Liverpool failed to regain the top spot in the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds failed to make the most of their many opportunities to take the lead during the second half after a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister ruled out John Stones' opener during the first half.

Jurgen Klopp's side were dominant and aggressive in the press throughout the game, and racked up 2.46 xG – to City's 1.61 – but ultimately had to settle for a point.

Mac Allister, who scored the equaliser from the spot, put in a superb performance in the middle of the park, but the real star of the match for the German boss was his captain – Virgil van Dijk.

Alexis Mac Allister's stats vs Man City

The Argentina international remained composed as he stuck his penalty to Ederson's right and beyond the despairing dive of the Brazilian, who had given the spot-kick away with a rash challenge on Darwin Nunez.

He was also combative out of possession with his constant pressing and harrying of the City midfielders to make sure that they did not have any time on the ball.

Alexis Mac Allister	Against Man City
Minutes played	90
Duels contested	14
Duels won	8
Pass accuracy	82%
Chances created	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Mac Allister was dominant in his physical battles, by winning eight of his 14 duels, but his work in possession could have been better.

To only complete 82% of his attempted passes without creating a single chance for his teammates suggests that the midfielder was wasteful at times without being progressive, which he may look back on as an area to improve on next time out.

Virgil van Dijk's stats against Man City

Meanwhile, van Dijk was the real star of the show at the heart of Liverpool's defence as he was almost faultless throughout the match for the Reds.

Barring one moment when Erling Haaland robbed him of possession during the first half, the Netherlands international typified the team's aggressive and dominant performance.

The former Southampton colossus, who had 93 touches of the ball in total, was super reliable with his use of the ball as he completed 97% (77/79) of his attempted passes, which included six of his seven long pass attempts.

Defensively, van Dijk won five of his eight duels and made a number of key defensive contributions to cut out City attacks, with four tackles and four interceptions.

He made two last-man tackles to bail the rest of his defence out after they had been bypassed, and brilliantly marshalled Haaland – as the last man – into a weak effort on goal after the Norway international looked like he had a free run on goal.

These statistics show that van Dijk was outstanding in and out of possession throughout the match, with his calmness on the ball and dominance defensively, which is why he was the real star of the show over Mac Allister, who was sloppy at times.

An in-form member of Ange Postecoglou's squad could be tempted to leave Tottenham this summer, despite his importance to the side.

Spurs players who could leave before the end of 2024

Many Spurs players are currently facing uncertain futures under Postecoglou heading into the next transfer window.

£26m forward's camp contacted by Tottenham as Levy eyes bargain summer deal

He’s been in fine form this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 26, 2024

One of the big talking points will be midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is now slowly entering the final 12 months of his contract at N17 and has been tipped to potentially leave this summer by reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham have been repeatedly linked with a move for Conor Gallagher, alongside Atalanta star Ederson, which certainly won't help Hojbjerg's push for starting places.

The Denmark international has been given the nod by Postecoglou on just six occasions in the league this season, with the vast majority of his appearances coming from the substitute's bench.

Meanwhile, a lack of chances for Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil have pushed them further towards the exit door, and that isn't even factoring in the plethora of senior players out on loan spells.

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

West Ham (away)

April 2nd

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 8th

Newcastle United (away)

April 13th

Arsenal (home)

April 28th

Joe Rodon, Tanguy Ndombele, Djed Spence, Japhet Tanganga and Sergio Reguilon all look pretty likely to part company with Spurs later this year, and some reports suggest that Leeds are very likely to sign Rodon in particular after his excellent season in the Championship on loan at Elland Road.

There have been some claims that Saudi sides still hold a firm interest in Richarlison as well, and Tottenham could be tempted by a big bid despite his excellent form. The Brazilian boasts nine goals from his last 11 top flight matches, but it is now believed he could also opt to bid farewell.

Richarlison could be tempted to leave Tottenham

According to La Gazetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, he is rated highly by clubs in the Middle East, and it is believed Richarlison could be tempted by a move to Saudi in the summer window.

While the 26-year-old has impressed lately, there is a case to be made that his sale could generate sufficient funds for Spurs to go out and sign a 20-plus goal-per-season forward to finally replace Harry Kane.

However, Postecoglou has stressed the player's importance this season.

“Obviously for Richy, getting a couple of goals as a striker that was positive for him," said Postecoglou on Richarlison after his brace against Newcastle. “Richy was important to us at the start of the year too, but he wasn’t fully fit. I think you could tell he was kind of restricted with his movements.

“At times we had to play him out wide just to get him through games. Since he’s come back, it’s fair to say he feels a lot better physically and I think that’s helped him mentally as well."

يخوض اليوم الإثنين، فريق الهلال السعودي، مواجهة قوية أمام نظيره استقلال طهران الإيراني، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.

ويلتقي الهلال مع استقلال طهران، على ملعب المملكة آرينا في جدة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، في نسختها الأولى.

ويسعى الهلال، لمواصلة عروضه القوية تحت قيادة البرتغالي خورخي خيسوس المدير الفني، ومواصلة الانتصالات على المستويين المحلي والآسيوي.

طالع أيضاً.. رياض محرز: حالتي مع الأهلي ليست كما كنت مع مانشستر سيتي لهذا السبب

ويتصدر الهلال، الترتيب بالتساوي مع الأهلي برصيد 9 نقاط من 3 مباريات، حيث حقق العلامة الكاملة مسجلًا 13 هدفا وتلقت شباكه 5 أهداف.

بينما يقع استقلال طهران في المركز السادس برصيد 3 نقاط من 3 مباريات، حيث حقق الفوز في مباراة وخسر مرتين وسجل 3 أهداف وتلقت شباكه 3 أهداف. موعد مباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا

وتقام مباراة الهلال واستقلال اليوم الإثنين، في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والتاسعة مساءً بتوقيت المملكة العربية السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا

ومن المقرر أن تنقل قناة beIN Sports AFC المباراة. معلق مباراة الهلال واستقلال في دوري أبطال آسيا

ويعلق عبد الله الغامدي على المباراة بين الهلال واستقلال.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

Fiorentina are looking to bring Weston McKennie to the club alongside his USMNT team-mate Tanner Tessmann this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Fiorentina keen on McKennie and Tessmann
• Juventus and Venezia open to sales
• Both full USMNT internationals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After closing a deal for Monza midfielder Andrea Colpani, Fiorentina are turning their attention to both McKennie and Tessmann, according to Italian sources. The Serie A side are keen to strengthen in midfield this summer as they look to improve upon their eighth-placed finish from last season.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKennie has been placed in the shop window since the transfer market opened. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League but rumoured suitors Aston Villa and Tottenham have not followed up their interest. Tessmann has played his part in helping Venezia return to Serie A for the upcoming season but as a result is drawing interest from some of the league's top dogs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  McKennie has made 56 appearances for the USMNT compared to Tessmann's two. The former made his debut all the way back in 2017, whereas the latter earned his first cap in 2021.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE AND TESSMANN?

  All McKennie and Tessmann can do is sit tight and wait to see if Fiorentina make a move in the coming weeks to bring the midfield pair to the club. Both are well into their pre-season preparations and will be ready to get going at either their current or future home when the season starts next month.

Jadon Sancho is making his first steps back into the fray at Manchester United in pre-season as he aims to rebuild his career.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Sancho impressing in pre-seasonHad been excluded by Erik ten HagTransfer rumours still circleWHAT HAPPENED?

Sancho has been 'looking lively' in pre-season training and could prove to Erik ten Hag that he is ready to be brought back into the fold at Old Trafford, according to James Ducker, who watched an open training session. Sancho, part of a team alongside Casemiro, Hannibal Mejbri and Ethan Wheatley, was apparently sharp and offered a glimmer of hope that he might be kept at the club beyond the summer.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sancho was excluded by Ten Hag at the start of last season with the United boss critical of his attitude in training. Sancho managed to escape the purgatory his career had ended up in and moved on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund. The winger impressed in spells, particularly in the Champions League, and may well have done enough to convince Ten Hag to repair their relationship. Despite signs of an improvement in the pair’s understanding, Sancho’s future remains unclear.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sancho has unsurprisingly been linked with moves away from Old Trafford. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have been chasing his signature, but with United hopeful of recouping as much of their initial outlay for the winger as possible, it remains to be seen if a deal is feasible.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

Sancho can stamp his mark further in pre-season by impressing against Arsenal on Saturday. He played 45 minutes of United’s 2-0 victory against Rangers last weekend, and will want more minutes in the tank against the Gunners, who drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on Wednesday.

It’s fair to say that Manchester United’s season has been filled with disruption, with injuries in particular giving Erik ten Hag a headache.

The Red Devils started the campaign with four left-backs in the squad, but as of right now, the boss doesn’t have an available left-back to choose from.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are injured and set to miss most of the season, if not all of it, while Sergio Reguilon returned to Tottenham Hotspur on loan and Alvaro Fernandez left for Benfica in January.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are looking to sign a new left-back ahead of the summer.

Man Utd’s search for a new left-back

According to a report from FootballTransfers, the Red Devils are tracking Samuel Iling-Junior prior to a potential summer move.

The 20-year-old Englishman currently plays in Italy for Juventus; however, his game time has been limited, starting just twice in Serie A.

Not only will the lack of minutes play into United’s hands, but also the fact that his contract will expire in 2025.

Iling-Junior’s profile and potential fit the bill of what Ratcliffe will look for in his new signings, and he could be the perfect option to secure the left-back role for the future.

How Iling-Junior can supercharge Marcus Rashford

Last season, Marcus Rashford enjoyed his most productive Premier League campaign to date, netting an impressive 17 goals and registering five assists in 32 starts.

Although Rashford’s 2023/24 campaign hasn’t exactly been anywhere near as productive as last term, he’s still been a huge threat, scoring eight goals and providing six assists across all competitions.

Nevertheless, the potential signing of Iling-Junior could see the United number ten’s numbers skyrocket once again, with his profile and skillset being complimentary.

As already mentioned, the youngster hasn’t been trusted with a role in the starting lineup yet, as shown by his average of 28 minutes per game this season, but he’s certainly impressed when given a chance.

As you can see by the table below showcasing Iling-Junior’s stats from his most recent game against Genoa, the number 17 has the perfect profile for a modern-day full-back, which is having the ability to be strong both going forward and defensively.

Minutes

31

Tackles

2

Duels won

3/3

xA

0.22

Hit woodwork

1

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

2

The England U-21 international is the definition of an attacking full-back, which is exactly how he could help get the best out of Rashford.

It certainly seems that Iling-Junior’s first thought is to attack, using his incredible ball-carrying ability to get the team up the pitch quickly while also providing an overlapping run to give the winger room to cut inside.

This suits Rashford’s strengths perfectly, with the England international at his best when given room to either create or strike the ball from range after drifting inwards from out wide.

What will also aid the 26-year-old, is the former Chelsea academy star’s ability to find the back of the net himself and create, as shown by his two goals for the England U21’s in the week, which will without doubt help take the pressure of Rashford to be the only attacking threat from the left.

In fact, the left-footed ace’s attacking ability is so impressive that football analyst Ben Mattinson believes he could become a “[Bukayo] Saka rival” for England – albeit while operating in a more advanced role – while journalist Michele Neri has even noted that he has "shades of Rafael Leao" – the Portuguese ace currently shining at AC Milan.

Such praise indicates just what a coup it could be if Ratcliffe – who is still in the early phase of his United ownership – is able to snap up the young Englishman, with Rashford among those who could certainly benefit from such a capture.

Man Utd eyeing £17m wildcard as the perfect Branthwaite alternative

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his defensive options in the summer.

ByTom Lever Mar 29, 2024

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, plans to apologise to Jofra Archer after he was the victim of “horrific” racial abuse on the final day of the first Test in Mount Maunganui.Williamson, who grew up and still lives near the Bay Oval in Tauranga, said he was shocked to hear about the incident and that neither he nor his teammates were aware of it until Archer tweeted about it on Monday night.New Zealand prides itself on its multi-cultural society and has, as ever, provided a warm welcome to the England team. But Williamson wants to apologise on behalf of all New Zealanders when the sides meet again in Hamilton in the coming days and try to ensure “nothing like that ever happens again.””It’s certainly against everything that we as Kiwis are about, and I certainly hope that nothing like that ever happens again,” Williamson told . “I can only apologise on behalf of Kiwis to Jofra, not only from our team and how we look to conduct ourselves, but what we expect of Kiwis in general.”It’s a horrific thing. In a country, and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural, it’s something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again. It certainly won’t if there’s any influence we can have on it.”Was I shocked? Absolutely, 100 percent. I will try see him over the next few days if I can, definitely.”New Zealand Cricket also released a statement confirming they would be making an official apology to Archer and reiterating the zero tolerance attitude to such incident.”NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police,” they said.While CCTV footage has so far been unable to identify the perpetrator, Archer believes he was contacted by the same individual on social media on Monday night. He has, since, provided details to the relevant authorities.

The management has given him the “heads up” that he would bat at No. 4 in T20Is for the time being, he says

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-20192:33

The over in which I hit three sixes changed the momentum – Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer came into the T20I series against Bangladesh in decent, but not spectacular, form from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But after two cameos – 22 off 13 balls and 24* off 13 balls – in the first two T20Is, he changed the complexion of the decider with 62 off 33 balls in Nagpur, and feels the innings “really stated that I can bat under pressure as well”.The 24-year-old from Mumbai has been in the mix as a middle-order option for India in white-ball cricket for a while, and pressed his claims to a regular spot in ODIs with innings of 71 and 65 in Port-of-Spain (from No. 5) in August this year, and might now have done the same in T20Is.ALSO READ: The night everything changed for Deepak Chahar”There is a lot of competition currently going on in the team, and I personally feel that I compete with myself. I don’t want myself to be judged with anyone or when you say this position is empty in the team. I am really open-minded and I can bat at any number at a given point,” he said at the press conference after the match-winning effort on Sunday. “So I just like to back myself in tough situations, and today’s innings I think really stated that I can bat under pressure as well. So, yeah, it was really important for me, and the team.”Iyer has a huge reputation in the Indian domestic circuit, and has been talked up as a potential first-teamer for the national team at least in white-ball formats, for the long term. He said that he had the backing of the team management to go strut his stuff.”It has been a really important last few series for me, to set the benchmark at the No. 4 position, which all of us are competing [for] at the moment,” he said. “I think, for me personally, they (team management) have given me a heads-up that, you know, ‘you’ll be there at No. 4, so just back yourself and really believe in yourself; we need someone who, even if [Virat] Kohli or Rohit [Sharma], when they get out, we need someone to finish the game and bat till the end’.”And I think that role is of a No. 4. That’s what I was trying to replicate today, and it worked out really well for me, I am really happy on that.”On Sunday, Iyer walked out at 35 for 2 in the sixth over after Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan had fallen and he was expected to play a big part if India wanted to set Bangladesh a substantial target. KL Rahul (52 off 35) and Iyer added 59 for the third wicket before Rahul was dismissed, and Iyer carried on till the 17th over, having set the platform for Manish Pandey to tee off.The highlight of Iyer’s innings was when he hit offspinner Afif Hossain for three sixes in a row in the 15th over of the Indian innings, all of them down the ground.Asked if that changed the script of the game, Iyer said, “Yes, I would say that, because the over in which I got three sixes, I think that changed the momentum completely, otherwise we would have finished at 150 or 155, which would have been a really tough total to defend on this wicket, when there was a lot of dew and the wicket was getting really better in the second innings after the roll.Shreyas Iyer bunts one away off the back foot•BCCI

“So, yeah, I would really give myself credit for playing that role, and also KL gave us the start. It was really important [for] one of the top three batsmen to stay till the 15th over, and he played his role really well.”Iyer had scored nine runs from the first 12 balls he had faced before opening up, smacking legspinner Aminul Islam for a straight six, the first of five he hit in the game, to go with three fours.”We have planned, as a team, the support staff and everyone, they have given me the freedom – not only me, but all the batsmen – that you need to have that intent when you go in there, and you should feel very positive when you’re batting. And I feel personally that if the ball is pitching in my area, I am not going to control myself, I am going to let my instincts back me. And yes, it turned out really well,” he said.”First few balls, it was really tough for me to get to know the wicket, it was playing a bit quicker than the pitch reacted. So I took a little bit of time, I said I am going to take at least ten balls to get settled in, and after that I am going to back myself and… when you really believe that you’re going to score in the later half of the innings, it really works out well for me. So I backed myself.”What happens when Virat Kohli returns to the side remains to be seen, but Iyer might have done enough in his last few international innings – 62, 24*, 22, 5, 16*, 65 and 71 since going to the Caribbean – to make a strong case for himself for the ODI side, as well as, with a T20 World Cup coming up, in that XI.

It's been a rough season for Chelsea fans this year, with the draw at home to a ten-man Burnley side over the weekend just the latest in a long line of embarrassing results.

Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to create a coherent and effective team out of the plethora of talented youngsters at his disposal, and it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be given another chance next year.

While some of the youngsters in the team, such as Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, have impressed this campaign, Raheem Sterling, who is meant to be one of the senior stars, has not, and off the back of recent transfer news of his time in the team could be coming to an end.

Latest Chelsea transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Brazilian winger Raphinha is set to be moved on by Barcelona in the summer as the Catalan club looks to raise more funds to help their dire financial situation.

The report has revealed that the former Leeds United star is still a transfer target of Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, who are eyeing up the left-footed dynamo ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, with the massive finances involved, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen to bring the tricky winger to the Middle East.

An earlier report from last month revealed that Saudi side Al-Hilal were willing to offer a £86m package – inclusive of the fee and wages – which may be too good to turn down for the Blaugrana.

Yet, the player wants to remain in Spain, so while that might not be possible, a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea, for example, might become his most appealing option.

How Raphinha compares to Raheem Sterling

The first thing to clear up is that, yes, Sterling has primarily played as a left winger at Chelsea, and Raphinha has primarily played as a right winger throughout his career. However, the 22-capped Brazilian has also played plenty of games out on the left, 82 games to be exact, so it should be much of an issue for him to adapt at Stamford Bridge.

That said, how have the pair performed this year? Well, in his 37 games for the Blues this season, the former Manchester City ace has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 games.

Raphinha vs Sterling this season

Player

Raphinha

Sterling

Appearances

29

37

Goals

6

8

Assists

10

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

0.51

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In comparison, the former Peacocks star has scored six goals and provided ten assists in just 29 appearances, giving him a slightly better average of a goal every 1.8 games.

How about their underlying numbers, then? Well, unfortunately for the Englishman, he once again comes out second best, and this time, it's by quite some way.

Raphinha vs Sterling

Stats per 90

Raphinha

Sterling

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.94

0.51

Non-Penalty Goals

0.43

0.30

Assists

0.60

0.20

Progressive Carries

3.68

5.47

Progressive Passes

4.36

3.50

Progressive Passes Received

12.5

11.4

Shots

4.09

2.26

Shots on Target

1.45

0.84

Passing Accuracy

74.9%

73.2%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.31

3.74

Goal-Creating Actions

0.85

0.59

Successful Take-Ons

1.88

1.97

Aerial Duels Won

0.77

0.10

All Stats via FBref

Aside from successful take-ons and progressive carries, the "brilliant" Barça ace, as talent scout Jacek Kuilg described him, comes out on top in a host of key attacking metrics, from expected goals and assists to passing accuracy and shot volume.

Related Chelsea eyeing a "better prospect than Endrick" in £51m Palmer rival

The youngster is one of the most exciting talents in world football.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2024

Ultimately, Sterling has been a fantastic Premier League player for over a decade now and likely still has several years left at the top, but based on his performances in West London, Chelsea would be getting a significant upgrade if they could sign Raphinha.

Therefore, the Blues must swoop to sign the former Leeds star, who experienced Premier League football at Elland Road, to come in and replace the England international.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Emiliano Rigoni viajou com o elenco do São Paulo para a partida contra o Atlético-GO, neste sábado, ás 19h, em Goiânia. Ele ainda espera seu nome sair no BID (Boletim Informativo Diário) da CBF para estar á disposição.

A documentação precisa estar regularizada até estra sexta-feira para o meia ter condições de atuar.Caso não saia no BID, Rigoni deve ser relacionado na próxima rodada, contra o Atlético-MG.

Começou o Brasileirão! Baixe o aplicativo do LANCE!

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo finaliza preparação para enfrentar o Atlético-GO; veja provável escalaçãoSão Paulo04/06/2021São PauloGripado, Crespo não comandará o São Paulo contra o Atlético-GOSão Paulo04/06/2021São PauloSão Paulo é processado por agente devido a atrasos em pagamentos no empréstimo de Raniel; veja valoresSão Paulo04/06/2021

Vale ressaltar que, por ser uma transferência internacional, a burocracia tende a ser mais demorada do que uma negociação nacional. A mesma situação foi vivida pelo meia Benítez, que ficou duas semanas esperando ser regularizado para fazer sua primeira partida pelo Tricolor.

Novo camisa 77 do São Paulo, Rigoni afirmou que possui uma gama de posições e funções que pode executar.

🚌 Partiu aeroporto!

À espera da regularização, @Emirigoniok viaja com a delegação para Goiânia#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪

📸 Fellipe Lucena / saopaulofc pic.twitter.com/krIq9qjNN8

— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) June 4, 2021

– Me considero um jogador extremo direito, que pode jogar pelos lados. Gosto de jogar com espaços, com a bola em profundidade, gosto de dar assistências e nos últimos anos tenho jogado muito por dentro, de segundo ponta. Jogo mais por dentro quando tem três volantes no meio. A verdade é que tenho a variável por jogar por dentro ou por fora. Gosto muito de jogar nas linhas, de extremo atacante. Mas quando fui colocado no meio, me senti muito cômodo – avaliou o jogador do São Paulo, em sua apresentação.

O São Paulo se prepara para a segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, quando enfrenta o Atlético-GO, às 19h, no próximo sábado. O Tricolor está sem vencer há duas partidas, com um empate sem gols contra o Fluminense, e uma derrota para o 4 de Julho-PI, por 3 a 2.