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Liverpool kept the pressure on league leaders Manchester City after beating Leicester 2-0 at Anfield on Thursday night.

Jurgen Klopp’s side came into the game knowing that only a victory would suffice, and a brace from Diogo Jota did the job.

While the Reds boss will no doubt be delighted with picking up all three points, one man who blew his opportunity to impress the manager was Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian has been one of the main benefactors of seeing both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane head off to AFCON over the last month, but with that tournament over, he knew the clash against the Foxes would be his one last chance to really showcase why he shouldn’t be the man to come out of the starting line-up.

Instead, he fluffed his lines, with Klopp promptly hooking him for a returning Salah early on in the second-half.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession a whopping 17 times in his 60 minutes on the pitch, the second-most of any Liverpool player on the night. He also won just five out of his ten duels as he struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game, finding himself on the periphery of things.

Indeed, his total of 16 passes was actually one less than goalkeeper Alisson who managed 17, and failed to provide any key passes whatsoever or complete any of his two attempted dribbles either.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Liverpool Echo, Ian Doyle gave him the joint-lowest score of a six, as he wrote: “Flitted in and around the Leicester back line while linking the play in trademark fashion and forced the corner for the opener. Twice tested Schmeichel, but a little loose on the ball at times. Booked and subbed.”

Having started the past three games in the Premier League, Thursday’s clash against Brendan Rodgers’ side represented the perfect opportunity for Firmino to make that final statement to Klopp before Salah returns to full match fitness and Mane makes his comeback after Senegal’s AFCON triumph.

Instead, the Brazilian forward failed to grasp his chance with both hands.

In other news: “Agreement in place” – Romano drops last-gasp Liverpool update, Klopp surely buzzing

Aside from two defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool, Steven Gerrard’s reign in charge of Aston Villa has been relatively positive with four wins under his belt against Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Norwich City.

However, there has been one bit of bad news that Gerrard has had to deal with in recent weeks with midfielder Marvelous Nakamba picking up a serious knee injury earlier this month.

With the Villa man having had surgery to fix the issue, Gerrard has shared some details on Nakamba’s recovery and when he could be back available for the team.

What’s the latest?

In a recent press conference (via Birmingham Live), Gerrard said that Nakamba is “going to be missing for somewhere in the region of 12 weeks if it is a fantastic rehab or it could be up to 16 weeks.”

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Villa will have to deal with Nakamba’s absence for a significant period of time regardless of how well his recovery goes, which will be gutting for the Villa fans to hear.

Since arriving at Villa Park back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Belgian side Club Brugge, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £6.3m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 64 appearances for Villa across all competitions but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

With Gerrard labelling Nakamba’s early performances under Villa’s new manager as “outstanding,” and the fact that the Zimbabwe international has managed to rack up an average of two tackles per game in the Premier League this season with 50% of his duels won, it goes without saying that he will be a big miss for the Villans in their midfield.

Given the amount of time that Nakamba could be spending out on the sidelines, it will be interesting to see whether or not this forces the Midlands club to splash the cash in the upcoming January transfer window to bring in a new midfielder to fill in for Nakamba while he’s out.

Moving forward, if Villa don’t sign a new midfielder in January to fill in for Nakamba, Gerrard and everyone else at the club will have to hope that the likes of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz don’t pick up any injuries as Villa’s other two senior midfielders and that Nakamba’s recovery will be a swift one.

In other news: Gerrard must offload Wesley

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Mariano Diaz to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by El Nacional, who claim that David Moyes’ West Ham transfer team have initiated talks with the Real Madrid centre-forward, with the Spanish media outlet going as far as to suggest that a deal for the 28-year-old is nearly complete.

The report goes on to state that Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the striker, although it is believed that Los Blancos would much rather sell the former Dominican Republic international to a team outside of Spain.

Diaz can finally replace Arnautovic

While it is true that, following Marko Arnautovic’s £22.5m sale back in the summer of 2019, the club replaced the Austria international with the £45m signing of Sebastien Haller the following winter, it is undeniable that the Ivory Coast international failed to live up to his significant price tag in East London – scoring just 14 goals over his 54 appearances in all competitions for West Ham before being sold to Ajax for £20.25m last January.

And, while it is also true that Diaz has not exactly been in blistering form for Real Madrid since his £19.35m move back to the club back in 2018 – featuring in just 36 LaLiga games over the last three-and-a-half years – the 28-year-old nevertheless proved during his one season with Olympique Lyonnais that, when given the opportunity to do so, he can bring extraordinary returns.

Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances back in 2017/18, the £6.3m-rated man scored a whopping 18 goals, registered four assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.9 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £105k-per-week centre-forward who Gerald Baticle dubbed a “real goalscorer” earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06 – ranking him as Lyon’s seventh-best performer in the top flight of French football that season.

As such, while goalscoring returns are never 100% guaranteed, should West Ham go on to seal a deal for Diaz this month, and the 28-year-old can go on to replicate his form while in France in East London, the forgotten Real Madrid striker could well finally replace Arnautovic in the Hammers’ first-team squad – something which he undoubtedly has the ability to do.

In other news: Huge boost: Moyes drops fresh injury update that will have West Ham fans buzzing

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have slammed the performance of Ryan Kent in their 1-0 win at Hibernian in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team managed to nick all three points at Easter Road in the end thanks to a late penalty from Keemar Roofe, which puts them firmly in pole position at the top of the table.

However, while some players impressed in a Light Blue shirt, Kent did not have his best game, as he lost out on nine of his duels and was unsuccessful with all three of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was also guilty of giving the ball away on 17 different occasions in the match, the joint-second most out of his teammates (SofaScore), in what was a frustrating night for him individually.

Rangers fans slam Kent

These Rangers fans slammed Kent’s performance on Twitter, with one Gers supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ last night:

“Ryan Kent is an absolute passenger so far.”

Credit: @FarvaRangers

“Ryan Kent has been awful for a number of games now – others deserve a chance to prove themselves”

Credit: @RobertsonGreig

“What is the point of Ryan Kent?”

Credit: @mullanmcm

“Ryan Kent having an absolute stinker”

Credit: @BigMoLoyal1872

“Why is Ryan Kent still on this pitch?”

Credit: @StephenMcGarry3

“Ryan Kent still being on the pitch is mind boggling, worst game he’s ever played.”

Credit: @dylanblack23

In other news, find out whose display against Hibs was also slammed by many Gers fans

Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore could be on his way out of Molineux this January.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Luke Hatfield, with the Express & Star journalist stating in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, with contract talks between the 25-year-old and Jeff Shi remaining at a stalemate, the Spain international looks as if he could be a player Wolves decide to cash in on in the upcoming transfer window.

Speaking about the future of Traore, Hatfield said: “For me, I think it’s one where, in the summer, we probably look and wonder whether he’s going to be off. January might be an option as well.”

Shi must act

While it is undeniable that Traore has been a crucially important player for Wolves as they re-established themselves as a Premier League side, with the forward’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, as well as interest reported to be high in his services this January, now would appear to be the perfect time for Shi to make a decision on the 25-year-old.

Indeed, while the £27m-rated man is yet to contribute to a single goal this season, he has nevertheless impressed over his 14 Premier League appearances for Bruno Lage’s side, taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing a whopping five dribbles per game – by far and away the most of any player in the top flight.

These metrics have seen the £43k-per-week winger average a SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Wolves’ second-best performer in the league.

As such, while it may seem slightly unusual to suggest that a team who are pushing for European qualification in the league should sell one of their star players in January, the 25-year-old’s impressive form means that now is very much the optimal moment for Shi to cash in on Traore, as his value is only going to go down as the end of his contract gets closer.

In other news: Lage could transform Wolves with “superb” 21 y/o beast who has “the world at his feet”

Everton have been dropping in and out of form this season, and finding that creative midfielder to score goals and create chances has surely become a top priority for Rafa Benitez.

James Rodriguez’s exit has seen the side lack attacking presence in midfield, and Rafa will be keen to rectify that issue in the upcoming winter transfer window, with a signing that can make an instant positive impact on both Everton’s Premier League campaign and tight challenge for a European spot.

What’s the word?

A number of sources, including Calciomercato, have linked ex-Arsenal and current Juventus player, Aaron Ramsey, to an Everton move in January, stating the club has an “excellent relationship” with the Serie A winner.

Ramsey has failed to be part of the bigger picture at Juventus for Allegri, with Fabrizio Romano taking to Twitter to confirm that the club were keen to move the Welsh international on.

The Italian journalist wrote: “Juventus are still planning to find a solution to sell Aaron Ramsey in January. He’s out of the plans and looking for a potential new challenge.”

There doesn’t seem to be a definitive answer as to why Allegri doesn’t utilise the experienced midfielder in his successful Italian side, but if the reports are anything to go by, both Juventus and Ramsey would be keen to seal a deal in January to benefit both parties.

It remains to be seen how much Ramsey might command in terms of transfer fees, though Transfermarkt currently value the 69-cap midfielder at just £9m.

Sign him up!

Ramsey would be a fantastic addition to the blue side of Merseyside if his experience is anything to go by, with three FA Cups and a Serie A title, to name a few of his accomplishments.

He also offers huge amounts of European experience, in both the Champions League and Europa League for his previous Premier League club, Arsenal, featured which will surely be advantageous for Rafa Benitez, whose obvious goal will be to secure European football for the Toffees this season.

The Welshman provided 65 goals and 65 assists in over a total of 371 matches in north London, in which he recorded a career-best of 13 goals and ten assists during the 2013/14 campaign, as per Transfermarkt. That suggests that, on his day, he is a goal threat from midfield and one that could help fill the void left behind by Rodriguez.

Of those 370 matches, 63 were in a European competition.

He has regularly been compared to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, two players renowned for their influence in the heart of the pitch and in the final third.

BT Sport pundit Martin Keown, who was once a colossus for the Gunners, also once described him as a “great leader” and an “outstanding technician” – a glowing endorsement that only bolsters reasoning to sign him this January.

As a proven winner and a proven Premier League player, the 30-year-old could help to inject a winning mentality into the current side to push them on in both domestic competition and when challenging for European spots in the Premier League over the second half of the season.

Therefore, director of football Marcel Brands must push ahead with plans to seal the Wales international this winter.

AND in other news, Brands joins race for £15.3m-rated “match-winner”, he’s just what Everton are missing…

Hopes for Boli Bolingoli will have been high at Celtic upon his £3m arrival at Parkhead back in 2019, with the Hoops subsequently selling first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney in the same transfer window.

Indeed, the defender had impressed over his 25 Bundesliga appearances for Rapid Vienna in the season prior, scoring two goals, registering two assists and helping his side keep eight clean sheets in the league, as well as making an average of two interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 4.4 duels per game.

However, after making a mere 14 Scottish Premiership appearances in his debut campaign, things took a further turn for the worst for Bolingoli last season, when the left-back travelled to Spain without informing Celtic, as well as breaking quarantine restrictions on his return to Scotland.

This led to the left-back receiving a three-match ban from the Scottish FA, while Neil Lennon also took the decision to bomb the former Belgian U16 international out of his squad, with the club labelling his actions as “irresponsible” and the Northern Irishman sending him on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir for the duration of 2020/21.

In Turkey, the £12.5k-per-week man also failed to impress over his 12 Super Lig appearances, helping his side keep just two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 0.9 clearances and winning 3.6 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the 26-year-old average a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.74, ranking him as Basaksehir’s 17th-worst performer in the Turkish top flight.

And, while Bolingoli has featured once for Celtic under the new leadership of Ange Postecoglou, the defender has been left out of the Celtic squad for the majority of their games this season, suggesting that the future does not look overly bright for the left-back at Parkhead.

Further still, as a result of this lack of game time over the past two seasons, Bolingoli’s value has plummeted from £3.15m at the time of his move to Scotland to just £1.98m today – meaning that, should Postecoglou wish to move the Belgian on any time soon, he will almost certainly have to take a loss in the transaction.

As such, with the benefit of hindsight, it would have to be said that Celtic’s former chief executive Peter Lawwell had something of a nightmare when signing Bolingoli back in 2019.

In other news: Forget Rogic: Ange could save Celtic millions by unleashing “fantastic” teen prodigy

According to The Times, there has been a rather big development in the rule affecting five substitutions in world football and it will of course impact Manchester City.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic delaying the football calendar and causing heavily congested fixtures, the law allowing teams to use up to five substitutes was introduced in May 2020.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) then extended this amendment earlier this year until the end of 2022 as they aim to combat player fatigue and assist clubs across all top level competitions.

Europe’s top footballing leagues, bar the Premier League who reverted back to three at the beginning of 2020/2021, have continued to benefit from this rule.

Now, thanks to strong support from ‘several’ footballing bodies, the law allowing sides to make five subs is set to become totally permanent, according to The Times and reliable reporter Martyn Ziegler.

The law reform would apparently still allow competitions, like the Premier League, to still opt for only three subs – as they have done since the beginning of last season.

There will, however, be external pressure for them to fall in line with the rest of football next campaign and allow up to five subs once again – much like they did during the final run of 2019/2020.

Teams would still be restricted to ‘three opportunities’ to make these five changes but it’s safe to say footballing giants like City would benefit from the change, especially considering the range of cup competitions they’re taking part in like the Champions League and FA Cup as well as the English top flight.

Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola has previously pleaded for five subs in the Premier League, blasting the fact they can currently only make three changes as ‘ridiculous’ (via Mike Minay).

Flocking to this big development, and taking into account Guardiola’s message over making changes, many City supporters have erupted over this news.

Find all of their social media verdicts down below and some hold special praise for their manager.

Man City fans flock to substitutes news…

“Big win for big clubs”

Credit: @Jorge_see

“He has done it again”

Credit: @Mikeey_254

“Absolutely fantastic”

Credit: @KaineOduah

“Pep changed football forever. My Goat”

Credit: @papomcfc

“More chances for the youngsters”

Credit: @shinsunik

“The man gets what he wants”

Credit: @abdulrahmanjg10

“Pep won”

Credit: @Guardiolan_MCFC

“VAMOS”

Credit: @Arthurtorcedor

Giovanni van Bronckhorst must avoid making his first Rangers howler by selling Ryan Kent, amid transfer speculation he could be reunited with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones suggested that two of Rangers’ players could well be linked with a move to Villa Park following Gerrard’s managerial appointment there.

He said: “Rangers think Glen Kamara will be linked very quickly. I think Ryan Kent as well is somebody that they’ll be expecting Villa to be linked with. So, we’ll have to wait and see on those two.”

Would be a massive mistake from GVB

While Van Bronckhorst will be keen to hit the ground running on the pitch in terms of Rangers’ performances and results, a lot of his success will also come down to his work in the transfer market, not least the players he chooses to let go.

One man who he should absolutely hold onto at all costs, however, is Kent.

The £20k-a-week earning ace has been widely praised for his performances, including from teammate Conor Goldson, who dubbed him as “magnificent” and said: “He has got a lot of ability. (He is) 24-years-old, two-footed. It is not nice when he runs at you, I can tell you that personally from training. He has got everything.”

The flying Englishman enjoyed a fine campaign with Rangers last season, scoring 13 goals and setting up another 15, and has had a fairly decent start to the current one too, providing five assists in just 11 games in all competitions.

He was one of the shining lights in the Gers’ Scottish Premiership success over Celtic last term, and selling him would rid the Ibrox side of a devastating attacking threat who can not only score, but can set up goals too.

Given Van Bronckhorst will come into Ibrox with a lot of credit in the bank given his previous playing days at the club, he risks spoiling that somewhat by allowing Kent to join forces with Gerrard at Villa.

Seeing the winger leave would be difficult to take in, but seeing him then shine at Villa with their former manager would surely leave Gers fans livid.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have dropped a major Rangers/GVB update…

So far this season, Southampton haven’t exactly been tight at the back when it comes to conceding goals, with the Saints having let in 10 with seven games played in their latest Premier League campaign.

One player who hasn’t been given the chance to play his part in trying to make Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side stronger in defence is goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

This season has seen the 33-year-old – who is currently earning £70k-per-week, making Theo Walcott (£75k-per-week) the only Saints player earning more than him according to Spotrac – feature only in Southampton’s two Carabao Cup fixtures against Newport County and Sheffield United.

Since originally joining the club back in the 2014 summer transfer window from Celtic for a fee of £10m, Forster has made 140 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, in which he has conceded 150 goals and kept 52 clean sheets along the way.

In terms of his individual market value, in May 2018 Transfermarkt had the shot-stopper’s value listed at £13.5m, the highest it has been throughout his career. However, it now stands at just £2.7m.

During his time as a Southampton player, Forster went back to Celtic on a loan deal in 2019 where fellow Saints player Mohamed Elyounoussi, who was also on loan with the Hoops at the time, described the goalkeeper as a “clown” given how much he likes to joke around and laugh with the rest of his teammates.

In our view, taking into account his age and his bit-part status at St Mary’s, this could very well explain why his market value has decreased so sharply.

Moving forward, with Forster’s current contract at Southampton set to expire next summer, we feel that it would be the best option for the Saints to let him go at that point so that they can get his hefty wages off their wage bill and recruit a younger goalkeeper who could potentially become their first choice between the sticks at some point in the future.

In other news: Hasenhuttl could solve big Southampton issue with £12m “special talent”, fans would love it