Champions League
Liverpool’s summer choices face scrutiny over the next 8 days after reality check
Arne Slot is about to test his Liverpool squad‘s depth as they gear up for a hectic schedule of three games in just eight days.
After a relatively quiet summer, the Reds are entering a critical phase in their season.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window was calm as the club transitioned from the Jurgen Klopp era. Slot chose to stick with the core squad he inherited, except a late signing—Federico Chiesa from Juventus.
The Italian forward has yet to make his debut but could get his first taste of action when Liverpool travel to the San Siro for their Champions League opener against AC Milan on Tuesday.
Matches between these two storied clubs are steeped in history, reminiscent of Liverpool’s European glory that defined the early days of Klopp’s tenure.
Slot now has the chance to make his mark in Europe’s top competition, a feat he couldn’t achieve in his previous managerial roles.
However, his immediate focus is on getting Liverpool back on track following their surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest. Losses at Anfield have been rare in recent years, making this setback a stark “reality check,” as Virgil van Dijk described it.
The Dutch defender was one of the most vocal figures during the recent training sessions at Liverpool’s Kirby base.
Klopp often expressed frustration over the demanding fixture schedule that comes with managing a top English club, and now Slot faces the same challenge.
The new boss has relied on a consistent front three—Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota—for the opening four games of the season.
With the fixture list tightening, Slot may need to rotate his lineup, having used just 12 starting players so far. Fortunately, he has plenty of firepower to choose from, especially in attack.
Cody Gakpo has shown flashes of his potential, but it’s Darwin Nunez who has been the most inconsistent. Liverpool’s record signing has displayed moments of brilliance as well as frustrating inconsistency, making this period crucial for him to impress his new manager.
Nunez’s performance in training reflected his determination, although his finishing has been the main area of criticism. Meanwhile, Chiesa provides another dynamic option, having made a name for himself as a standout in Serie A.
After their Champions League clash, Liverpool will look to bounce back in the Premier League as they take on Bournemouth.
The Reds will aim to replicate their dominant 9-0 victory from two seasons ago and keep pace with the league leaders.
Next Wednesday, Liverpool will also begin their Carabao Cup title defense. Last season’s victory in this competition at Wembley marked the final trophy of Klopp’s tenure, with a youthful Liverpool side edging out Chelsea.
This year, they face a tough draw against West Ham, although hosting the game at Anfield should ease the travel burden.
Slot knows that if he manages to secure a trophy and guide Liverpool to a top-four finish, his debut season will be considered a success, quelling the concerns that followed Klopp’s departure.
Champions League
Touching Moment as Arsenal Star’s Mum Celebrates His UCL Debut
Marcia Lewis experienced an unforgettable moment as she watched her son, Myles Lewis-Skelly, make his Champions League debut for Arsenal, and her emotional reaction spoke volumes.
Myles was brought on as a stoppage-time substitute for Bukayo Saka during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The 18-year-old’s appearance came nearly a year after signing his first professional contract with the club.
Having already made his Premier League debut in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in September, this Champions League debut marked another milestone in his budding career.
In heartwarming footage, Marcia can be seen shaking her head in disbelief as her son’s substitution is announced, clearly overwhelmed by the moment.
When Myles’ name appears on the big screen, she lets out an excited scream, covers her mouth, and taps her loved ones, fully realizing that her son is playing on Europe’s biggest stage.
Her joy is palpable as she claps enthusiastically, raising her arms to celebrate this proud family achievement.
With tears in her eyes, Marcia manages to utter, “Oh my God,” capturing the depth of her pride and excitement.
Lewis-Skelly, who hails from Islington, has had an eventful few weeks. Having risen through the ranks of Arsenal’s Hale End academy since his early days as an under-nine, he has quickly established himself as a promising talent.
Notably, during his Premier League debut against Manchester City, he was even booked on the sidelines for what the PGMOL described as “showing a lack of respect for the game” after being sent to communicate with goalkeeper David Raya, who appeared to be time-wasting.
Manager Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for the young midfielder. “He’s a competitor,” Arteta said. “Every duel he enters, he engages with his teammates and always maintains eye contact. He’s a special character with versatility. He can play as a left-back, No.6, or No.8, adapting to different roles. His intelligence and competitive edge make him stand out at this level, and he’s eager to succeed.”
Champions League
Endrick Set for First Real Madrid Start in CL Showdown Against Lille
Real Madrid is gearing up for their second league phase match of the 2024-25 Champions League against Lille, and Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his line-up, which includes one major surprise.
Endrick Felipe, who has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine since joining the club, will make his first start for Real Madrid.
Despite showing promise in several substitute appearances, this will be the Brazilian’s debut in the starting XI. Ancelotti has opted to give Endrick the nod, leaving Rodrygo Goes on the bench.
Another notable inclusion is Eduardo Camavinga, who returns to the starting line-up for the first time this season after recovering from a knee injury.
He replaces Luka Modric, marking the second change from the squad that played in the Madrid derby.
In a surprising move, Kylian Mbappe has been included in the matchday squad, returning from a thigh injury two weeks ahead of schedule.
Although he is not fully fit to start, he will be available as a substitute, joining Rodrygo and Modric on the bench.
Champions League
Arsenal 2-0 PSG: Gunners Survive Second Half Scare, Havertz & Saka on Target [VIDEO]
Arsenal took full advantage of two costly errors by Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium in their Champions League clash tonight.
The Gunners’ first win of the new campaign came courtesy of first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, with Mikel Arteta’s side capitalizing on set-pieces to break down their Ligue 1 opponents.
Leandro Trossard provided a pinpoint cross for Havertz’s opener in the 20th minute, but Donnarumma’s mistake made the goal possible. The PSG keeper rushed off his line and failed to claim the ball, allowing Havertz an easy finish.
Donnarumma was again in the spotlight just 15 minutes later when Saka’s free kick sailed through the penalty area, slipping past the Italian goalkeeper right down the middle to double Arsenal’s lead before halftime.
Despite dominating possession, PSG struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes came close in the first half, with Mendes hitting the post, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Gabriel Martinelli nearly extended Arsenal’s lead early in the second half, but his one-on-one effort was saved by Donnarumma. PSG had their best chance to pull one back when Joao Neves hit the crossbar from a corner midway through the second half.
Arsenal, boasting one of Europe’s most formidable defenses, managed to hold on for a clean sheet, leaving Luis Enrique’s PSG side with just one goal in the UCL this season — an own goal in their previous match against Girona.
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