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Arne Slot's side came from behind to see off the Foxes and stretch their lead to seven points at the summit of the English top-flight

Mohamed Salah grabbed his 16th goal of the Premier League season as Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 and stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table on Boxing Day.

Jordan Ayew gave the visitors a shock lead in the sixth minute when the former Crystal Palace man spun Liverpool's defence and guided a well-placed shot into the corner. But after hammering away at Leicester's backline, the blue wall caved in first-half stoppage-time when Cody Gakpo curled in a stunning strike from the edge of the box.

The Reds continued to turn the screw after the break, and Curtis Jones put the hosts ahead in the 49th minute after he turned in Alexis Mac Allister's cutback. Gakpo then looked to have made it 3-1, but his effort was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review as Darwin Nunez was deemed to have been offside in the build-up.

Salah did secure the points in the 82nd minute with his 100th Premier League goal at Anfield as he curled a sumptuous shot into the corner to send the Reds seven points clear of second-placed Chelsea at the summit having played a game fewer than the Blues.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

A smart finish proved too much for him for Leicester's goal, but other than that had precious little to do.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

His deliveries are as potent as ever but was out of position for the Ayew goal. Not his best night, but didn't need to be at his best.

Joe Gomez (7/10):

Does not look as commanding at the back as Konate but largely did well against Leicester attackers Mavididi and Daka.

Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

Was unlucky that Ayew's shot took a slight deflection off him, but he responded in comprehensive fashion to that setback with a commanding display.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

Was, arguably, ball-watching for Leicester's opener as he was not proactive enough in averting the danger. Was a bit sloppy at times, too.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):

Couldn't quite stop Mavididi's cross which led to Liverpool going behind, but he was as solid as ever in the centre of the park.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Helped create a host of chances, bagged two assists, and did a good job at trying to unlock Leicester's defence.

Curtis Jones (8/10):

After Szoboszlai's stellar performance against Tottenham, Jones responded in fine fashion with a goal in an impressive display.

AFPAttack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Looked a threat throughout, both with his runs and deadly balls into the box. Popped up with a trademark goal late on.

Darwin Nunez (6/10):

The Uruguayan worked hard as ever and had some decent efforts on goal, but was not at the same level as some of his team-mates.

Cody Gakpo (8/10):

The flying Dutchman can do very little wrong right now. A brilliantly-taken goal while his pace and power led to defenders being sent this way and that.

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Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Was fairly quiet when he replaced Jones in the second half.

Diogo Jota (6/10):

Didn't get many opportunities to shine when he came on.

Waturu Endo (6/10):

Was energetic in his cameo.

Konstantinos Tsimikas (6/10):

Didn't do much, but good to have the Greek as an option.

Harvey Elliott (N/A):

Barely touched the ball.

Arne Slot (7/10):

His side did not panic when they fell behind, far from it. The Dutchman's players kept on trucking on and deservedly came away with the win. It wasn't a vintage display, but Leicester did their bit to throw them off their stride.

Imposing Hampshire target overhauled with two balls to spare in outground thriller

David Hopps15-Jun-2021Middlesex 217 for 7 (Cracknell 77, Simpson 62) beat Hampshire 215 for 6 (Short 48, McManus 47, Weatherley 41) by three wickets with two balls to spareMiddlesex pulled off their second highest T20 chase – by three wickets with two balls to spare – in a memorable match at Radlett which saw the next generation take charge of a county going through a difficult transition, and leave another ailing T20 side, Hampshire, fearing that they don’t seem to be in much of a transition at all.Radlett is about as far away from the ECB’s vision of T20 cricket as it is possible to be. The dream is maximum revenue from large stadia, a football-style atmosphere and a sense of theatre that delights a TV audience. Start an overly loud, alcohol-fuelled chant at Radlett and you may be blackballed from the golf club or become the subject of gossip in the Ladies Circle.It would be interesting to know what Middlesex and England’s limited-overs captain, Eoin Morgan, who makes no pretence that he shares the ECB’s modernising vision, privately thinks of it when he decamps from Lord’s. Last night, as a setting sun cast a gentle amber light over a fine victory, he might even have been getting to like it.What a game Radlett staged. Professional cricket in England obviously can’t financially survive on small club grounds, but is also about highly entertaining nights like this, fought out before people who care deeply, and even more wonderfully so when two players at the start of their careers come to the fore in such a fashion. Blake Cullen is not about to get a headline for his intelligent and aggressive 1 for 29 in four overs; Joe Cracknell can be assured of plaudits for a brilliant 77 from 42 balls which saw Middlesex home. Both give Middlesex faith that their player development is reaping dividends.Hampshire’s first 200-plus total for three years was eminently chaseable in perfect batting conditions. But patently not by Middlesex, most of their supporters would have suggested. At 30 for 3, with Morgan trudging off, having reached at a very wide one to hole out at deep backward point, a philosophical kind of pessimism had taken hold.But Cracknell, whose threat was illustrated by a 22-ball 50 against Kent, and John Simpson rallied with a stand of 122 from 59 balls. Cracknell possesses a natural belligerence and his youthful optimism began the surge – his innings full of commanding pulls and slog sweeps; Simpson then took over with successive sixes against Liam Dawson’s left-arm spin, never as stylish, but possessing the experience to know what he can get away with.Simpson was stumped at the second attempt, off the leg spin of Mason Crane for 62 from 30 balls. Cracknell, seeking an off-side boundary, where he had rarely ventured, also fell to Crane for 77 from 42. He had been selected ahead of Max Holden which, with due respect to Holden, was a bit of a no-brainer in this format.Crane had carried some threat, as illustrated by his 3 for 35 in three overs. Dawson’s full allocation had gone for 54 and his return to the England T20 squad looked even more like a selection of habit. But Hampshire’s skipper, James Vince, opted logically enough to give the final over to the seam of Brad Wheal with ten needed and Chris Green hammered a successive four and six over deep midwicket to give Middlesex the game.Radlett is an idyllic county ground: a good batting surface, a ground lined by trees and hedges, and a convivial crowd adopting a Country Show attitude to any minor privations in the marquees and the portable toilets. They were allowed not far short of 1,000 spectators which is roughly the same as some of the smaller county grounds, which have stands and things. All to do with pinch points apparently.Hampshire’s 215 for 6 was their first 200-plus score for three years, but it was far from impregnable. Their record since then is as bad as any county in the country and conditions – excellent pitch, fast outfield, short boundaries – was considerably bowler-friendly. They were also without Chris Wood which meant that Kyle Abbott played his first T20 match since turning out in the Lanka Premier League in December.They were on the verge of a colossal Powerplay with 68 garnered from the first five overs and Vince and D’Arcy Short in a blissful world where they could do much as they pleased. With Middlesex lacking five pace bowlers because of injury or (in the case of Tom Helm) recovery from Covid-19, a colossal score looked on the cards.Then came Cullen. Three off the first over; Vince’s head-high hook falling to deep backward square in his next. In his final over, he twice troubled Hampshire’s ex-Middlesex man, James Fuller, twice for pace, the first of them gloved to third man.Cullen, a former England U19, has played for Middlesex since the U10s, and both player and club are beginning to reap the reward of years of endeavour. Pacey, with a strong action, he can reputedly swing the ball in four-day cricket, but here, he adapted intelligently and hit the pitch. The assessment of Middlesex’s director of cricket, Angus Fraser, that he “bowls like a grown man” could not have been more apparent.Green’s night did not begin well. He averages below seven runs an over in a career spanning more than 70 matches, making him beloved of T20 aficionados, and he was also on the back of a five-for against Kent, with four wickets taken in the final over. He was Middlesex’s most expensive bowler, leaking 55 from four overs as his method of pushing it fast and wide across the right-hander brought no dividends.If Middlesex prospered by slog sweeps, Hampshire perished by them, courtesy of the leg spin of Nathan Sowter. Short and Joe Weatherley, the latter after 41 from 22, both fell in such a fashion.Middlesex missed chances in the field, and a succession of shots escaped clawing fingers. The most damaging, in more than one sense, was Sowter’s drop of Dawson, running in from deep backward square, his right ankle sprained in the process. But not damaged enough for him to play a part in Middlesex’s uplifting victory.

Since Unai Emery took over at Aston Villa, they have quickly implemented a higher line in defence, often described as an “offside trap”. The unity of the backline, communication for timing, and recovery pace are all important to successfully implement this principle effectively.

Last season, Villa conceded 61 goals in the Premier League, 15 more than they conceded in the 2022/23 season, which started under the management of Steven Gerrard, before being taken over by Emery.

One of Villa's most important defenders was new signing Pau Torres, who made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals, providing one assist, and contributing to ten clean sheets in his 3,211 minutes played.

That said, he's been joined in the backline by a player whose stock is now rising significantly, particularly after an impressive cameo at Euro 2024.

How much Villa signed Ezri Konsa for

Ezri Konsa was signed for £12m from Brentford back in 2019, with Dean Smith considering the 21-year-old at the time a key target due to his "high potential".

Konsa made 47 appearances for Brentford, scoring one goal and contributing to 12 clean sheets in his 4,173 minutes played.

Smith happened to be in charge at Brentford during the 2018/19 season, before being sacked in October, which saw the ever-impressive Thomas Frank take charge. However, this short time working with Konsa was enough to convince him of his talent, bringing him to Villa a year later and subsequently hailing him as a "a Rolls-Royce of a player".

Since joining Villa, Konsa has gone from strength to strength, making 191 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing two assists while playing in a few different positions, chiefly at centre-back and right-back.

Ezri Konsa's transfer value in 2024

When joining the club back in 2019, Transfermarkt only valued Konsa at a measly £3m, despite being signed for a £12m fee at only 21 years of age.

Market Movers

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191 Aston Villa appearances later, plus breaking into the England squad, competing at the Euros, and achieving eight caps so far for his country, Konsa's value has risen significantly according to Football Transfers, now valued at £33m.

Passes Attempted

63.9

66.4

68.6

Pass Completion %

91.9%

87.4%

89.3%

Progressive Carries

1.10

1.60

0.19

Progressive Passes

3.97

4.85

2.98

Passes into Final Third

4.02

5.43

3.84

Passes into Pen Area

0.39

0.37

0.23

Tackles

1.46

1.01

1.24

Interceptions

0.70

0.50

0.48

Aerials Won

0.94

0.89

1.20

Compared to Villa's other central defenders, Konsa ranks best for defensive actions per 90, averaging 1.46 tackles compared to the 1.01 per 90 of Torres, and the 1.24 per 90 of Carlos. He also averages 0.70 interceptions per 90, more than both of his main competitors for a starting berth.

Konsa also proves to be the most secure on the ball, with the highest pass completion of the trio. However, Torres is the more progressive of the three, averaging 4.85 progressive passes per 90, and 5.43 passes into the final third on average.

Carlos only betters Torres and Konsa in one of the metrics analysed, and that is aerials won, winning 1.20 per 90, compared to the 0.94 of Konsa, and 0.89 of Torres.

As Konsa continues to go from strength to strength, it is obvious why his value continues to peak, especially since making the England squad, and competing in European football with Villa, further showcasing his qualties on and off the ball.

Aston Villa's "serious talent" is now worth 111% more since Emery took over

He is one of their most exciting talents

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 12, 2024

One of the areas in which Wolverhampton Wanderers have always had a particularly strong squad since they returned to the Premier League in 2018/19 is in midfield.

The Old Gold are currently littered with a few big names in the centre of the park, including Brazilian duo Joao Gomes and Andre, with the latter being a summer signing in 2024.

They have also had the likes of Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho play for the club since promotion, with the enterprising Portuguese pair having represented their national team numerous times.

However, perhaps their best midfielder since they returned to the top flight six years ago was another Portugal international, Ruben Neves.

Ruben Neves’ record at Wolves

The 27-year-old enjoyed six seasons at Molineux before making a move in the summer of 2023. He switched the Midlands for the Middle East, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in a deal worth around £47m.

Whilst the sale was far from Ideal for the Midlands club, they certainly made a healthy profit on the deal. The midfielder joined the club from Portuguese giants FC Porto for what was a then-record fee of £15.8m. Not only did they get years of quality service from the midfielder, but also made a healthy profit.

It was certainly a departure that rocked Molineux, given that Neves captained the Old Gold for a number of seasons. He was a pivotal figure for the club, making 253 appearances both domestically and in the Europa League in 2019/20. The 27-year-old could play everywhere in midfield, from a disciplined sitting number six to an enterprising number 10.

One thing that was synonymous with the former Porto midfielder’s time at the club was his ability to score wonder goals from range. In total, he scored nine goals from outside the box in the Premier League, as per FBref.

Outside the box

9

Inside the 18-yard box

12

Inside the 6-yard box

0

Average distance of PL goals

17.5 yards

He is certainly a hard player to replace, and so far, the Old Gold have not found the person to fill such a big void.

However, there is one player in the academy who could be tasked with stepping into Neves’ boots, and that man is Luke Cundle.

Wolves' next Ruben Neves

22-year-old Cundle is a midfield prospect whom Wolves fans can certainly get excited about. He has made seven appearances for the Old Gold’s first team now and has had three Championship loans two with Swansea City and one at Plymouth Argyle.

Receiving such footballing education in the second tier can be crucial for a player; take Neves as a prime example. Whilst he was highly rated before his move to Molineux, his period in the Championship no doubt helped shape him into the player we see today.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The similarities do not end there, however, with the 22-year-old also being a versatile player. Like the former Wolves skipper, Cundle can operate in a deeper role as a six, an advanced role as an eight or even further forward as a number 10.

He has a good goal involvement record to show for it, too. Across his three loan spells, 77 games in total, the young midfielder has scored ten times and has registered 12 assists, playing in three different roles in the centre of the park. He has also been known to get on the scoresheet for the Wolves academy sides.

The youngster’s future is not necessarily secure, and the Potters launched another attempt to sign him over the 2024 summer window. However, he has impressed Gary O’Neil, and there is every chance he will stay and fight for his place at Molineux.

Cundle was described as a “gifted” player by former Swans boss Russel Martin, who is now managing South Coast outfit Southampton. The 22-year-old could be the dream Neves replacement, and finally fill the boots of a player whose departure left such a void at Molineux.

Wolves must regret selling PL star who's now worth more than Gomes

He’s gone on to tear the Premier League apart in recent times.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2024

Qalandars’ playoff hopes now hinge on result of Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings

Danyal Rasool18-Jun-2021There’s been plenty of talk about when the world will get back to normal, but Lahore Qalandars look like they’re there anyway. A vintage capitulation from a side for whom qualification to the semis once looked a mere formality means their chances for progression hang in the balance. Multan Sultans swatted them aside by 80 runs, with Sohail Akhtar’s side bowled out inside 15.1 overs for 89, which – aside from the points going to the Sultans – has produced a devastating blow to the Qalandars net run rate that they could ill afford to absorb. Shahnawaz Dhani was the architect of the huge win, taking four wickets once again in the face of listless opposition from Qalandars.Having lost three on the bounce when failing to chase down targets, Qalandars’ decision to put Sultans in first was curious, but the bowlers kept them on a leash for much of the innings. Aside from a menacing 63-run partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Sohaib Maqsood – whose 40-ball 60 was redolent of his best days as a T20 power hitter – Sultans were never truly able to pull away. And once that partnership was broken, Shaheen Afridi and James Faulkner helped Qalandars run riot, ripping through the lower-middle order to leave Quetta hovering around 140. Only a destructive – in every sense of the word – final over from Haris Rauf, from which Sohail Tanvir plundered 24, helped Sultans set Qalandars 170 to win.Given their chasing struggles in this leg of the tournament, that was always going to be an uphill task. Ben Dunk was promoted, signalling a shift in approach. But the experiment failed before Dhani, sensational once again, got some extra bounce to prise out a struggling Fakhar Zaman. Blessing Muzarabani got in on the act as Mohammad Hafeez fell thanks to a loose shot. Imran Tahir joined the party too, and aside from one big over courtesy Faulkner, the chase was never really on. When he was dismissed, the fight left the Qalandars. At this rate, the Qalandars might be leaving Abu Dhabi soon enough.Dhani delight Shahnawaz Dhani’s special relationship with the PSL shows no signs of cooling, his dizzying figures of 3.1-1-5-4 the zenith of an already glittering tournament. The signs of a remarkable day presented themselves the very first time he bowled, nailing Fakhar Zaman with a bouncer off his first ball and putting Qalandars on the back foot straightaway. When he returned in the middle overs, he got rid of the last dregs of Qalandars’ hope, extra bounce putting paid to Faulkner’s enterprising little stay. All that remained was the snuffing of the tail, and in this sort of mood, he accomplished that with disdainful ease.Harif Rauf’s 20th overIt’s easy to forget what a seemingly impregnable position Lahore found themselves in 19 overs into the match. Sultans had hobbled along to 145, and Tanvir kept the strike off the final ball of the previous over, hoping to get a few big hits in. It began with a couple of streaky fours, before a hammer blow over square leg for six saw the momentum shift ominously away from the struggling Qalandars. Assisted by supremely ordinary bowling, Tanvir – who has struggled for runs this PSL – managed another ten off the last two, wrenching the momentum back to his side. While Lahore had conceded just 26 off the five overs prior, Sultans plundered 24 more in just one. Lahore would never quite recover.Where they standLahore Qalandars are joined by Multan Sultans on ten points and both teams have one match to play. Sultans have the best net run rate in the tournament and barring a historically catastrophic loss to Islamabad United, Sultans are assured of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Qalandars’ fate rests in the hands of Quetta Gladiators. If the last place Gladiators can beat Karachi Kings, then Qalandars will take the final playoff berth. However, a win for the Kings and they’ll move to ten points but will be in the playoffs ahead of Qalandars due to a superior net run rate.

England legend Paul Gascoigne has revealed which current Three Lions player he wanted to get a signed shirt off from.

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Gascoigne wanted England player's shirtWent into changing room to get itPreferred to over Palmer and BellinghamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Former Newcastle United star Gascoigne was asked who he believes the best player in the current England team is. Previously, Manchester United hero Wayne Rooney named Phil Foden as England's "best player" and it seems Gascoigne agrees with him. This is despite Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham, for instance, starring for Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PAUL GASCOIGNE SAID

He told Metro: "I really like Jack Grealish, because of the fact that if he lost the ball a couple of times, he still wants the ball. He doesn’t go hiding. But I watched Phil Foden not long ago. He was s*** hot. He was unbelievable. What a player and that last England game, I couldn’t resist it. I just went into the changing room and asked Foden to give us a shirt. He signed it for my agent’s son. He’s been unbelievable at Man City and is one of the players they rely on to produce. Sometimes that’s not good for him, because he’s such a young kid as well. He’s only young and he’s got kids.

"Looking at the England squad, you’ve got Bellingham, Grealish, Rashford. They’ve got a really strong squad. But Foden, they always say people with left foot in football are always going to be brilliant. But I really like Foden, he’s quality and he’s got a good engine on him."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the praise of Gascoigne, Foden has largely struggled to replicate his form for Manchester City in an England shirt. The 24-year-old underwhelmed during Euro 2024 and this season his form for his club has gone backwards. But his talent and ability is undeniable.

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Foden will hope to be picked for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad in early 2025 but before then, his City side travel to Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Derbyshire set to lose promising seamer as he returns to Hove for second stint

George Dobell11-Jul-2021Fynn Hudson-Prentice is to join Sussex from Derbyshire at the end of the season.Hudson-Prentice, the 25-year-old seamer, developed through the Sussex pathway and played seven first-team games for the club in 2014 and 2015. He was released at the end of 2016.The MCC Young Cricketers programme gave him another chance, though, and he was signed by Derbyshire in 2019. He is the club’s equal leading wicket-taker (with 21 at 24.95) in the LV= Insurance County Championship this season. He also made 99 in his maiden first-class appearance for the club and featured in the side that made it to T20’s Finals Day in 2019. As such, he is seen as a multi-dimensional all-rounder who can contribute in all formats.”I remember encountering Fynn at a Lord’s Test match when he was with the MCC Young Cricketers and really noticing a change in the way he was going about things since leaving Sussex,” Sussex’s T20 Head Coach, James Kirtley, said. “I kept tabs on him as he went off to Derbyshire and it has been exciting to see him do really well over the last couple of years.”Fynn has grown as a player and a person. He’s a Sussex lad, he’s a performer, a match-winner and his skill-set gives us real balance in our sides in all three formats. That ticks the boxes for us with the strategy we’ve got and will continue to pursue.”The news is a blow to Derbyshire, though, who are in the middle of a poor season. They are bottom of the North Group in the Championship and seventh in the North Group of the T20 Blast. They are also being sued by a former club stalwart, Tony Palladino.”I’m massively grateful for the time I’ve spent at Derbyshire over the past three seasons,” Hudson-Prentice said, “and I wish the club all the best for the future.”Although I enjoyed my time at the club, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to go back home to where it all began. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter of my career at Hove.”

Mikel Arteta could now drop a big-name member of his Arsenal team for their looming blockbuster clash against Premier League title rivals Man City.

Arteta dealt selection headache for Arsenal before Man City

The Gunners have come through a tough week unbeaten, clinching a North London Derby win away to Tottenham last weekend before holding Europa League champions Atalanta to a 0-0 draw in Bergamo on Thursday.

Arteta handed possible Odegaard injury boost after initial Arsenal fears

The Norway captain has suffered significant ankle ligament damage.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 21, 2024

Arsenal did well to cope without star midfielder and club captain Martin Odegaard against Tottenham, but his absence was a bit more noticeable in the Champions League, as Arteta’s side struggled to impose their usual attacking flair.

It took an absolutely outstanding double-save from goalkeeper David Raya to ensure that they did not leave Italy empty-handed, and it is likely to be one of the best pieces of shot-stopping you’ll ever see.

During the encounter, Arteta fielded striker Gabriel Jesus up front in place of usual option Kai Havertz, despite the German thriving in that role for the best part of 12 months.

Odegaard will be sidelined for weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage during the international break, and Arteta can’t call upon Mikel Merino to fill the numbers in midfield either, with the Spaniard also set to be absent for a while after fracturing his shoulder in training.

Appearances

156

Goals

35

Assists

25

Yellow cards

12

Red cards

0

Minutes played

12,108

Against Tottenham, Arteta opted to play a 4-4-2 formation with both Leandro Trossard and Havertz leading the line, so that could be an option for the Arsenal boss as he ponders how best to set up his Premier League title chasers.

“We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s hectic fixture schedule lately.

“Obviously, we knew the schedule and we knew that it’s extremely rare to play in these conditions with three massive away games in six days, but it was what it was so we have prepared for that, both physically, mentally and tactically. We’re making sure that everyone is ready for it, because we’re going to need them, especially with the injuries that we had from the international break.”

Arteta likely to drop Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus for Man City

According to GiveMeSport, Arteta has already made a decision on Jesus, and whether the Brazilian will start right from the off against his former club.

It is believed Jesus is likely to be dropped against Man City, with his carelessness in retaining possession against Atalanta set to be a crucial factor in this, as Arsenal look to go toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s Tika-Taka masters at the Etihad.

The £265,000-per-week striker was given the captain’s armband against Atalanta, but was hauled off early in the second half after proving ineffective against Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.

Arteta is apparently poised to name Jesus on the substitute’s bench tomorrow, so it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will play Raheem Sterling up front or return Havertz to his preferred forward role.

After a week dominated by rumours regarding his future, the England international had a nightmare at Anfield as Arne Slot's side dropped two points

Liverpool missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a 2-2 draw by a spirited Manchester United on Sunday.

Both teams began the game with real intent, as Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister went close for the hosts while Amad Diallo spurned a good chance at the other end.

Ryan Gravenberch and Rasmus Hojlund traded efforts in a very even first half before United scored for the first time in six Premier League Anfield visits through Lisandro Martinez in the 52nd minute. But just when it looked like it could be the Red Devils' day, Gakpo slammed home to even proceedings seven minutes later.

The Reds then took the lead 20 minutes from time after Matthijs De Ligt handled in the box and Mohamed Salah dispatched the resulting penalty. Ruben Amorim's side would not go away, however, and the visitors drew level in the 79th minute through Amad's smart finish.

Harry Maguire should have won it at the death when he fired over from close-range, but in the end, Liverpool had to settle for a draw and a six-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (6/10):

Came up trumps in goal just when his team needed him with some important saves, but couldn't do too much about United's goals.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (3/10):

As Roy Keane put it, the right back was "defensively all over the place". His fortunes did not improve in the second half, either. Real Madrid won't be itching to sign him over these types of performances…

Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

The returning defender was caught out of position on a number of occasions in the first half. Looked a bit more like himself as the match wore on, but wasn't at his best.

Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

When half of his defence was off-colour, the Dutchman led by example at the back again. Really is a force to be reckoned with.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

Didn't do too much wrong at the back but just doesn't seem to be as effective at both ends of the pitch.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):

Showed plenty of attacking intent, courtesy of his driving runs, but he and his team-mates lost the midfield battle in the opening 45. His improvement helped Liverpool gain more parity in the second half.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Worked tirelessly in the centre of the park and held his own against United's competent midfield. Bagged an assist, too.

Curtis Jones (5/10):

Has had a see-saw battle with Dominik Szoboszlai for a Liverpool starting berth, but this performance may make Slot look to the Hungarian next time out. Mainoo certainly got the better of him.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Didn't get much joy out of Dalot for long periods but looked more dangerous in the game's closing stages. Took his penalty well for his 18th Premier League goal of the season.

Luis Diaz (5/10):

Spurned a good early chance but other than that had a quiet first half. Not his best game before being replaced on the hour-mark.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Nearly pulled off a great instinctive first-half finish but met his match against the combative Mazraoui. Took his goal in expert fashion after sitting down De Ligt and then firing home.

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Diogo Jota (6/10):

Was quite quiet initially but looked a threat in the game's dying embers.

Darwin Nunez (6/10):

Was a nuisance in attack but committed a cynical foul on De Ligt which means he is suspended for the upcoming Nottingham Forest clash.

Conor Bradley (7/10):

Did more in his cameo than Alexander-Arnold did all game and almost caught out Onana with a late effort.

Harvey Elliott (N/A):

Didn't get many opportunities to shine.

Arne Slot (7/10):

His side looked off the pace and lethargic at times, but United's goals spurred them into action. Maybe lost the tactical battle for once but it's a point closer to a league title.

West Indies were 21 for 1 in their chase before rain struck in Antigua, halting the match for more than an hour before it was abandoned

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Sep-2021No result The first T20I between South Africa and West Indies was called off due to rain in Antigua, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday.South Africa, who opted to bat, made 135 for 3 from their 20 overs, thanks to handy knocks from Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt. The visitors began well, with the openers Lee and Dane van Niekerk stitching a 31-run partnership before van Niekerk was caught by the West Indies captain Anisa Mohammed while attempting a sweep shot, off the bowling of Hayley Matthews.Lee and Kapp, however, ensured the momentum was not lost, as they kept the scoreboard ticking with a 45-run stand before Lee was eventually run out for 30. Kapp followed her soon after, being dismissed for 36, with South Africa placed at 87 for 3 in the 15th over.Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits then shared an unbroken partnership of 48 runs to lift the visitors to 135. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 35 off 21 balls, stroking two fours and sixes each.The West Indies were dealt an early blow in their chase, as the opener Deandra Dottin had to retire hurt after facing just three balls. The hosts’ other opener, Matthews, did not last too long either, as she was caught behind by the wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty off Kapp’s bowling, leaving the team at 21 for 1 after 2.5 overs.However, rain struck and the match was halted for more than an hour before it was abandoned.The second T20I will be played on Thursday, at the same ground.