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Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool can get even better after another home win
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool can get even better after another home win
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said there was still room for improvement after his side cruised to a 3-0 home Premier League win against Nottingham Forest. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez scored within the space of four minutes before the interval to put Liverpool in control and Mohamed Salah struck his eighth league goal of the season in the second half. Klopp’s side made it five wins from as many league games at Anfield this season – their eighth in a row in all competitions – and sit three points behind leaders Tottenham. Klopp said: “If you’re chasing a game it’s obviously a completely different task, but if you are in complete control you should stay in control. “The last five minutes I think before half-time, all of a sudden we were a bit too deep and they just could chip the balls there and these are moments we have to improve, clearly. “In creative situations you can always improve because the boys have a lot of potential and we have to use it fully.” Once Liverpool broke the deadlock there was no way back for injury-hit Forest, but Klopp still remains wary of his side’s ability to protect a lead in front of their own fans. “You might remember three or four years ago, all of a sudden we became slightly more dominant and were leading at home and always came under pressure,” he said. “Like one-nil up meant nothing. Everybody thought ‘Oh my god, 1-0, 10 minutes to go!’ Maybe they saw the equaliser coming and that’s the situation you have to grow into and the boys showed wonderful signs in all aspects. “That’s now something we have to learn again because the key positions are obviously occupied by different players than that time, up front, midfield, last line. “So that’s the space for improvement. Creating without losing the compactness is pretty much the idea.” Forest’s winless league run was extended to six league games and head coach Steve Cooper admitted it had been a torrid 90 minutes. He said: “For sure it is a tough afternoon. Coming into the game, you know you have to play really well and commit to a plan in order to get some success in the game. “We were forced into some player selection, formation and plans through the unfortunate situation with attacking players. We had to go with a couple of players out of position.” Cooper was without a recognised central striker after Chris Wood (hamstring) was a late withdrawal, with Taiwo Awoniyi returning to the bench after a groin injury. “We only had one player who could play as a number nine in Anthony (Elanga),” Cooper added. “It’s a position which is a little bit foreign to him anyway and two days ago we didn’t think he would be available because of illness.”
1970-01-01 08:00
Steelers nation already making Trevor Lawrence pay for 'little yellow towels' comment
Steelers nation already making Trevor Lawrence pay for 'little yellow towels' comment
Trevor Lawrence is feeling the heat from Steelers fans at Acrisure Stadium in Week 8.
1970-01-01 08:00
3 Maalik Murphy transfer destinations for Texas QB in 2024
3 Maalik Murphy transfer destinations for Texas QB in 2024
Maalik Murphy played very well in his first career start for the Texas Longhorns. If he needed to transfer after this season, here are three teams that could make a lot of sense for him in 2024.
1970-01-01 08:00
When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC?
When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC?
Conor McGregor’s UFC return is edging closer. McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but he returned to the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (Usada) testing pool on 8 October. The end of that saga has also sparked the end of the UFC’s relationship with Usada, which said on 11 October that it would not renew its partnership with the UFC in January, claiming that the organisations’ relationship was made ‘untenable’ by McGregor’s situation. It was announced in February that McGregor, 35, would fight Michael Chandler this year, but McGregor remained absent from the Usada pool for months; in order to compete in the UFC, athletes must have been in the pool for six months while returning zero positive test results and at least two negatives. The UFC and McGregor hinted that he might be granted an exemption, something that Usada spoke out against in early October. “We can confirm that Conor McGregor has re-entered the Usada testing pool,” said Usada CEO Travis Tygart. “We have been clear and firm with the UFC that there should be no exception given by the UFC for McGregor [...] Unfortunately, we do not currently know whether the UFC will ultimately honor the six-month or longer requirement because, as of 1 January 2024, Usada will no longer be involved with the UFC Anti-Doping Program. “Despite a positive and productive meeting about a contract renewal in May 2023, the UFC did an about-face and informed Usada on Monday 9 October that it was going in a different direction. We are disappointed for UFC athletes, who are independent contractors who rely on our independent, gold-standard global program to protect their rights to a clean, safe, and fair Octagon. The UFC’s move imperils the immense progress made within the sport under Usada’s leadership. “The relationship between Usada and UFC became untenable given the statements made by UFC leaders and others questioning Usada’s principled stance that McGregor not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months.” If Usada were to renew its relationship with the UFC in January and McGregor were to honour its stipulations, that would put his earliest return date at some time in April – when UFC 300 is expected to take place. McGregor even told TNT Sports on 28 October, while present at Tyson Fury’s boxing match with Francis Ngannou, that April was being discussed with the UFC. However, the end of the UFC-Usada partnership in January theoretically means that McGregor can return any time after that, without having to concern himself with drug-testing rules. That could change now that the UFC has partnered with a different drug-testing organisation, Drug Free Sport, but that remains to be seen. UFC 298 is expected to take place in February, with UFC 299 likely to be staged in March. McGregor could therefore feature on either card, in theory, and some fans and pundits have argued that UFC 300 will conjure enough hype as it is – without needing McGregor to be involved. In other words: UFC 300 can be sold with other high-profile match-ups, while McGregor’s return sells itself; or: UFC 300 does not need McGregor, and the Irishman does not need UFC 300. McGregor is still expected to face Chandler, with the 37-year-old American having held out for the icon’s return despite its ongoing delay. Since the announcement of McGregor vs Chandler, McGregor has in fact talked up potential bouts with Justin Gaethje and old rival Nate Diaz, though the latter is no longer signed to the UFC. Furthermore, UFC president Dana White has insisted that Gaethje will not be next for McGregor. There is less certainty around the weight at which McGregor will return, however. After winning the featherweight title in 2015, McGregor collected the lightweight belt in 2016 to become the UFC’s first ever dual-weight champion, but he has also competed at welterweight three times, trading wins with Diaz in 2016 and stopping Donald Cerrone in 2020. While there is no expectation for McGregor to fight at featherweight again, and although Chandler typically fights at lightweight, McGregor has hinted that he could return at middleweight – having bulked up significantly while recovering from his broken leg. McGregor suffered that injury in his second straight defeat by Poirier, who knocked out the Irishman in January 2021. The pair, who contested those bouts at lightweight, previously clashed at featherweight in 2014, with McGregor knocking out the American. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Usada ends UFC partnership over ‘untenable’ Conor McGregor situation Kamaru Usman to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 after Paulo Costa withdraws Charles Oliveira replaced by Alexander Volkanovski in Islam Makhachev fight
1970-01-01 08:00
Steelers Hit With Absolutely Horrific Roughing the Passer Penalty on Big Trevor Lawrence Hit
Steelers Hit With Absolutely Horrific Roughing the Passer Penalty on Big Trevor Lawrence Hit
So bad.
1970-01-01 08:00
Erling Haaland shines as Man City condemn Man Utd to heavy derby day defeat
Erling Haaland shines as Man City condemn Man Utd to heavy derby day defeat
Erling Haaland’s double helped Manchester City secure derby day delight as lifeless rivals Manchester United were outclassed in an embarrassing home defeat. The eyes of the footballing world were on Old Trafford as the neighbours met in the 191st Manchester derby and first since Pep Guardiola’s men matched their 1999 treble triumph. Haaland scored a spot-kick and unmarked header before playing in Phil Foden to wrap up 3-0 victory, yet City’s dominance was far greater than the scoreline suggests. It was an abrupt end to an unconvincing three-match winning run in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s United, who have now lost five of their 10 opening Premier League games. Haaland put City ahead midway through the first half from a penalty awarded after the VAR spotted a supposed Rasmus Hojlund tug on Rodri. Ragtag defending allowed Haaland to head home another in a one-sided win that Foden added late gloss to. It would have been worse was it not for Andre Onana’s saves on a day when United fans booed Ten Hag’s decision to replace Hojlund. It was an ugly end to an emotional week for United, who again remembered the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton on Sunday. Those clad in red and blue applauded in unity before a match that City dominated from the outset. Just eight minutes were on the clock when Rodri’s diagonal ball was nodded back by Kyle Walker to Foden, who got away a powerful close-range header that Onana stopped. The ball looped up and would have been bundled home by Haaland was it not for the goalkeeper’s reactions. It was a let-off and Onana denied Jack Grealish before City were awarded a penalty. VAR Michael Oliver instructed Paul Tierney to go to the pitchside monitor to review a potential pull by Hojlund on Rodri when a free-kick came over. The referee eventually pointed to spot and Haaland kept his cool, sending Onana the wrong way and wheeling off in celebration in front of the furious home fans. That 26th minute gut punch emboldened City and hushed the Old Trafford faithful, leading to tongue-in-cheek chants from away fans comparing the atmosphere to the Etihad Stadium. City were dominant for the remainder of the opening period as they pushed for a second few could argue with, but United had two big opportunities to level. First Hojlund roared onto a loose ball and rounded Ederson, before eventually cutting back for Bruno Fernandes to laser over. In hindsight, the young striker may wish he had gone down after John Stones’ physical defending in the build-up. United went closer still in stoppage time as Marcus Rashford’s first-time sweeping ball put Scott McTominay behind to take a touch and get away a strike tipped over by Ederson. That moment increased the volume inside Old Trafford, as did Onana’s outstanding reaction save from Haaland’s close-range header. It looked like a potentially game-changing moment, but the City sharpshooter would not be denied a second for long. After Fernandes and Foden traded efforts, the visitors capitalised on United’s poor defensive structure and Bernardo Silva clipped a cross to unmarked Haaland to head home at the far post. “Mind the gap, Man United” chanted the pocket of elated City fans, who saw Onana prevent Grealish from adding to the 49th-minute header. The England attacking midfielder sent over a cross-shot as Haaland went down claiming a penalty as the away fans continued to make themselves heard. A brief flicker of United hope quickly faded as Rashford’s smart touch and strike went across the face of goal, before City returned to the attack. Onana spread himself well to stop Haaland wrapping up his hat-trick before Ten Hag’s decision to replace Hojlund with Garnacho was met by widespread boos. Grealish saw a deflected shot fly wide before Onana was eventually beaten again in the 80th minute. Haaland was the provider this time around. Rodri’s shot was pushed by Onana into the path of the striker, who passed in for Foden to score. The goalscorer tried to add an overhead kick as some United fans headed for any early exit. Given their side’s poor performance, few could blame them. All they missed was petulance as the clock wound down. Read More Unai Emery confident Aston Villa can challenge for top-four spot Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi staying positive after ‘frustrating’ Fulham draw Sir Bobby Charlton tributes – in pictures Old Trafford pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of Manchester derby ‘That one was for Bill’ – Everton dedicate victory at West Ham to Bill Kenwright Sorry England slump to 100-run defeat against India to add to World Cup woes
1970-01-01 08:00
Man Utd 0-3 Man City: Player ratings as Haaland scores twice in classy derby win
Man Utd 0-3 Man City: Player ratings as Haaland scores twice in classy derby win
Player ratings from Manchester City's 3-0 win at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
1970-01-01 08:00
Germany Eyes Imports of Nigerian Natural Gas in Scholz Visit
Germany Eyes Imports of Nigerian Natural Gas in Scholz Visit
Germany is eyeing imports of natural gas from Nigeria in an effort to secure and diversify its energy
1970-01-01 08:00
Argentina’s Massa Threatens to Cut Fuel Exports Amid Shortage
Argentina’s Massa Threatens to Cut Fuel Exports Amid Shortage
Argentina’s oil producers will be barred from exports unless they increase fuel supplies to address shortages in the
1970-01-01 08:00
Sir Bobby Charlton tributes – in pictures
Sir Bobby Charlton tributes – in pictures
Former Manchester United team-mates, City opponents and fans paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. Charlton, who died at the age of 86 earlier this month, was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team and enjoyed great success with United, who became the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the images from the latest tributes to a much-loved figure in world football.
1970-01-01 08:00
UAW leaders push ahead with Ford contract as GM talks drag
UAW leaders push ahead with Ford contract as GM talks drag
By Joseph White and David Shepardson DETROIT United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain is scheduled to meet Sunday
1970-01-01 08:00
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi staying positive after ‘frustrating’ Fulham draw
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi staying positive after ‘frustrating’ Fulham draw
Roberto De Zerbi was frustrated with Brighton’s 1-1 draw against Fulham but insisted there were positives to their performance at Amex Stadium. Joao Palhinha’s stunning 65th-minute equaliser cancelled out Evan Ferguson’s opener as Fulham fought to earn a point on the road. And De Zerbi believes the Seagulls lacked a cutting edge on a day where they rued missed first-half opportunities. “I am really frustrated and disappointed with the result,” De Zerbi said. “I think we played a great game, especially three days after the Ajax game at home (a 2-0 win in the Europa League). It was a fantastic first half but we could have scored more. “In the second half we played well. We conceded a goal only in one moment and when we lost distances we lost balance and then there was only one team on the pitch (Fulham). “Last season we lost three points against Fulham and this season we dropped another two points and we are frustrated with the result.” Ireland international Ferguson scored Brighton’s opener with a quality finish past goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into the bottom corner. But boss De Zerbi insisted his striker is not playing at his full capacity despite scoring five times in 10 appearances in the Premier League. He added: “Ferguson is not in his best moment but he’s a different player for us and a different type of striker we have in the squad and I think he could play better but he’s not in the best moment, he played a good game.” Fulham boss Marco Silva believes Fulham were not at their best and showed Brighton “too much respect”. He said: “In the first half we did not reach the standards we should if we want to compete at this level. We were not sharp enough to play the way we would like to play. “We were not aggressive and showed them too much respect. They won most of the challenges and we were not at the level with the pressure. “They won most of the second balls, we cannot be erratic if we want to play under pressure and make the right decisions. The goal we conceded is a good example and we have to make better decisions and be less erratic. “I have to give credit to the players in the second half in the way they believed and they expressed themselves on the pitch.”
1970-01-01 08:00
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