Blog

fitness following their 5-2 victory over West Ham United on Saturday. Manager Arne Slot indicated that the 22-year-old German international, who wears the No. 7 shirt, is unlikely to be fit in time for the upcoming trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

When directly asked if Wirtz could feature in the midweek match, the 47-year-old coach replied that it would probably come too soon. He elaborated on how injury recoveries can shift unexpectedly from week to week.

Slot noted: “I said last week I didn’t expect him not to be available for today, so sometimes with an injury things can develop in a positive way or in a negative way.”

This reflects the fluctuating nature of Wirtz’s issue so far. He initially pulled out during the warm-up before the win at Nottingham Forest, with early indications suggesting a quick return. After that game, Slot had been optimistic, stating it wasn’t considered very serious and expressing hope for his availability the following week, though he cautioned that outcomes can vary.

However, the problem persisted, ruling him out of the West Ham clash as well. Before the match, Slot had already tempered expectations, admitting he didn’t anticipate Wirtz being involved and that the timeline remained unclear.

In his post-match comments after the West Ham win, Slot struck a somewhat more encouraging note—suggesting the setback might not drag on excessively—but still emphasized caution, with Tuesday looking improbable.

He added that the subsequent week appears tight at this stage, while highlighting how his earlier predictions had already proven off the mark once.

Even in a high-scoring game like the one against West Ham, Wirtz’s absence continues to influence Liverpool’s attacking patterns, especially when opponents defend deep and challenge the team to penetrate lines.

The playmaker has featured in 25 Premier League matches this season, starting 21, and his key underlying statistics highlight his role as a vital creative hub, explaining why Slot and the club are prioritizing a careful recovery over rushing him back—particularly with upcoming fixtures against Wolves (potentially twice, including in the FA Cup) and the Champions League return against Galatasaray.

Slot’s remarks serve as a broader reminder that safeguarding the player’s long-term health outweighs the urgency of any single game.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s position is clear: Wirtz is making progress, but Tuesday is likely too premature, and while a return the following week isn’t impossible, it’s far from certain. As a result, the team may need to adjust their style and rotation strategy without one of their most impactful attackers for a bit longer than initially anticipated.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Liverpool secured a convincing 5-2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The result marked their fourth consecutive Premier League win and lifted them up to fourth in the table, ahead of Chelsea’s fixture the following day.

The match showcased the Reds’ growing threat from set-pieces, with three goals coming directly from corners. Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all found the net in this way, underlining Arne Slot’s side continuing their strong push for a top-five finish.

Despite the dominant performance and the positive momentum under Slot, a notable section of Liverpool supporters directed sharp criticism at midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. They branded him a “liability” and, surprisingly, called for the club to sell him even after such a big win.

Fan frustration boiled over on social media. Reactions described his display as “shameful,” accused him of having “gotten away with a lot this season,” and expressed such irritation that some supporters “wouldn’t mind him leaving the club.”

One fan went further, labeling Gravenberch “the biggest false image ever.” They criticised his tendency to push forward into attacking areas when his strengths lie more in defensive transitions, protecting the backline, and acting as a shield—similar to the roles played by top defensive midfielders like Declan Rice or Rodri.

The backlash highlights ongoing concerns about a perceived “Declan Rice–Rodri-sized void” in Liverpool’s midfield. Gravenberch has struggled to fully adapt to the demands of that position, despite his contributions in the win, including assisting the opener by recycling possession for Ekitike’s goal.

While the club has prioritised defensive reinforcements in upcoming transfer windows, some fans now believe greater attention must shift to bolstering the midfield rather than retaining the Dutch international long-term.

This fan discontent stands in stark contrast to the team’s on-field success. It illustrates classic supporter impatience, even amid a convincing victory.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Hugo Ekitike – 9

Ekitike returned to scoring ways in a special performance against West Ham. He produced a slick finish to help his side take the lead and was a tormenting factor with his movement. Played two clever passes for Mac Allister and Gakpo’s goal, grabbing three goal contributions in an impressive display.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8

Another impressive display from Macca! He was able to score in his second straight game with a smashing volley in the first half. The Argentine was a volatile figure in midfield, making 10 defensive contributions, which included four tackles!

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5

Gravenberch helped his side dominate the midfield battle, being really smart with his passes and forward movement. He assisted the opening goal with a great pass and also worked hard defensively, winning five duels.
Virgil van Dijk – 7

Van Dijk was able to score a really smart set-piece goal with an excellent header to help his side take a bigger lead in the second half. He was defensively pretty good for the majority of the game, making five clearances, but could’ve done better to deal with the cross leading to Soucek’s goal.

Cody Gakpo – 7

lWell, that was definitely an eventful game for Gakpo! He wasn’t able to do much in the first half but sprang to life in the second half. The Dutchman missed a horrible close-range chance in the second half, but made up by scoring a really well-taken goal later on.

Mo Salah – 5

Salah wasn’t really at his ruthless best in the game. He did swing in a nice cross for the second goal, but he was indecisive with his work in open play. Failed to create any major chances and fluffed a big chance to score in the second half by blasting a shot into the stands.
The others

Alisson – 6.5, Gomez – 6, Konate – 6, Kerkez – 6.5, Szoboszlai – 7
Substitutes

Frimpong – 7, Rio – 6, Nyoni – N/R

Liverpool beat West Ham 5-2, before Everton took the lead three times at St James’ Park en route to claiming a 3-2 win over Newcastle.

And Burnley were heartbroken in one of the Premier League games of the season after coming from three goals down but still losing to Brentford, with Ashley Barnes having a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out by VAR.

Endo the line

Wataru Endo is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his ankle, but has hopes of returning for the World Cup.

The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder was stretchered off in the 1-0 win over Sunderland on February 11.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has now provided an update, saying: “I’ve heard that he had surgery.

“I’ve heard that it went well, but I don’t know the details of how it went.

“The plan is for him to be ready in time for the World Cup, so the rehabilitation process from surgery onwards is being considered.

“In order to play in the World Cup, he, the club, and we all share the same understanding.”

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

,

Salah appears to have reconciled with Liverpool manager Arne Slot after his public outburst in December, but according to a recent BBC Sport report, the Egyptian star is now “increasingly likely” to depart the club this summer.

Reports from last August indicated that Salah intended to leave Liverpool at the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign, though the situation has gained significant public attention in recent months.

Following a period where Slot left him out of several matches amid the team’s struggles, the 33-year-old forward expressed frustration in a rare interview, claiming he had been “thrown under the bus.” Despite his return to the starting lineup, the tension from those weeks seems to have solidified his plans for an exit.

The BBC notes that Salah, who has enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Anfield, is poised to move on this summer. Liverpool are unlikely to let him depart on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2027, especially given his dip in form this season—he has managed just seven goals and eight assists in 28 appearances, falling short of his typical elite level.

This aligns with earlier reports from Foot Mercato suggesting Salah remains dissatisfied with the current environment at Liverpool and is eager for a fresh challenge.

The Saudi Pro League stands out as the most probable next stop. Salah has long been a prime target for the league’s ambitious clubs, and with more high-profile arrivals anticipated in the summer, he could top their wish list.

Saudi teams can provide him with an unparalleled financial package, along with the chance to become the division’s leading figure—potentially surpassing even Cristiano Ronaldo in local popularity.

Al-Ittihad are said to have initiated serious discussions with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, viewing him as the centerpiece for their revamped squad.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reported in December that a move to the Pro League could net Salah up to €200 million annually, with clubs like Al-Hilal, NEOM SC, and Al-Qadsiah showing interest in a potential January transfer (though that window has passed).

While Major League Soccer (MLS) remains another option, U.S. clubs are unlikely to match the salary or commercial prospects available in Saudi Arabia.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Even after a 5–2 victory over West Ham on Saturday — their fourth straight win in the Premier League as they chase a top-five finish — Liverpool supporters have surprisingly turned on one player labelled a “liability” at Anfield. The Reds were free-scoring this weekend, racing into a three-goal halftime lead thanks to strikes from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Yet with goals flowing on Merseyside, Liverpool also struggled defensively. Despite Cody Gakpo adding a fourth, there were concerns as Jarrod Bowen and Valentín Castellanos exposed major gaps in Arne Slot’s midfield before an Axel Disasi own goal ultimately sealed the result.

The win lifted Liverpool into fourth place ahead of Chelsea’s Sunday fixture. However, looking forward, and despite the club prioritising defensive reinforcements this summer following the signing of Jeremy Jacquet, there is a growing sense that the Declan Rice–Rodri-sized hole in midfield must also be addressed — a role Ryan Gravenberch is still struggling to make his own.

Liverpool Fans Call for Ryan Gravenberch Exit After 5–2 West Ham Win

“Gravenberch is the biggest false image ever,” one X user wrote about the Dutchman’s display. While he shows willingness going forward, many feel his role is better suited to protecting transitions and shielding the defence. “He should be sold or benched next season if we want to be a serious team,” the fan added.

Another supporter echoed similar frustration, while a third said: “Mac Allister is our second-best midfielder after Wirtz. People saying he should be sold don’t know ball. I’d sell Gravenberch before I touch Macca.” A fourth simply posted: “Sell Gravenberch.”

Others labelled his performance “shameful,” with one fan claiming he “has gotten away with a lot this season,” and another admitting the midfielder “irritates me to the point where I wouldn’t mind him leaving the club.”

Alexis Mac Allister Moves Ahead in Midfield Pecking Order

Gravenberch’s tendency to roam forward, combined with Alexis Mac Allister rediscovering form and contributing goals, has prompted a clear reshuffle in Liverpool’s midfield hierarchy. The Argentine delivered another strong display this weekend and now appears firmly set to reclaim regular starts.

For Gravenberch, though, doubts persist about whether he is the right man to keep Liverpool’s midfield balanced. His forward surges continue to leave space behind, and a Martin Zubimendi-type signing — similar to the role he played in allowing Declan Rice more attacking freedom at Arsenal — could be on the club’s radar ahead of the summer window.

Fenway Sports Group have shown increased willingness to invest over the past year, twice breaking the Premier League transfer record with the arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and the injured Alexander Isak. Their next move, however, may need to be more strategic, with squad depth, an ageing defence, and the ongoing lack of a natural defensive midfielder all requiring attention.

On 28 February 2026, Liverpool hosted West Ham United in a Premier League match at Anfield. Liverpool raced into an early lead when Hugo Ekitike scored inside the first 5 minutes, giving the hosts a dream start. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
Shortly after that goal, a group of West Ham supporters drew attention by holding up a controversial banner directed at Liverpool, which became a talking point among fans and media, as implied by the article’s headline. (Note: I could not verify the exact wording of the banner in the original article — only that it was noteworthy enough to be described as “controversial.”)
On the pitch, Liverpool ran out convincing 5–2 winners. Goals from Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and an own goal from Axel Disasi completed their tally, while Tomáš Souček and Taty Castellanos replied for West Ham. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
The match saw Liverpool strengthen their charge for top-four/Champions League qualification, while West Ham remained embroiled in a relegation battle. �
Businessday NG
⚽ Match Highlights
Ekitike (LIV) opened scoring in the 5th minute. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
Van Dijk (LIV) added another goal in the first half. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
Mac Allister (LIV) made it 3-0 before halftime. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
Souček (WHU) pulled one back early second half. �
africa.espn.com
Gakpo (LIV) restored the three-goal cushion. �
africa.espn.com
Castellanos (WHU) again reduced the deficit. �
africa.espn.com
Disasi (OG) sealed the 5-2 scoreline.
If you want the exact banner text or direct quotes from the Okpops article once it’s accessible again, I can help pull it out as well

Liverpool secured a convincing 5-2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield, establishing a fresh Premier League milestone in the process.

Arne Slot’s team hosted West Ham on Saturday in a crucial Premier League encounter, and they delivered a strong performance to claim all three points with five goals.

The result keeps Liverpool solidly in contention for Champions League qualification next season, as they hold fifth place and are tied on points with Manchester United.

Beyond the valuable win, Liverpool achieved a notable Premier League record that’s likely to stand for some time.

They opened the scoring after just five minutes when Hugo Ekitike netted from a corner. Captain Virgil van Dijk soon added a second—his 28th goal for the club—with a header from another set-piece, followed by Alexis Mac Allister’s superb strike into the top corner, also originating from a corner.

Thanks to this dominant first-half display, Liverpool have now scored their last seven consecutive Premier League goals from non-penalty set-pieces, marking the longest such streak in the competition’s history.

Additionally, they became only the second team ever in the Premier League to net three goals from corners in the opening 45 minutes of a match, matching Manchester United’s feat against Leicester City back in 2016.

This performance underscores Liverpool’s rise to the top of the Premier League charts for set-piece goals scored this calendar year (excluding penalties). They had been among the poorest in this area from the season’s start until late 2025.

The sequence began with Ibrahima Konate’s corner goal in January’s 4-1 triumph over Newcastle United, followed by Florian Wirtz’s effort in the same fixture—the last time Liverpool scored from open play. Subsequent goals included Virgil van Dijk’s winner from a corner in a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City, and Mac Allister’s late winner in the prior match (which stemmed from a set-piece situation as play never transitioned to open).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has sent shockwaves through Anfield after delivering a stunning post-match verdict on one of his standout performers against West Ham United.

Speaking after the game, Slot couldn’t hide his admiration:

> “We now call him the great destroyer after such a performance today. Earlier today I was having second thoughts about adding him to the starting XI against West Ham, but I’m glad I included him. If he continues like this, he could be our new captain next season.” 



 From Doubt to Dominance

It’s not every day a manager admits he almost left a player out — only for that same player to deliver a monstrous, game-changing performance. But that’s exactly what happened.

The Liverpool star put in an impeccable display, dominating duels, controlling the tempo, and leaving the opposition chasing shadows. Fans quickly took to social media to crown him with the nickname “The Great Destroyer.” 

 Captaincy Talk Already?

What truly raised eyebrows, however, was Slot’s bold hint about the captaincy. Currently, the armband belongs to defensive leader Virgil van Dijk, a towering presence and dressing-room authority.

But could this emerging force really challenge Van Dijk’s reign if his performances remain at this elite level?

It’s a massive statement — and one that adds fresh intrigue to Liverpool’s leadership dynamics ahead of next season.

 A Star Rising at Anfield

If this performance is anything to go by, Liverpool may have unearthed not just a midfield enforcer or defensive powerhouse — but a future leader.

The big question now echoing around Anfield:

Can he truly overthrow Virgil van Dijk and become Liverpool’s next captain if he keeps performing like this? 

verpool manager Arne Slot has sent shockwaves through Anfield after delivering a stunning post-match verdict on one of his standout performers against West Ham United.

Speaking after the game, Slot couldn’t hide his admiration:

> “We now call him the great destroyer after such a performance today. Earlier today I was having second thoughts about adding him to the starting XI against West Ham, but I’m glad I included him. If he continues like this, he could be our new captain next season.” 



 From Doubt to Dominance

It’s not every day a manager admits he almost left a player out — only for that same player to deliver a monstrous, game-changing performance. But that’s exactly what happened.

The Liverpool star put in an impeccable display, dominating duels, controlling the tempo, and leaving the opposition chasing shadows. Fans quickly took to social media to crown him with the nickname “The Great Destroyer.” 

 Captaincy Talk Already?

What truly raised eyebrows, however, was Slot’s bold hint about the captaincy. Currently, the armband belongs to defensive leader Virgil van Dijk, a towering presence and dressing-room authority.

But could this emerging force really challenge Van Dijk’s reign if his performances remain at this elite level?

It’s a massive statement — and one that adds fresh intrigue to Liverpool’s leadership dynamics ahead of next season.

 A Star Rising at Anfield

If this performance is anything to go by, Liverpool may have unearthed not just a midfield enforcer or defensive powerhouse — but a future leader.

The big question now echoing around Anfield:

Can he truly overthrow Virgil van Dijk and become Liverpool’s next captain if he keeps performing like this? 

I’ve assigned three defenders to shadow his every move from the tunnel to the final whistle because, frankly, he’s the only one left who scares me.” Nuno Espirito Santos has dropped a bombshell tactical admission that has left the Liverpool board in a state of shock. �
Football Den
📌 Full News Summary
As the Premier League build-up intensifies for the Liverpool vs. West Ham clash at Anfield, West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has caused a stir with a bold tactical revelation ahead of the game. �
Football Den
In a statement described as a “bombshell admission,” Nuno said he has instructed his team to assign three defenders to shadow a single Liverpool player throughout the match – from the moment players leave the tunnel until the final whistle – because, in his words, “he’s the only one left who scares me.” �
Football Den
Although Nuno didn’t name the player directly in that quote, insiders believe the tactic is specifically aimed at Mo Salah, who remains Liverpool’s greatest attacking threat despite other star signings. �
Football Den
The comments have reportedly shocked Liverpool’s board, who were surprised by the level of focus on a single player and the implied dismissal of other quality members of the squad. �
Football Den
Key tactical elements highlighted in the article include: �
Football Den
A rotating “triangle” of defenders tasked with marking Liverpool’s key threat at all times. �
Football Den
Speculation this could be Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, and a screening midfielder forming the shadowing group. �
Football Den
Reaction from Liverpool coach Arne Slot, who said that if West Ham wants to commit three players to one star, “that means two of our other players are completely free.” �
Football Den
The piece frames the tactic as either psychological warfare or a risky gambit, given West Ham’s position in the relegation battle and Liverpool’s fight for top-four status. �
Football Den
If you want, I can find more detailed reactions from Liverpool players and fans to this tactic or a brief tactical analysis of how three-man marking might work in a Premier League match.