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• Mohamed Salah slammed after ‘horrible’ moment in humbling Wolves loss

  Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol heavily criticized Mohamed Salah’s performance and poor decision-making following the Reds’ disappointing 2-1 loss to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. ​Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has slammed Mohamed Salah’s lack of impact during the Reds’ 2-1 loss at Molineux. Despite Salah ending a long drought with a goal, Nicol argued the Egyptian contributed little else to the struggling side. The defeat against bottom-placed Wolves highlighted ongoing issues for Arne Slot, with the team’s defense and wastefulness in the final third coming under intense scrutiny after another damaging result. ​Speaking on ESPN, Nicol voiced his frustration regarding the star forward’s performance during the match: “In the final third, the decision was just horrible. The one we showed in the highlight with Mo Salah… although he scored the goal, the goalie should’ve saved it, and he really didn’t contribute anything, again, all evening.” Manager Arne Slot echoed these concerns, lamenting his side’s continued inability to convert open-play chances.

• Michael Carrick faces first true test of authority at Man Utd after angry Sesko message

  Michael Carrick is weighing whether to hand Benjamin Sesko a starting spot against Crystal Palace following the striker’s crucial goal-scoring run and pointed celebration at Everton.

  Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a critical decision regarding Benjamin Sesko ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

  Despite a stellar record of five wins in six games, the “good vibes” at Carrington are being tested by the Slovenian striker’s undeniable form.

  Sesko has netted six goals in seven matches, with his latest strike against Everton sparking an “angry” celebration interpreted as a message.

  Carrick must decide whether to start the £73.7million signing or stick with Bryan Mbeumo as the central attacker.

  While the manager claims to have “a really good relationship with Ben,” the pressure to start the 22-year-old is mounting.

  “It’s one of those decisions that we got to try and get right,” Carrick admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of managing high-profile egos during United’s Champions League push.

• Player Ratings: Hugo Ekitike 8 stars for 5-star Liverpool in West Ham win

  ​A masterclass in the opening forty-five minutes propelled Liverpool to a commanding win against West Ham United this Saturday.

  Any lingering anxiety regarding a potential slip-up against the struggling visitors was swiftly erased as Arne Slot’s men asserted their dominance early at Anfield.

  ​Hugo Ekitike ignited the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by clinical strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister to effectively end the contest before the interval.

  Although Tomas Soucek pulled one back for the Hammers and a second followed shortly after, goals from Cody Gakpo and a forced own-goal by the returning Jeremie Frimpong ensured a comfortable three points.

  ​Liverpool Player Ratings

  ​Alisson Becker – 6

  The Brazilian shot-stopper endured a mixed afternoon, particularly with his distribution, which led to several nervy moments for the home crowd. However, he compensated for those lapses with a signature world-class save in the second half to maintain Liverpool’s cushion.

  ​Joe Gomez – 6

  Returning to the starting lineup amidst a flurry of transfer rumors, Gomez proved exactly why he remains a vital asset for Arne Slot. He showed no signs of competitive rust, providing a steady and versatile presence across the backline.

  ​Ibrahima Konate – 6

  Konate was a pillar of strength for much of the match, recording vital blocks and interceptions. While he will be disappointed with a poor clearance that gifted West Ham their first goal, his physical presence was crucial in stifling the visitors’ early momentum.

  ​Virgil van Dijk – 7

  The captain was once again a “cheat code” in the air, rising highest to thunk home a header from a corner. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, he marshaled the defense with his usual composure, moving ever closer to records for goals scored by a Premier League defender.

  ​Milos Kerkez – 6

  Tasked with the difficult assignment of nullifying Jarrod Bowen, the young fullback stood his ground well. He was disciplined in his positioning and largely successful in keeping West Ham’s most dangerous outlet at bay.

  ​Ryan Gravenberch – 6

  This was a significant improvement for the midfielder, who anchored the center of the pitch effectively. Despite a few wayward passes, his defensive screening and involvement in the transition from defense to attack were commendable.

  ​Alexis Mac Allister – 7

  The Argentine looks to be hitting his peak at the perfect moment. His beautifully executed volley marked his second league goal of the campaign, and his creative influence in the final third was a constant thorn in the Hammers’ side.

  ​Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

  Szoboszlai’s delivery from set-pieces was a recurring nightmare for the West Ham defense. His tireless engine in the middle of the park allowed Liverpool to maintain a high-intensity press and control the tempo of the game.

  ​Mohamed Salah – 5

  It was a rare quiet day at the office for the Egyptian King. While he wasn’t completely anonymous, he struggled to find his usual rhythm and was arguably the least influential of Liverpool’s starting forwards during this five-goal spree.

  ​Cody Gakpo – 7

  After missing an absolute sitter from close range, Gakpo’s persistence eventually paid off. He claimed his seventh career goal against West Ham via a deflected strike, proving once again that he is a reliable secondary scoring option for the Reds.

  ​Hugo Ekitike – 8

  The undisputed star of the show. Ekitike silenced doubters who questioned his efficacy without Florian Wirtz, scoring a clinical opener and providing two assists. His vision and hold-up play were the catalysts for Liverpool’s attacking fluidity.

  ​Key Substitutions

  ​Jeremie Frimpong – 8: A spectacular return from injury. His blistering pace immediately unhinged the defense, leading directly to Liverpool’s fifth goal and providing a massive boost for the upcoming fixtures.

  ​Rio Ngumoha – 6: Managed a brief but energetic 15-minute cameo as Slot integrated the youngster into the first-team fold.

  ​Trey Nyoni – 5: The teenager will be frustrated after missing a golden opportunity to add a sixth goal during his late appearance.

• Arne Slot reacts to Liverpool Champions League draw and makes Galatasaray vow

  Arne Slot has welcomed Liverpool’s Champions League Round of 16 draw against Galatasaray, stressing the importance of improving upon their earlier defeat in Istanbul.

  Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his excitement after the club was drawn to face Galatasaray in the Champions League Round of 16.

  The Reds will travel to Istanbul in March, looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat suffered during the league phase.

  Reflecting on the challenge, Slot stated: “We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time.”

  Slot emphasized the need for focus as Liverpool balances European ambitions with a tight Premier League battle for qualification.

  Should they progress past the Turkish side, a potential quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea awaits.

  Slot concluded: “But the main feeling is excitement because this is what we worked so hard for in the league stage. We wanted to be here.”

• Man United Player Ratings: Lammens and super sub Sesko get 8 to deliver win at Everton

  Benjamin Sesko cemented his role as Manchester United’s “super-sub,” netting the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

  Super sub Benjamin Sesko was the hero again for Manchester United as they continued their unbeaten run under Michael Carrick by beating Everton 1-0 to move up to fourth place.

  United had been largely frustrated in attack until substitute Sesko once more stepped up with the decisive goal in the 71st minute, side-footing beyond Jordan Pickford from Bryan Mbeumo’s set-up.

  United now have five wins and a draw in their last six top-flight games under Carrick.

  Man United Player Ratings 

  Senne Lammens – 8/10

  Despite an early scare when a clearance was smothered by Thierno Barry, the young goalkeeper showed remarkable maturity. He produced a series of vital saves, notably tipping Michael Keane’s long-range blast over the bar and safely clutching a late effort from Tyrique George. His command of the area during Everton’s physical set-piece routines was a cornerstone of the clean sheet.

  Diogo Dalot – 6/10

  It was a balanced performance for the fullback, who nearly broke the deadlock with a stinging half-volley that whistled past the post. While defensively reliable, he was let down by his delivery in the final third, failing to capitalize on a promising second-half overlap that could have resulted in a second goal for the visitors.

  Leny Yoro – 7/10

  The young Frenchman experienced a few nervous moments during the first half against Everton’s high press. However, he grew into the game, showing impressive recovery pace and aerial dominance as the pressure mounted late on. Despite a yellow card, his contribution was essential in maintaining the defensive line.

  Harry Maguire – 8/10

  Arguably his best display of the season, Maguire was a magnet for the ball in his own box. He led the team in clearances and won several crucial headers against Everton’s physical front line. Crucially, it was his dominant headed clearance that launched the rapid counter-attack leading to Sesko’s winning goal.

  Luke Shaw – 7/10

  Shaw provided his trademark overlapping runs in the first half, though his final ball lacked its usual precision. Defensively, he was astute, making a goal-saving block to deny Idrissa Gueye. He managed his fitness well, providing a steady outlet on the left for the duration of the match.

  Casemiro – 8/10

  The Brazilian veteran ran the show from the base of the midfield, finishing with more touches than any other player on the field. His distribution was elite, and he provided the defensive shield that allowed United’s attackers to push forward. He effectively dictated the tempo of the game throughout the 90 minutes.

  Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10

  Mainoo displayed his usual composure under pressure, often wriggling out of tight spaces in the midfield. He contributed at both ends, providing a dangerous cross for Mbeumo and executing a vital block at a corner. His partnership with Casemiro looks increasingly formidable under Carrick’s tutelage.

  Amad Diallo – 6/10

  Amad was unlucky early on when his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by James Tarkowski. While his movement off the ball was intelligent and his work rate couldn’t be faulted, he struggled to find the decisive final pass before being replaced by the eventual match-winner.

  Bruno Fernandes – 5/10

  A rare off-night for the captain, who struggled to exert his usual influence on the game. He was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and received a yellow card for a frustrated challenge on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He will be looking to rediscover his creative spark in the upcoming fixtures.

  Matheus Cunha – 7/10

  Despite a slip during a promising second-half break, Cunha’s industry was vital for United. He played a magnificent pass to set the match-winning move in motion and was a constant thorn in the side of Everton’s James Garner. His defensive tracking back also helped relieve pressure on Luke Shaw.

  Bryan Mbeumo – 6/10

  Mbeumo was largely quiet for the first hour and missed a decent chance by firing over the bar from a tight angle. However, he redeemed his performance with a perfectly weighted assist for Sesko, demonstrating the vision that has made him a key part of United’s front three this season.

  Benjamin Sesko (Sub) – 8/10

  Coming off the bench in the 58th minute, Sesko proved once again why he is one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. His side-footed finish in the 71st minute was his seventh of the campaign and secured the three points. He nearly added a second in stoppage time, forcing a fine save from Jordan Pickford.