If Arne Slot has not realised already, then he needs to realise very quickly that the Anfield crowd demands energy and a certain intensity from its side.
Far too often at home this season, Liverpool have lacked a spark – something that the crowd can feed off – and kill the opposition off when they take the lead.
When they went in front early against a Chelsea side that had lost their last six Premier League games, Slot’s side should have used that as the moment to dominate the match and secure an important win.
Instead, they allowed Calum McFarlane’s out-of-form side a way back into the game.
Advertisement
“The adjustment we made at half-time helped us be the more dominant team in the second half. We were twice close,” claimed Slot.
“So it is not fair to me to say I ever tell my players to back off and not press. If it did look like that, it was never the intention,” he added.
Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser for Chelsea means Liverpool have now dropped nine points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season, their most at Anfield since 2015-16, when Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as the manager.
“Our identity is intensity” was the phrase coined by Pep Lijnders when he was Liverpool‘s assistant manager under Klopp.
Advertisement
Slot’s brief was always to do things his own way and never to be like Klopp but his side has lacked any identity this season and have next to no intensity.
“I thought Liverpool actually started quite well, got the goal, and then from there Chelsea were the better team. They caused Liverpool big problems, especially Marc Cucurella running behind,” said Wayne Rooney on Match of the Day.
“The crowd were obviously a bit edgy, which you very rarely get from Liverpool fans. It comes from not having the season they hoped for, and after spending a lot of money,” added Rooney.
Not for the first time this season, there were loud boos at full-time even though Liverpool had not lost the game. Discontent online is one thing, but it is becoming clearer that even the match-going fans are getting frustrated.
Advertisement
“That’s probably got something to do with us not winning, ” Slot told TNT Sports. “It completely makes sense people are disappointed if Liverpool don’t win.”
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch added: “To be honest, we need them behind us. OK we didn’t win, but I don’t really think we deserved this [reaction].
“The fans have to be behind us for the full 90 minutes because when they were behind us in the second half, we were pressing really well. We need them. Hopefully they wouldn’t do it again in the next two games.”
Asked later in his post-match press conference how the boos felt, Slot struggled to find the right words in English, but said: “I would love to show them [the fans] something else but at this moment we are not able to.
Advertisement
“We are able to be a dominant team and have more of the ball and I want to give them much more to be positive about and happy about and I am 100% sure the team wants the same.”
Manchester City fans unfurled a banner at the end of their last match at the Etihad: Panic on the streets of London. Arsenal had been defeated and Pep Guardiola’s side were, for the first time in the season, favourites to win the Premier League.
As the manager wrote in his programme notes, a lot has happened since then. And as Blues arrived at the ground and saw the teamsheet then if panic wasn’t quite the word there was certainly worry at the decision to replace Nico Gonzalez with Tijjani Reinders.
It wasn’t about the change of personnel – Gonzalez was pretty poor at Everton – but the idea of conceding three goals in 15 minutes and then replacing your holding midfielder with an attacking one is very much out of the Guardiola playbook that sets everybody on edge. The loss of Abdukodir Khusanov to injury, replaced by Nathan Ake, hardly helped matters.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Advertisement
This isn’t Guardiola’s first rodeo though and while Brentford predictably threatened from set-pieces it was City who dominated possession in the first half. Just like the Everton game though, it simply wasn’t good enough in the final third as shots were either rushed off straight into a Brentford block or blasted high and wide of the goal.
The officials were slow to Brentford slowing the game down and were booed off at half-time – not the home team, before the fake news spreads – but City were just as culpable. As 45 minutes turned to 60 without a breakthrough, the visitors grew in confidence and the defence had to be alert just to keep the score level.
Then came the double substitution that proved decisive. Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush had only been on the pitch for a few seconds when Jeremy Doku took a short corner, saw his pass bounce back to him and curled in an unstoppable effort past Caiomhin Kelleher.
That is now four goals in three games for Doku since he gave an interview saying he needed to score more, and it was richly deserved for being by far City’s best attacker up to that point. Panic turned to pandemonium in the stands as all the anxiety in the stands blew away.
Advertisement
It wasn’t that City hadn’t been trying before but suddenly the whole place was alive. Guardiola instantly called his centre-backs over to instruct calm and then, having been kept quiet for most of the game, Haaland found some space and bundled in a second goal.
Just as important, minutes later he was chasing down the left flank racing after a lost cause of a ball just to prevent Brentford from easily getting the ball forward. And the Norwegian put City into dreamland when he put Omar Marmoush through to add a third and boost that goal difference just in case something happens.
City fans sang of Steven Gerrard’s slip, trying to manifest an Arsenal mistake at West Ham on Sunday, and then it was onto the boys in blue (coming after you). Regardless, it was a City performance for the supporters to be proud of – summed up by the running of Haaland and the team as much as the goals.
Goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush help Manchester City beat Brentford 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium to secure a vital win in the Premier League title race, as City move two points behind leaders Arsenal with three games remaining.
After barely escaping with a win in the third round, Coco Gauff revealed that she had been struggling with personal problems, which she took with her onto the court, resulting in a lack of motivation and a tough day for her at the Italian Open.
The World No. 4 American toiled at Foro Italico against Argentina’s Solana Sierra but managed to keep her campaign alive. Gauff produced 25 unforced errors, lost the opening set and trailed 0-3 in the decisive set before scripting a comeback story.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Her frustration level crossed the line of control after Sierra broke her serve in the opening set to take a 5-6 lead. Frustrated with how the game panned out, the 22-year-old briefly struck herself on the head with the racket. Despite a sluggish outing, Gauff survived the scare and qualified for the next round with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 win.
Advertisement
In the aftermath of the fixture, Gauff explained that she has been going through personal issues for a few months. She has carried it on the court, which has left her bereft of the pleasure of enjoying her time on the court.
“It was a tough day for me. One of those days I just didn’t feel motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated,” Coco Gauff said (via Tennis Now).
“No, mental. Just personal things off court that I’m just trying to get through, but then you also remember how much fun you have. I think my regret today was not enjoying the battle, for sure. I’ve been going through it for a few months. I mean, good days and bad days, yeah,” she added.
Gauff, seeded third, will continue her campaign in Rome, and her next opponent will be the winner of the clash between Iva Jovic or Taylor Townsend.
Coco Gauff supports French Open boycott ahead of title defense
After the Italian Open, Coco Gauff will shift her focus on her title defence at the Roland Garros later this month. However, the prestigious Grand Slam has found itself under scrutiny and boycott threats before she commences her title defence.
Top players across the men’s and women’s categories, including Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and others, have threatened to boycott the tournament. The controversy erupted due to a conflict over the prize money distribution between players and the organisers.
Advertisement
Gauff admitted that she can see a scenario where players boycott the French Open, but only if everyone stands together. She cited WNBA basketball players as an example to put emphasis on her point.
“It’s not about me, It’s about the future of our sport and the current players who aren’t getting as much benefits as even some of the top players are getting, when it comes to like sponsorship and things like that. We’re making money off court. Just taking what the WNBA accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps,” Coco Gauff commented.
While the fate of the tournament hangs in balance, reports indicate that players are expected to arrive in Paris for a crisis meeting before the French Open begins.
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) gives a thumbs up during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings on Thursday night, making the roster pretty full after an initially quiet free agency and a fruitful draft. Now, our staff has recommendations for one extra free-agent move as a cherry on top.
One signing helped the offense. Now the staff turns to the defense.
We asked for one name per writer. Here’s what they said.
Advertisement
Staff Picks for the Vikings’ Next Free Agent Addition
New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019. Van Noy played a major role in New England’s defensive dominance during the championship matchup, helping secure another title in the Patriots dynasty era. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports.
Kyle Van Noy | OLB
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
After trading Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings need an experienced EDGE rusher to rotate with Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Noy turned 35 recently, but still played almost 50% of the snaps in 2025, and has familiarity with Brian Flores.
Xavier Woods | S
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
Advertisement
The Vikings shored up a lot of spots over the last few years, including the offensive and defensive lines. There are a few spots that are more glaring than others right now, with wide receiver taken care of after the Jauan Jennings signing. I wrestled with which position needs the most attention now, and between EDGE and safety, I feel the team has solid young depth on the outside.
Safety is the one position that could use another veteran body. If Harrison Smith truly is retired, then Xavier Woods is the player I would tap in. He brings experience and can help younger players, like rookie Jakobe Thomas, find their path. Without Smith at the wheel, the defense may need a steady hand to keep the ship on course.
Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings have addressed plenty of holes on their roster, and did well to cover them in the draft. There’s still room to add depth at the EDGE rusher position in the Dallas Turner role. A veteran like Joey Bosa, or someone a little younger like Yetur Gross-Matos, could be a good contingency plan.
Advertisement
Cameron Jordan | OLB
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Jordan will turn 37 this summer, so yes, he’s old and won’t play much longer. He should cost around $7 million or $8 million. The longtime New Orleans Saint registered 10.5 sacks last year and missed just two games in his entire career, an absolutely remarkable feat.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan stands along the sideline during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 1, 2023. Jordan remained one of the Saints’ veteran defensive leaders during the 2022 season, continuing to anchor the pass rush with his trademark durability, energy, and long-established presence in New Orleans. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
His father, Steve Jordan, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 seasons from 1982 to 1994. There is some poetry in adding Jordan; he can finish his career where his father’s started and ended. Steve Jordan, incidentally, is one of the best tight ends in Vikings history.
Bring his son aboard to play OLB for a year or two. He’d make great insurance for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
Nobody
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
Advertisement
The signing of Jennings saps up a lot of the cap savings the Vikings got in the Greenard deal. What cap they have left needs to be treated like having a single silver bullet against a hungry vampire; they need to make it count. This money will be saved and used to fill roster positions should an injury occur during the preseason or at the start of the season.
Jadeveon Clowney or Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The one glaring hole right now is EDGE3 depth, depending on how the Vikings view Jake Golday. I’d be in favor of signing either Jadaveon Clowney or Joey Bosa to bring a veteran presence off the bench.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Advertisement
With Jonathan Greenard gone, the Vikings can use another pass rusher. Clowney is 33 years old, but can still produce. He had 8.5 sacks last season in 13 games while playing just under 400 defensive snaps. The man can ball; he proves it every year.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney stands on the sideline during the second quarter of a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sep. 30, 2018. Clowney was one of the NFL’s most physically disruptive defenders during his Texans tenure, combining explosiveness, speed, and power as a premier edge-rushing presence. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings still lack depth at the EDGE position behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. By adding Clowney, who had 8.5 sacks last year in 13 games, the Vikings gain a rotational pass rush threat that can provide additional pressure on the quarterback and depth on a cheap one-year contract. This kind of move is ideal for the Vikings’ current cap space and needs.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
The former first overall selection remains awaiting an opportunity in 2026. Clowney has a solid 23 sacks over the last 3 seasons, the perfect amount for a third EDGE rusher. That is a spot that opened up on the Vikings after Jonathan Greenard got sent packing to Philadelphia, meaning Dallas Turner is now a starter. Minnesota needs EDGE rushing depth, and they have the money to get a halfway decent rotational piece.
Advertisement
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings could use another established pass rusher to solidify their defensive front. Every summer, he chooses his new team, and he’s always fantastic. With Jonathan Greenard in Philadelphia, it’s time to make the call.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jeremy Doku struck again as Manchester City kept their title hopes alive with a vital 3-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The winger scored his fifth goal in six games before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush wrapped up a victory at the Etihad Stadium that cut Arsenal’s advantage at the top to two points.
Both contenders now have three games to play, with Arsenal the next in action at relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.
After Monday’s frustrating draw at Everton, City needed to win to keep any pressure on the Gunners and – as at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they were facing defeat until the final moments, Doku came to their rescue.
The Belgian struck in now trademark style to break the deadlock on the hour with a fine curling shot before Haaland and substitute Marmoush made the points certain.
Advertisement
Victory was not without controversy, however, as European hopefuls Brentford had two penalty appeals turned down and City captain Bernardo Silva might have been sent off on another day for lashing out.
But ultimately City, who were again missing the influential Rodri, did what they needed to do.
Doku repeatedly troubled Brentford cutting in from the left and he threatened in the opening minutes when he shot straight at Caoimhin Kelleher.
Silva and Tijjani Reijnders both shot over and Haaland headed tamely at Kelleher.
Advertisement
Haaland had another opportunity from a Doku cutback but his shot was blocked by Kristoffer Ajer and Kelleher smothered Nathan Ake’s follow-up.
Despite City’s dominance, they looked vulnerable at times and they had a scare when Gianluigi Donnarumma missed Michael Kayode’s long throw-in and Matheus Nunes cleared off the line.
Nunes was also involved in some of the game’s main talking points, the first coming after the dangerous Kevin Schade raced onto a long ball.
The Portuguese chased back and Schade went down as the pair made contact on the edge of the area but nothing was given by referee Michael Salisbury.
Advertisement
There was further controversy when Silva escaped with a yellow card after striking the back of Nathan Collins’ leg with his arm in frustration following a tangle in the area.
Rayan Cherki drove wide as City tried to step up the urgency after the break but manager Pep Guardiola felt the need to make changes on the hour, sending on Phil Foden and Marmoush.
Within seconds the game changed, although it had nothing to do with the substitutes as Doku again ran at the Brentford defence. The Belgian got lucky when an attempted pass was cut out by Mikkel Damsgaard and rolled straight back to him, but there was nothing fortunate about his sublime finish.
Brentford appealed again for a spot-kick following another incident involving Schade and Nunes but it was cleared.
Advertisement
Haaland made sure of victory when he backheeled in amid a goalmouth scramble 15 minutes from time and Kelleher produced a fine save to deny Foden before Marmoush completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Novak Djokovic says his preparation for the French Open has been far from ideal after another difficult clay-court outing in Rome.
Djokovic was eliminated by Dino Prizmic and later admitted he has been dealing with ongoing physical and health issues ahead of Roland Garros.
“It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest,” Djokovic said.
Advertisement
“I don’t recall the last time in the last couple years I had a preparation where I didn’t have some kind of physical or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to go into detail about the issues affecting him after the match.
“I hope you understand I will not talk about that,” he said. “I want to congratulate Dino. Deservedly the winner today.”
Advertisement
Djokovic also confirmed he will not play another clay-court tournament before Roland Garros, meaning he heads to Paris without a win on clay this season. The tournament in France will also be just his fourth event of 2026.
Despite the concerns surrounding his fitness and form, Djokovic said he is still hoping things improve before the Grand Slam begins.
“I don’t know. I hope so,” he said with a smile when asked if he expects to be ready for Roland Garros. “Let’s see what happens.”
The Serbian added that continuing to compete despite the setbacks has been his own choice.
Advertisement
“It is frustrating. At the same time it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is.”
Vinesh Phogat on Saturday indicated that she would fight back after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued a detailed show-cause notice, accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations, while also declaring her ineligible to compete in domestic events till June 26.
The WFI said Vinesh failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under UWW Anti-Doping Rules.
It means that the two-time World Championship medallist will have to wait for her comeback. She was targeting the National Open Ranking event in Gonda, starting Sunday, for her return to competition.
She had quit the sport in 2024 after her disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games.
Advertisement
“Life is caught in some deep whirlpool’s midst. The world seeks flaws in my character, persists.. Life has always held your head held high. No sword has the power to make it bow.!!!,” according to the English translation of her tweet in Hindi.
Earlier in the day, the WFI, in a 15-page notice, alleged that Vinesh’s conduct had caused “lasting damage to reputation of Indian wrestling” in Paris and violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules and anti-doping regulations.
Allegations have flown thick and fast in the last few days. Vinesh had accused WFI of blocking her entry for the Gonda event and also said that she was one of the six complainants against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
Advertisement
WFI said that compliance with WADA rules was non-negotiable and the onus to prove her eligibility was on Vinesh.
“We have to see if WADA rules have been followed properly. It has not yet been proved that she has fulfilled the requirements for coming back from retirement. She has to complete the mandatory six-month notice period before she becomes eligible to compete again,” WFI President Sanjay Singh told PTI.
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Katie McCabe of Arsenal applauds fans after the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on May 06, 2026 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal Women are reportedly considering offering Katie McCabe a new contract, despite earlier expectations that she would leave the club this summer.
McCabe’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and reports had suggested the Ireland captain was preparing to leave on a free transfer, with Manchester City Women linked as a possible destination.
Back in March, McCabe admitted there had already been interest from other clubs.
Advertisement
“Yes, there’s been interest,” she said.
“The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I’ve shown that over the last 10 years. I’ve given absolutely everything.”
However, Arsenal are now believed to be reconsidering their position after McCabe’s performances this season. Her versatility and consistency have reportedly impressed key figures at the club, especially after filling in at centre-back while continuing to perform strongly at left-back.
Advertisement
McCabe joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015 and has become one of the club’s most important players over the last decade. She has made more than 200 appearances and helped Arsenal win the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, League Cup and Women’s Champions League.
For now, McCabe’s future remains undecided, but a stay in north London now appears more possible than it did a few months ago.
Both sides have held preliminary talks for their possible encounter later this year, which would see them square off for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown.
Additionally, Benavidez has proposed they meet at a catchweight of 190lbs, allowing him to defend his WBO and WBA world cruiserweight titles.
Bivol, too, boasts a win over Ramirez, which followed an equally dominant points victory over Canelo Alvarez that same year, in 2022.
Since then, the Russian has claimed all four major belts at 175lbs, outpointing Artur Beterbiev by majority decision in February 2025, after which he decided to undergo back surgery and vacate the WBC title, enabling Benavidez to be elevated from ‘interim’ to full champion.
Having now recovered from his surgery, the 35-year-old will make a mandatory title defence against Michael Eifert on May 30.
Advertisement
Regardless of his next performance, though, Hall of Famer Bradley has said on his YouTube channel that he expects Bivol to cause Benavidez serious problems.
“Bivol has the perfect style to beat him. I like me some David Benavidez – I can’t wait ‘til he fights again – but [fighting] Bivol is a recipe for disaster.
“[Benavidez has] got a high boxing IQ, too. But he’s stubborn. Bivol isn’t stubborn. Bivol is one of those guys that’ll do the complete opposite [to] what you think he’s gonna do.
“He’ll have a plan A and a plan B. When he fought Ramirez, he stepped to Ramirez. We thought he was going to box because Ramirez was so damn big.
“Ya’ll probably don’t think Bivol would step to Benavidez – you’ll be surprised.”
Advertisement
Along with Bivol’s boxing brain, Bradley highlights his foot speed as a significant factor in a potential clash with Benavidez, who is known more for his hand speed.
Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Taj Bradley on the 15-day injured list Saturday with inflammation in his right pectoral muscle.
The move is retroactive to Wednesday, the day after Bradley struck out eight batters in six innings and earned the win in an 11-3 victory at Washington.
Bradley, 25, improved to 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA through eight starts this season. He has struck out 52 batters and walked 17 in 47 innings.
Bradley is 23-28 with a 4.64 ERA in 83 career games (81 starts) with the Rays (2023-25) and Twins, who acquired him from Tampa Bay at the 2025 trade deadline for right-hander Griffin Jax.
Advertisement
Minnesota recalled right-hander Travis Adams from Triple-A St. Paul to replace Bradley on the 26-man roster.
Adams, 26, is 3-0 with a 9.00 ERA in five relief appearances this season at St. Paul.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login