(DDM) – Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has criticised Mohamed Salah’s lack of defensive contribution during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Rooney, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, said Salah failed to help his teammates when City’s attack overwhelmed Liverpool, particularly exposing Conor Bradley on the right flank.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Salah struggled to make any attacking impact throughout the match, registering neither a goal nor an assist as Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku secured an emphatic win for the defending champions.

“Salah is in the team to score and create goals,” Rooney said. “But in big games, you also have to double up defensively.”

The former England and Manchester United captain added that Salah’s inability to track back left Liverpool vulnerable, allowing City’s wingers to dominate key areas of the pitch.

“I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate,” Rooney continued, emphasising that modern football requires even forwards to participate in defending during high-intensity fixtures.

Rooney also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal, which would have drawn Liverpool level at 1-1 before City ran away with the match.

“It’s a really good header and the goal should’ve stood for me,” Rooney said, expressing disagreement with the referee’s offside decision.

Van Dijk’s goal was ruled out following a marginal offside call during the build-up, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts who felt the Reds were unfairly denied a chance to shift momentum.

The defeat marked Liverpool’s fifth loss in 11 Premier League matches, leaving them eighth on the table and widening the gap to eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

For Salah, the scrutiny continues to grow as his form dips amid Liverpool’s inconsistent performances this season. Critics, including Rooney, have called for greater effort and leadership from the Egyptian forward, especially in games where Liverpool’s defensive structure is tested.

As the title race intensifies, analysts warn that Liverpool must address tactical weaknesses and rediscover their attacking rhythm if they hope to remain in contention against Arsenal and Manchester City, who both look increasingly dominant.

(DDM) – Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has tipped Manchester City and Liverpool as the only two clubs capable of denying Arsenal the Premier League title this season.

Speaking on Sky Sports after Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, Neville praised Pep Guardiola’s side for their commanding performance while cautioning that Arsenal remain the most complete team so far.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that City went ahead through a powerful Erling Haaland header, before a Nico Gonzalez deflected shot made it 2-0 before halftime.

Jeremy Doku later sealed the win with a stunning curling strike from outside the box, sending the Etihad into jubilation.

The result marked Liverpool’s fifth defeat in 11 league matches, leaving them eighth on the table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Manchester City closed the gap to four points, intensifying the title race ahead of the festive period.

Neville admitted he initially doubted City’s consistency this season but confessed that their latest performance proved they remain serious contenders.

“I thought Liverpool would be Arsenal’s biggest challenger,” Neville said. “I felt City were too inconsistent, but it looks like I was badly wrong.”

He added that although Arsenal appear stronger on paper, Guardiola’s experience and mentality make City the team no rival would want chasing them in the final stretch of the campaign.

“They’ve still got to convince me they can win the title,” Neville continued. “Arsenal are the better team, but Pep Guardiola and his squad are relentless. You can never rule them out.”

When asked if Liverpool still stand a chance in the title race despite their slump, Neville responded affirmatively.

“I’m going to say yes,” he said. “If it clicks, something could happen. They’ve got firecrackers and world-class players in that dressing room.”

This latest assessment from Neville comes as Arsenal prepare to defend their lead in a season that has seen unexpected twists, from injuries to shock defeats among top sides.

With City regaining form and Liverpool searching for consistency, football analysts predict a fierce three-way title battle heading into 2026, one that could be decided by fitness, depth, and mental resilience rather than just tactics.

(DDM) – Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially sacked manager Vitor Pereira, following a devastating 3-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the decision was announced on Sunday, marking the end of Pereira’s short and turbulent tenure at Molineux.

The loss to Fulham left Wolves bottom of the Premier League table, eight points from safety, with just two points earned in ten matches.

Pereira’s dismissal came only 45 days after he signed a new three-year deal with the club, a move that had initially been hailed as a sign of long-term stability.

The defeat compounded an already disastrous run of results, including a 4-3 Carabao Cup loss to Chelsea just days earlier.

Wolves remain the only team across England’s top four divisions without a single win this season, intensifying pressure on the club’s management and recruitment strategy.

Club insiders revealed that growing frustration among fans and board members prompted urgent discussions that led to Pereira’s dismissal.

In a brief statement, the club thanked Pereira for his services but emphasized that “a change was necessary to protect the team’s Premier League status.”

Background

Vitor Pereira, a former FC Porto boss, joined Wolves earlier in the year amid hopes that his European experience would help rebuild the team.

He had previously managed clubs in Turkey, Greece, and China, earning a reputation as a tactically disciplined coach but one often criticized for poor man-management.

Wolves’ struggles this season have been linked to key player departures, injuries, and the team’s inability to convert scoring opportunities.

The club has also faced fan backlash over transfer policies and perceived lack of ambition, despite record revenues from the Premier League.

Since the departure of former manager Julen Lopetegui, Wolves have struggled to rediscover their attacking rhythm or defensive solidity.

The team’s early-season performances showed flashes of potential but were repeatedly undermined by lapses in concentration and tactical inconsistencies.

Implications

Pereira’s exit leaves Wolves searching for their fourth manager in less than three years, underscoring the instability plaguing the club.

Assistant coaches are expected to take temporary charge as the club begins the search for a new manager capable of steering them away from relegation.

Potential candidates already linked to the position include former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch and ex-Everton manager Sean Dyche.

Fans have called on the board to appoint a leader with Premier League experience and a track record of rebuilding struggling sides.

The club’s next fixture is expected to be a crucial test of morale, as Wolves seek their first victory of the campaign.

Looking Forward

Analysts believe Wolves’ next managerial appointment could determine their fate in England’s top flight.

A new coach will need to immediately address the team’s poor defending, lack of creativity, and visible loss of confidence.

Meanwhile, supporters remain divided, some expressing relief over Pereira’s sacking, others warning that constant managerial changes hinder long-term progress.

For now, the message from the Molineux board is clear: survival comes before sentiment.