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Liverpool have taken an embarrassing 4-1 defeat in their Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon and Jurgen Klopp will surely be extremely frustrated with the performance that his team put on in the second half of the game.

The Reds squandered their opportunity to put pressure on their competitors for the final Champions League spot inside the top four and could go ten points adrift of fourth if Tottenham Hotspur can beat Everton at Goodison Park on Monday evening.

Despite Mohamed Salah scoring the opener in the 17th minute, Liverpool failed to dominate possession (31%), had fewer shots on goal (4 v 17), fewer big chances created (0 v 4) and far fewer accurate passes completed (276 v 687).

Indeed, in the first half both teams looked comfortable and capable of taking something from the game, however, defending their early lead was too challenging to succeed with Julian Alvarez finding the back of the net to secure an equaliser just 10 minutes later.

Liverpool's well-known struggles were quickly laid bare in the second half with the side looking completely uninspired and despite many players having two weeks off during the international break looked exhausted, which Man City took full advantage of to net another three before the final whistle.

One player who had a rare nightmare in Manchester this afternoon was left-back Andrew Robertson, who despite usually being clinical in his position was severely punished for his lapses in judgement and concentration by his opponents.

How did Andy Robertson get on vs Manchester City?

The Scotland captain had an outstanding international break, recording two assists for his national team – one against Cyprus and then again against Spain – which makes Robertson's performance against Man City even more frustrating.

Over his 70-minute performance, the £100k-per-week gem – dubbed "poor" today by journalist James Nalton – completed just 15 accurate passes, lost possession 13 times and was dribbled past twice, as well as losing four duels and failed in 100% of his cross attempts, before being replaced by Kostas Tsimikas.

Not only that, the Liverpool left-back was the worst-rated player on the entire pitch – as per SofaScore – proving further that it will be a display the Scotsman will be desperate to forget.

Robertson's poor effort was just a drop in the ocean compared to the overall performance put on by the entire team this afternoon but will be a huge cause for concern for the Anfield faithful when considering how well he played over the Euro qualifiers.

With that being said, the manager, supporters and team will be hoping Robertson's drop-off against Man City was merely a one-off as a meeting with Chelsea is coming up on Tuesday and a clash with Arsenal follows on Sunday next week.

Arsenal and Edu are reportedly eyeing a shock summer deal involving Folarin Balogun and AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer this summer.

The Lowdown: January target

Arsenal’s interest in Bennacer was first reported back in December, as they were ‘monitoring’ his situation at Milan ‘carefully’ ahead of the January transfer window.

However, fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be in the race for his signature, while Milan themselves want to give him an improved contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

Bennacer has changed agent since though, which could have potentially help force through a move away from the San Siro.

The Latest: Shock swap deal?

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercatoweb, the Gunners are continuing to monitor Bennacer ‘very closely’, with Mikel Arteta ‘appreciating his qualities’.

They are willing to include Balogun as part of a swap deal to bring the former Arsenal youngster in, as Milan could look to sign an attacker given the ‘uncertain future’ of winger Rafael Leao.

The Verdict: Could be interesting…

While Balogun is doing so well on loan at Reims, as he scored his 17th goal in Ligue 1 over the weekend and now has 18 goals and two assists in total across competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), he may still struggle to cement a regular place at the Emirates Stadium once he returns.

With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already in the squad, the striker may struggle for regular game time, and so the North London club could look to cash in on him this summer.

Meanwhile, they want to sign a new central midfielder in the next window, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo continuing to be strongly linked.

Bennacer could be an alternative option, and Arsenal could already hold an advantage given that he has played for the club before.

Indeed, the Algeria international played 32 times for them at youth level, and made one senior appearance in the League Cup back in the 2015/16 campaign (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an ‘absolutely unbelievable‘ player by journalist Sam Tighe, the 25-year-old has really matured since then, and is now playing for one of the top clubs in Europe.

Thus, with Arsenal’s need for a midfielder, and the fact that Balogun will hold a sizeable market value off the back of this impressive season, this could be an interesting swap deal to explore.

Insider Dean Jones has claimed that Wolves winger Adama Traore will be definitely leaving the club at the end of the season.

What’s the latest on Adama Traore and Wolves?

The future of the Spaniard has been up for some debate now and with his contract set to expire this summer, it doesn’t sound as though there will be a renewal.

In January, the player spoke about his future, seemingly leaving the door open to either staying or leaving. Indeed, he told Sky Sports: “For me, right now, it is important to help the team grow and after we’ll see what will happen.”

And no doubt, he would have been keen to see what life is like under new manager Julen Lopetegui but it seems as though he things haven’t panned out well so far.

Speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones said: “Adama will be done now, I think, at Wolves, to be honest. This is his last season there.

“He’s not really enjoyed – well, in recent times, not enjoyed much at all. I think there was a possibility that under the new manager, he might get a new lease of life.
“It’s not looking likely, and from what I’m told, Traore’s going to be going at the end of the season.”

Is it time for Traore to leave Wolves?

Traore has played regularly in the Premier League this season with 20 appearances but has failed to nail down a starting role, featuring in the first XI on just eight occasions.

He did start in the club’s most recent game but failed to do enough to help Wolves pick up any points as they lost 1-0 at home to fellow relegation rivals Bournemouth. Though, not for the want of trying, as he was named “Wolves’ best player” in the BirminghamLive player ratings but still couldn’t deliver a telling blow.

And in general, he has never been able to produce enough end-product despite his raw talent. For example, across his last three league campaigns he has scored a total of just four goals. And in his whole career, he has just nine goals for 180 top-flight outings in England.

And so, when we reach the summer, it certainly won’t be a shock to see Traore leave without extending his contract.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Long-standing admiration

Mikel Arteta has been a long-term admirer of the Danish international having first been credited with an interest in him back in September 2022.

The Gunners target previously admitted that he was ‘insanely happy’ to have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, hinting that something could well develop in the future.

The Bundesliga star’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2026, but that hasn’t stopped Edu from plotting an approach this summer.

The Latest: Arsenal eyeing Lindstrom

According to German outlet Sport1 (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are ‘very interested’ in striking a deal for Lindstrom at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The N7 outfit are seen as a ‘firm suitor’ for the 22-year-old who is ‘thinking of leaving’ Eintracht and is ‘open’ to a move to England.

Given he doesn’t have a release clause, the hierarchy will have to ‘dig deep in their pockets’ to prise him away for a fee between €30-35m (£26-31m).

The Verdict: Massive coup

Lindstrom has been labelled the ‘Danish Bruno Fernandes’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and it would be a massive coup should Arsenal be able to secure his services this summer.

The Taastrup native posted 11 goal contributions in 19 league appearances before Eintracht’s match at home to Werder Bremen today – highlighting how he would provide plenty of versatility with an ability to operate out wide on both flanks as well as in the midfield (Transfermarkt).

The Adidas-sponsored ace also whipped 35 crosses into the box before Bremen and is strong at set pieces having taken in and around 20 corners this term, as per FBRef, making him the complete player.

The Gunners are having a hugely successful campaign but fresh faces are always needed to allow the squad to evolve and Lindstrom would be the perfect signing to put pen to paper in the capital.

Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici has raved over ‘explosive’ right-wing-back talent and new signing Pedro Porro.

The Lowdown: Spurs sign Spaniard…

Spurs finally completed the 23-year-old’s signing from Sporting CP on a £5 million loan which will become a £39m obligation to buy in summer.

This came after long and drawn out negotiations between the Premier League top four chasers and Sporting with reports suggesting that talks were happening over weeks leading up to deadline day.

The defender’s arrival signals an end to manager Antonio Conte’s search for an Emerson Royal alternative on the right side and one much more attack-minded.

The Latest: Paratici raves over ‘explosive’ Porro…

Porro has been subject to praise from Paratici, who admitted to Tottenham’s official website that the club now had an ‘explosive’ talent in their ranks.

The Italian claimed:

“He has a lot of quality, he is explosive so we are very, very happy and excited to sign him. We were following him even in the last summer but we couldn’t buy him so we followed and then were lucky that he played against us so we could see him.”

The Verdict: Huge for Spurs…

The signing of Porro comes as a major move by Spurs and one even described as a ‘big statement’ both on and off the pitch by esteemed journalists.

Man City’s ex-starlet couldn’t get a look-in under Pep Guardiola with the presence of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at the time but his time at Sporting showcases a very exciting option.

As per WhoScored, he ranked in the Portuguese side’s top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 in the final third – highlighting his real attacking prowess.

Porro also racked up a very impressive six assists over the first half of Sporting’s league campaign – more than anyone in their squad, and that would undoubtedly have been a big pull for Conte.

Now, Spurs can utilise that real threat in their push for a second-successive top four finish.

Arsenal want to sign FC Barcelona winger Raphinha at all costs, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The Lowdown: Missing out on Mudryk

The Gunners and Mikel Arteta appear to be keen on adding to their attacking ranks this month with a move for a wide forward.

Mykhailo Mudryk seemed to be the club’s top January target, however, London rivals Chelsea came in and secured a €100m deal for the 22-year-old.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar appears to have a list of alternative targets, though, with speculation emerging on Raphinha and Bayer Levrkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

The Latest: Raphinha news

Spanish outlet Sport shared a story on Wednesday regarding Arsenal and Raphinha, claiming that the club insist on signing the Brazilian this month.

The report adds that contact has already been made with the player’s representatives, however, Raphinha, who is sponsored by Adidas, is not clear about leaving the Nou Camp as he wants to fight for a position in Xavi Hernandez’s side.

The Verdict: Things can change…

Although a transfer looks unlikely at this stage due to the player’s stance on remaining in Spain, it could still be one to keep an eye on in the final weeks of the window.

Arsenal learned first-hand how a transfer can turn on its head with their pursuit of Mudryk, and reports last month stated that Barcelona are considering selling the winger.

Therefore, if the Spanish giants no longer want the 26-year-old, hailed as a ‘magician’ by former Leeds team-mate Dan James, then perhaps a move to the Emirates could materialise.

He proved himself in the Premier League with Leeds last season, contributing to 14 goals in 35 games, so he could be a smart addition in 2023, if the club can persuade the winger over a potential move.

Aston Villa are ‘getting closer’ to completing the signing of Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, according to a key update from reliable journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: Moreno on Villa’s radar

Villa have been linked with a number of names to improve the squad, including Vedat Muriqi and Weston McKennie, but Moreno is one of those who seems to be a genuine target.

Recent reports have suggested that the 29-year-old could easily become a Villa player in the January transfer window, coming in as competition for Lucas Digne.

Now, a fresh update suggests that the transfer is closer than ever.

The Latest: Move edging closer

Writing on Twitter, The Telegraph‘s Percy revealed that Villa’s pursuit of Moreno has gathered further momentum:

“#avfc to continue talks with Real Betis over £12m deal for left-back Alex Moreno. Getting closer. Unai Emery also targeting a new winger as a priority this month.”

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The Verdict: Shrewd piece of business

This is exactly the type of signing Villa need to make this month – someone with proven experience at a high level and who can enhance Emery’s squad depth.

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Moreno has averaged 2.1 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game in La Liga this season, as well as registering three assists.

It now feels as though it is a matter of time until the Spaniard is a Villa player, in what is hopefully just one of several signings made in the coming weeks.

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a January transfer for Stade Rennais’ Martin Terrier, who is considered to be one of Ligue 1’s most prolific forwards. 

United are making progress under Erik ten Hag, albeit not the finished article, and there is an overarching feeling within the club that a continuation of newfound cohesion and a further calculated signing could lift the club to the upper echelon of European outfits.

There is still work to be done, and the rancorous exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, terminating his contract after an impassioned interview with Piers Morgan, has left a hole in the offensive third.

And now, according to Media Foot, Ten Hag has been in contact with the player’s representatives, with the club delving into the possibility of striking a reported £34m deal.

He’s “a-la Thierry Henry”

The Red Devils, after finishing sixth in the Premier League last term, have made a promising start to life under their Dutch manager and sit in fifth place after 15 matches, just one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and with a game in hand.

A talisman would certainly go a long way, and while the Theatre of Dreams is host to offensive prowess aplenty, there is something missing, something that could boost the ascension back to a place at the very front of the pack.

Terrier has been in fine form this season, scoring 11 goals and serving four assists from just 20 appearances, including three in six in the Europa League.

And last year in Ligue 1, the 25-year-old’s 21 strikes were bettered only by Wissam Ben Yedder and the imperious Kylian Mbappe. 

There is a clear indication that the gem would arrive at Old Trafford with an abundance of goals in tow, slotting into the fold without seam. 

With his dynamism allowing him to flourish both as a central striker and as an inside forward, cutting in from the left flank, Terrier bears eye-catching semblance to one Thierry Henry, whose 228 goals and 103 in 376 appearances for Arsenal sit in tandem with two Premier League trophies and three FA Cup’s – left his iconic status etched perpetually into English footballing lore.

Illustrating the similarity between the two players, European football writer Tim Williams once said this:  

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

United’s prolonged intrigue in the player also bodes well for the prospect of an eventual bid, with 90min reporting in early November that the outfit had sent scouts to observe his match performance.

Time will tell whether a move comes to fruition, but with such sustained stellar showings, Terrier would certainly be a boost to an ambitious United side’s exploits.

Therefore, Old Trafford chief John Murtough must look to sign the Frenchman when the transfer window reopens for business on January 1st.

Wolves have been linked with Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna recently and Julen Lopetegui should bring him to Molineux after an impressive World Cup display.

According to Spanish news outlet Vamos mi Sevilla, Wolves are keen on signing the versatile defender in next month’s transfer window but could face competition from a number. of clubs across Europe.

The report claims that the La Liga side wants just €12m (£10m) for the Argentina international in January, after informing the 31-year-old that his services are no longer required.

Loptegui is certainly a big fan of the former Sporting Lisbon man, as he played him on 84 occasions during his time in charge of Los Hispalenses, in which time he contributed two goals and eight assists.

Wolves have rotated between Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno at left-back for much of this season, so Acuna could add some much-needed experience at the back, as the Old Gold look to stave off relegation to the Championship.

If Acuna’s performance in Argentina’s penalty shootout win over the Netherlands on Friday night is anything to go by, then he would certainly be an excellent addition to Lopetegui’s squad.

As per SofaScore, the defender would earn an impressive 7.3/10 rating for his display, with only Lionel Messi and Wout Weghorst ranked higher.

During his time on the pitch, the Sevilla star would contribute three tackles, one interception and nine successful ground duels, as he epitomised Argentina’s battling performance in what was a fiercely contested tie against the Netherlands.

Acuna also looked going forwards, as he completed both of his dribble attempts during the game and won the penalty for Argentina’s second goal of the game after some good skill in the box to deceive Denzel Dumfries.

It is telling that both of the Netherlands’ goals came after Acuna was replaced on 78 minutes, as they clearly missed his experience and presence on the pitch to see the game out.

Therefore, after such a “huge” display on the biggest stage – in the words of journalist Ignacio Raposo –  Wolves should definitely look to bring Acuna to Molineux in January.

Indeed, performances like his one on Friday night could prove crucial in keeping the Old Gold in the Premier League.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan claims that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had a ‘horrendous’ time with injuries after he was ruled out for Everton this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Another setback

The 25-year-old came off in the 2-0 league defeat at home to Leicester City last weekend with a hamstring problem, which subsequently kept him out of the squad in the 4-1 loss at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Frank Lampard confirmed in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match against the Cherries in the Premier League this afternoon that Calvert-Lewin ‘won’t be involved’, as he not only has a problem with his hamstring but also his shoulder and knee.

His knee injury had kept him out of the start of the season, and after making a comeback in October (Transfermarkt), he appears to have suffered another injury setback.

The Latest: ‘Horrendous’ injury problems

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that Calvert-Lewin has had a ‘horrendous’ time with injuries, describing his latest setback as ‘awful’, and he even suggested that Everton need to bring in another striker as cover in the January transfer window given the England international’s record.

The 47-year-old stated: “He’s had a horrendous time with injuries. There’ll be no one more frustrated than Calvert-Lewin. It’s awful when you’re coming back just to get another injury and another setback.

“But I think Frank and the board have now got to get a quality striker through the door. They’ve brought Maupay in, who can do a job – but he’s not an out-and-out goalscorer.

“Everton need someone who can lead the line, bring others into play – but more importantly, put the ball in the net. Calvert-Lewin can do that when he is fit, but it’s just not happening for him.

“There comes a time, after 15 months of problems, where you need to think about bringing in better cover. It’d be money worth spending, that’s for sure.”

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The Verdict: Yet another setback

This is not the first time that Calvert-Lewin has suffered an injury setback, as he missed a four points in the end.

This term, the Toffees have only managed 11 goals in 14 games in the league, the third fewest in the top flight, which sees them lingering in 16th place in the table (Sky Sports).

Calvert-Lewin is a reliable source for goals in the top tier when fit, as evident by his double-digit hauls in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, but he seems to be really struggling to get a consistent run of games together.

Having already been beaten well by Bournemouth in midweek, Everton have extra psychological pressure to get a result today, which will be harder to achieve in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.

Nonetheless, given his injury record, they should take Whelan’s advice and consider signing another striker in January, with Blackburn Rovers’ Ben Brereton Diaz one such player to be linked with a Goodison Park move.