Liverpool, in many ways, are evidence of money not being everything in football. The club had always spent wisely when led by Jurgen Klopp, cashing in for big money and carefully picking budding talents to develop into superstars.

This summer, having won the Premier League so spectacularly with Arne Slot last year, FSG felt it was the right time to hit the big button and indulge in a spending spree. Many high-level signings have arrived at Anfield.

However, Liverpool may still be frustrated to have missed out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, especially now that Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a year with a knee injury.

Liverpool may well return for the England defender, but Guehi isn’t the only Premier League talent they plan to bid for in 2026.

Liverpool still interested in Premier League star

There’s no question that Liverpool need to reinforce their central defence next year. However, Slot might also feel his midfield needs some work. Tactical imbalances have knocked the Reds out of kilter.

That’s why FSG dream of signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton next summer, retaining an interest in the England international. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who believe the Eagles hope to tie the 21-year-old down to a new deal to ward off persistent suitors.

Valued at £75m, Wharton has been a revelation at Selhurst Park, instrumental under Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool will be confident that they can secure the maestro’s signature, but his performances have also attracted the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The competition is thick, but this is a player worth pushing for. It might even prove to be a signing that eclipses all others the Merseysiders could make, even landing Guehi.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool

Described as “the best U21 player in the Prem” by one analyst, Wharton has been exceptional since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22m in February 2024.

A master of the pass and tenacious when winning the ball back, Wharton has played 53 times for his London-based club, nestled in the centre of the park.

He has been vital in constructing an enviable style of play, Glasner utilising him as an all-encompassing engine.

Crystal Palace

9

26

Man City

15

21

Arsenal

14

19

Chelsea

13

19

Liverpool

13

19

Palace have not the same calibre of firepower in the final third as some of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, but they aren’t half bad in front of goal.

Much of this stems from slick build-up play from midfield, and Wharton has been at the very heart of this, with no player matching his five big chances created so far.

As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for through balls and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Liverpool are suffering from a degree of isolation between the thirds right now. This has been accentuated blindingly by Alexis Mac Allister’s poor form.

And that’s why Wharton could be such an incredible addition, opening up a dimension and weaving together the disjointed midfield and frontline parts.

Liverpool have an elite group of players capable of dominating English and European football for many years. But something is missing, to be sure, and a player of Wharton’s style could work wonders in easing the midfield load on Ryan Gravenberch’s shoulders and restore the title-winning fluidity that worked so well last season.

Klopp sold Liverpool star for £9.5m, now he's outperforming Salah & Wirtz

Liverpool must rue selling a star who is outplaying Florian Wirtz and playing like Mo Salah.

ByDan Emery Oct 6, 2025

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has denied reports of a disciplinary issue with Lamine Yamal, saying that claims he wanted to drop the teenager from the starting XI are false. It had been reported that the German wanted to punish the winger ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but sporting director Deco intervened.

• Flick vs Yamal?

  According to a report from , Flick intended to punish the 18-year-old for a lack of punctuality by dropping him from the starting line-up, a decision that was ultimately overruled following Deco’s mediation. 

  The alleged flashpoint occurred when Yamal arrived late for a team meeting prior to the crucial European fixture. Flick, a coach known for his strict adherence to discipline, reportedly informed the winger that he would not be starting the match as a consequence. This approach is consistent with Flick's management style, having previously sidelined players such as Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Inaki Pena for similar infractions.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Barca boss addresses rumours of feud with teen star

  Flick was asked about the reports at a press conference on Friday and quickly denied any such incident took place, insisting Yamal had no such punctuality issues.

  “I'd like to know where this comes from; this is garbage," he said. "I'm especially grateful that this club, and Deco in particular, believes in our work. They would never ask us to do this. It's not true; I have nothing to hide. It's garbage, and if anyone says it, they're lying."

  Asked if he has concerns about Yamal's private life, he said: "For me, what counts is that when he's here, he puts in the effort and commitment. And that's what he does. He had a few days off after working hard, and I don't interfere in his private life."

• Barcelona's wider concerns over Yamal's off-field focus

  The report that Flick denies is not the first to suggest a growing unease at Barcelona regarding Yamal's conduct. While acknowledging the player is often the first to arrive at the training ground, there is a belief that his behaviour in recent months has been a cause for concern.

  One source was quoted as saying: “There is some concern about Lamine’s day-to-day life. It’s not alarming, but we don’t like some of the things that have been happening with the player in recent months. We don’t like the way he’s been living and the life he’s been leading.” The club's hierarchy is now said to be monitoring the situation closely, hoping the young star does not deviate from the path to success that has been laid out for him. The lack of punishment for Yamal, when contrasted with the sanctions handed to his teammates, has also reportedly caused some friction within the squad.

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• Reports of rift denied amid claims of 'political motives'

  Before he addressed the speculation publicly, reported that sources close to both Flick and Yamal had strongly denied any serious conflict. While Yamal's tardiness is not disputed, these insiders insist the situation was blown out of proportion.

  Furthermore, the counter-report claims that Flick's position was never in jeopardy and that his authority remains intact, with one source quoted as insisting the German would have resigned had he been overruled by Deco. There is a growing suspicion within the club that such rumours are being spread with ulterior motives, possibly for "political or electoral purposes" aimed at destabilising the current board and management.

Rangers target Steven Gerrard has reportedly outlined the one Gers demand that he has before potentially returning to Ibrox to replace Russell Martin.

Update on Rangers' Ibrox manager search

It was supposed to be a new era at Rangers in the summer. The 49ers completed their takeover and in came the likes of Andrew Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe and Kevin Thelwell to call the shots. Fresh from another Scottish Premiership campaign to forget, this was supposed to be the Gers reborn, led by Martin in the dugout.

Alas, just months later, it’s back to square one for the new owners, who have learned a harsh lesson. Martin has been dismissed in a decision that has seemed inevitable for some time, and he is now destined to be remembered among Ibrox’s greatest disappointments, whilst the 49ers must now turn to fresh options.

Just what’s next for Rangers is the big question. A number of managers have been mooted for some time, with Martin’s record of one win in seven games only ever leading to one decision, but it remains to be seen who takes the vacant job.

Names such as Danny Rohl have once again emerged, as have Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche and new candidates such as Mark van Bommel. It’s not a decision that the Gers should rush into after making such a mistake in their last hiring process and the international break should hand them ample time to decide on a candidate.

Rohl would represent a similar risk to Martin, but if the 49ers want to persist with the ideas for their project then he could be their man. Meanwhile, positive talks have already reportedly been held with Gerrard, who has outlined his biggest demand to return to Ibrox.

Gerrard outlines Rangers demand before Ibrox return

As reported by TeamTalk, after holding positive talks to return to the club, Gerrard has demanded more control of transfers and to be handed a January budget to fix the current mess at Ibrox. Whether the 49ers accept those demands after bringing Thelwell into his sporting director role in the summer to handle transfers is the big question.

It would certainly make sense to turn to Gerrard. He’s the only candidate on Rangers’ list that has been there and done it in the Scottish Premiership. In fact, he remains the last manager to dethrone Celtic and Brendan Rodgers in Scotland’s top flight.

Steven Gerrard

Rangers record

Games

192

Wins

124

Draws

41

Defeat

27

The former Liverpool midfielder would have a tougher task this time around if asked to turn things around, although he would likely have a bigger budget to operate with after the summer takeover.

Having added experience in the Premier League as well as Saudi Arabia to his CV since leaving Rangers in 2021 too, the Gers would likely be getting a more complete version of Gerrard this time around.

تسلم النجم الفرنسي الدولي كيليان مبابي جائزة الحذاء الذهبي كهداف أوروبا الموسم الماضي 2024-2025 في المقصورة الرئيسية لملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وحضر الحدث فلورنتينو بيريز رئيس ريال مدريد وتشابي ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد وممثل وسائل الإعلام الرياضية الأوروبية خوان جاياردو.

وقال بيريز في كلمته في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية عن فوز مبابي بالجائزة: “هي جائزة مرموقة تمنح لأحد أفضل لاعبي العالم، إنها جائزة يحتذى بها في الالتزام”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. حقيقة اهتمام باريس سان جيرمان وأندية الدوري السعودي بضم فينيسيوس جونيور

وأضاف: “أنا فخور بلاعب مثلك، جماهير ريال مدريد تشجعك من كل مكان، هذا النادي هو الأكثر تتويجاً في العالم، في الموسم الماضي فزت بكأس السوبر الأوروبي وكأس الإنتركونتيننتال، سجلت 31 هدفًا في الدوري و44 هدفًا في جميع المسابقات، في ريال مدريد فزنا من قبل بالحذاء الذهبي مع لاعبين مثل هوجو سانشيز ورونالدو نازاريو وكريستيانو رونالدو، يجب أن يكون هناك تحسن مستمر والعمل على روح الفريق وهما ما يحققان النجاح، هذا الحذاء الذهبي يعزز تاريخ ريال مدريد، تهانينا لك ولعائلتك”.

بينما قال كيليان مبابي في كلمته بعد تسلمه الجائزة: “أنا سعيد بحصولي على الجائزة وبدون زملائي، من المستحيل أن أفوز بالجائزة، نحن سنحقق أشياء عظيمة”.

وأضاف: “شكراً لكل من يعمل في ريال مدريد، الزملاء والطاقم الفني والأطباء، هذه الجائزة تعني الكثير بالنسبة لي، أنا سعيد للغاية وأريد الاستمرار في صنع التاريخ”.

وواصل: “هذا العام بدأت بشكل جيد للغاية لذا بالطبع أريد الفوز بهذه الجائزة مرة أخرى في المستقبل”.

جدير بالذكر أن هذه الجائزة تمنح للاعب بناء على أهدافه في الدوريات الخمس الكبرى في أوروبا، وقد سجل كيليان مبابي الموسم الماضي في الدوري الاسباني 31 هدفًا.

Manchester City are eyeing a move to sign a certain "Brazilian Erling Haaland" with a £87 million ($117m) release clause as Pep Guardiola's side look to the future. His name is Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, better known simply as Dell. Just 17, the striker from Bahia is already being whispered about as Brazil’s next superstar, but he has plenty of time to reach his potential.

City’s next big thing: A Brazilian wonderkid lighting up the future

The buzz around Dell is growing in Brazil. After making his senior debut earlier this year, still only 16, Dell has gone from local prodigy to global prospect in the blink of an eye. Those who’ve seen Dell play appear to believe that he’s got the cold-blooded finishing instincts of Haaland, but with a Brazilian flair. During the 2023 season, in Bahia's academy, he smashed home 40 goals in 34 matches for the Under-17 side, before following that up with another 12 goals in 21 games the following year. His heroics helped Bahia capture their first Baianao Championships and turned him into a cult figure overnight. It wasn’t long before the locals gave him his now-famous nickname, “The Haaland of Sertão”, a nod to his ruthless efficiency in front of goal and his roots in Brazil’s rugged northwestern region.

AdvertisementFrom national hero to global phenom

Dell’s lethal finishing earned him a place in Brazil’s youth national setup, and he repaid that faith in style. At the U15 South America Championship, he bagged four goals and two assists, picking up the Golden Boot. Then, earlier this year, he fired Brazil to victory in the U17 edition of the same tournament, underlining his ability to perform when the stakes are sky-high. Next stop? The U17 World Cup in Qatar this November, where Dell is expected to be one of the main attractions. Scouts from across Europe will be in attendance, but City already have an inside track. Bahia aren’t naïve about the gem they’re sitting on. The club recently moved fast to lock Dell down with a professional deal until 2027, including a jaw-dropping £87 million ($117m) release clause, a figure that speaks volumes about how highly he’s rated. Behind the scenes, Dell is represented by Giuliano Bertolucci, one of Brazil’s most influential agents and a man known for delivering his clients to Europe’s elite. And for City, the road is smoother than most, their owners, the City Football Group, hold a 90 per cent stake in Bahia, making any future negotiations far more straightforward. 

Already dreaming of the Etihad

In an interview with Dell made his ambitions crystal clear.

"Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe," he said. “I have this dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I believe things will happen naturally. Before that, I want to play here at Bahia, win titles, become an idol, and then go on to forge my path in Europe. Who knows, maybe win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too.”

While comparisons to Haaland have become impossible to avoid, Dell takes them in stride.

"Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box," he said. “I think my movements are similar to his. I have a few other role models, but besides Haaland, a striker I like and have always followed since the youth academy is [Al-Hilal striker] Marcos Leonardo, who came through Santos. I enjoy watching him play.”

So while Haaland himself remains City’s undroppable hero, Dell could be shaping up to become his heir in the years to come.

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GOAL/GettyMadrid plotting: The other side of the story

But while City plan for their future, another European powerhouse is busy scheming. Over in Spain, Real Madrid are preparing for a seismic shake-up. Reports claim the club could cash in on Vinicius Jr for a staggering €250 million (£217m/$290m) if he doesn’t sign their new contract offer. And if that bombshell move happens, Madrid president Florentino Pérez already knows who he wants next, Haaland himself. The Spanish giants have been tracking the Norwegian goal machine since his Borussia Dortmund days.

“I think we’ll always be aggressive and always be positive but we’ll always try to be smart as well,” says assistant coach Simon Helmot of SRH’s batting approach

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20251:19

Moody: Kishan has made it clear he’ll be retained

Ishan Kishan scored 106 not out off 47 balls in the second match of IPL 2025. In the latest, his 12th innings, he scored 94 not out in 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Take out those 200 runs, and you’re left with 125 in ten innings. One of the many reasons Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) weren’t the force they were last season was Kishan’s lack of runs through the best part of the IPL – “that certainly impacted the SRH performance,” as Anil Kumble said.Kishan wasn’t the only one, of course. Travis Head couldn’t replicate his heroics from 2024. Heinrich Klaasen was patchy. Abhishek Sharma held his own. But Kishan, the new face in the top few for SRH this year, showed in those two innings what could have been for SRH.”I think that if your opening partnership, which was so effective last year, between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma – Abhishek has played well this season but Head hasn’t been able to do it – then your No. 3 has a huge responsibility,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out. “His start to the season was great, but after that he was not in form. That certainly impacted the SRH performance.Related

RCB need their share of luck now to find lost momentum

Kishan, SRH quicks dent RCB's chances of a top-two finish

“Not to forget that Klaasen couldn’t do what was expected of him either. Nitish [Kumar] Reddy too. Aniket [Verma] played well, but if your main batters are not in form, maybe when you don’t qualify for the playoffs you think about all these things.”It was the poor run through April that really spoilt it for Kishan. Most recently, while he has scored 44 and 35, those have taken him 34 and 28 balls respectively. Well below what he is capable of. Till he found his mojo again on Friday. “Ishan Kishan played a very mature innings; he certainly held the innings together for us,” SRH assistant coach Simon Helmot said at the press conference after the game.”He was under a lot of pressure going into this game,” Tom Moody said of Kishan. “He would have felt the fact that he has had a poor season even though he started very well. We were talking about that and you can guarantee [that] around the franchise, they were probably talking about it: do we keep him, do we retain him, what do we do, how do we go about it…”I think he’s made it very clear today that he is being retained, if there was any doubt. The composure stood out to me. And just his continued braveness to take the game on. Obviously helped because it was happening at the other end as well.”3:20

SRH season review: Shami could feel the heat, Aniket Verma the bright spark

In what has been a disappointing season for SRH with one match to go, their last two games is cause for optimism. Before scoring 231 for 6 in the win over RCB on Friday, they had scored 206 for 4 in 18.2 overs to overhaul Lucknow Super Giants’ total.”The last two matches, our batting performance has been very solid, we’ve achieved large scores, match-winning scores,” Helmot said. “Obviously, our batters assessed the wicket [on Friday] and we felt it was a very nice wicket to bat on and a large score was going to be required. So, we maintained that aggressive approach but it was still important to have a batter in at the very end to ensure that we could capitalise on those last few overs. So, I think as a batting unit, we maintained the course.”I think we’ll always be aggressive and always be positive but we’ll always try to be smart as well and understand that not all surfaces play the same way. And so, a score of 170 or 180 might be a match-winning score [in some places]. So, we’ve never sought to try and make over 200 every innings but if we believe that the surface is good enough and our batters can get some partnerships together, then you can get those match-winning scores.”

Chelsea left Old Trafford with no points for their Premier League tally and a sense of frustration after being defeated by a Manchester United side who have fallen by the wayside under Ruben Amorim.

Not quite, actually. United played with coherence and tenacity against the Blues, even if Robert Sanchez was dismissed in the opening stages and then the Red Devils came together to rise two goals to the good.

That was not a team who played as if they were directionless and lost under their Portuguese tactician with his controversial formation. Could it be coming together? Time will tell, and consistency must be the order of the day if the Premier League giants truly wish to enter the ascendancy once again.

If this is truly going to be the case, and Man United are going to succeed under Amorim and challenge for silverware of the highest level once again, as is their due, then Bruno Fernandes is essential to reaching lofty goals.

Fernandes continues to inspire

Hardly a revelatory statement. Fernandes has been Manchester United’s talisman supreme right from the moment he shook Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s hand and signed for the club in an initial £47m deal.

The Portuguese Magnifico has been a pillar of strength throughout the turbulent river of a journey over the past five years, and against Chelsea, he scored his 100th goal for the club on his 200th Premier League appearance.

Operating in a different, deeper role than has been the norm this season to accommodate Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. It’s been somewhat rocky, but the 31-year-old continues to inspire and he has since been singled out by podcaster Adam Joseph for being a “truly special player” with a “remarkable” ability to maintain his fitness and form and presence as a leader.

To think that the captain came close to leaving his ship this summer, having been offered a lucrative package to leave Europe and forge a new career over in the Saudi Pro League.

Ultimately, Bruno opted to stay – a further illustration of his commitment to putting this club back on their perch. However, he can’t do it alone, and while Amorim and INEOS have completed a series of exciting summer signings, there’s an existing member of the squad who has the potential to step up and become a leader in his own right over the coming years.

Man Utd's future talisman

Fernandes isn’t quite a veteran of the game, but having turned 31, he’s certainly one of the most experienced superstars in the Premier League.

On the other end of the spectrum at Manchester United is Amad Diallo, whose breakout year in red last season has put his name on the map.

Signed from Atalanta for a £19m fee as a teenager in January 2021, the versatile winger had completed a series of loan spells before coming into his own last year, scoring 11 goals and assisting ten more across 41 matches in all competitions. His performances led journalist James Copley to hail him as a “wizard” when on the ball.

The six-cap Ivory Coast international has much still to learn, but he provided the Red Devils with a different attacking dimension last year, offering a focal point from across the wide positions.

Amad Diallo – Career Stats by Position
Position	Apps	Goals (assists)
Right winger	128	42 (35)
Attacking midfield	33	10 (3)
Centre-forward	22	9 (1)
Left winger	20	9 (4)
Data via Transfermarkt

He might not be on Fernandes’ level yet, but he can surely reach such a position with careful work over the coming campaigns, recorded by data-led platform FBref to rank among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 6% for ball recoveries and the top 5% for tackles won per 90.

FBref also note that Amad’s most statistically comparable players are Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as well as Marcus Rashford, who needs no introduction.

It was the 23-year-old who kept his composure to strike a vicious blow on an unforgettable occasion in last season’s Manchester derby. No such luck this year, but he did play an important role in claiming all three points against Chelsea, nestled behind Benjamin Sesko in the first half, alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

His continuing rise can be examined through his market valuation, which in recent years has skyrocketed up to something in the ballpark of £46m, data provided by Football Transfers. That’s over double the fee United first paid for him, so it seems they got this deal right.

As a reference point, Football Transfers also note that Fernandes is worth around £41m, which isn’t a fair reflection of his actual worth within the United squad nor indeed what Saudi suitors were willing to pay during the summer transfer window.

But, in any case, Fernandes no longer carries the same staggering price tag as he once did, having passed the barrier of his twenties over a year ago now.

Amad, eight years his junior, showed signs of a certain quality that would allow him to take the skipper’s proverbial place when the fateful day of his departure does arrive, having even been singled out as a “candidate for the Ballon d’Or” in the future by former Fiorentina goalkeeper Giovanni Galli in the past.

Tonight’s ceremony will not include the Ivorian’s name, but if Man United manage to rise to the fore once again, and Amad maintains a presence as one of the club’s biggest stars, he might just make good on such one-time praise in the coming years.

Earns as much as Mbeumo: Man Utd must sell star who's "nowhere near it"

Manchester United still need to make a series of changes in the forthcoming transfer markets.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 19, 2025

Tottenham opened their Champions League account for the campaign with a 1-0 win over La Liga side Villarreal in north London on Tuesday night, with a calamitous own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior gifting Thomas Frank’s side a precious three points.

It was a tight, cagey affair, and Villarreal had chances of their own to level, including a late free-kick in a dangerous area, but former Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe blazed it over the bar.

Micky van de Ven

7.4

Djed Spence

7.3

Rodrigo Bentancur

7.3

Mohammed Kudus

7.2

Santiago Mourino

7.1

via WhoScored

Pape Sarr also forced a low, outstretched save from Luiz on 30 minutes to keep the score at 1-0, and that’s how it stayed, with there being precious few highlights from the fairly uneventful victory — not that Frank is complaining too much as Spurs make it four wins from five in all competitions.

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall also continued his fine start to the season with a Man of the Match display against Villarreal, outshining the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus in what was another excellent performance.

It’s been an excellent start to life under the Dane, but Tottenham’s restructured boardroom – headed by CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and minus ex-chair Daniel Levy – will bear in mind that Ange Postecoglou made the best start by any other manager in Premier League history when he first joined the club in 2023.

However, with the form on display by some of his key men, especially defensively, the early signs are extremely promising.

Frank’s side have conceded just three goals in six games this season, including the UEFA Super Cup final, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero proving imperious at the back for Tottenham.

Jamie O'Hara says Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero "walk" into Real Madrid

Speaking on talkSPORT, pundit Jamie O’Hara has claimed that Romero and van de Ven are the best centre-back partnership in the world right now, going on to claim that both of them stroll into Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid side.

The duo have been vital for Frank since he took over from Postecoglou, and the numbers speak for themselves.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero shining for Tottenham

Van de Ven complements Romero by offering strong aerial ability, searing pace and consistency in clearances and interceptions.

The Dutchman’s clean-sheet rate when fit and his ability to handle one-on-one duels have become key for Spurs. Romero, meanwhile, brings aggression, leadership, and experience, especially in big games.

In Postecoglou’s final season, they featured in 18 matches together, during which Tottenham conceded just 20 goals.

Together, what van de Ven lacks in experience, Romero makes up for with leadership and composure; and while the latter’s aggressive defending sometimes invites risk, the former helps cover for him. Their strengths balance each other out, and it is clear that the pair remaining fit will be crucial to Tottenham’s prospects this season.

Thierry Henry has named an “outstanding” Liverpool star as the signing of the summer, having been left very impressed with his performances so far this season.

Arsenal close gap to Liverpool after dramatic victory at Newcastle

Back in August, the Reds sent out a statement by picking up a dramatic 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, with teenager Rio Ngumoha scoring a stoppage-time winner, and Arsenal managed to win in similar style on Sunday.

With a little over five minutes to play, the Gunners were trailing against Eddie Howe’s side, but Mikel Merino and Gabriel were the saviours, and a late double ensured Mikel Arteta’s side closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points.

Speaking after the match, Gary Neville was under no illusions as to just how seismic the north Londoners’ victory could be, with the former Manchester United man insisting that Liverpool and Arsenal are the only teams that stand a chance of winning the league.

Arteta’s side may be starting to believe this is the season they can go all the way, having recruited well in the summer transfer window, strengthening the spine of the team by bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Martin Zubimendi.

However, Henry has since made it clear that one of Liverpool’s new additions has caught his eye to a greater extent in the early stages of the campaign.

As relayed by WalkOn, when asked which new Premier League arrival he’s been most impressed by, the Frenchman said: “It’s Ekitike. People will say it’s an obvious one, but credit is due – nobody thought he was going to arrive and perform like that.”

"Outstanding" Ekitike could play pivotal role in title race

Hugo Ekitike will be very frustrated that he ruled himself out of contention for Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace, after being shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off during his celebration against Southampton.

However, the Frenchman has otherwise made a near-perfect start to life at Anfield, chipping in with five goals and one assist in all competitions.

It is not the first time Henry has singled out his compatriot for high praise, with the Arsenal legend describing the former Eintracht Frankfurt man as “outstanding” back in August, and the start he’s made to life at Anfield suggests he could play a pivotal role in the title race.

As such, Arne Slot will no doubt be pleased to have Ekitike back available for selection, despite criticising the “stupid” celebration against Southampton.

Northamptonshire 327 for 6 (Zaib 141*, Sales 81, Charlesworth 2 for 41) vs GloucestershireSaif Zaib hit a superbly paced unbeaten 141, his highest first-class score and third century of the season, as Northamptonshire staged a sterling fightback on day one of this Rothesay County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Wantage Road.Zaib combined with James Sales who made 81 in a fifth-wicket stand worth 148 in 44.2 overs after Northamptonshire’s top order slumped to 57 for four before lunch.Gloucestershire’s teenage quick Archie Bailey, 19, bowled with express pace and accounted for two of the first four wickets to fall on his return to the town of his birth.But with little pace or bounce in the wicket to assist a thoroughly disciplined Gloucestershire bowling attack, Sales and Zaib were content to absorb the pressure before pressing the accelerator. Sales played the dominant partner at first before Zaib took over, marching to his ton from 147 balls and going past his previous best of 135 against Sussex in 2021.Amidst an admirably persistent Gloucestershire bowling performance, both Bailey, playing only his third first-class game, and Ben Charlesworth picked up two wickets apiece with Northamptonshire finishing the day handily placed on 327 for 6.Northamptonshire refreshed their batting line-up after last week’s heavy defeat to Glamorgan, bringing in Gus Miller for his first game this season and rewarding promising teenager Aadi Sharma with his senior debut.It was a familiar start though when Tom Price struck in the fifth over, trapping Ricardo Vasconelos lbw. Miller and Luke Procter looked to build a partnership amidst a miserly opening bowling partnership between Price and Matt Taylor before both fell within 10 balls.First Miller chased a wide one from Bailey and edged to second slip. The in-form Procter (20) looked in good touch again, but when Bailey came round the wicket and swung one back in, the Northamptonshire captain was trapped lbw as he moved across his stumps.Sales started to steady the ship, steering one down to third to bring up Northamptonshire’s 50 in the 23rd over, while Sharma, who looked unfazed by the occasion, cut Charlesworth firmly for four. The debutant failed to capitalise on the bowler’s next delivery, a loose short ball, and pulled it straight to square leg.Zaib was fortunate to survive a run out appeal early in his innings on 19. Graeme van Buuren threw down the stumps at the non-strikers’ end with a direct hit, but Zaib was adjudged not out, although his bat appeared short of his crease.Sales and Zaib duly brought up their 50 partnership off 122 balls before Sales went on the offensive. By contrast the next 50 runs came in quick time off just 62 deliveries in the afternoon sunshine.Sales punched Zaman Akhter off the backfoot square for four and reached 50 when he glided Ollie Price down to third. He tucked into the off-spinner’s next over too, helping himself to three further boundaries, smashing Price over mid-on and forcing him out of the attack.Zaib upped the tempo before tea too, hitting Bailey straight down the ground and sweeping van Buuren to the ropes to bring up his half-century off 101 balls, Northamptonshire going into the tea break on 184 for 4.It was van Buuren who finally broke the partnership soon after the resumption when Ollie Price took a sharp tumbling catch at short midwicket as Sales played an attempted pull.But Zaib carried on unabated, taking three boundaries off Bailey, driving and pulling to good effect, although he rode his luck against van Buuren when an edge flew just wide of slip.George Bartlett, moved down the order for this game, fell cheaply when he edged behind to a Charlesworth delivery which was too close to cut.Zaib though continued at pace to bring up his century. By comparison, his first 50 had come off 101 balls, his second off just 46. He treated the crowd to an array of shots all around the ground throughout the evening session.Lewis McManus (33 not out) provided excellent support, driving Taylor for four to take Northamptonshire past 300 and a second batting bonus point.