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).
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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.
Liverpool have confirmed the permanent departure of promising young winger Trent Kone-Doherty, who has moved to Norwegian club Molde FK.
The 19-year-old made just two senior appearances for the Reds, both in domestic cup defeats during 2025: his debut came in an FA Cup loss to Plymouth Argyle last year, followed by a substitute role in this season’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace (per Transfermarkt).
Despite Liverpool offering him a new contract, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international opted for a fresh start in Scandinavia to pursue regular first-team football. The transfer, announced on Liverpool’s official website and subject to international clearance, concludes his nearly four-year stint at Anfield since joining in 2022.
Molde described the move as ideal for the teenager, who reportedly called it “the perfect club for me.” The fee is understood to be around €750,000 (approximately £658,000), with Liverpool securing a buy-back option and sell-on clauses for potential future benefits.
Kone-Doherty’s original contract was set to run out this summer. Timing the switch works well, as Norway’s Eliteserien follows a calendar-year schedule, potentially allowing him to feature in their league opener against Rosenborg in the coming weeks.
Known for his pace—once dubbed a “flying machine” during his time at boyhood club Foyle Harps—he trained with Liverpool’s first team under Jürgen Klopp and earned his senior debut under Arne Slot. This season, he contributed three goals in the UEFA Youth League for the academy side and five assists in Premier League 2, while also impressing for Ireland’s U21s.
Although his full potential at Anfield remains untapped, his choice to seek senior minutes abroad aligns with a growing trend among British and Irish talents. Everyone at Empire of the Kop wishes Trent every success at Molde, hoping he builds a thriving career and proves exactly why Liverpool brought him in back in 2022
David Lynch insists Liverpool are keen on signing Bayern Munich star forward Michael Olise, as they look to prepare for life without Mohamed Salah.Michael Olise has taken his game to the next level since moving to the Bundesliga. Clubs in England have been constantly keeping tabs on him, and quite a few would love to bring him back to the Premier League. According to David Lynch via TEAMtalk, Liverpool are keen on signing the former Crystal Palace star.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhile speaking about Olise’s future on Anfield Index, Lynch said, “I see Olise getting mentioned in the comments as well, and I think I’d keep an eye on that.“That’s an interesting one. Particularly Bayern being interested in Gakpo, you know, potentially maybe something in that, but he will want to come back to the Premier League at some point, and he’s a very, very good player who Liverpool have watched for a long, long time, even pre-Palace.“So, that’ll be an interesting one if he’s on the market.”Olise made quite a name for himself while playing for Crystal Palace. Quite a few top clubs in England were after his signature in the summer of 2024, but Bayern Munich managed to win the race with a €60 million (then £50m) offer.Liverpool want Michael Olise to replace SalahThe French international has taken his game to the next level since joining the German giants. In the ongoing campaign, the 24-year-old has 13 goals and 25 assists in 35 outings. Liverpool are one of the clubs that have been keeping tabs on him, and would love to bring him back.The Reds have had him on their radar for years now, and with Mohamed Salah’s long-term future uncertain, they are looking at Olise as an ideal long-term replacement. While they would love to have him on their roster, prising him away from Bayern Munich won’t be easy.More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal leading the race for 19-G/A Liverpool and Man United target17 hours agoManchester United and Newcastle keen on “top class” €70 million star18 hours agoArne Slot gestures during Liverpool vs BrightonLiverpool want €60 million “clutch” star to revitalise their attack18 hours agoThe Reds will have to break the bank for OliseMichael Olise in action for Bayern MunichMichael Olise in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)The German club has no intentions of negotiating his departure, and with his contract running until 2029, they are in complete control of his future. A potential transfer could cost in excess of €114 million (£100m).Despite the difficulty in securing his services, Lynch believes the 24-year-old firmly remains on FSG’s radar. More importantly, he feels the player would want to return to the Premier League at some point in his career. As things stand, however, a move this summer looks very unlikely.FacebookWhatsAppTwitterRedditEmailShareMore Stories Michael OliseLive CommentsWelcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automaticallyAdd a CommentLeave a ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment *
It’s well known that Liverpool F.C., two-time Premier League champions, are steeped in history and tradition. A key part of the club’s identity is nurturing second-generation talent, with the red half of Merseyside continuing to place faith in footballing bloodlines year after year.
Jayden Danns, son of Neil Danns, and Lewis Koumas, son of Jason Koumas, are shining examples within the academy setup — even with the latter currently out on loan. Both have already taken their first steps into senior football, and the next name potentially in line is Prince Kobe Cisse.
The 17-year-old is the son of former Reds striker Djibril Cissé, who made 79 appearances for Liverpool between 2004 and 2007. Prince possesses all the attributes required to forge a professional career, and the responsibility now lies with the club to guide his development toward stardom. While it’s still early days, the early signs are promising.
Djibril, fondly remembered for his contribution to Liverpool’s dramatic 2005 Champions League triumph over AC Milan — famously known as the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final — overcame a horrific leg break to feature in that unforgettable night. Now 44, he works as a forward coach at AJ Auxerre in France while also playing an active role in his son’s football journey, particularly following Prince’s recent positional switch.
Prince Cisse Making His Mark at Liverpool
During the 2024/25 season — when Liverpool’s senior side clinched a record-equalling 20th league title under Arne Slot in his debut campaign — Prince also experienced an important chapter in his young career as he aims to replicate his father’s achievements at Anfield.
Still at the beginning of his journey, Prince turned out for Liverpool’s Under-18s as a first-year scholar under then-coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (now replaced by Simon Wiles). Remarkably, his debut came the evening before his father, an Istanbul hero, featured for Liverpool Legends against Chelsea Legends.
In his first appearance against ISI Academy, the young defender helped secure a 3-1 win — playing above his age level at just 15. Unlike his father, however, Prince has chosen to represent Wales at international level, qualifying through his mother’s heritage. He has already earned two Under-18 caps and appears well placed to climb the ranks with the right support.
According to Liverpool’s official records, Prince has been with the club since he was six. His versatility stands out: once primarily deployed on the wing, he has recently been converted into a central defender. Prior to the 2025/26 campaign, he typically operated as a forward or attacking midfielder in youth football.
Journalist Bence Bosack reports that Prince now anchors the heart of the defence — a significant shift given that Liverpool’s academy coaches rarely make such dramatic positional changes. Aside from Trent Alexander-Arnold, such transitions are uncommon at Anfield. Early performances in his new role suggest the switch could prove inspired.
The move mirrors the pathway of former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher, who also began as a forward before evolving into a defensive leader. Carragher has previously discussed his own positional transformation on The Athletic’s Football Clichés podcast.
Wherever he plays, Prince brings relentless energy. His attacking instincts remain evident, especially when he drives into midfield from defence. That high-intensity style could become a major asset as he continues to mature.
He’s not the only Cisse carving out a career. His older brother Cassius, 19, is currently with Notts County F.C. and has already made first-team appearances. Both brothers are determined to follow their father’s path in professional football.
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Djibril Cisse’s Role in Istanbul Glory
Despite earning 41 caps and nine goals for France, Djibril Cisse struggled to rediscover his best form after suffering two devastating leg breaks during his Liverpool spell — injuries so severe that amputation was once a possibility. Yet he defied the odds to return in time for the Champions League final against Milan.
Introduced late on for Milan Baros with just five minutes remaining in one of the most iconic finals ever played, Cisse kept his composure in the decisive penalty shootout. The “Miracle of Istanbul” remains one of football’s most legendary comebacks, and Cisse’s coolly converted penalty against Dida cemented his place in club folklore.
With platinum hair and nerves of steel, he calmly dispatched his spot-kick, adding to his overall return of 29 goal contributions (24 goals and five assists) for Liverpool. Soon after, however, he moved on — initially joining Olympique Marseille on loan in 2006 before making the transfer permanent the following year, finding life back in France better suited to him.
One Liverpool player has revealed he intends to depart the Merseyside club when his contract expires this summer.
Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson are both just months away from seeing their current deals run out. Meanwhile, first-team squad members Freddie Woodman and Trey Nyoni are also set to leave at the end of the campaign as it stands.
Another name nearing the end of his agreement is Oakley Cannonier — famously the ball boy who swiftly returned the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the iconic corner against FC Barcelona in 2019. Now 21, Cannonier has made it clear he is seeking a new chapter away from Anfield.
Cannonier Confirms Summer Exit
Speaking to The Athletic, the young forward admitted he will not be extending his stay at Liverpool F.C., citing a lack of opportunities caused largely by recurring hamstring injuries and increased competition within the academy ranks.
Reflecting honestly on his situation, he said: “I will leave at the end of the season and am just looking for regular games. At my age, that’s all I want.
“The last 18 months have been really tough with no matches to look forward to. You train all week and then there’s nothing at the end of it. It’s been pretty frustrating.”
Injuries Halted His Progress
After a sensational 2021/22 Under-18 Premier League season — scoring 28 goals in 26 matches and earning a professional contract — Cannonier’s momentum stalled. Since then, he has featured only 22 times as injuries disrupted his development.
He even underwent a trial with Leeds United F.C. last year and was expected to join their under-21 side. However, the move collapsed when the Elland Road club failed to secure a first-team target, forcing Cannonier to return to Liverpool.
Previously, he expressed a desire to be remembered for more than just his involvement in one of Anfield’s most unforgettable goals — the famous comeback on 7 May 2019. Considering he is only a year younger than Florian Wirtz, it’s understandable that he now wants consistent senior football to reignite his career.
With the likes of Jayden Danns moving ahead in the pecking order for first-team opportunities, Cannonier clearly feels a fresh start is necessary to achieve the senior breakthrough that has so far eluded him.
While it’s unfortunate that his potential may not fully materialise at Liverpool, pursuing regular football elsewhere appears to be a sensible step. A new environment could finally allow him to build a reputation defined by his performances on the pitch — rather than a single, unforgettable moment from years ago.
Liverpool is aiming to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga at the end of the season. Reports suggest that the club is willing to offer €100 million to secure him. Real Madrid may struggle to reject such an offer if made. Liverpool seeks to revitalize their midfield by adding players with stamina, intensity, and technical skill.
Camavinga could be a perfect addition, as he can play as a central or defensive midfielder, or even in defense. His versatility makes him a valuable target for the Premier League champions.
His arrival could also benefit Ryan Gravenberch, allowing him to play more freely in a central role rather than as a defensive midfielder.
It will be intriguing to see if Liverpool submits an official offer in the upcoming months, as they need to strengthen their squad to compete for trophies. Acquiring Camavinga could be an excellent move; he has demonstrated his talent in La Liga and internationally, possessing the physicality and technical skills needed for English football. If the transfer happens, he is expected to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Additionally, Real Madrid will need to address various areas of their squad in the summer, and turning down €100 million for Camavinga could prove challenging. The situation’s progression in the coming weeks remains to be seen
In a bold move that could reshape the Premier League landscape, Arsenal have given the green light to a sensational £75million pursuit of Newcastle United’s talismanic winger Anthony Gordon. Sources close to the Emirates Stadium reveal that the Gunners are now leading the charge to secure the England international, outpacing fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester United in what promises to be one of the summer’s most dramatic transfer sagas.
Gordon, the 25-year-old dynamo who has lit up St James’ Park this season, has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s top target to inject fresh dynamism into Arsenal’s attacking lineup. With uncertainties swirling around the futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, the versatile forward represents the perfect solution to Arteta’s ongoing quest for depth and firepower upfront. “This isn’t just a signing; it’s a statement,” a TEAMtalk insider confided. “Arsenal see Gordon as the missing piece to sustain their title challenge.”
Gordon’s Meteoric Rise: From Everton Prodigy to Newcastle Hero
Gordon’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. The former Everton academy graduate has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most electrifying talents since his move to Newcastle. This term alone, he’s notched an eye-watering 14 goals and five assists across 38 appearances in all competitions, showcasing his lethal blend of pace, pressing, and clinical finishing.
His standout performance came earlier this month in the Champions League, where he bagged a stunning four-goal haul against Qarabag – a feat that not only underlined his growing influence on the European stage but also turned heads at the Emirates. Naturally a winger, Gordon’s ability to thrive as a centre-forward adds an extra layer of appeal, offering Arteta tactical flexibility in a squad already brimming with talent.
“Anthony’s directness and goal threat make him one of the most exciting players in the league,” noted TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey in a recent update. With his contract running until 2029, Newcastle hold a strong hand in negotiations, but Arsenal’s determination to “steal a march” on competitors has positioned them as frontrunners.
Arsenal’s Masterplan: Outbidding Rivals and Testing Newcastle’s Resolve
According to exclusive TEAMtalk sources, Arsenal are prepared to table an initial £75million bid, though Newcastle’s hierarchy could push for a figure closer to £95million. The Magpies, currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League, face an uphill battle to secure Champions League football next season – a scenario that might force their hand if a lucrative offer arrives.
Liverpool, who nearly landed Gordon back in 2024, and Manchester United have both made enquiries over the past year, with United potentially willing to stretch to £80million. However, Newcastle are adamant about avoiding a sale to a direct rival, especially Liverpool, describing such a move as something they “will try to avoid.” Gordon himself has dismissed speculation as “a load of rubbish,” though insiders suggest this is more a tactic to quell the noise than a genuine disinterest.
Arteta, a long-term admirer of Gordon’s work ethic and versatility, views the deal as a game-changer. “The Gunners believe Gordon would be open to the move,” our sources indicate. “He’s seen as a key addition to bolster their attacking options, especially if Trossard or Martinelli depart amid interest from abroad.”
Newcastle’s Stance: No Intention to Sell, But Cracks Could Appear
Despite the swirling rumors, Newcastle remain resolute: they have no plans to cash in on their in-form star this summer. Gordon is integral to their ambitions, particularly if they can defy the odds and win the Champions League – their only realistic path back to Europe’s elite competition given their domestic struggles.
Yet, financial pressures and squad dynamics could shift the narrative. Without UCL football, top talents like Gordon might seek new challenges, and a substantial bid from Arsenal could test the club’s resolve. “The coming months and Newcastle’s fate in Europe are likely to be the deciders,” Bailey added.
For now, Gordon’s focus is firmly on St James’ Park, where his contributions continue to dazzle. But with Arsenal accelerating their interest, this “hijack” could soon become reality, finally piecing together Arteta’s attacking puzzle and propelling the Gunners toward sustained glory.
From Doubt to Dominance
Captaincy Talk Already?
A Star Rising at Anfield
