(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) – Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has vowed not to celebrate if he scores against his former club, Liverpool, in the UEFA Champions League.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the England international made the remark ahead of Real Madrid’s highly anticipated visit to Anfield on Tuesday night.

The fixture has been billed as one of the most emotionally charged clashes of the season, with Alexander-Arnold set to face his boyhood club for the first time since leaving Merseyside.

The 26-year-old defender, who joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, said he still holds deep respect for Liverpool and its fans.

Speaking to reporters in Madrid, Alexander-Arnold admitted that scoring against Liverpool would be a surreal experience but insisted he would not celebrate out of loyalty to the club that shaped his career.

He said, “Real Madrid against Liverpool? Everyone kind of knew that this fixture was going to happen. It was destined for that to happen. No, if I were to score, I wouldn’t celebrate. No.”

The statement immediately sparked mixed reactions among fans online, with some praising his humility while others questioned his decision to join Madrid in the first place.

Liverpool supporters described his comment as “classy,” noting that he remains one of their own despite wearing the white of Real Madrid.

Background

Trent Alexander-Arnold rose through Liverpool’s academy ranks and became one of the club’s most successful homegrown players in recent history.

He played a key role under former manager Jürgen Klopp, helping the team win the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His departure to Real Madrid last summer shocked many supporters, as the defender had been seen as a potential future Liverpool captain.

Reports at the time suggested that Alexander-Arnold sought a new challenge abroad, and Real Madrid offered a lucrative contract and the chance to play under Carlo Ancelotti.

Since arriving in Spain, he has adapted quickly to life in La Liga and earned praise for his tactical discipline and improved defensive performances.

The Upcoming Clash

Tuesday’s showdown at Anfield carries immense emotional weight for both player and fans.

Liverpool, under new management, are seeking redemption after last season’s early Champions League exit, while Real Madrid hope to maintain their dominance in Europe.

Analysts describe the fixture as a battle between legacy and loyalty, one that tests Alexander-Arnold’s emotional strength and professionalism.

Football pundits believe his return to Anfield will be greeted with applause, though a goal from him could spark bittersweet memories for Reds supporters.

Regardless of the outcome, the match symbolizes the enduring bond between player and club, a rare sentiment in modern football defined by transfers and rivalries.

Looking Forward

If Real Madrid advance, Alexander-Arnold’s performance will likely become a defining chapter in his evolving career.

But for Liverpool fans, his respectful vow not to celebrate ensures he remains forever part of their football family.

As the Champions League anthem rings out at Anfield, the world will watch to see whether emotion or competition takes the upper hand.