Liverpool

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It had been a gloomy start to the season for Everton before news of The Friedkin Group's potential takeover emerged and they finally got their first league win of the campaign against Crystal Palace.

However, amid that, one bright spark has been the form of midfielder Dwight McNeil.

Still just 24, McNeil has already made 235 senior club appearances during his career at Burnley and Everton. This experience seems to have helped McNeil step up despite everything feeling so tumultuous around him.

Well, that, and a timely move to his positioning.

Since making the £20m switch from the Clarets in July 2022, McNeil has operated mostly down the left, as a winger or in a more regular midfield role.

Boss Sean Dyche explained recently that McNeil has now moved into a more central number-10 role behind the striker (as illustrated in the graphics below).

"Me and the staff spoke about could we get him [McNeil] inside?" said Dyche. "Iliman [Ndiaye] has done well enough in the wide area to allow us more freedom to move Dwight.

"As long as we can get the ball in there, [it] brings him to life more than out wide."

And bring him to life it has.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

Including the Carabao Cup, McNeil's four goals this campaign have already surpassed his three from last season.

And while goals are helpful - his two against Palace critical - he has been involved in 11 goals in eight games so far. is in fact his creative ability that has helped the team find the net 11 times in their eight games so far.

In the Premier League this season, no other player has created more chances than McNeil's 21.

When narrowed down to big chances, he is third, only behind Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

He is consistently trying to provide his team-mates with goalscoring opportunities, having crossed the ball 47 times - the second most of any player.

And it isn't just about creating those chances but the quality of them too.

With an expected assists (xA) figure of 2.96, McNeil has created better quality chances than any player in the league so far this campaign.

Considering many of these teams the players he is ranking above and around are fighting towards the top end of the table, it just shows the level the former Claret has been performing at.

With optimism beginning to break through at Goodison Park, McNeil's new role could be the catalyst Everton need to reach their goals this season.

*Stats provided by Opta

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

In only a few months, Ryan Gravenberch has transformed his Liverpool career.

From a squad player last season under Jurgen Klopp, he now looks a complete midfielder with Arne Slot in charge.

The 22-year-old Netherlands international again impressed on Wednesday with another all-action performance as the Reds battled to a 2-0 Champions League win over Bologna, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.

Gravenberch was superb once more, with his performance including a match-high 18 passes in the final third, a passing accuracy of 91.1%, three successful dribbles and four duels won, while he also gained possession nine times.

"I was delighted with him," said boss Slot, who has now won eight of his first nine matches in charge - the first Liverpool manager to do so.

"Ryan was again outstanding. I don't say that to players at half-time because there are still 45 minutes to go but I said after the game 'again, big performance'."

Read more about Gravenberch's development at Anfield

Image source, Getty Images

We wanted to know your views on Liverpool's win over Bologna in the Champions League, as Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah helped the Reds secure another three points at Anfield.

Here are some of your comments:

Arthur: A good win, with lots of positives, against an impressive Bologna side. This seemed like Liverpool's most dominant start to a game this season, which suggests that Slot put a 'flea' in the players ears after the slow start against Wolves at the weekend. Bologna belied their 13th place in Serie A and, apart from Real Madrid, Liverpool aren't likely to face any tougher Champions League home games in their group.

Neil: A good win against a decent Bologna side. Ryan Gravenberch was outstanding again. Another clean sheet and a cracking goal from Salah. All we can do is keep winning our games.

Clappu: It wasn't great again, but job done. The points are in the bag and that is all you can ask for. Arne Slot has won all but one game so far - Liverpool fans would have taken that at the start of the season and we haven't even hit top form yet.

Stuart: We had some good spells in the game. It was very even and it was probably the correct result. Liverpool need to stop switching off when they are 1-0 up. They got lucky again not to be punished. A great goal from Salah.

Kopper: We are not quite firing on all cylinders but eight out of nine wins for Slot - a record - is a fine way to get your foot in the door. Imagine how good it is going to be when the wrinkles have been smoothed out.

Everton are not concerned about a January transfer window approach for 22-year-old centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite from rivals Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo), external

The Toffees could reignite their interest in 30-year-old Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, who is likely to leave Newcastle United in January. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi says he has no regrets after turning down a move to Liverpool in the summer transfer window. (Mirror), external

Borussia Dortmund's 22-year-old winger Karim Adeyemi is a target for Liverpool. The Merseyside club want the Germany forward to replace Mohamed Salah in the summer. (Sun), external

Finally, Everton are not concerned about a January transfer window approach for 22-year-old centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite from rivals Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist at Anfield

Image source, Reuters

Mohamed Salah got an assist and a superb goal - his 49th in the Champions League - while Alexis Mac Allister scored his first of the season, but once again it was Ryan Gravenberch who caught the eye for Liverpool in their hard-fought 2-0 win over Bologna.

Operating in a defensive midfield role, but often winning possession, starting attacks and surging forwards, 22-year-old Gravenberch continued his remarkable start to the season after only beginning 12 Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp in the last campaign.

But under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, Gravenberch is now looking a bargain for the £35m they paid Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.

He had been man of the match in the 3-1 win at AC Milan and again in the 2-1 victory at Wolves and Gravenberch was superb once more.

In a match played with a fantastic atmosphere at Anfield, Gravenberch's performance including a match-high 18 passes in the final third, a passing accuracy of 91.1%, three successful dribbles and four duels won, while he also gained possession nine times.

"I was delighted with him," said boss Slot, who has now won eight of his first nine matches in charge - the first Liverpool manager to do so.

"Ryan was again outstanding. I don't say that to players at half-time because there is still 45 minutes to go but I said after the game 'again, big performance'."

Top of the league, two wins from two in the Champions League and into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, what a start it has been for Slot since replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Thomas Hitzlsperger
Former Aston Villa midfielder on MOTD: Uefa Champions League

Image source, Getty Images

The number six role in midfield is not easy but when you watch Ryan Gravenberch he makes it look easy.

He is enjoying the season so far under Arne Slot. Players are looking for him in possession, he keeps looking for the space and pushing on when he can. He doesn't just go back into his position, he goes on the overlap at times.

That shows the confidence he has on the pitch at the moment. I admire the drive he has, the dynamism he brings to the game.

Watch Champions League highlights show on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to TNT Sports: "It wasn't an easy one, in my opinion Bologna made it difficult.

"Similar to Atalanta - man-mark all over the pitch. Wait for the right moment if you play through, completely open - it was many times. The last pass could have been better."

On his time at the club so far: "Not only the players, also the staff I inherited, who were here before, it was positive from the start, the players as well. Keeping many things the same, they were very happy with former regimes. The good thing is that they bought into it."

On what he was delighted with this evening: “Not many things delighted with, apart from both goals, especially the second one. Great ball from Virgil [Van Dijk], great attack, great run from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It is always difficult to play a team that takes that much risk.

"Overall a good result but I wouldn't use the world delighted myself today."

On Ryan Gravenberch: "I was delighted with him. I don’t say that to players at half-time because there is still 45 minutes to go but I said after the game ‘again big performance’.

"Ryan was again outstanding today."

On the change in momentum in the first half: "I don't think it was concentration, it started off with free-kick they got, a few times conceded set pieces, a team gets momentum. You could see they have a very good game plan.

"If we play against a team comfortable in ball possession, sometimes you have to work hard, suffer, what I was delighted with was how they throw themselves in front of the ball, do everything to try and keep a clean sheet."

On his record, winning eight out of his first nine games as Liverpool boss: "It's hardly impossible to do something special at this club.

"It says a lot about how we started how players bought into it, the effort put in, the staff helped me. Even more difficult fixtures coming up starting on Saturday when we play a 12:30 kick-off after a Wednesday evening Champions League game. It's nice to start this way, that’s clear."

Image source, Getty Images

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, speaking to TNT Sports on his birthday: "That's what I asked for from the boys when I had my speech. A fantastic game and a really tough opponent. They are aggressive, a strong team.

“We did good to manage their game and to score enough to win the game and defend well to keep the clean sheet."

On Mo Salah: "He's a player that helps us a lot, sometimes it looks like he’s not in the game but suddenly a perfect touch, he puts the ball in the top corner. That’s his quality, his strength as well.

"We are lucky to have him but we always have to highlight the hard work the team had and a lot to improve but good enough to win the game.”

Goalscorer Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to TNT Sports: “I’m really happy personally but for the team. He [Alisson] made some good saves. Sometimes I think we need to defend better, at least Ali showed how good he is. I’m happy for him and for the team.”

On his goal: “Yeah to be fair it is quite hard [to miss] you could. A goal is a goal, in this team when we make a run Mo [Salah] can see everything. Really happy for him, I think it was a good night for everyone.

On still transitioning to life under Arne Slot: “It is clear we are in transition, we are happy with the ideas, we are trying to get there. There is room for improvement, that's why we work very hard every day."

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah has both scored and assisted in nine different Champions League matches – the most of any player for an English side, while no African player has done so on more occasions in the competition (Samuel Eto'o, also nine).

Image source, Getty Images

Arne Slot’s first home Champions League match as Liverpool boss ended in victory as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah helped the Reds defeat battling Italian side Bologna at Anfield.

Follow reaction and read the match report

Image source, Getty Images

There are nine Champions League fixtures on Wednesday:

• Girona v Feyenoord - 17:45

• Shakhtar Donetsk v Atalanta - 17:45

• Aston Villa v Bayern Munich - 20:00 (listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live)

• Benfica v Atletico Madrid - 20:00

• Dinamo Zagreb v Monaco - 20:00

• Lille v Real Madrid - 20:00

• Liverpool v Bologna - 20:00

• RB Leipzig v Juventus - 20:00

• Sturm Graz v Club Bruges - 20:00

All kick-off times BST

Follow all of the action and reaction

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

One swallow does not make a summer and Everton fans certainly will not be getting too carried away with their first Premier League win of the season.

They also have good reason not to.

Their first-half performance lacked energy, drive and direction and Crystal Palace's one-goal lead at the break was scant reward for their superiority.

However, after the break, Everton were more aggressive and resilient with Dwight McNeil’s overall value highlighted spectacularly with two wonderful goals.

In the end, the Blues were good value for all three points, the win lifting them out of the relegation zone and providing the first concrete steps towards a solid foundation on which to build their season.

It will clearly take a little while for Jarrad Branthwaite to get back to his best form, but just his presence in the team was wonderful to see. After a prolonged absence with a groin injury, he understandably looked rusty early on but he soon brought his calm assurance to Everton’s defending. He reads the game exceptionally well and can react to danger in an instant. Quick, robust and good in the air, he also has something that underlines his star quality - like all the really good players do.

He makes his team-mates better too. It is no coincidence James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ashley Young all put in their best performances of the season. If he can stay fit, he will again prove to be a pivotal figure for the team.

Beyond Branthwaite, there was another who had fans off their seats at regular intervals. Blues supporters have really warmed to Iliman Ndiaye - why wouldn’t they? He has something this team have been short of for far too long. He makes things happen and quickly!

He is alert and fleet of foot, direct in how he runs at defender but with the skill to go either way. He will bring goals and creativity to Everton and hopefully this is the beginning of a long-lasting love affair with the supporters.

Newcastle come to Goodison on Saturday and they have enough talent in their squad to cause problems for the best teams in the Premier League.

However, Everton can have added confidence. There’s still a long way for them to go before they are back on an even keel, but at last they are up and running again.

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