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.”
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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.
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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).
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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.
From Doubt to Dominance
Captaincy Talk Already?
A Star Rising at Anfield
