#liverpool

#liverpool

In a game that felt like a loss would have been catastrophic, Liverpool instead delivered their most convincing league performance in what felt like ages, securing a 2-0 victory over a Villa side that had won their previous four EPL matches heading into Saturday. There is clearly still work to be done before the Reds can claim to be fully back, especially with two monumental fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming and league-leading Arsenal continuing their winning streak.

When the draw was announced, I think everyone kind of knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come. Obviously they're a top team so I knew at some point I'd end up going back there or playing against Liverpool. It's happening so soon. Mixed emotions. I think it'll be a very, very difficult game but one that I'm excited for.

By the time Jari Litmanen signed for Liverpool in 2001, he was already a European Cup winner with four Eredivisie medals from his time at Ajax, when he established himself as one of the best players in Europe. The Finn had come a long way from his failed trial at Leeds United almost ten years earlier and despite achieving so much in the game, his move to Anfield saw him fulfil a childhood dream as he signed for the club he grew up supporting.

A rousing victory for Liverpool, who jump to third in the table after ending a run of four straight league defeats. Mo Salah scored his 250th goal for Liverpool after an errant pass less charitable adjectives are available by Emi Martinez on the stroke of half-time. Ryan Gravenberch scored the second on his return to the side. It was a fun game, played at a furious pace.

With just nine rounds played in 2025/26, Liverpool's title defence in the Premier League appears to be over. After winning the opening five, the Reds have suffered defeat in the last four matches in the English top flight, with Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brentford all getting the better of Arne Slot's team. Even in the games they won, Liverpool didn't look very convincing, often needing late goals to secure the points.

On Monday, Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court by videolink from prison for a 30-minute administrative hearing ahead of his trial next month. Last month he entered not guilty pleas to dangerous driving, affray, 18 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and two counts of wounding with intent.

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing the highly talented French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He has already established himself as an important player for LOSC Lille, and he has the technical attributes for Premier League football as well. According to TBR Football, several clubs are interested in securing his signature, along with Arsenal and Liverpool.

Liverpool knew Kayode's aerial bombardments were coming. It's the only thing we did yesterday [in preparation] on the training pitch, an exasperated Slot told the written media afterwards, and in the team meeting today. But prior knowledge does not always mean a solution. When Kayode winds up there is a genuine sense of anticipation, a stoppage in time. Unless, that is, you or your team are tasked with defending against his throws.

After last week's defeat by Manchester United, Slot seemed mildly outraged that Ruben Amorim's side had been so direct. This Saturday, there was a marked change of tone but the problem was the same. They're a very good team in winning duels and second balls, he said, and you have to give them credit for that. It's also difficult to win a game of football if the set-piece balance is in their favour.

I'd be very surprised if anything was to materialise from this one. Obviously, Andy Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan, came through the ranks there before being released and then ended up going to Dundee United and the rest is history, where he's really kicked on from there as Scotland captain. Celtic I'm sure would love the opportunity to sign somebody like Andy Robertson, but I don't think it's in the plans right now for Andy Robertson maybe to be moving back up to Scotland.