Where to begin? That sentence, perhaps, sums up the malaise at Liverpool this season, the catastrophic failure that has tainted not just the form of Arne Slot’s side but the culture and the club-fanbase connection too.

The overwhelming frustration that the supporters have felt since this abject run of results started is clearly shared by the players, with Mohamed Salah’s audacious outburst after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United leading to an overspill that has threatened to engulf the club.

Slot is walking a tightrope, now, but the plain truth is that FSG are right to givew the head coach their overwhelming support. Backing a player, even Salah, over the boss is something the ownership simply cannot do, even with Slot pitted against a peerless hero, even against Salah.

This is a mess of a situation, so far removed from the culture and stability that has left rivals so envious over the past decade, Jurgen Klopp starting the fire.

Salah’s calculated gambit will prove the end for one of Liverpool’s leading parties, to be sure.

Liverpool already looking at big-money Salah replacement

Slot and Salah’s long-term futures at Anfield are now mutually exclusive, with the Egyptian King’s incendiary comments after being benched for three successive games confirming a breakdown in the relationship between the two.

The Premier League champions have been sent in a tailspin, and Salah’s divorce from Slot’s plans stands as a symbol of the staggering collapse.

But, whichever side of the fence you stand on, there’s no denying that Salah is 33 years old and has been well below expectations this season, just five goals and three assists to show for his campaign, 19 matches in.

That’s why Spanish sources suggest plans to sign Desire Doue from Paris Saint-Germain have been ramped up, with FSG ready to launch a British-record €150m (£131m) bid in 2026.

Doue, 20, was crowned the European Golden Boy after his incredible breakout campaign in Paris, now established as one of the most talented wide attackers in the world.

He is not as polished as Salah in his prime, but this would be the perfect signing to replace the £400k-per-week superstar on Merseyside, should push come to shove.

Why Doue would be a Salah upgrade

Doue is quite the talent, unique in his dynamic and versatile wing play. He is a talented technician, but he also wears his qualities with such personality and gusto, splitting defences open with fleet footwork and calculated passing.

He was hailed as a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his “incredible performance” against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year, a fine indication of his ability to showcase his skills on the grandest of stages.

Moreover, the France international is able to balance his output; not shy to shoot, he is a fierce playmaker, and this is why he could prove such a perfect upgrade on the ageing Salah.

Doue has yet to get going in Ligue 1 this season, but Sofascore data presents an average of 5.1 duels and 1.5 tackles in the league last year, underlaying a return of 16 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, and plenty of flashy dribbling besides.

Salah’s deterioration this season has been well documented, but he was in contention for the Ballon d’Or last year, and when looking at how he compares to Doue over the past year, you begin to see why this French up-and-comer is so highly touted.

Mo Salah vs Desire Doue (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Salah

Doue

Goals scored

0.52

0.55

Assists

0.30

0.35

Shots taken

3.07

2.90

Shot-creating actions

4.09

5.13

Touches (att pen)

8.72

6.27

Pass completion (%)

70.2

82.0

Progressive passes

4.06

6.19

Progressive carries

4.11

5.02

Successful take-ons

1.34

2.66

Ball recoveries

2.70

4.82

Tackles + interceptions

0.70

3.64

Data via FBref

Doue is a combative player, and the energy and mobility he would add to Liverpool’s right flank would help steer Anfield back into calmer waters, flowing toward the attacking successes and fluency of last year.

It is clear that some measure of change is needed, and while FSG will fight tooth and nail to retain Salah’s services for now, Doue would mark a significant upgrade, nailing down the right-sided wing for many years to come.

Salah is a one-of-a-kind sort of winger, and Liverpool would likely fall by the wayside if signing someone mimicking his style. Doue is his own player, and his creative emphasis would help service the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the centre.

In this way, he would prove an upgrade on a legend whose Liverpool career sadly seems to be winding down.

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Chelsea’s opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday should have been disallowed under IFAB Law 11.

Arsenal unable to take all three points against ten-man Chelsea

With Moises Caicedo being shown a straight red card after fouling Mikel Merino in the first half, the Gunners would’ve been expecting to pick up what could be a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, but the hosts refused to lie down.

In fact, Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side just after half-time, although the north Londoners were ultimately able to come away with a point, as Mikel Merino was able to level things up just over ten minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Maresca made it clear he had no problem with Caicedo being given his marching orders, although he did question why Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur was not sent off for a similar challenge last month.

However, Mikel Arteta may have complaints of his own, with VAR being accused of going “completely blind” and missing Enzo Fernandez in an offside position during Chalobah’s opening goal.

IFAB’s Law 11 describes offside offences, and Fernandez’s position battling against Cristhian Mosquera certainly meets the criteria for ‘interfering with an opponent’.

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:

interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or interfering with an opponent by: preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball or clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

However, the goal stood and Maresca’s side managed to hold out for a draw, despite having ten men for most of the game, so Arteta arguably has a right to feel aggrieved the Gunners were unable to extend their lead at the top.

Arsenal should have taken three points regardless

Although there is a case to be made that Chalobah’s goal should’ve been ruled out, Arsenal will be kicking themselves, given that Caicedo’s early red card presented them with a golden opportunity to pick up a victory.

Arteta concurs that it was two points dropped, saying after the game: “I think overall it’s been a really positive week because the difficulty was immense.

“But I have this flavour that today we should have and we could have won the game and we haven’t. That’s a learning point from it.”

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ByMatt Dawson Dec 1, 2025

That said, the north Londoners shouldn’t be too disheartened, as getting a point at Stamford Bridge is still a good result, and they have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table, currently sitting five points clear of Man City.

Dominik Szoboszlai was at a loss to explain Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United, saying he cannot “understand” how his side managed to twice throw away the lead to drop more points in the Premier League. Arguably the Reds’ best player in what has been a torrid season so far, the midfielder thought he netted the winner at Elland Road before the hosts equalised once again in stoppage time.

• Liverpool were in cruise control before Konate conceded penalty

  Looking to bounce back from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with high-flying Sunderland, striker Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the second half against Leeds. Handed a start ahead of fellow forward Alexander Isak, the France international netted his first league goals since bagging in September’s 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby.

  However, with Liverpool cruising in Yorkshire, defender Ibrahima Konate gave Leeds a route back into the game from the penalty spot when he brought down winger Wilfried Gnonto inside the area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin successfully converted the spot-kick before Daniel Farke’s Leeds found an equaliser just two minutes later when midfielder Anton Stach sent the home supporters into raptures.

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  Szoboszlai has been rare shining light in difficult season for Reds

  In a season which has seen several Liverpool players struggle to replicate their form from the 2024-25 title-winning campaign, one man who has led from the front has been midfielder Szoboszlai. Whether operating as a makeshift right-back or as a midfielder, the Hungary international has performed regardless of his position on the pitch in 2025-26.

  And the former RB Leipzig ace thought he had scored the all-important winner for Liverpool when he raced into the box before coolly slotting the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri after 80 minutes.

  But in a final twist in what was a breathless affair, Leeds scored a last-gasp equaliser through man-of-the-moment Ao Tanaka, who also found the back of the net in his side’s impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek.

• Hungary ace unable to explain how Liverpool conceded momentum

  Understandably devastated after watching his side drop more precious points, Szoboszlai was unable to put his finger on why Liverpool conceded momentum in a game they were in complete control of.

  Speaking to after the final whistle, he said: “I don't know what happened after 2-0. I think we thought the game was over and we just made sure at the beginning of the game that this is the kind of game where you can never underestimate the team. Maybe after the penalty they [Leeds] just had the momentum. We came back which showed a good reaction but we conceded again from a set-piece which is not the nicest way.

  “I don't know [if there is a confidence issue], maybe you're right but after 2-2 we showed a great reaction and showed our mentality. We knew we made a mistake by letting them come back to 2-2 but I have nothing to say about the result."

  When asked what was said in the Liverpool dressing room after the game, Szoboszlai added: “What is in the dressing room stays in the dressing room, it is not for the public. We have to manage it, we have to find solutions.

  “I can always come up with the opportunity on Tuesday or on the weekend again but there are also times where you have to look at yourself. You have to go home and think if you did everything what was possible and if the answer is yes then we just keep going and the momentum will come.”

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  Slot's Liverpool aiming to bounce back against in-form Inter Milan

  Liverpool will look to bounce back when they lock horns with Italian giants Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Arne Slot’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table, they are currently 13th in the Champions League standings.

  Inter, meanwhile, should provide a difficult test for the Merseysiders. Cristian Chivu’s side are fourth in the Champions League table, having won four of their five fixtures. They are also top of Serie A after winning 10 of their 14 league games this term.

Zimbabwe’s collapse from a rollicking 91 for 1 left them with a below-par total

Andrew Fidel Fernando18-Nov-2025Zimbabwe lost seven wickets for 37 runs to slip to 147 for 8, when a total greater than 180 had been on the cards. Still, they pushed Pakistan’s chase into the final over, their seamers striking three times in the powerplay to slow Pakistan’s advance, before also squeezing the hosts in the middle overs.Pakistan’s Nos. 5, 6, and 7, however, dug them out of the hole. Playing his comeback T20I innings, Fakhar Zaman hit 44 off 32, putting on a 61-run partnership with Usman Khan. Usman was then joined by Mohammad Nawaz, who had earlier been the best of Pakistan’s bowlers. The required rate had become something of a challenge at this stage, but Nawaz’s 20 off 12 balls ensured victory was ultimately comfortable.Had Brian Bennett held a straight-forward chance off Nawaz on the midwicket boundary, with 15 needed off 10, Zimbabwe could have mounted a sterner challenge at the business end. In the end, Nawaz struck the winning boundary with four balls to spare.Zimbabwe veteran Graeme Cremer, playing his first T20I in over seven years and after 122 matches – the latter, a record – conceded 27 runs in three overs for one wicket.Nawaz triggers Zimbabwe’s tailspinAfter seven overs, Zimbabwe were running the show. The openers had hit 11 fours and a six between them. The run rate was in touching distance of 10. And the first two overs of spin had conceded 26 runs. But Nawaz, bowling quicker and more accurately than the legspinners, made the breakthrough that soon brought a flood of wickets when he had Tadiwanashe Marumani caught at deep square leg, though that first wicket came off a full toss. Later, he would also have Ryan Burl holing out.It was Nawaz’ economy, though, that set him apart. He conceded only 22 form his four overs, and had by far the lowest economy rate (5.50) of any bowler to bowl four overs in the game. With the bat, he was fortunate to be reprieved on nine, but struck a six and two fours to ensure Pakistan didn’t flounder at the finish.The Zimbabwe collapseThe period in which Zimbabwe crashed hardest was through the middle of their innings, when they slipped from 91 for 1 in the 11th over, to 128 for 8 in the 19th. Pakistan’s spinners bossed this period, with Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed also picking up key wickets. Although there was not much turn off the surface, the legspinners frequently beat batters in the flight, and created pressure through dot balls. It is this pressure that also caused two Zimbabwe run-outs.In the eight-over stretch between the 11th and 19th overs, Pakistan conceded only 30. It took an unbeaten 34 from Sikandar Raza 34 off 24 balls to avert complete disaster.Zimbabwe seamers boss the powerplayEarly wickets are crucial when defending a modest score, and that’s exactly what Zimbabwe got, when Brad Evans removed both Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam in the fifth over, before Tinotenda Maposa trapped Salman Agha in the sixth over. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 31 for 3.They would struggle through the next four overs too, and when Ayub was dismissed by Cremer’s legspin in the 10th over, the required-rate was up to nine, and Zimbabwe looked like defending their total. But a sensible stand between Zaman and Usman gave the Pakistan chase some substance and Nawaz finished the job.

The India keeper-batter has learned to modulate her batting by playing at different positions in the order, and her style is maturing

S Sudarshanan26-Sep-2025″?”Richa Ghosh laughs at the end of our phone call. From the time she entered the sport as a teenager, her hair has been short. But over the past year or so, she has grown it long and so she asks in jest, if it looks all right. Her go-to attire used to generally be jeans with a shirt or T-shirt, but now she is experimenting with different clothing styles, and she feels long hair goes well with most.It’s not just her hair that has undergone a transformation. She has also made numerous tweaks to her batting style to suit India’s needs and to grow into a reliable finisher. Her initiation into the sport was as a top-order batter who could keep wicket. For Bengal, she largely played in the middle and lower-middle orders as a 16-year-old, even chipping in with seam bowling because the side had more established wicketkeepers. When she made her India debut, it was again in the middle order, but with an increased focus on wicketkeeping.After Amol Muzumdar took charge as India’s head coach in December 2023, he experimented with Ghosh as a top-order batter in ODIs – she batted four times at No. 3 and opened the innings twice. However, heading into the 2025 ODI World Cup at home, India have decided they are better off having her bat at No. 6, as a finisher.”When I was small, I used to love hitting sixes,” she says. “But it was not as if I did not know to bat in any other way.” Batting in the middle order for India made her realise she could play the finisher’s role and also the hitter’s.Related

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In only 43 ODIs, Ghosh is already India’s third-highest six-hitter, with 24; only Smriti Mandhana (65) and Harmanpreet Kaur (54) have more, but they have played 108 and 152 matches respectively. Since Ghosh’s ODI debut in September 2021, only Mandhana (37), Chamari Athapaththu (34) and Chloe Tryon (26) have hit more sixes. In her sixth ODI, Ghosh scored India’s fastest fifty in the format, off 26 balls. Her game, though, is not just about hitting sixes.”When I started playing ODIs, it was a lot different. I was getting out [looking] to play big shots, so I started thinking of what I needed to do. If I wanted to make my team win by taking the game till the end, only sixes won’t help; I had to play grounded strokes as well as rotate the strike.”I started having conversations with Amol sir and my coaches in Bengal. I worked hard on playing spinners and tackling pacers. And playing Test cricket helped me change my technique. That helped me pace my ODI batting better.”The WPL has given Ghosh the perfect platform to hone her finishing skills. In the opening game of WPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were chasing 202 against Gujarat Giants and Ghosh walked in when they needed more than half those runs off 54 balls. Ellyse Perry was out soon after, but Ghosh went on to score 64 not out off 27 balls, which included a stunning 23-run over assault on Ashleigh Gardner, to complete the WPL’s highest successful chase.Ghosh’s 64 not out off 27 balls in RCB’s record chase in the 2025 WPL contained seven fours and four sixes•BCCIOnly Shafali Verma, with a strike rate of 162.59 makes her runs quicker than Ghosh, who goes at 150.96 in the WPL, among those who have scored at least 600 runs. While Verma has played in the top order, Ghosh has never batted above No. 4 in the competition.What is Ghosh’s secret sauce for batting under pressure?”You need to know what the bowler is bowling, or what she can bowl, firstly. If you don’t know what that bowler wants to do even after looking at the field set, you will panic about playing a shot.”You have to keep two options ready. If she bowls [a particular] delivery: which shot is open for me? I look at the ball and hit, [simple as that]. I don’t think too much. These things happen in the back of my mind, but my mantra is: see the ball and play it. Just watch every ball and face it.”Two key aspects of her personality help her thrive under pressure.”I am a quiet person, but I don’t know if I am calm on the ground. Sometimes the match situation does affect you, but I try and not let it affect me a lot, and stay calm. Aggression is also my plus point – it is not that only calmness is my plus point. If a wicketkeeper or a fielder is constantly in my ears, I enjoy it. In fact, when they keep sledging, I enjoy it more, because it is irritating them. Nothing happens to me. It is not that I don’t talk back – I do. But I enjoy both, silence as well as aggression.”Ghosh celebrates with the 2023 Under-19 World Cup trophy•Matthew Lewis/ICC/Getty ImagesGhosh is already a World Cup winner with India’s Under-19 side but now she wants the “asli wala” [real deal].”The feeling of winning a senior World Cup will be different. I have seen Australia lifting the trophy so many times, New Zealand won it last year in T20. I want to have the feeling of lifting this World Cup. It feels bigger and special because we are playing at home.”When we won the U-19 World Cup, it was like we brought something for India. When you play for your country and win a trophy, it is a special feeling. All fans follow the game and want us to win, and when that happens, it is a festive feeling – [but] very different from Diwali or anything. It is like doing something for others’ happiness.”India have rarely had a dynamic wicketkeeper who bats in the middle order. That is why Ghosh’s role is unlike any in Indian women’s cricket. For India to win their first senior World Cup, a lot hinges on not only how Mandhana and Harmanpreet perform – as the three-match series against Australia earlier this month showed – but also on how Ghosh, who will be 22 by the time the tournament gets underway, does with bat and gloves.