JAMIE CARRAGHER’S CANDID VERDICT ON WHY LIVERPOOL’S TITLE DEFENCE LOOKS FRAGILE
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool "can't win the league" with their current defence after a 2-1 loss to Man United. The Reds have conceded 2+ goals in three straight league games.
Virgil van Dijk during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Anfield((Carl Recine/Getty Images))
To further inflict additional suffering on the defending English champions, Harry Maguire leapt to the top and headed home a cross from Bruno Fernandes.
Despite creating several opportunities at Anfield, Carragher believes his old team is not at the top of their defensive game and has warned that it might cost them. Liverpool has now given up at least two goals in each of their previous three league games.
"Listen, they will start coming in in two games, but when you say Liverpool's stats were a lot better than Manchester United's, they were always going to be before the game," he stated on Sky Sports.
It should not be a question of "well, we were unlucky, look at how many opportunities we had, our xG was bigger, or we had more touches in the box," because Liverpool is a far superior team to Manchester United.
Liverpool is a far superior team to Manchester United, so you would anticipate that.
Therefore, it was always going to be that way if Manchester United were to visit Anfield and win. A little bit of luck here and there, perhaps a late goal.
"But in the first half, Manchester United had opportunities.
"Until they improve their defensive performance, Liverpool will not be able to win the league."
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.