four', not playing and sometimes not involved in the squad, but in the moment if something happens, like it was last year, not only one thing happens, a couple of things happen and then you end up with one centre-half and a defensive midfielder, which we did against Bayern."

"We all need luck to be really successful, injury-wise first and foremost," he added.&nbsp;

"I can imagine something like that is not easy but the other guys, I have said it a lot of times, from my point of view we have four world-class centre-halves. They can play together in each partnership and hopefully that will be enough for a season, to be honest."

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season. The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have not changed their defensive approach despite their record of only one clean sheet in their eight games so far this season. The European champions are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after five straight wins but the backline has been breached in four of those matches. And two late goals conceded in Naples in midweek meant their Champions League campaign started in disappointing fashion. Klopp's men started last season's league campaign with three clean sheets and conceded just 22 Premier League goals all season, missing out on their first top-flight title since 1990 by a single point. But Klopp said at his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday that the change was down to circumstances rather than system. "No, there is no difference," he said at Liverpool's training ground. "We didn't focus more on offensive things and forget the defensive things. "The goals happened completely strangely. There would have been a second clean sheet against Southampton if we don't concede that goal, there could have been different clean sheets in other games. "Of course it's not exactly what we wanted but we don't collect clean sheets. We want to win football games and we are still early in the season." Klopp, whose side travel to Frank Lampard's Chelsea on Sunday, was asked about the importance of Virgil van Dijk and whether he had concerns about any potential injuries ruling the Dutchman out for a period of time. "That's the reason why we have four centre-halves," he said. "It's not easy for the 'in the moment number four', not playing and sometimes not involved in the squad, but in the moment if something happens, like it was last year, not only one thing happens, a couple of things happen and then you end up with one centre-half and a defensive midfielder, which we did against Bayern." "We all need luck to be really successful, injury-wise first and foremost," he added. "I can imagine something like that is not easy but the other guys, I have said it a lot of times, from my point of view we have four world-class centre-halves. They can play together in each partnership and hopefully that will be enough for a season, to be honest."

Jurgen Klopp unfazed by Liverpool's defensive lapses

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition.

As his team prepared to begin their Champions League title defence by taking on Napoli in a Group E encounter on Tuesday, the German dismissed suggestions that his side should be viewed as favourites to lift the trophy again.

"We can't be the best team in Europe because Man City are the best team in the world, that's the same planet, I think," joked Klopp at a news conference on Monday.

"We don't feel the burden of being champions, (we won it) long ago. I have no clue (if teams will play differently against us). I've never won the Champions League before, I hope we are prepared for that."

Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season behind Pep Guardiola's City but are five points clear of their title rivals after five games this season.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson also said Liverpool are not the front-runners to win the Champions League.

"It's too early to say we're favourites, we've started well but we can still get better," said the England international.

"We're always hungry for more and we want to improve. Last season is last season but we can still improve."

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp declared Manchester City as the best team in the world even though the Premier League champions have yet to win Europe's premier club competition. As his team prepared to begin their Champions League title defence by taking on Napoli in a Group E encounter on Tuesday, the German dismissed suggestions that his side should be viewed as favourites to lift the trophy again. "We can't be the best team in Europe because Man City are the best team in the world, that's the same planet, I think," joked Klopp at a news conference on Monday. "We don't feel the burden of being champions, (we won it) long ago. I have no clue (if teams will play differently against us). I've never won the Champions League before, I hope we are prepared for that." Liverpool finished second in the Premier League last season behind Pep Guardiola's City but are five points clear of their title rivals after five games this season. Midfielder Jordan Henderson also said Liverpool are not the front-runners to win the Champions League. "It's too early to say we're favourites, we've started well but we can still get better," said the England international. "We're always hungry for more and we want to improve. Last season is last season but we can still improve."

Manchester City are the best team in the world, says Klopp

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul.

The current 32-team group stage format leading to a knockout round of 16 was introduced in 2003. Since then, an ever smaller group of clubs has competed to win the trophy, with the last 15 champions coming from Spain, England, Germany or Italy.

There is a consensus that it is time for a change, and the European Club Association, chaired by Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli, has been busy working with UEFA on plans to completely revamp the competition from 2024.

Moves towards even more of a closed shop for the elite have stalled because of dissent from some clubs and from domestic leagues, but change is coming.

"We are confident of finding a good format for after 2024 that includes of course the big clubs, mid-size countries and also a possibility for, let's say, the smaller countries but also with history to find their place in the European football scene," said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar last week.

Of course Ajax have extra determination to ensure their voice is heard. The Dutch champions enchanted Europe on their run to the semi-finals last season but entered this season's tournament in the third qualifying round. There was no special treatment for them.

Meanwhile, for the likes of Agnelli's Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Champions League has become the be all and end all due to a lack of competition domestically.

More English domination?

It is easy to see why they might like more games against the best teams from around Europe, along with more money.

For now, the Champions League winners stand to take home around 75 million euros ($83 million; £66.6 million). On top of that will be added considerable sums from television along with money depending on each team's UEFA ranking.

This rewards past success, guaranteeing the top-ranked team, Real Madrid, a further 35.46 million euros. For holders Liverpool that added figure is nearer 27 million euros.

The financial strength of the Premier League's top clubs means they are less eager for change to the Champions League, and it also helps explain why all four European finalists last season were English.

After beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to lift their sixth European Cup, can Liverpool reach a third straight final? This season's showpiece will be played in Istanbul, scene of their remarkable triumph in 2005.

"We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating. I really think a lot of teams have a good chance," insisted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool begin their campaign in Italy against Napoli in one of the standout early ties. There are plenty of games to whet the appetite, although the genuine, meaningful drama will not arrive until the knockout rounds.

The latter stages have arguably become more exciting than ever, epitomised by last season's semi-finals and sensational comebacks by Liverpool and Spurs against Barcelona and Ajax.&nbsp;

There have been more than three goals per game on average in the knockout rounds in each of the last three seasons.

But while Ajax's performance has shown the way forward for clubs from smaller leagues, predicting who reaches the last 16 this season may not prove too challenging.

New era 

We may be heading into a new era in another sense, as the two players who have defined the Champions League in the last decade edge towards their twilight years.

Either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been the top scorer in the competition in each of the last 12 years.

Messi, now 32, has scored 110 goals and won the trophy three times in that period, while Ronaldo, soon to be 35, has 123 goals in that time and five winner's medals.

The Argentine is in a hurry for more. As he said ominously to Barca fans in an interview with Catalan daily Sport last week: "I have no intention of going anywhere, but I want to keep on competing and winning."

Will this be his year again, or will a younger face like Kylian Mbappe or Joao Felix leave their mark?

The Champions League may be ripe for a revamp, but it remains the pinnacle in club football.

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul.

While the battle for the Champions League of the future is fought behind the scenes, this week the continent's biggest clubs begin their latest quest for European glory with holders Liverpool dreaming of reaching another final in Istanbul. The current 32-team group stage format leading to a knockout round of 16 was introduced in 2003. Since then, an ever smaller group of clubs has competed to win the trophy, with the last 15 champions coming from Spain, England, Germany or Italy. There is a consensus that it is time for a change, and the European Club Association, chaired by Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli, has been busy working with UEFA on plans to completely revamp the competition from 2024. Moves towards even more of a closed shop for the elite have stalled because of dissent from some clubs and from domestic leagues, but change is coming. "We are confident of finding a good format for after 2024 that includes of course the big clubs, mid-size countries and also a possibility for, let's say, the smaller countries but also with history to find their place in the European football scene," said Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar last week. Of course Ajax have extra determination to ensure their voice is heard. The Dutch champions enchanted Europe on their run to the semi-finals last season but entered this season's tournament in the third qualifying round. There was no special treatment for them. Meanwhile, for the likes of Agnelli's Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Champions League has become the be all and end all due to a lack of competition domestically. More English domination? It is easy to see why they might like more games against the best teams from around Europe, along with more money. For now, the Champions League winners stand to take home around 75 million euros ($83 million; £66.6 million). On top of that will be added considerable sums from television along with money depending on each team's UEFA ranking. This rewards past success, guaranteeing the top-ranked team, Real Madrid, a further 35.46 million euros. For holders Liverpool that added figure is nearer 27 million euros. The financial strength of the Premier League's top clubs means they are less eager for change to the Champions League, and it also helps explain why all four European finalists last season were English. After beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to lift their sixth European Cup, can Liverpool reach a third straight final? This season's showpiece will be played in Istanbul, scene of their remarkable triumph in 2005. "We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating. I really think a lot of teams have a good chance," insisted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool begin their campaign in Italy against Napoli in one of the standout early ties. There are plenty of games to whet the appetite, although the genuine, meaningful drama will not arrive until the knockout rounds. The latter stages have arguably become more exciting than ever, epitomised by last season's semi-finals and sensational comebacks by Liverpool and Spurs against Barcelona and Ajax. There have been more than three goals per game on average in the knockout rounds in each of the last three seasons. But while Ajax's performance has shown the way forward for clubs from smaller leagues, predicting who reaches the last 16 this season may not prove too challenging. New era We may be heading into a new era in another sense, as the two players who have defined the Champions League in the last decade edge towards their twilight years. Either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been the top scorer in the competition in each of the last 12 years. Messi, now 32, has scored 110 goals and won the trophy three times in that period, while Ronaldo, soon to be 35, has 123 goals in that time and five winner's medals. The Argentine is in a hurry for more. As he said ominously to Barca fans in an interview with Catalan daily Sport last week: "I have no intention of going anywhere, but I want to keep on competing and winning." Will this be his year again, or will a younger face like Kylian Mbappe or Joao Felix leave their mark? The Champions League may be ripe for a revamp, but it remains the pinnacle in club football.

Amid talk of revamp, Europe's giants begin Champions League assault

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah on Saturday posted a hilarious video to brush off rumours related to a possible rift between him and teammate Sadio Mane.

Recently, a video involving two toddlers hugging it out went viral on social media and Salah posted the same video on Twitter with his and Mane's heads superimposed on the children and the manager Jurgen Klopp was seen walking down the street having a smirk on his face.

Mane had previously reacted angrily after being substituted in the match between Liverpool and Burnley FC in the ongoing Premier League.

The Reds won the match 3-0 and in the game, Salah also failed to pass the ball to him for a scoring opportunity.

In the ongoing tournament, Salah has registered three goals for the team whereas Mane has managed to score two times.

Liverpool is currently the top placed team in the Premier League and they have a slender lead over Manchester City.

The team will next face Newcastle United in the Premier League today. After this match, the side will kick off their Champions League campaign.

In the Champions League, the Reds will face Napoli in their first match on September 17.&nbsp;

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah on Saturday posted a hilarious video to brush off rumours related to a possible rift between him and teammate Sadio Mane. Recently, a video involving two toddlers hugging it out went viral on social media and Salah posted the same video on Twitter with his and Mane's heads superimposed on the children and the manager Jurgen Klopp was seen walking down the street having a smirk on his face.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah on Saturday posted a hilarious video to brush off rumours related to a possible rift between him and teammate Sadio Mane. Recently, a video involving two toddlers hugging it out went viral on social media and Salah posted the same video on Twitter with his and Mane's heads superimposed on the children and the manager Jurgen Klopp was seen walking down the street having a smirk on his face. Mane had previously reacted angrily after being substituted in the match between Liverpool and Burnley FC in the ongoing Premier League. The Reds won the match 3-0 and in the game, Salah also failed to pass the ball to him for a scoring opportunity. In the ongoing tournament, Salah has registered three goals for the team whereas Mane has managed to score two times. Liverpool is currently the top placed team in the Premier League and they have a slender lead over Manchester City. The team will next face Newcastle United in the Premier League today. After this match, the side will kick off their Champions League campaign. In the Champions League, the Reds will face Napoli in their first match on September 17.

Mohamed Salah brushes off rumours related to rift with Sadio Mane

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award on Thursday, edging out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lucy Bronze took the women's prize.

Dutchman Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won their sixth European Cup last season with a 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham in Madrid.

"I need to thank my teammates, without them I would not have achieved what I have achieved," Van Dijk told BT Sport.

"It's been a long road and it's part of my journey. I'm very proud to get this trophy. It's credit to everyone who has helped me."

The 28-year-old is the first defender to win the award since the inaugural edition in 2010-11.

He moved to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world record fee for a defender of £75 million ($91.4 million), immediately helping them reach that season's Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid.

But Van Dijk was a key figure as Liverpool won their first major trophy since 2012 last term, while also setting a club-record points tally in finishing second by a point behind Manchester City in the Premier League.

"I wasn't 18 and went straight to the top. I had to work every step of the way," added Van Dijk, who was also part of the Netherlands side who lost the inaugural Nations League final to Ronaldo's Portugal.

Messi and Ronaldo had claimed five of the previous eight awards between them, with Andres Iniesta (2012), Franck Ribery (2013) and Luka Modric (2018) completing the winners' list.

"It's not easy but of course we have a good relationship," said Ronaldo of Messi.

"We have not yet had dinner but it is nice. We push each other and it's good to be part of the history of football."

Ronaldo's first season in Italy after joining Juventus from Real Madrid brought him a Serie A winners' medal, but the Turin giants suffered a shock Champions League quarter-final loss to Ajax.

"It was a special year," said the 34-year-old.

Full-back Bronze won the Women's Champions League title with Lyon before helping England reach the women's World Cup semi-finals.

"We had an amazing season, winning the treble," said Bronze of Lyon's exploits. "I think any of my teammates could have been up here receiving the award today."

The 27-year-old Bronze is the first English player to win either of the UEFA player of the year titles.

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award on Thursday, edging out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lucy Bronze took the women's prize.

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award on Thursday, edging out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lucy Bronze took the women's prize. Dutchman Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won their sixth European Cup last season with a 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham in Madrid. "I need to thank my teammates, without them I would not have achieved what I have achieved," Van Dijk told BT Sport. "It's been a long road and it's part of my journey. I'm very proud to get this trophy. It's credit to everyone who has helped me." The 28-year-old is the first defender to win the award since the inaugural edition in 2010-11. He moved to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world record fee for a defender of £75 million ($91.4 million), immediately helping them reach that season's Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid. But Van Dijk was a key figure as Liverpool won their first major trophy since 2012 last term, while also setting a club-record points tally in finishing second by a point behind Manchester City in the Premier League. "I wasn't 18 and went straight to the top. I had to work every step of the way," added Van Dijk, who was also part of the Netherlands side who lost the inaugural Nations League final to Ronaldo's Portugal. Messi and Ronaldo had claimed five of the previous eight awards between them, with Andres Iniesta (2012), Franck Ribery (2013) and Luka Modric (2018) completing the winners' list. "It's not easy but of course we have a good relationship," said Ronaldo of Messi. "We have not yet had dinner but it is nice. We push each other and it's good to be part of the history of football." Ronaldo's first season in Italy after joining Juventus from Real Madrid brought him a Serie A winners' medal, but the Turin giants suffered a shock Champions League quarter-final loss to Ajax. "It was a special year," said the 34-year-old. Full-back Bronze won the Women's Champions League title with Lyon before helping England reach the women's World Cup semi-finals. "We had an amazing season, winning the treble," said Bronze of Lyon's exploits. "I think any of my teammates could have been up here receiving the award today." The 27-year-old Bronze is the first English player to win either of the UEFA player of the year titles.

Virgil van Dijk, Lucy Bronze take UEFA Player of the Year honours

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