Southport: 'I'm pleased families don't have to relive the attack'
A man tells how he sheltered about a dozen children who fled the Southport attack.
Jota & Gomez out for 'weeks rather than months' - Slot
Liverpool duo Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez should miss "weeks rather than months" through injury, says head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool are not considering accepting an offer for midfielder Harvey Elliott - in January or the summer window - despite his lack of first-team football. (Football Insider), external
Meanwhile, defender Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new deal with the club, despite having been offered one. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesDarwin Nunez got the headlines on Saturday, and rightly so, but Harvey Elliott also made a massive impact off the bench.
The 21-year-old was involved in both goals in what was his most telling contribution of the season.
He has not had many chances this term, with Arne Slot preferring Dom Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones at number 10. Elliott got injured early on and has never been able to force his way in, tellingly not even coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest last week.
At Brentford, though, Slot gave him 10 minutes - and Elliott changed the game, proving himself as a creative force.
The midfielder found spaces between the lines and showed an ability to make intricate passes into the penalty area.
Szoboszlai is a better presser and more physical, while Jones is good at retaining possession, but Elliott has superior vision to both.
Hopefully, Slot will now use him more, especially against teams who park the bus, because Elliott has the ability to find attackers in the box instead of just spreading the play wide every time.
Jones has now got himself in the England squad, and if Elliott gets the minutes his talent deserves, he could too by the end of the season.
Do you think Elliott should be getting more game time, Reds fans? Where should Slot be using him? Are there any others who should be getting more minutes? And if so, in what games?
Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop., external
Luke Reddy
BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool fans often point to the sight of an overjoyed Sadio Mane running towards a raucous away end at Aston Villa in November of 2019 as the moment they truly ended their long title wait.
The Reds needed months to confirm the honour but for many, the race was won when that glancing header beat Villa at the death. On such moments, momentum becomes an avalanche and titles are clinched.
Saturday's added-time drama at Brentford contained its fair share of delirium, not to mention an eye-catching moment that has fans talking. Was this the Mane header all over again?
When Darwin Nunez applied his finish in the 91st minute, the Uruguayan threw his shirt into the air and led a pack of chasing team-mates to the corner flag, where the Reds' travelling fans were losing their minds.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe footage of the celebrations has become a viral social media hit,, external with Federico Chiesa's eyes-wide joy a prominent feature and Harvey Elliott playing a starring role.
Elliott sprints after Nunez, picks up the striker's tossed shirt from the floor and in a rhythmic, almost poetic manner, boots a pitchside ball high into the bouncing away end.
On a day when 37 shots had been fired at the Brentford goal, at the end of a week when Nunez was discussed at length by pundits expecting his imminent departure, and after a run of days where the word "blip" was used perhaps more than it should have been, Elliott's swipe punched through the January air, as roars poured down at him, his jubilant team-mates and a striker reborn for perhaps the fifth, sixth or seventh time in his Anfield career.
Following Mane's Villa Park header, Liverpool won 16 league games in a row.
Reds fans will hope Nunez's moment and Elliott's big boot prove to be as influential and, one day, as iconic.
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool defender Ibrahima Konate believes the partnership he has formed with captain Virgil van Dijk is the best central defence in Europe this season.
The Reds are six points clear at the top of the Premier league with a game in hand and three points clear at the top of the new League Phase of the Champions League with two games remaining - starting on Tuesday evening against Lille.
Arne Slot's side also have the best defensive record in both competitions, conceding just one goal in their European matches so far and 20 in their 21 domestically.
When asked in the pre-match news conference if his partnership with Van Dijk is the best in Europe, Konate said: "This season, yeah I think so. Everybody knows Virgil, everybody knows his quality. For me he is the best, no-one is better than him in this position.
"I learn a lot from him and from other players like [Joel] Matip, Joe [Gomez] and others who play this position as well.
"I never said it to him [Van Dijk] but I have said in interviews, I just want to be better than him one day!
"That's why I work hard, to reach this level one day."
Konate also confirmed he has been offered a new contract by the club with his current deal expiring in June 2026 but was not drawn into commenting further, adding: "This is another conversation."
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game at home against French side Lille (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Slot said both Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez are expected to be back in "weeks not months" with Jota, who he said has overloaded a shoulder muscle, is expected to be back "a bit earlier than Joe".
He believes Darwin Nunez has the potential to kick on after his double against Brentford: "The most difficult thing in football is to find consistency. Only a few players in the world are able to be at the same level every three days in a row. Next step for him is if he can go into the bracket of players who are outstanding every three days. It's a nice challenge for him."
On Bees boss Thomas Frank's comments that the Reds are the best team in the world: "His opinion means something to me because he has shown at Brentford how well he has done for so many years without spending crazy amounts of money. But I think it's far too early to say these things. The Champions League format is different. We have to face a lot of teams."
Slot is not over concerned by finishing top of the League Phase table: "The most important, when we go out there we want to win a game. I'm not thinking at the league table in a way that if you finish number one you get the easiest team because being on top doesn't tell you you're the best team. It's impossible to say because of the strange format we have."
On improving attacking output: "We have scored more in the last eight, nine games. We've conceded a few too so we've needed these goals more than in the beginning of the season. I can't come up with why it has changed but we are working together and know even better what we want with the ball."
On Tuesday's opponents: "I am not surprised but impressed. I was impressed by their manager Bruno Genesio at Rennes, at the way his team played. I've seen many games of them and I'm not surprised. They've deserved every single point."
Follow all of Monday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott says he is ready to fight for his place in Arne Slot's team after returning from injury.
The 21-year-old, who played significantly under Jurgen Klopp, told BBC Radio Merseyside that he knows what he needs to do in order to be in Slot's first team.
"I just need to keep my head down, keep working hard and keep trying to help the team whenever I'm needed," he said. "It is just about waiting for my time.
"I was out with an injury, so I don't expect to be back and playing straight away and I will give it everything I can.
"If you look at the team now with the sprint distance the team is doing and the constant pressing, it is something I can do but I can improve it a little bit more so that it is effective.
"Liverpool is my club and my team and I want to fight for my place and position in the team. It is down to me to put the effort and desire in to make it achievable."
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.
Joe asked: Are people trying to create a title race when there isn't one? All available evidence points to Liverpool by at least eight points.
Phil answered: There is still a title race because there are teams who can catch Liverpool, and they have to believe they can, but it would take quite the change for Arne Slot's team not to win the Premier League now.
Arsenal took a step forward against Tottenham then a step back against Aston Villa, and while Nottingham Forest are having a remarkable season under Nuno Espirito Santo, I cannot put my hand on my heart and say I think they will win the title.
If Forest get into Europe, even the Champions League, then that will be an incredible achievement alone.
Manchester City are simply too far back now.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe confidence gained by Sunday's home win over Tottenham is key for Everton going forward under David Moyes, says winger Iliman Ndiaye.
The Toffees secured their first win of Moyes' second tenure in charge to open up a four point gap between them and the relegation zone and end a run of six Premier League games without a victory.
"It makes us feel good," Ndiaye told BBC Radio Merseyside. "It makes us go into the next game more confident.
"Tottenham is a big team and we wanted to perform. We needed to get the win we haven't got recently. We have confidence going into the next game so we go again."
Ndiaye has been Everton's standout performer this season - scoring six goals in all competitions - and operated in a more central role against Spurs.
"I'm playing a bit more inside than usual," the 24-year-old added. "It paid off, I got my goal from the middle. It was my signature move - one on one and trying to do what I do and get the goal.
"It's not a free role because I need to stay in position and not get in the way of other players but I enjoyed it."
The Toffees has only scored 15 goals before Sunday, but were 3-0 up at half-time after a blistering attacking performance in the opening 45 minutes.
"It felt really good," Ndiaye said on his side's fast start.
"It made us go even stronger and harder to get the next one and next one. We were trying to regain the ball up the pitch, set the tempo, and I think we did.
"Each win we need to celebrate. It's a big thing given where we are now. We need to repeat what we did in the first half."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans:
Mike: For 70 mins a breath of fresh air performance and show of commitment from Everton. Haven't seen that for a long time. Then the panic button once Spurs scored. Shouldn't have been that nervy but pleased for Moyes.
Chris: Phew. Good job we were three up. Where have that Everton been? Only in the last 15 minutes did it seem nerves got hold of them, as if they couldn't believe they were 3-0 up. Had visions of a capitulation again but well done. Great finish from DCL, more of the same please and a bit more confidence in the last quarter of a match. Thoroughly deserved win but kept supporters' nerves jangling.
Sudesh: Everton played their best football in ages, and it's all thanks to David Moyes. Same team, but the transformation under Moyes' management is remarkable. His tactics were fresh, dynamic, and nothing like the predictable play we saw under Dyche. The players were full of energy, pressing hard, exploiting space, and showing real flair. It was a joy to watch – proper football! If this is what Moyes can do already, I can't wait to see what's next. COYB!
Les: They should not be letting any team get back in the game full stop - 3-0 at half time, should be 5-0 at the end. Everton always sloppy in last 15mins. Glad for DCL but not with his cocky comments - "it's not my first rodeo". Fighting for relegation because you can't score, that's not the first rodeo the fans endure!
Tottenham fans:
Martin: This is getting embarrassing! Ange might have done well in a two horse league in Scotland and he might have world class ideas. What he's got to realise is he doesn't have 20 world class players. We are thin on the ground without a defence to cope with being left exposed by his tactics. Time for a change I think.
Doug: Pathetic first half. Got a bit more alive in the second half but too little too late, the damage was done. It's not just down to injuries as the main players aren't performing either with the exception of Dejan. It's now at the point where most fans have had enough of losing. I'm not one for changing managers but I'm not seeing any improvement in the team - if anything we are worse. Things need to change now or Ange needs to go.
Tony: Enough is enough. Another horror show. Outclassed, outfought and out run by Everton. The players have given up. The injury record means nothing.
Lindsay: We have some very talented young players who are being asked to do a job which isn't suited to them. The lack of Plan B is finally coming home to roost. Arrogance is OK until the ignorance prevents the acceptance of a problem which is in need of solving. I think Ange's race is run at Spurs. More importantly, has Daniel Levy got in place a risk contingency plan? We're in a total mess.
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton are the latest crisis club to seek a cure for their ills in the healing hands of 'Dr Tottenham' and their manager Ange Postecoglou - and come away feeling reinvigorated and revitalised.
David Moyes was the biggest beneficiary as Everton secured their first win since his return as manager with a 3-2 victory, but Spurs counterpart Postecoglou's position will come under even closer scrutiny after a seventh defeat in 10 Premier League games.
'Dr Tottenham' is the latest cruel jibe aimed in the direction of Spurs - the theory being if you are a team or manager in desperate need of a tonic, then look no further than the surgery in north London.
Among the satisfied patients this season have been Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town - both of whom secured sorely needed first league wins against Postecoglou's side.
Everton may have had a new (or old) manager in Moyes, but they took a list of ailments as long as your arm into Sunday's match after the 61-year-old Scot's first game ended in a home defeat by Aston Villa.
That made Spurs - admittedly in desperately reduced circumstances of their own because injuries - the ideal opponents.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Brentford fans:
George: Thomas Frank talked about finally being able to go toe-to-toe with a top-side after the draw against City - you can't say we didn't do that again. The final four minutes will have absolutely crushed the team's spirit. I hope the fans and staff are able to build it back up again quickly - playing like that versus any other team in the league would have given us three points.
Uzzi: About as cruel an ending you could expect. Played so well against an excellent side, had some good openings but the penny just didn't drop. Always felt one goal would settle it, unfortunately it wasn't for us.
Will: We held on and held on and held on but could not get over the line. We did admirably having played City just four days ago. Can't help but wonder if perhaps a couple more subs were needed (Mee for Mads? Rico for KLP? Carvalho for Wissa?). We could have maybe put more fresh legs on and had a better chance. A good game with a disappointing result but we go again… COYB!
Ben: Could clearly see the tiredness from an amazing game on Tuesday took its toll. But still so proud of another strong performance against a top side. Even with key players missing we still manage to be competitive. Credit to the manager, coaching team and the players. Keane Lewis-Potter (a winger) playing at full-back and keeping Salah quiet the entire game has to be one of the defensive performances of the season.
Liverpool fans:
Rob: Nunez man of the hour, could not be happier for him. Szobo was also excellent, as were the back four. Credit to Brentford - they defended very well, often getting the better of our starting front three.
Sean: What a surprise end to that game! Nunez is certainly a workhorse but he needs to keep that end product coming else he'll be gone soon. The fact that Alisson and Trent were by far the stand out players is quite a concern. Midfield seemed baffled by the low block. Salah was hardly noticeable (hasn't been for a few games now), while Diaz and Gakpo hold on for too long. Chiesa and Jota need to be starting games. Bench Salah.
George: Great energy and intensity with lots of possession. Needed to be more clinical in the last third. Seem to struggle to find a way through teams with a low block. Mo seemed very quiet, not making so many telling runs into the box. I thought Trent played well. We need to work on set pieces as we had so many corners and never looked like capitalising. Substitutions worked well. We deserved the win but it could easily have got away from us.
Yusuf: A solid display and one that was much needed after the past few matches. Credit to Nunez - won us the game and has eliminated all questions over his confidence. Something to note though - all players celebrated after the final whistle and went over to the fans but Mohamed Salah. Has transfer speculation affected him over the past few games?
Leon Osman
MOTD2 pundit & former Everton midfielder
Image source, Getty ImagesSome of the hallmarks of the best Everton teams I played in under David Moyes were aggression, energy, intensity and desire.
He would get us so fired up that we believed we could beat anyone, and I could see elements of all of that when I watched Everton beat Tottenham on Sunday.
It was a huge result for Moyes, the players and the fans - everyone at the club - for him to get his first win in his second game back, but the way they got it was even more important, especially for the manager.
The way they started the game was pretty much everything you could ask for from this Everton team. They were on the front foot and took the game to Tottenham, scored two goals from open play when they have been so hard to come by, and could have had even more if things had fallen their way.
Yes, it was a typically nervy finish when Spurs got a couple of late goals back, but the first half was probably the most exciting we have seen at Goodison Park all season, and you could absolutely see this team can do what Moyes asks of them.
Read more from Leon Osman's column here.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe title race is not over but Liverpool's determination in the final minutes of the game against Brentford will help them to continue their hunt for silverware.
That's the view of former Premier League striker Glenn Murray, who has heaped praise on manager Arne Slot during a weekend where his side moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand on their closest rivals.
"There is real belief in the squad that they are going to win and win the title," said former Premier League striker Glenn Murray on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "Slot has got a wonderful balance to this side and he is getting more out of certain players than Jurgen Klopp would have done.
"What he has done in such a short space of time is remarkable, plus he has managed the contract situations [of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold] perfectly because that could easily disrupt a dressing room.
"I think Liverpool will go on to win the title but there will be a blip along the road, so it's not a case of the race being done and dusted."
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Image source, Getty ImagesVitaliy Mykolenko says early in his Everton career, the "pressure" of being in a relegation battle would sometimes stop him from sleeping, and that he still struggles with the club scrapping for survival.
Everton sit in 16th place in the Premier League, only two spots above the relegation zone and talking about it to BBC Radio Merseyside's reporter Giulia Bould, Mykolenko said: "It's very tough and mentally hard - when you play three years and every year you've got a relegation battle, it's not very easy for me.
"I struggle with it, but I'm coming on the pitch every time and trying to be a better player and to help us not be in a relegation battle."
The Ukrainian also said it's difficult for him to switch his focus away from the football, and was asked if he thinks about it when he's at home, stating: "Of course, I'm trying to change my mind but my wife said 1or 2 years ago when we were in the relegation zone for some games - I woke up every morning and was in one area and she said don't worry it's all OK.
"I'm worrying about it especially at the end of the season in the first season. I couldn't sleep some times because of this pressure - but it's OK."
The 25-year-old also spoke about Everton's fans, stating: "I understand them, if they are supporting us every game and we don't get the result. It's so annoying if we're losing or drawing.
"I understand them, but as a player I'm trying to do a better job to get points and win games, especially at Goodison."
Andy Stevenson
Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt was very interesting watching the Liverpool technical area on Saturday.
Just as Arne Slot has imposed a different style on this Liverpool team when compared to Jurgen Klopp's approach, so to does he cut a completely different kind of figure on the touchline.
There were very occasional flashes of frustration and even anger from Slot, but in general his demeanour is calm, his instructions to staff and players methodical and composed. Klopp would have been leaping around, gesturing and yelling watching his team fail to score despite 30-odd shots, but Slot looked like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
This isn't meant as praise or criticism of either manager. Merely an observation that Liverpool's steadier, more patient build-up appears to be a reflection of the personality of their (relatively) new boss.
