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Liverpool nervously got the better of Vitor Pereira’s tricky Wolverhampton Wanderers side 2-1 at Anfield to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier League.

It was anything but convincing from Arne Slot’s men – who gave up 16 shots on their shaky goal across the course of the choppy 90 minutes – but the victory will have been all that mattered come full-time as their lead at the very summit of the top-flight now extends to seven points.

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah would ultimately bail out a number of underperformers for the hosts with two crucial first-half strikes, as a couple of faces really let the table-topping side down.

Liverpool's key underperformers

It was an uncharacteristically sloppy display on the ball from the entire collective, with Trent Alexander-Arnold notably way off it in terms of playing out casually from the back.

Indeed, the usually slick full-back would misplace possession 13 times during his forgettable hour or so on the pitch, on top of also failing to register a single on target effort on Jose Sa’s goal when venturing forward.

Alisson in-between the sticks was also wobbly with his distribution out from the back, with just a 63% pass accuracy next to his name come the full-time whistle, on top of also failing to get a glove on a fierce Matheus Cunha effort.

Diogo Jota also fired another unwanted blank, with the ex-Wolves man struggling to ever get going against his former employers by amassing only 20 touches all match.

On the contrary, the Brazilian star, Cunha, showed off his well-known composure when gifting the Old Gold a way back into the edgy contest.

But, away from Jota and the various other underwhelming Reds players named, there was one particularly below-par performance that would have irked Slot watching on.

Robertson's performance in numbers

Whilst it was heavily reported during the transfer window that Slot will be looking to have a makeover in the attacking positions at Anfield very soon – with Jota, Darwin Nunez and more on the chopping block – he might well feel some fresh personnel is needed soon in the left-back area.

Andy Robertson has received pelters a few times this season already for his dire displays, with the Scotsman only winning two duels all night long during the hotly contested Merseyside Derby, leading to an early substitution taking place.

Robertson was arguably fortunate to last the full 90 minutes against the spirited visitors from the West Midlands, having put in a far more worrying display than the one served up against the Toffees.

Indeed, the one-time Premier League winner would only win 25% of his duels against Pereira’s buoyed on side, with the amount of times he squandered possession also coming in at an alarming 18.

Stat

Robertson

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

74

Accurate passes

36/45 (80%)

Accurate crosses

0/3

Successful dribbles

0/2

Possession lost

18x

Dribbled past

2x

Total duels won

2/8

Furthermore, when glancing at the table above, more and more poor numbers come to the surface, with Robertson’s attacking quality non-existent for the most part as zero accurate crosses were registered, alongside zero successful dribbles.

Consequently, the likes of the aforementioned Cunha would grow in confidence knowing an unsure Robertson was positioned in defence attempting to thwart his trickery, culminating in Wolves gaining so much joy in a tense second half.

The end could be nigh now for the long-standing Reds servant – who was handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon – with talk already emerging that AFC Bournemouth ace Milos Kerkez is on the future shopping list.

This might be the fresh blood Liverpool desire moving forward, as regardless of another victory being picked to shore up their position as the league’s dominant force, there are cracks beginning to show in Slot’s often frightening machine.

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Left-arm pacer stars with four wickets to bowl star-studded Renegades out for 115 after Philippe fifty

Tristan Lavalette28-Dec-2022Quick Ben Dwarshuis made a superb return to thwart Melbourne Renegades’ experienced batters and lead Sydney Sixers to a 34-run victory at their favoured SCG.With Sixers defending a modest 150, left-armer Dwarshuis claimed four key wickets on a surface playing tricks as the match wore on.A star-studded Renegades batting line-up nosedived as they slipped to their second straight defeat after a bright start to the season. Powerhouse Sixers have found form since returning home and notched their third straight victory.Hostile Dwarshuis sinks Renegades
Without injured spinner Steve O’Keefe, Moises Henriques decided to open the bowling with Dwarshuis, who returned for his first game since Sixers’ season-opener against Adelaide Strikers.It proved a wise choice as he removed Martin Guptill in the opening over and set the tone. His sharpest delivery was the one that smashed Aaron Finch on the hand as Dwarshuis conjured menacing bounce.He picked up Jonathan Wells in the 13th over to boast the extraordinary figures of 2 for 3 from three overs. But he wasn’t done. Dwarshuis was handed the ball when Renegades took the power surge in the 17th over. After being hit for a huge six from Will Sutherland, which slightly tarnished his almost flawless figures, Dwarshuis gained revenge on the next ball and then capped his stellar performance with the wicket of Peter Handscomb.Having made his T20I debut in Pakistan earlier in the year, Dwarshuis issued a reminder of his talents to finish with 4 for 17 from 4 overs marked by 19 dot balls.Renegades’ returning stars struggle
Renegades brought in a wealth of experience with the inclusion of Guptill, Handscomb and Shaun Marsh. Having played just one BBL match a decade ago, Guptill lasted only four deliveries while Marsh struggled early in his return from nagging calf issues.In his first match since captaining Western Australia to last season’s Sheffield Shield title, Marsh was rusty as he made just three runs off 10 deliveries before launching several trademark blows.He formed a blossoming partnership with Finch, worth 55 runs, as Renegades moved into the box seat at the halfway mark. But Marsh was bowled by seamer Hayden Kerr for 28 and Renegades fell away from there.Josh Philippe top-scored for Sixers with 55•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesPhilippe finally fires
There was a lot of excitement over the pairing of Kurtis Patterson and Josh Philippe at the top of the order for Sixers. Patterson was the highest run-scorer for champions Perth Scorchers last season before deciding to return home.But the partnership has yet to deliver. They got through the powerplay before Patterson’s frustrating season continued when he fell for 17 in the fifth over. It was his third straight start but his highest score remains only 38.Philippe, a standout batter in recent seasons, had also performed modestly but was determined for a big score. After a sedate start, he wound back the clock with an assault on spin in the sixth and seventh overs.Philippe slog-swept two sixes off Mujeeeb Ur Rahman before surviving a dropped catch from Wells. It appeared to be the opener’s night as he powered to his first half-century of the season and just the second overall in the competition by a Sixers batter.But he miscued a scoop shot to fall on the last ball of the 12th over with Sixers poised to take the power surge. Philippe trudged off knowing he missed a golden opportunity for a big score.Sutherland shines with the ball
With Renegades’ main bowlers doing the job, allrounder Sutherland has been barely required. The 23-year-old quick bowled only five overs in four matches, but made his mark when needed against Sixers under pressure.Renegades were staring down the barrel until Sutherland dismissed Philippe and James Vince to change the momentum. He bowled canny slower deliveries, including a pearler to dismiss Vince, to underline his variety.Before the BBL season, Sutherland turned heads having taken 15 wickets from his last two Sheffield Shield matches. He’s probably not in the frame to replace injured Australia allrounder Cameron Green for the third Test against South Africa at the SCG, but don’t be surprised if he’s bandied around. His fine bowling effort was most certainly well-timed.

Jack Grealish could link up with Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour at Napoli, with Antonio Conte a “big fan” of the Manchester City outcast.

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England forward seeing move speculated onOpen to the idea of heading abroadLinked with teams in Europe, USA & SaudiFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A change of scenery for Grealish continues to be speculated on after making just seven starts in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. The England international has only found the target on three occasions across 31 appearances in all competitions.

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Pep Guardiola is expected to freshen up his ranks at the Etihad Stadium this summer after missing out on a history-extending fifth successive English top-flight title. Grealish may be among those that are allowed to move on.

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According to , the 29-year-old forward has attracted interest from Italy. Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Conte, who is now calling the shots in Napoli, is said to be an admirer of Grealish’s creative qualities.

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Former Manchester United star McTominay and his fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour are already in Italy, as they chase down Serie A title glory in 2025. They could be joined by Grealish in the summer transfer window.

It is claimed that Grealish would favour a move abroad over an extended stay in England. German giants Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen, along with AC Milan – who currently have Manchester City loanee Kyle Walker on their books.

Leeds United want to sign a £60,000-a-week star who has scored four goals at Elland Road, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Leeds looking good for promotion after Sunderland and Sheff Utd wins

The Whites are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table after two huge come-from-behind wins over promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United in recent weeks.

Daniel Farke’s side have left it late to extend their lead at the top, with Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe repeating Pascal Struijk’s late masterclass last time out at Bramall Lane.

As a result, attention already appears to be on the summer and possible reinforcements for Farke. Leeds have two loanees on the books who have impressed in Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon, with Farke being asked about both before the game against West Brom.

“I always like to be in the driver seat as a club but if you have a loan agreement you’re not in the driver seat, there are more or less three parties.

“It’s not our players, you have to totally respect they are with us, that’s great, we enjoy the time and then there is a time to speak about what the future might bring. It’s not during the season, especially during a crucial time. You sometimes start talks behind the scenes before the end of the season.

“It will be crucial for them and their mother clubs, where we will be next season. Before it’s confirmed it doesn’t make sense to make decisions. It will only be made when it’s confirmed in which league we will play.”

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However, a new update has emerged on Solomon and a permanent Leeds move.

Leeds keen on permanent Solomon deal – Romano

Talking to Give Me Sport, transfer expert Romano was asked about Leeds and a potential permanent move for Solomon.

He said Leeds “will try” to keep Solomon, although there are other Premier League clubs keen on the Israel international.

“Leeds want to try to keep the player, but they will need to get promoted. There will be more clubs interested from the Premier League. At the moment, it’s not something advanced. The player is focused on events on the pitch, so there’s nothing really concrete, but the interest from Leeds to make this deal is absolutely there. There was also interest from Italy before he joined Leeds, but for sure Leeds will try.”

Solomon has become first choice under Farke on the left-hand side, striking up a positive relationship with Junior Firpo.

The £60,000-a-week star has scored seven goals and registered seven assists for the Whites, with four of his goals coming at Elland Road.

If Leeds get their way, it looks as if he will stay in Yorkshire beyond the summer, but the focus will be on securing promotion first.

Leeds United have made an approach for an international midfielder who is enjoying a superb breakthrough season in the Turkish Super Lig, according to a new report.

Farke calls for calm after Portsmouth defeat

Leeds’ charge towards the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League hit a bump in the road at the weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Leeds dominated much of the game, but couldn’t make it count, with Portsmouth defending valiantly and Daniel Farke’s side spurning a number of chances, most notably Joel Piroe, who fired over when faced with an open goal early in the second half.

The Lilywhites were then made to pay when Colby Bishop capatilised on a mix-up at the back to prod home what proved to be the winner in the 61st minute.

The defeat, combined with Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Preston North End, means Leeds’ points gap at the top of the Championship table has now been completely erased, with Farke’s side now leading only by goal difference.

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Speaking after the defeat, the German head coach called for calm, insisting that the race for the title “always goes to the wire”.

“If you want to finish in the top positions in this league you have to show consistency – the title is not won in February or March,” he said, via BBC Sport.

“You have to prove yourselves every single game, we have some difficult matches coming up and we don’t take anything for granted. I know we can be better and much more effective.”

Leeds make approach for Anthony Dennis

Though there are still plenty of games left this season, it seems Leeds are already preparing for next year – whether that be in the Championship or the Premier League. According to Africafoot, Leeds, alongside German side Stuttgart, are one of two clubs to have already made an approach for Nigerian midfield prodigy Anthony Junior Dennis, who has been enjoying a fine breakthrough season in Turkey with Göztepe.

The 20-year-old has been Göztepe’s standout player in their first season back in the Super Lig since 2021/22, helping put them firmly in contention for an unlikely top four finish and qualification for Europe next year.

In an interview with Africafoot, sources from the Elite Project Group, the agency that manages Dennis’ interests, said: “He is playing at the highest level this season, so it’s no surprise that Stuttgart and Leeds are interested. Both have made approaches this week about a possible transfer.”

The souces added, however, that “Gotzepe are reluctant” to accept any offers right now and are holding out for bids from elsewhere before making a decision. The Turkish club are understood to value Dennis, who has been touted as Wilfred Ndidi’s long-term successor for Nigeria, at around £4.2 million.

Shreyas Iyer, however, is yet to get a clearance from the NCA as he continues his recovery from a back issue

Nagraj Gollapudi31-Jan-2023Ravindra Jadeja, who tested his match-fitness with a successful return to action in the Ranji Trophy, is set to join the India Test squad in Nagpur this week ahead of the first Test against Australia, which begins on February 9. Shreyas Iyer, however, is yet to get a fitness clearance as he continues his recovery from a stiff back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.Related

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Playing for Saurashtra in their final group-stage match against Tamil Nadu last week in Chennai, Jadeja bowled 41.1 overs and bagged a seven-for in the second innings, restoring in him the confidence he said he was after, having not played any cricket since undergoing surgery in his right knee in September. Jadeja, who was included in India’s Test squad subject to clearing fitness tests, said after that performance that he was hopeful and “good to go” for the Australia series.To monitor Jadeja’s fitness closely, one of the BCCI’s physios travelled with him. Jadeja is now back at the NCA to wrap up his final round of fitness tests. The one-off Test against England in Birmingham in July 2022 was the last time Jadeja played a Test match. He experienced discomfort in his right knee, which has troubled him over the years, while playing in the Asia Cup in late August.Shreyas Iyer is a frontrunner for a middle-order spot against Australia if he gets his fitness clearance•AFP/Getty ImagesThe knee surgery meant Jadeja missed out on selection for the T20 World Cup. Although he was named in the squad for two-Test tour of Bangladesh, his selection was subject to fitness, and he was eventually ruled out. With his rehab getting extended, he was also ruled out of the white-ball home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. But having got the green light from the NCA, the selectors felt Jadeja could play in the Ranji Trophy to determine his fitness for the Australia series.Iyer in race against time to prove fitness
Iyer, who was ruled out of the recent ODI series against New Zealand with a stiff back, has to spend a little more time at the NCA before getting his fitness clearance. It is understood Iyer was given an injection recently at the NCA to help combat swelling in his lower back.If he gets his clearance, Iyer is a frontrunner for a middle-order slot against Australia, as an incumbent who averaged 101.00 in India’s last series, the two-Test tour of Bangladesh in December. Other contenders include Suryakumar Yadav, who is yet to make his Test debut, and possibly Shubman Gill in case India open with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.It is learned that Iyer remains optimistic and is on course towards being declared fit, but the BCCI’s medical staff want to be certain he has no pain in his back before he is cleared to travel to Nagpur and join India’s preparatory camp, which begins on February 2.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has been banned from Nottingham Forest's stadium heading into their last game of the season against Chelsea.

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Neville criticised Forest owner recentlyClub believe he has a grudge against themPundit banned from stadium for Chelsea clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The club have informed the broadcaster that the former Manchester United defender is not welcome at the City Ground on Sunday, reports, with Forest suggesting Sky change their commentary team.

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Neville's ban comes as an apparent response to the former full-back's criticism of owner Evangelos Marinakis following an on-field spat with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after their clash with Leicester. The pundit urged the Portuguese coach to walk away from the club altogether following the confrontation, which Forest later denied took place. Forest believe that Neville has a grudge against the club and formally complained to Sky about him.

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The report adds that Premier League clubs are free to decide who can and cannot enter their stadium, meaning the division's chiefs will not get involved despite Sky's claim that the ban is "unprecedented and unwelcome". They will now present the programme from their headquarters in London.

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Forest head into Sunday's clash against Chelsea aiming to secure a place in next season's Champions League. They are seventh in the table and a point behind Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa.