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Liverpool won just their sixth Premier League match of the season with a straightforward 3-1 win over Southampton this afternoon.

It was the last match before the break for the upcoming World Cup and Jurgen Klopp will be happy at three points and a chance to refocus and regroup during the hiatus.

With a much-changed starting XI from the midweek EFL Cup win, Liverpool’s big guns were in the mood.

Darwin Nunez underlined his World Cup credentials with two first-half goals, while Roberto Firmino put his heartbreak behind him of missing out for Brazil by chipping in with another before the break.

The second half gave the crowd no more goals to celebrate, but it was a comfortable victory for the club.

It was perhaps a player who hasn’t quite been at his best this season that put in one of his finer performances of the campaign against the Saints, with Fabinho justifying Tite’s faith by shining today.

The Brazilian – who has been dubbed “outstanding” by Klopp previously for his defensive performances – received a 7.2 rating via SofaScore, and he was solid in the centre of the midfield.

His defensive abilities were evident during the match, with the 29-year-old winning a staggering 88% of his total duels while only surrendering possession five times all game.

The midfielder was constantly seeking the ball, taking 77 touches, while also demonstrating his excellent passing capabilities by finishing the tie with a 93% pass success rate – and this was vital for Liverpool to maintain momentum.

He had one shot off target and that was about as involved as he got in an attacking sense, but with Nunez and Firmino in splendid form, Fabinho’s job was simply to keep control in the middle of the park and he was excellent.

Brazil could go far at the World Cup, and although they have an attacking line-up that will send shivers down the majority of defenders they come up against, the Liverpool player could be key to their chances by forming an integral midfield axis with Casemiro.

Wolves are hoping to make some backroom additions next week in order to aid Steve Davis’ job in charge of Wanderers, according to journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Davis in charge until 2023

Bruno Lage was sacked as manager earlier this month, and while the search continues to nail down his successor, it has been confirmed that Davis is expected to take charge until 2023.

He will likely be in the role as interim manager until after the World Cup, allowing some stability in the coming weeks as Wolves look to improve upon a mediocre start to the season.

Now, a key update has emerged regarding his coaching team at Molineux.

The Latest: Keen provides new update

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star‘s Keen said that new faces will hopefully arrive early next week, giving Davis a helping hand in the process:

“Although it’s unclear how long Steve Davis will be in charge for the time being, he has revealed that Wolves hope to make some backroom staff appointments to help him next week.”

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The Verdict: Sensible decision

This is an encouraging update for Wolves, with Davis hugely inexperienced as a top-level manager and needing others to help him along until the World Cup.

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It will bring fresh ideas to the dressing room, in a tactical sense, and while it could only be for a short-term period before the new manager arrives, it makes sense.

Wolves can’t afford to fall asleep during this short spell before the World Cup and find themselves in a Premier League relegation fight, and this update will help alleviate that issue.

Glasgow Rangers are currently suffering as a result of the injury absence to defender Connor Goldson, with the Ibrox stalwart facing an extended period on the sidelines.

What’s the word?

The centre-back – who arrived at Ibrox back in 2018 – is reportedly set for a lengthy stint on the treatment table as a result of his recent thigh injury, having been forced off during the gruelling defeat to Liverpool last week.

The 29-year-old could potentially be out for “several months” as a result of that issue – despite some reports suggesting the complaint may not be as bad as first feared – with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst having admitted it is a “big blow” for his Rangers side to be without the influential centre-back.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has echoed the view of the Dutchman with regards to just what a setback it is for the Old Firm outfit, albeit while suggesting that it could open the door for another individual to shine.

Asked how much of a blow the 6 foot 3 brute’s absence will be, the respected insider stated: “Yeah, it’s a huge blow. Connor Goldson, the talismanic figure for Rangers at the back. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, so to be without your star defender for a few months now will be a huge blow for Rangers.

“But again, that allows other players to maybe step in now and impress in his absence as well.”

Unleash Lewis MacKinnon

One figure who could well benefit from the loss of Goldson is that of 19-year-old, Lewis MacKinnon, with the teenage centre-back having impressed for the club’s ‘B’ team of late, having joined from Linfield back in 2019.

The promising youngster – who signed a new deal with the Glasgow side back in May – will likely be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow youth product, Leon King, with the latter man having already forced his way into Van Bronckhorst’s plans at first-team level.

With fellow defenders John Souttar and Filip Helander also current sidelined, however, there may well be further room in the senior ranks for another academy asset to make the step up, with MacKinnon one such talent who could well secure a deserved promotion, having thus far failed to feature for the Gers.

The Northern Irishman has impressed from his defensive berth so far this season, proving something of a threat in an attacking sense with three goals in 17 appearances across all fronts, notably scoring in the defeat to Ajax in the UEFA Youth League back in September.

The player himself has admitted that there is a “pathway” there to the first team – with the likes of the aforementioned King, as well as Robbie Ure and Charlie McCann, having bridged that gap of late – with Goldson’s absence providing the ideal chance for Van Bronckhorst to unleash his next teen star in the coming weeks.

Scottish champions Celtic continued their frustrating start to life back in the Champions League with a 3-1 defeat to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening, with the Glasgow side currently bottom of their group having claimed just a solitary point thus far.

Despite another promising showing from the Hoops away in Germany, a mixture of missed chances and defensive lapses ultimately proved costly, with Marco Rose’s side taking full advantage to clinch victory in the second half.

While the defensive unit had appeared far too open at times – allowing the lively Christopher Nkunku space to run in behind – the loss did showcase the quality of centre-back, Stephen Welsh, with the academy graduate having been a real shining light on the night.

The 22-year-old was deployed alongside summer signing Moritz Jenz for the third game running, amid the injury woes of both Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the pair having previously looked somewhat shaky in recent weeks.

That was best illustrated in the defeat to St Mirren prior to the international break with the duo having been “all over the place”, according to journalist Josh Bunting, while pundit Frank McAvennie subsequently suggested that they “don’t look as if they know each other”.

Welsh, in particular, had been criticised for his “weak” defending – as described by BBC Sport pundit Michael Stewart – against the Buddies, having been outmuscled by striker Curtis Main in the build-up to Jonah Ayunga’s strike.

With injuries impacting manager Ange Postecoglou’s ability to make a change, however, the Scotland U21 international kept his place for the win over Motherwell, before the Hoops boss talked up the “great opportunity” for the young defender – and teammate Jenz – to impress ahead of the Leipzig tussle.

The £1.35m-rated ace certainly took that opportunity with both hands to illustrate that he is a figure to be relied upon moving forward, having been “very good” against a fluid attacking lineup, in the words of journalist Christopher Dodds.

That sentiment was echoed by ex-Bhoys striker Chris Sutton who suggested that the £10.5k-per-week man had given a “decent portrayal of himself”, adequately filling the void of the aforementioned Carter-Vickers.

Glasgow Live’s Ben Banks also lauded the Coatbridge-born starlet’s ‘bravery’ in possession up against a ‘menacing forward line’, with the 6 foot 3 colossus having shown little sign of nerves against such elite opposition.

That is also evidenced by the fact that he enjoyed an impressive 95% pass accuracy rate on the night, while also showcasing his defensive solidity by recording six clearances and completing one interception.

Such an outing has served to quash any doubters regarding his position at the club, with Welsh having proven his talent on the big stage.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura ‘could be leaving’ north London, former BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan has claimed.

The Lowdown: Contract running down…

The Brazilian joined Spurs in 2018 from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, putting pen to paper on a £23m move to the Premier League and later becoming a fan favourite in N17.

Lucas is best remembered for his heroic Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Ajax in 2019, three goals which sent supporters into raptures and created Spurs history as they reached their first European Cup final.

The attacker is currently sidelined through injury, and despite some fierce competition for places at Tottenham, manager Antonio Conte maintains that the 30-year-old is an ‘important player’ at Hotspur Way.

However, that isn’t reflected in his contract situation, given that his deal expires next summer and there is no sign of a potential renewal.

The Latest: Whelan shares Lucas exit claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-BBC pundit and former Leeds United striker Whelan believes that Lucas could indeed leave Tottenham in 2023.

The 47-year-old said: “Lucas Moura, a very talented player, could be leaving. That could leave a gaping hole for someone like ]Marcus] Edwards to come in and have another chance.”

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

At 30 years of age, if Spurs choose to extend Lucas’ deal, chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici would do so in the knowledge that there would be little sell-on potential in future transfer windows.

However, given his contribution on the pitch, keeping the South American around for the long haul wouldn’t be the worst decision by Spurs, and there are plenty of top clubs who decide to keep hold of aging players.

For example, Premier League champions Manchester City extended Riyad Mahrez’s contract in July, with the 31-year-old now remaining at the Etihad Stadium until 2025.

Nottingham Forest and Everton look set to miss out on Brighton striker Neal Maupay to Fulham, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Maupay interest

Last month, The Athletic reported that the south-coast side had received a £15m bid from Serie A side Salernitana for the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer.

For Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United, Danny Welbeck was selected to start up front, with Deniz Undav coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Maupay remained on the bench for the entirety of the game, and this was followed as he was also omitted from Graham Potter’s match-day squad for the Seagulls’ draw with Newcastle last weekend.

The Latest: Ornstein’s news

Ornstein has shared the latest news surrounding the Frenchman’s future in the Premier League.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Fulham in advanced talks to sign Neal Maupay from Brighton in £15m deal. Still work needed so not done, but discussions advancing towards agreement. #FFC now firm favourites for 26yo striker ahead of Nottingham Forest & Everton.”

The Verdict: Blow for Forest?

With manager Steve Cooper looking to add further depth to his striking options before the window closes in September, the news Fulham are pulling away in the race to sign the 26-year-old will come as a blow to his transfer plans.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Maupay ranks in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 87th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef), illustrating suitable characteristics to excel as an attacker in a Cooper side, tidy in possession and pressing from the front.

Hailed as a ‘goalscorer’ who is ‘always switched on’ around the box by Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira, the striker, who has netted 26 times in the English top-flight, would have added top level experience to Cooper’s inexperienced squad.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been giving his thoughts on Crystal Palace’s interest in Napoli forward Hirving Lozano.

The Lowdown: Palace links

The Eagles have made four signings so far this summer ahead of Patrick Vieira’s second season in charge but appear to want even more.

Reports in recent days have claimed that Palace are interested in signing Lozano, who is open to a move to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old’s new representatives apparently have a positive relationship with Palace officials, with West Ham also keen on the player.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to FootballFanCast, O’Rourke was excited at Palace’s interest in Lozano, labelling the forward as a ‘top player’ and describing a possible move to Selhurst Park as ‘huge’.

“Yeah would be a huge signing, Hirving Lozano. I think a real top player across the world, a Mexican international. Was a big signing for Napoli as well when they signed him from PSV, so for Crystal Palace to be in that market looking at him just shows where Crystal Palace are looking to go right now.

“They’re looking like building an exciting young team under Patrick Vieira and they’ll be hoping to build upon an impressive last term in this new season as well.”

The Verdict: Ambitious

Lozano, described as ‘unique’ by Luciano Spalleti, has scored 124 goals during his career for both club and country and has played in European competitions over the past five seasons.

Palace can’t offer that at this moment in time, so securing a move for the attacker would be a huge coup for Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman.

He could be just what Vieira needs with Palace yet to make a senior attacking addition this summer, and with Lozano capable of playing on either wing and even central if required, this could be one to watch over the coming weeks.

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has been reacting to the club’s move for Sonny Perkins, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Perkins in demand

Perkins officially left West Ham at the beginning of the month and was linked with Leeds, Aston Villa and Tottenham. It was the Whites who won the race for the 18-year-old’s signature, though, with the club confirming a deal last week.

Perkins has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road and is set to initially link up with the U21s, with a fee involved possibly set for tribunal.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Talking to FI regarding the move for Perkins, Whelan said that there is ‘real potential’ for the youngster to follow in the footsteps of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

“I think it’s a really attractive proposition for players like him.

“There is that clear pathway from the Under-23’s into the first-team, and it’s not just filling spaces – there is real potential to be the next Gelhardt or Greenwood.

“Many young players at clubs around the country don’t really have that pathway in place, and that can be really frustrating.

“Leeds United have got that set-up in place.

“They’ve got a real successful track record of giving these kinds of players first-team football.”

The Verdict: Good to see

Leeds have put their trust in a number of youngsters over the last 12 months, making history with eight teenagers making their Premier League debuts during the 2021/22 campaign.

The club’s plans to sign and develop some of the best young players around appears to be working, and you’d expect that Perkins would have been fully aware of the pathway through to first team level in Yorkshire.

Hopefully, he’ll hit the ground running at Thorp Arch, and you never know, an impressive start could see him catch Jesse Marsch’s eye, which may result in a place in a first-team match-day squad sooner rather than later.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has delivered his reaction to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez signing a new contract. 

The lowdown: Gomez sticking around

The 25-year-old found himself down the centre-back pecking order last season having returned from injury, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and new arrival Ibrahima Konate dominating the minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

That loss of favouritism led to links with a move away this summer, with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa the leading protagonists, but this week Gomez put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Having now put any doubts surrounding his future to bed, one onlooker has had his say on what the future holds for the former Charlton academy prospect…

The latest: Campbell questions contract decision

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton frontman Campbell suggested that the 11-cap England ace could be making a mistake by staying put as a likely fourth choice.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “Listen, it would be a great deal for Liverpool. I would question Joe Gomez though. At his age, to not be starting… How many games does he start in a season?

“I know Liverpool go for every trophy and he will play some games in the cups but is that really enough? He is an England international. In a World Cup year he should be thinking, ‘I want to be somewhere where I will play so I can get in the England squad.’

“If he feels comfortable and is happy with the opportunities he is getting fair enough. That is up to him. For me, I don’t think he is going to play enough next season.”

The verdict: More to come

Gomez – who was hailed as a ‘special player’ by journalist James Pearce in 2020 – still managed 21 appearances across all competitions for the Reds last season, playing horrendous knee injury.

Although no longer the first choice partner to Van Dijk, this coming season in particular looks set to be a testing one on the schedule, with a World Cup in the middle of the campaign. Therefore, having a depth of options at the 25-year-old’s level could be massive for Klopp in the long-term.

Despite perhaps no longer being the jewel in the crown of the Liverpool backline, as was the case back in 2017/18, Gomez should continue to get enough action to warrant his place in the squad, as he certainly still has an abundance of talent and looks destined to enjoy a long and fruitful career at Anfield.

Whether or not the game-time and indeed form is enough to earn a place in the England ranks for the Qatar tournament in November remains to be seen, but ultimately it could be down to persistent injuries curtailing the progress of top talent as opposed to him being held back by Liverpool.

The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe has dropped a big Everton transfer update that’ll leave Frank Lampard scrambling.

What’s the word?

The news comes surrounding defender Anthony Gordon, with O’Keeffe tweeting: “Frank Lampard might draw the line at the prospect of an Anthony Gordon exit – but Spurs aren’t the only club circling.”

This news will come at a time when Tottenham are looking to sign both Gordon and Richarlison in a joint £85m deal, but Lampard wants to keep the 21-year-old winger as he plans for the future.

Lampard aims to keep Gordon

Following a campaign that saw Everton narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League, there were very few players who performed well during what can only be described as a disappointing season and one that the Goodison faithful won’t want to go through again.

Gordon averaged a decent WhoScored rating of 6.70, ranking him in ninth place in the Toffees squad but it is his extraordinary potential that will have Lampard worried that a bigger team will manage to prise him away from Merseyside this summer.

With Richarlison looking increasingly likely to leave the club, Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling with injury problems last season, and Salamon Rondon looking like a more terrible signing every passing day, Gordon represents the future of Everton’s attack.

The 44-year-old is convinced that the youngster can be important to the team going forward, saying: “I’ve been really impressed. From afar he looks a very talented young player who clearly has a strong connection with the fans.”

This praise should convince Gordon that his future lies at Everton and first-team opportunities will be much easier to come by compared to joining Spurs.

Gordon scored four goals and notched two assists over 35 Premier League fixtures last season, and his stats compared to Everton’s main goalscoring threat, Richarlison were surprising.

The Englishman generated more shot-creating actions than his more illustrious teammate (2.88 to 2.21) while also boasting a higher percentage of shots on target (43.2% to 28.6%) and delivering over double the number of crosses into the opposition box to Richarlison (71 to 29).

The supporters won’t want Gordon to leave and these stats prove that he has the potential to be a key part of what will surely be a new-look Everton from next season, while his sale would undoubtedly leave Lampard scrambling to find a ready-made replacement in the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Imagine him & DCL: Moshiri can form deadly Everton duo in bid for “world-class” talent