Fewer touches than Raya & only 5 passes: Arteta must drop Arsenal flop

After the weekend defeat in the Premier League, what Arsenal really needed in the Champions League on Wednesday evening was a straightforward victory.

Thankfully for Mikel Arteta’s men, that’s exactly what they got, swatting aside Belgian side Club Brugge 3-0 with relative ease.

The Gunners were at their free-flowing best in the final third, notably scoring two outstanding goals courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

It was a much-changed side as Arteta chose to rotate and many in red and white in midweek staked their claim for more regular opportunities.

Arsenal's standout performers against Club Brugge

This was a fantastic night for Arsenal’s wingers. With Leandro Trossard injured and Bukayo Saka part of the rested crew on the bench, it meant that Martinelli and Madueke started on the left and right flanks respectively.

Both players have struggled with injuries this season but Martinelli, in particular, has made an impact nearly every time he’s played.

The Brazilian scored the away side’s third and final goal on Wednesday, a beauty from the edge of the area.

That happened to be his fifth goal in his last five Champions League ties, the first player in Arsenal history to record such a statistic.

That said, his colleague on the opposite wing was even better. This was his finest day in Arsenal colours yet.

Signed from Chelsea in the summer, every man and his dog seemed to question why on earth Andrea Berta and Co had brought Madueke to the Emirates Stadium. Well, safe to say he’s proved everyone wrong.

The Englishman bagged his first goal for the club against Bayern Munich a few weeks ago and added two more to his tally this week.

His first was a scorcher from distance. The Arsenal winger burst away from his marker, headed towards the box and then unleashed a fierce effort which crashed off the bar and found the net.

By contrast, his second goal was about as simple as they come. Martin Zubimendi’s cross from the left found Madueke who headed home from a matter of yards out.

There were a number of real positives for Arsenal. It was great to see Gabriel Jesus back on the pitch for the first time after suffering an ACL injury back in January.

Emergency centre-half, Christian Norgaard, also stood out at the back, part of a backline that kept a clean sheet.

With Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Jurrien Timber all missing through injury, it meant a rare opportunity for the Dane and he took it with aplomb, even if he was playing out of position.

That being said, it wasn’t the finest of nights for another of Arsenal’s summer signings.

Arsenal's worst performer against Club Brugge

This was an evening for those on the fringes to stake their claim. Madueke, Martinelli and Norgaard all took their chances.

Viktor Gyokeres, on the other hand, did not. The question that was raised after this game was, when do we start to worry about the Swede?

When Berta first arrived in north London, his priority task was to find a new striker and one capable of scoring goals.

Well, it looked as though he’d acquired one of Europe’s finest. This is a player who bagged 54 times in 52 games last term for Sporting CP but he has so far failed to translate that form in English football.

To be fair to him, he has largely been starved of service. Arsenal struggle to create clear-cut opportunities for him to score from and that was the same story against Brugge this week.

Chalkboard

The only chance of note that Gyokeres had came in the first half but it was a half-chance at best, heading the ball straight into the arms of the goalkeeper with a few bodies challenging for the same ball.

Gyokeres did leave the field with three shots to his name but none of them were that noteworthy, which seems to be a familiar trend from his time in north London to date.

That said, the Sweden international does need to be doing more. Even if he has just returned from injury, his 45-minute cameo against Aston Villa at the weekend, combined with his 60-odd minutes on Wednesday, were not good enough.

Gyokeres vs Club Brugge

Minutes played

62

Touches

12

Accurate passes

5/6 (83%)

Key passes

1

Crosses

0

Shots

3

Shots on target

1

Successful dribbles

0

Ground duels won

0/3

Aerial duels won

2/3

Stats via Sofascore.

He had just 12 touches of the ball in Belgium, 25 fewer than goalkeeper David Raya. Furthermore, he also managed just five passes.

There is a sense that Gyokeres has vastly improved his hold-up play and ability to link things together at the top of this Arsenal team since signing from Sporting. However, he was brought to London to score goals and he’s simply not doing that with any regularity right now.

It is only December. We must not completely write off the big-money attacker before he’s had a full season. For now, however, it doesn’t look great.

Arsenal have looked a much better team with Mikel Merino as the number 9 and you’d expect him to start against Wolves in that role on Saturday night ahead of Gyokeres.

Arsenal star was playing like Saka, now he's being treated like Smith Rowe

The incredible Arsenal talent could end up following Smith Rowe’s trajectory instead of Saka’s.

3

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

5 days ago

مواعيد مباريات ريال مدريد في شهر ديسمبر 2025.. تصحيح المسار

يستعد فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، لخوض عدة مباريات في بطولتي الدوري الإسباني ودوري أبطال أوروبا، وذلك خلال شهر ديسمبر لعام 2025.

ويمتلك ريال مدريد 33 نقطة حيث يحتل المركز الثاني في جدول الدوري الإسباني، بفارق نقطة عن برشلونة المتصدر، حيث عانى الملكي من 3 تعادلات متتالية مؤخرًا.

اقرأ أيضًا | مواعيد مباريات برشلونة في شهر ديسمبر 2025.. تعزيز صدارة الليجا

في حين يحتل ريال مدريد المركز الخامس في جدول دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، حيث يمتلك 12 نقطة بعدما خاض 5 مباريات وخسر في واحدة فقط. مواعيد مباريات ريال مدريد في شهر ديسمبر 2025

أتلتيك بلباو وريال مدريد، مباراة مُقدمة من الجولة التاسعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني، يوم الأربعاء 3 ديسمبر 2025، 8 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9 بتوقيت السعودية.

ريال مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو، الجولة الخامسة عشر من الدوري الإسباني، يوم الأحد 7 ديسمبر 2025، 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية.

ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي، الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، يوم الأربعاء 10 ديسمبر 2025، 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية.

ألافيس وريال مدريد، الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإسباني، يوم الأحد 14 ديسمبر 2025، 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية.

ريال مدريد وإشبيلية، الجولة السابعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني، يوم السبت 20 ديسمبر 2025، 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية.

“Unfortunately” – Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury blow after Aston Villa defeat

Arsenal’s title aspirations suffered a crushing blow at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime as Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time strike completed a dramatic 2-1 turnaround for Aston Villa.

The Gunners’ remarkable 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions has now come to an end, with Mikel Arteta’s side sent crashing back down to Earth.

Arsenal dominated possession throughout lengthy spells but ultimately paid the price for failing to convert superiority into goals, succumbing to Unai Emery’s tactical masterclass at a venue where Arsenal ironically boast their best away record in Premier League history.

The defeat allows Man City the opportunity to reduce the gap at the summit to just two points, piling pressure on Arteta’s men as they navigate a mounting defensive injury crisis.

Villa deservedly seized the initiative in the 36th minute when Matty Cash powered home from the back post, meeting a deflected cross with a thunderous half-volley that caught David Raya flat-footed.

Arsenal to "directly contact" £88m forward about joining after talks with his reps

Arteta apparently wants to sign him in January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2025

The right-back’s spectacular finish rewarded Villa’s aggressive pressing and energetic start, with Arsenal struggling to establish their usual rhythm against Emery’s well-drilled side.

Arteta responded decisively at the interval, introducing Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres for the ineffective Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino. The Belgian substitute needed just seven second-half minutes to justify his manager’s faith, pouncing on a loose ball after Emiliano Martínez could only parry Bukayo Saka’s initial effort.

Trossard’s predatory instincts breathed life into Arsenal’s challenge and appeared to shift momentum decisively towards the visitors.

Emiliano Martínez

7.8

Declan Rice

7.7

Matty Cash

7.5

Boubacar Kamara

7.5

Martin Odegaard

7.2

via WhoScored

Arsenal dominated proceedings thereafter, pinning Villa deep inside their own territory while creating numerous opportunities to snatch victory.

Declan Rice orchestrated attacks from deep despite struggling with the calf complaint that nearly ruled him out, while Saka tormented Villa’s left flank repeatedly. Noni Madueke came agonizingly close late on, firing into the side netting when well-positioned at the back post.

However, Emery’s inspired tactical substitution proved decisive.

Buendia’s introduction for Cash in the 85th minute pushed Villa into a more aggressive attacking configuration, with Lamare Bogarde dropping to right-back. The Argentinian playmaker delivered the killer blow deep into stoppage time, reacting quickest to a scramble inside Arsenal’s penalty area and firing home emphatically to send Villa Park into raptures.

The defeat represents a significant setback for Arsenal’s title ambitions, particularly given the circumstances surrounding their performance.

Arteta’s side controlled vast stretches of play, registered more shots and dominated possession statistics, yet left the Midlands empty-handed.

Villa’s victory extends their remarkable home form to just one defeat in their last 25 league matches at Villa Park, underlining the fortress mentality Emery has built there.

The result lifts Villa within three points of Arsenal while maintaining their challenge for Champions League qualification, perhaps even the title itself.

Mikel Arteta confirms Cristhian Mosquera blow after Aston Villa defeat

With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes already sidelined, the loss of Cristhian Mosquera to injury against Brentford forced Jurrien Timber into an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside Piero Hincapie.

Reports have suggested that Mosquera faces several weeks out through injury, and that’s now been confirmed by Arsenal’s manager.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said that the 21-year-old faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Brentford, stating the layoff is ‘much more’ than they initially expected.

The Spanish defender underwent tests on Friday, with initial assessments already suggesting a potential absence of six to eight weeks.

Arteta described Mosquera’s situation as “more complicated” when addressing the media ahead of kickoff, acknowledging the injury represents another substantial blow to Arsenal’s already weakended defence heading into the congested festive schedule.

For the north Londoners, it is yet more bad news after what was a gutting defeat in the Midlands.

Áudio do VAR de polêmica em Vasco x Fluminense é divulgado: 'Não há'

MatériaMais Notícias

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol divulgou, nesta sexta-feira (12), o áudio da análise do VAR no lance envolvendo o goleiro Léo Jardim e o atacante Everaldo durante Vasco x Fluminense, pela ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. A jogada aconteceu no primeiro tempo, fora da área, e terminou com cartão amarelo para o goleiro vascaíno, decisão mantida após revisão da arbitragem de vídeo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoDublador revela ‘briga’ entre Coutinho e Thiago Silva em Vasco x FluminenseFora de Campo12/12/2025FluminenseThiago Silva manda recado para torcida após derrota em Vasco x FluminenseFluminense12/12/2025Fora de CampoRoger Flores manda recado para Raphael Claus após Vasco x FluminenseFora de Campo12/12/2025

➡️ Thiago Silva manda recado para torcida após derrota em Vasco x Fluminense

No entendimento da equipe comandada por Raphael Claus, Everaldo não avançava em direção clara ao gol no momento da falta, além de haver cobertura defensiva próxima. Por isso, o lance não foi enquadrado como impedimento de uma chance clara de gol, hipótese que poderia resultar em expulsão.

— A bola já tinha escapado, há dois jogadores na cobertura e não há direção clara para o gol. Ele perde o controle e os zagueiros têm possibilidade de disputar a jogada — afirmou Daniel Nobre Bins, árbitro de vídeo da partida, no áudio divulgado pela CBF.

continua após a publicidade

O VAR avaliou que a infração foi caracterizada como temerária, justificando apenas a advertência com cartão amarelo. A análise considerou fatores como a direção da jogada, a dificuldade de domínio da bola e a posição dos defensores, critérios previstos na Regra 12 do livro de regras da IFAB.

Apesar das reclamações dos jogadores do Fluminense no momento do lance, a decisão de campo foi mantida. Na sequência da jogada, o Tricolor abriu o placar em cobrança de falta ensaiada, com Kevin Serna finalizando após escorada de Thiago Silva.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco
➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Fluminense

Fluminense x Vasco no domingo (14)

O Vasco, no entanto, reagiu na segunda etapa e virou o confronto com gols de Rayan e Vegetti, fechando o placar em 2 a 1 no Maracanã. As equipes voltam a se enfrentar no próximo domingo (14), às 20h30, novamente no Maracanã, pelo jogo de volta da semifinal.

Uma vitória do Fluminense por um gol leva a decisão para os pênaltis, enquanto triunfo por dois ou mais gols garante vaga direta na final. Empate ou nova vitória do Vasco classificam o Cruz-Maltino.

Tudo sobre

CBFCopa do BrasilFluminenseVasco

Lanning shines again as Melbourne Stars take derby victory

Melbourne Renegades paid for giving the former Australia captain a life in what became a one-sided derby

AAP29-Nov-2025

Meg Lanning dominated for Melbourne Stars•Getty Images

Meg Lanning made Melbourne Renegades pay dearly for a dropped catch, spearheading Stars to a massive WBBL derby win.Lanning carried her bat through Stars’ innings, scoring 73, and was player of the match as they dominated for a 45-run win on Saturday in bleak, late-spring conditions at Junction Oval.Related

Devine upstages Capsey as Scorchers seal victory

Rain, controversial finish rob Thunder of a win

Stars’ first win in four Melbourne derbies gave them top spot, one point ahead of Hobart Hurricanes, who were to host Perth Scorchers on Saturday night. It sets up a pivotal clash on Monday, when Hurricanes host Stars.While Stars posted their fourth-straight win, Renegades were well off the form that took them to last season’s title.Renegades’ fielding in particular let them down, most glaringly when Lanning was on 27 and cut Sarah Coyte to Deandra Dottin at backward point. Dottin grassed the straightforward chance and it proved a pivotal moment in the game.The previous ball, excellent glovework from Nicole Faltum had Amy Jones stumped off Georgia Wareham for 43 to break a dangerous stand of 62 with Lanning.Lanning hit seven fours and a six in her 58-ball knock. Captain Annabel Sutherland whacked two sixes off consecutive balls from Coyte on her way to a quickfire 27.In the same over, Alice Capsey and Naomi Stalenberg collided when chasing a ball and Lanning contributed a third six off the hapless Coyte.Stars’ Georgia Prestwidge caught Renegades’ malaise, dropping an easy chance from Dottin on the first ball of the innings. But fellow opener Courtney Webb spooned the easiest of return catches to Marizanne Kapp soon after and Renegades lost wickets steadily.Sasha Moloney took a scorching catch at backward point to claim the crucial wicket of Wareham for a first-ball duck off Maisy Gibson. Dottin and Faltum made 23 and Gibson claimed 3 for 17 from 2.3 overs.The undoubtable shining light for Renegades in the dreary conditions was Milly Illingworth, who snared 3 for 19 from four overs.Stars will now lose Kapp to South African international duties, while Sophie Molineux was a key absentee for Renegades.

Cummins a chance for Gabba as Australia delay naming XI

Pat Cummins is a chance of making a stunning comeback to Australia’s XI for the second Test against England at the Gabba with a final decision to be made by selectors on Wednesday afternoon following a further inspection of the pitch.Australia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith did not confirm the final XI on Wednesday’s press conference, with an update later in the day saying it would be named at the toss, keeping the door open for Cummins to return as captain and also leaving open the possibility of Australia excluding their sole specialist spinner Nathan Lyon for the second day-night Test in a row.Australia also need to replace injured opener Usman Khawaja, and Josh Inglis appears the favourite to come into a middle-order role ahead of Beau Webster, with Travis Head to shift up to open. But Smith could not confirm that either.Related

  • 'I'll be wearing them' – Smith commits to anti-glare tape in day-night Test

  • From Beefy to Broad Ban – inside England's Brisbane angst

  • Switch Hit: Pink ball, Bazball, Gabba gamble

  • Boland: 'I'm good enough to compete with anyone'

  • Khawaja out of Brisbane Test after failing to recover

“A whole heap of things I think are on the table,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket looks like, and from there we’ll determine a playing XI.”Cummins’ inclusion would be a surprise given he was not named in Australia’s 14-man squad for the Gabba Test when it was announced last Friday. However, he was never officially ruled out because of how well he had been bowling in the nets in Perth and Brisbane after recovering from the bone stress injury in his lower back.”He looks pretty good to me the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith said. “Obviously, games are a different intensity, for sure, but he’s tracking really nicely. He knows his body well, and yeah, we’ll wait and see.”There is a possibility that he could replace Brendan Doggett in the XI but that would come with risks regarding his workloads. Given he has not played any cricket since July, there would be more comfort among Australia’s medical staff if he played in an all-pace attack given his bowling loads would likely be less in such a scenario if Australia’s selectors decided Lyon was surplus to requirements in the pink-ball game.0:46

McGlashan: An unfortunate end if Khawaja’s Test career is over

Lyon was left out of Australia’s most recent day-night Test in Jamaica in July and only bowled one over in last year’s pink-ball Test in Adelaide against India. He also did not bowl a ball in Australia’s last Ashes day-night Test in Hobart in 2022. He only bowled two overs in the first Test in Perth, both of which came in the first innings, as England only batted for 67.3 overs across the two-day Test.Lyon did bowl 50 overs in the last day-night Test as the Gabba in 2024 but Smith wasn’t sure if he was assured of his place.”I’m not sure,” Smith said. “We’ll look at the surface, as I said, and we’ll sum things up from there. And I think here’s a place where Nathan’s done really well in the past. He’s a quality bowler. But we’ll weigh up the options and we’ll see how we go.”The Gabba surface has looked very green from afar in the build-up to the Test match. There is warm, dry weather expected in Brisbane for the first three days of the game.”It’s still quite grassy, a little soft,” Smith said. “It’s obviously going to bake under the sun again today, and I think [the curator] is going to take a little bit off it, so might look a little bit different in a couple hours’ time.”

John Campbell returns to West Indies ODI squad; Layne, Springer called up

Brandon King dropped; Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades sidelined by injuries

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2025Six years after he last played an ODI, West Indies opener John Campbell has earned a recall for the three-match series against New Zealand starting on Sunday. Fast bowler Johann Layne and seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer received their maiden call-ups to the ODI side, while quick Matthew Forde, who returned from a shoulder dislocation for the T20Is against New Zealand, also returned.The trio replaced spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, and left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds, who was injured, from the squad that played Bangladesh last month. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades also were sidelined by injuries.Campbell replaced fellow opener Brandon King from the Bangladesh series. King returned scores of 44, 0 and 18 in the series West Indies lost 2-1. His T20I form has also tapered off, with four single-digit scores in his last five outings across the Bangladesh and New Zealand series.Campbell was recalled following his strong performances in red-ball cricket, including an impressive century in the second Test against India in Delhi last month. He was Jamaica’s leading run-scorer in the Super50 Cup last season, with 278 runs in seven outings at a strike rate of 102.20. Notably, none of the top ten run-getters in that competition scored at a faster pace.Layne’s call-up follows his Test debut on the tour of India last month. While he has impressed in red-ball cricket, he has only 12 List-A appearances and 13 wickets to show in the format. Against New Zealand, Layne will complete the seam attack that features Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd apart from Springer, Forde and Justin Greaves.Ackeem Auguste, who made his ODI debut in Bangladesh, kept his spot alongside Keacy Carty and Alick Athanaze in the 15-member squad led by Shai Hope.New Zealand and West Indies play the opening ODI in Christchurch on Sunday followed by the second and third matches in Napier and Hamilton, respectively.West Indies squad for ODIs against New ZealandShai Hope (capt), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

Liverpool bosses consider leaving Mohamed Salah at HOME after explosive outburst as they prepare for Champions League clash against Inter

Liverpool are reportedly considering leaving Mohamed Salah at home when they travel to Milan for their latest Champions League clash with Inter. Bosses at Anfield are said to be mulling over what to do with the Egyptian superstar following his explosive outburst in which he accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” and admitted to having no relationship with Reds manager Arne Slot.

  • Bench duty: Salah named among the substitutes in three successive games

    The comments were made in the wake of a thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds that saw Salah named among the substitutes for a third successive game. He failed to make it off the bench at Elland Road, with Slot favouring alternative options.

    Salah cut a frustrated figure throughout a disappointing evening in West Yorkshire that saw Liverpool collapse in spectacular fashion – having led 2-0 and 3-2 – to drop more precious Premier League points. Their superstar forward aired his frustration afterwards.

  • Advertisement

  • AFP

    Thrown under the bus: What Salah said in stunning rant

    Salah said: “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am in the bench for three games so I can't say they keep the promise.

    “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much. I will always do. I called my mum yesterday – you guys didn't know if I would start or not, but I knew.

    “Yesterday I said to them, come to the Brighton game [on 13 December]. I don't know if I am going to play or not, but I am going to enjoy it. In my head, I'm going to enjoy that game because I don't know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there.”

  • Does Salah have a future at Liverpool? Transfer speculation

    The 33-year-old forward went on to say of his situation: “It is not acceptable for me. I don't know why this is happening to me. I don't get it. I think if this was somewhere else, every club would protect its player. How I see it now is like you throw Mo under the bus because he is the problem in the team now. But I don't think I am the problem. I have done so much for this club.

    “After what I have done for the club it really hurts. You can imagine, really. After going from home to the club and you don't know if you are starting. I know the club too well, I have been here many years. Tomorrow [Jamie] Carragher is going to go for me again and again and that's fine.”

    Quizzed on whether he has any future on Merseyside, having signed a two-year contract extension over the summer, Salah said: “I cannot say it is impossible, but from what I feel, I have done so much for the club, I love the fans and the club so much, but I don't know what is going to happen next.”

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • GOAL

    Left at home: Liverpool consider leaving Salah out of Inter clash

    The reports on how Liverpool are now “facing a decision” on Salah and their plans for a European trip to San Siro. The Reds are due to travel to Italy on Monday, with club chiefs “still deciding whether to punish” their superstar No.11. It is added by that Slot still has the club's backing despite this incident and another disappointing result against Leeds.

    The Reds are scheduled to train at 11.45am before flying to Milan. Slot and one first-team player are obliged to speak with the media at 6.30pm UK time. The stunning Salah situation will be addressed during that press conference.

    It may be that a man with 250 goals for Liverpool through 420 games is left behind and does not form part of Slot’s travelling party. He is yet to start a Champions League away game this season. Whoever Slot calls upon against Inter, he needs them to deliver as questions are being asked of his future – a matter of months out from landing the Premier League title – with just one win being secured through the Reds’ last six games in all competitions.

Liverpool bosses consider leaving Mohamed Salah at HOME after explosive outburst as they prepare for Champions League clash against Inter

Liverpool are reportedly considering leaving Mohamed Salah at home when they travel to Milan for their latest Champions League clash with Inter. Bosses at Anfield are said to be mulling over what to do with the Egyptian superstar following his explosive outburst in which he accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” and admitted to having no relationship with Reds manager Arne Slot.

Bench duty: Salah named among the substitutes in three successive games

The comments were made in the wake of a thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds that saw Salah named among the substitutes for a third successive game. He failed to make it off the bench at Elland Road, with Slot favouring alternative options.

Salah cut a frustrated figure throughout a disappointing evening in West Yorkshire that saw Liverpool collapse in spectacular fashion – having led 2-0 and 3-2 – to drop more precious Premier League points. Their superstar forward aired his frustration afterwards.

AdvertisementAFPThrown under the bus: What Salah said in stunning rant

Salah said: “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am in the bench for three games so I can't say they keep the promise.

“I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much. I will always do. I called my mum yesterday – you guys didn't know if I would start or not, but I knew.

“Yesterday I said to them, come to the Brighton game [on 13 December]. I don't know if I am going to play or not, but I am going to enjoy it. In my head, I'm going to enjoy that game because I don't know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there.”

Does Salah have a future at Liverpool? Transfer speculation

The 33-year-old forward went on to say of his situation: “It is not acceptable for me. I don't know why this is happening to me. I don't get it. I think if this was somewhere else, every club would protect its player. How I see it now is like you throw Mo under the bus because he is the problem in the team now. But I don't think I am the problem. I have done so much for this club.

“After what I have done for the club it really hurts. You can imagine, really. After going from home to the club and you don't know if you are starting. I know the club too well, I have been here many years. Tomorrow [Jamie] Carragher is going to go for me again and again and that's fine.”

Quizzed on whether he has any future on Merseyside, having signed a two-year contract extension over the summer, Salah said: “I cannot say it is impossible, but from what I feel, I have done so much for the club, I love the fans and the club so much, but I don't know what is going to happen next.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GOAL Left at home: Liverpool consider leaving Salah out of Inter clash

The reports on how Liverpool are now “facing a decision” on Salah and their plans for a European trip to San Siro. The Reds are due to travel to Italy on Monday, with club chiefs “still deciding whether to punish” their superstar No.11. It is added by that Slot still has the club's backing despite this incident and another disappointing result against Leeds.

The Reds are scheduled to train at 11.45am before flying to Milan. Slot and one first-team player are obliged to speak with the media at 6.30pm UK time. The stunning Salah situation will be addressed during that press conference.

It may be that a man with 250 goals for Liverpool through 420 games is left behind and does not form part of Slot’s travelling party. He is yet to start a Champions League away game this season. Whoever Slot calls upon against Inter, he needs them to deliver as questions are being asked of his future – a matter of months out from landing the Premier League title – with just one win being secured through the Reds’ last six games in all competitions.

Brent Rooker Questions MLB Home Run Derby Elimination via Controversial Tiebreaker

Cal Raleigh won the 2025 Home Run Derby, but he only made it out of the first round by less than an inch.

Raleigh was nearly eliminated in the first round after he hit just 17 home runs, which was the fourth highest total, tying him with the A's Brent Rooker. Rather than go to a swing off, MLB decided Raleigh would advance because he hit the longest home run of the round between he and Rooker.

The thing is, they both had their longest home runs measured at 470 feet and then out of nowhere MLB produced an exact measurement ten places past the decimal. It was determined that Raleigh's home run had traveled less than an inch further and thus he would advance while Rooker was eliminated.

While Raleigh and the contest continued, Rooker spoke with the media and lightheartedly questioned MLB's incredibly accurate measurements.

"You know, maybe if they have it to the decimal point, they should display that during the Derby and not wait till everyone's done to bring out that information that might be helpful," said Rooker.

He also added, "It is what it is" and he had fun, but "the rules are the rules." All in all, a pretty measured reaction with a million dollars on the line.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus