Match Details

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• Liverpool’s ruthlessness problem highlighted by Arne Slot after mid-week loss

  Arne Slot has identified Liverpool’s inability to capitalize on chances as a primary factor in their inconsistent season, with statistics confirming the Reds possess the Premier League’s lowest shot-on-target ratio. ​Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has criticized his team’s lack of ruthlessness following a 1-0 Champions League loss to Galatasaray. Despite dominating possession, the Reds failed to convert crucial opportunities. “You have to give credit to the way when they get a chance they play it like it’s the last chance of their lives,” Slot remarked. “It’s definitely something we can learn from.” ​Statistical data supports Slot’s frustration, revealing only 28.7% of Liverpool’s shots have been on target this season—the lowest in the Premier League. While the club ranks second for total attempts, their “big chance” conversion rate of 32.6% trails significantly behind top-four rivals Chelsea and Manchester City. Slot warned that this mental fragility has repeatedly allowed struggling opponents to eke out unexpected results.

• Barcelona chief makes bold Erling Haaland admission ahead of summer transfer window

  Barcelona board member Joan Soler insists the club can afford Erling Haaland or Julian Alvarez this summer despite long-standing financial concerns.  

  ​Barcelona board member Joan Soler has sensationally claimed the club can afford marquee signings like Erling Haaland or Julian Alvarez this summer.

  Despite documented economic struggles, Soler told Cadena Ser:

  “Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland. These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona’s finances are ready for it.” The club seeks a successor for Robert Lewandowski.

  ​While Soler remains optimistic, he warned that Barca must respect strict wage caps to maintain stability.

  Reports suggest Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is a primary “Plan B” if Atletico Madrid’s £130.8 million valuation of Alvarez proves prohibitive.

  Soler noted: “We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it. We must sign players at market prices while keeping an eye on our wage structure.”

• Player Ratings: Frenkie de Jong 9, inspires Barcelona to win against Levante

  Barcelona dominated Levante 3-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou, highlighted by a masterclass from Joao Cancelo and a long-range beauty from Fermin Lopez.

  Barcelona successfully snapped a two-match losing streak on Sunday afternoon, securing a convincing 3-0 win against Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou.

  Early strikes from Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong set the tone before Fermin Lopez punctuated the performance with a long-range stunner.

  While the scoreline was comfortable, the Catalans’ creative dominance suggested they could have easily doubled their tally.

  Barcelona Player Ratings

  ​Joan Garcia – 8

  The goalkeeper enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon thanks to Barcelona’s suffocating possession. When called upon, Garcia displayed sharp reflexes and looked incredibly composed with the ball at his feet, ensuring a clean sheet and helping launch attacks from the back.

  ​Joao Cancelo – 10

  In what was arguably the finest left-back performance seen at the club in years, the winter signing was untouchable. Cancelo’s relentless movement and pinpoint crossing terrorized the Levante flanks, and he provided a sublime assist for De Jong’s goal.

  ​Gerard Martin – 7

  Partnering Eric Garcia in the heart of the defense, Martin provided a stable foundation. He dealt well with Levante’s attempts to play over the top, though a first-half yellow card forced him to adopt a more measured and cautious approach for the remainder of the contest.

  ​Eric Garcia – 8.5

  Acting as the vocal leader of the backline, Garcia was flawless in his reading of the game. He combined perfectly timed tackles with elite ball progression, ultimately setting up the opening goal with a clever delivery into the area.

  ​Jules Kounde – 7

  Despite some pre-match tactical ambiguity regarding his role, Kounde settled at right-back. He linked up effectively with Lamine Yamal, though his performance was occasionally slowed by hesitant decision-making when presented with crossing opportunities.

  ​Marc Bernal – 8

  The young midfielder justified Hansi Flick’s faith by opening the scoring just minutes into the game with a gritty, full-stretch finish. Beyond the goal, Bernal’s physical presence was vital in anchoring the midfield and snuffing out Levante’s transition attempts.

  ​Frenkie de Jong – 9

  The captain led by example, timing a late run perfectly to meet Cancelo’s cross for his first league goal of the campaign. He was the heartbeat of the side, circulating possession and drifting into advanced left-sided pockets to link the play.

  ​Dani Olmo – 6.5

  It was a frustrating day for Olmo, who struggled to find his rhythm in the congested central areas. While his distribution remained professional, a few heavy touches prevented him from maximizing the creative openings provided by his teammates.

  ​Lamine Yamal – 7.5

  Once again, the teenager was Barcelona’s primary source of chaos. He consistently bypassed Manuel Sanchez on the wing; while his final ball was slightly inconsistent in the first half, his overall gravity and technical brilliance eventually earned him an assist for the final goal.

  ​Robert Lewandowski – 6

  The veteran striker took on a deeper role than usual, attempting to facilitate play rather than just finishing it. Consequently, he found himself starved of high-quality chances inside the box and failed to make his usual impact on the scoresheet.

  ​Raphinha – 7

  While the ball didn’t often fall to him in threatening positions, Raphinha’s work rate was exemplary. He functioned as a “warrior” in Flick’s high-pressing system, making life miserable for Levante defenders whenever they tried to build from the back.

  ​Fermin Lopez – 8

  Introduced as part of a triple change, Fermin needed little time to make his mark. He unleashed a signature “golazo” from distance, striking the ball with such ferocity that the Levante keeper stood no chance, effectively killing off the contest.

  ​Barcelona dominated Levante 3-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou, highlighted by a masterclass from Joao Cancelo and a long-range beauty from Fermin Lopez

• Harry Kane responds to presidential candidate’s bid to bring him to Barcelona

  Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has reacted to transfer rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona, insisting he remains fully committed to the Bundesliga giants while taking the interest as a compliment.

  ​Harry Kane has played down claims by Barcelona presidential candidate Xavi Vilajoana regarding a potential move to the Camp Nou.

  Despite Vilajoana’s assertions of contact, the England captain, who has scored 28 goals this season, remains focused on Bayern Munich.

  Reports suggest the 32-year-old is nearing a contract extension to stay in Germany beyond 2027 after his brace helped Bayern defeat Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

  ​Addressing the rumors, Kane clarified that his representatives have not informed him of any formal negotiations with the Catalan club.

  Kane told reporters: ”I haven’t heard anything about it. My father and brother handle everything, but they haven’t said anything to me.

  As I’ve already said, I’m very happy here at Bayern. I’m focused on this season and my time at Bayern. I take it as a compliment.”

• Aston Villa ‘making a move’ for £59m Man City forward after Tottenham ‘enquiries’

  Aston Villa are challenging Tottenham for the signature of Manchester City’s £59 million forward Omar Marmoush, though City remain hesitant to sell to a Premier League rival mid-season.

  Aston Villa have reportedly launched a move to sign Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as the January transfer window intensifies.

  The 26-year-old Egypt international, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million a year ago, has struggled for consistent game time under Pep Guardiola.

  Despite scoring nine goals in 40 appearances, he has managed only two Premier League starts this season, prompting Villa to view him as a key target to bolster their frontline.

  The pursuit faces significant hurdles, as Tottenham Hotspur have also made “enquiries” regarding the versatile attacker.

  However, Manchester City are currently resistant to a mid-season sale. Transfer insider Dean Jones noted that City’s reluctance is heightened because Villa are viewed as a direct competitive threat this season.

  Jones stated: “I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.”

  While City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to resist a departure to maintain squad rotation depth, the potential arrival of Antoine Semenyo at the Etihad could change the landscape.

  Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has encouraged Marmoush to remain in England to continue his development, asserting that “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League.”

  For now, the forward remains focused on the African Cup of Nations while his club future is debated.