Liverpool

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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Liverpool and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Daniel: A bit slow and out of shape for the first 20 minutes of the game, which ultimately cost us a goal. But as soon as Diogo Jota scored, we started to find our rhythm again and the second half was much better. More clinical, more consistent and more productive going forward. Need to keep this momentum going as much as we can!

Chris: The 5-1 win is fab and going forward we look great. I wish for more from Darwin Nunez but his work rate is great. The downside is that we conceded a sloppy goal, and even Bradley let too many people ghost by him. Caiomhin Kelleher was fab too with lots of good saves and he was very commanding.

Callum: I had a feeling Liverpool would be at the races today. There’s a good group there that are dying to break into the first team and results like that are asking Slot the right questions. Come on you Reds.

West Ham fans

Mark: Deserved losers, but like all our defeats this season, the scoreline flatters the opposition. It's nice we now have a manager who makes substitutions, but he keeps getting the team selection wrong. Michail Antonio should have started.

James: Can’t help but feel hard done by. First goal looked like an offside in the buildup, second goal comes right after we should’ve had a penalty, third goal comes from a goal kick that should’ve been a corner to us. Fifth goal huge deflection. The scoreline did not reflect the game. Hoping some luck goes our way on Saturday.

Richard: Another horror show. This is starting to get worrying. Going forward, at times it looks slick and promising but the midfield is just not working hard enough to protect the defence. Apart from Crysencio Summerville, the new additions are just not up to speed.

Liverpool are ready to move for Real Madrid and Brazil winger Rodrygo, 23, if Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, leaves Anfield at the end of the season. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Bayer Leverkusen's Netherlands right-back Jeremie Frimpong, 23, will be high on Liverpool's list to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if the England international, 25, leaves the club. (Football Insider), external

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

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports after his side thrashed West Ham in the Carabao Cup: "If you're facing a team like West Ham, who have a lot of quality, they can press you. Second half they were also threatening on set pieces.

"Since I've been here it's never been easy, although sometimes the result looks different, but probably that's the Premier League. Every team has quality players.

"I do feel like in most parts of the game, we had control. We had a large part of ball possession, particularly in the first half.

"What pleased me most is that, even if a lot of new players come in, they don't come in and try to have a good individual performance. They tried to work really hard for the team.

On Cody Gakpo's late two goals: "He deserved that. And way he hits the ball in and around the 18-yard box is with incredible speed, so I'm not surprised him scoring like this."

On the competition in the squad: "I've never worked with a group of players who don't want to play. Everywhere is the same, players like to play, [and] especially to be part of a winning group."

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

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Federico Chiesa has had to show patience since arriving at Liverpool but the Italy winger made up for lost time under the lights at Anfield.

One month after becoming Arne Slot's first signing, Chiesa was handed his first start against West Ham in the EFL Cup.

He ended it with an assist after his acrobatic volley into the ground bounced up for Diogo Jota to score the first of his two goals.

There was a moment in the first half when Chiesa rolled the ball through the legs of Vladimir Coufal during another attack which generated almost as much applause from fans as any of Liverpool's five goals.

Slot is being careful with how he handles Chiesa due to his injury record and the player was replaced around the hour mark.

But Chiesa will certainly be needed in the coming weeks and months as Liverpool handle the demands of the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

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The draw has been made for the Carabao Cup fourth round, with 12 Premier League clubs having made it through and Newcastle set to play their postponed tie against Wimbledon on 1 October.

There are four confirmed all-Premier League fixtures, including Tottenham hosting Manchester City and holders Liverpool travelling to Brighton.

Ties are scheduled to take place the week commencing 28 October.

All the fixtures featuring top-flight sides are shown below:

• Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday

• Southampton v Stoke

• Tottenham v Manchester City

• AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle v Chelsea

• Manchester United v Leicester

• Brighton v Liverpool

• Preston North End v Arsenal

• Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

See the full draw

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Liverpool’s performance, external

What did you make of West Ham’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

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There are two Carabao Cup third round fixtures on Tuesday evening:

Arsenal v Bolton - 19:45

Liverpool v West Ham - 20:00

All kick-off times BST

Follow all of the action live

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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Liverpool’s record in the League Cup in it’s many different guises down the years is incredible. They’ve won the trophy on 10 occasions and their magic moments in days gone by have been plentiful. Not many though, can match the events at Wembley Stadium in the final week of February this year.

'Klopp’s Kids' managed to come up with the goods against all odds to win the first silverware of the season against a Chelsea side who looked like they had the game for the taking.

By that time of course, they knew that when it came to defending their title as Carabao Cup holders this season, there would be a 'new kid on the block' replacing the man who meant so much to so many.

Arne Slot has gone about his business so far in a calm and assured manner and what we’ve seen of Liverpool in the early weeks of the new campaign is a direct reflection of that.

There’s much more emphasis on defensive solidity and maintaining possession, but a style of play that is sometimes characterised by a more methodical approach to build-up play, can be altered in a flash.

Luis Diaz’s first goal against Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday is evidence of that. He spotted the potential for opportunity as Ibrahima Konate was preparing to hit that long, lofted pass from the back. He’d already lost his marker before Kepa Arrizabalaga over-committed himself with a manic movement towards the edge of the penalty area. Energy and awareness from Diaz then provided him with the clear cut chance to open the scoring.

Five wins from six matches tells its own story. Clean sheets in four of those games is another significant marker. Slot isn’t averse to his teams 'going-long' but it’s about making sure that they do it at the right moment.

Tonight’s game with West Ham at Anfield is also the first opportunity for the Reds manager to see a fair number of his players in competitive action with a Liver bird on their chest. Knocking on the head coach's door will only get you so far when you play for a team with the quality and depth that Liverpool have in their squad these days. So the onus is on the players to seize the day and show what they can bring to the team individually, but more importantly as part of the collective.

Apart from new signing Federico Chiesa, they’ve all proved that they’re capable of doing a really good job. Now they have to prove it once again.

Chiesa is still some way from being ready to play a full 90 minutes but tonight’s match can give a useful insight as to his progress. We all know what an excellent footballer he is, but the Premier League requires levels of fitness and durability that will be out of reach for him for a while given his injury record and lack of game time.

West Ham also come to Anfield with a new man at the managerial helm from when the two teams last met. Julen Lopetegui has managed at the very highest level and there will be no sense of panic from him despite his new team’s poor start to the season. Nevertheless, he’ll be unhappy that some of his footballing messages are not getting through. The manner in which the Hammers' defence was opened up by Chelsea on Saturday was the stuff of nightmares. One thing is for certain, he knows that his team face another massive challenge at Anfield.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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Conor Bradley is hoping he will take his chance when it comes, after not starting for Liverpool so far this season.

Ahead of playing West Ham in the Carabao Cup, the 21-year-old spoke to the club's official website, external and said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously I’ve got really good memories from last year, winning it at Wembley, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“Obviously West Ham is going to be a tough game, but the boys are really up for it.

“I’ve not been able to start a game [yet this season], but I’m just waiting patiently for my chance and hopefully when it comes I’ll be able to take it and do the best I can.”

Bradley also spoke about the impact Arne Slot and his staff have had since their appointment, stating: "I think they’ve improved me a lot, obviously we do lots of individual meetings and things like that so it’s been really good.

"I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s been a good start to the season but there is still loads to improve on for, I think, the whole team. So, we’ve just got to keep going and keep improving."

Bradley made 23 appearances last season under Jurgen Klopp, and when asked about the impact of hearing a different voice around the training ground, he said: "It is really refreshing, hearing a new voice and new tactics and he does ask a lot of the full-backs. Obviously at different times he wants us high and inside, or high and wide, or else dropping down into a four to help with build-up.

"So, he does ask a lot but it’s just going to be about learning and making sure we do what he wants us to do. I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been really good just to learn the different ways he wants us to play and it’s definitely making me a better player."

Liverpool have identified Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24, as a long-term successor to Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, 33. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been discussing the capabilities of defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in his pre-match news conference after the 25-year-old recently talked about the criticism he receives for his defending.

Rob Schofield
BBC Sport senior journalist

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Arne Slot seemed quite content to talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold this morning, not shutting down questions on their relationship or his defensive capabilities.

The right-back made headlines when quizzed about his contract running down after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth saying that trophies were his main motivation as he edges towards the last six months of his current deal.

His comments about Slot helping him become, "the defender that no-one wants to come up against in Europe" though, went a little under the radar.

The Liverpool manager said that reading the praise was nice, acknowledging that it’s not easy to replace Jurgen Klopp, but what felt more targeted was Slot talking up Trent’s reputation.

"The only thing I know is we are talking about a player who has won the Champions League and a league title,” he said. "It's clear to me he's been a good defender all his life. It's not about if he's capable of doing things. It's more about his concentration rate."

Slot will want that focus to be entirely on the pitch ahead of four games in 11 days; across three competitions, but the questions will keep coming as the nights draw in, and January edges closer.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie at home to West Ham (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Slot confirmed Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal on Wednesday and he is looking at Saturday's trip to Wolves as a possible return from injury for Alisson although it will be "tight" for the Brazil goalkeeper.

• He was impressed by Kelleher's display in Saturday's win over Bournemouth: "I wasn't surprised at all at his performance. He was very good in pre-season. It was pleasing to see he kept a clean sheet. He had to act a few times but he did it really well."

• Slot hinted at rotating his team: "We will play with the best possible team, which means that players who are a bit more tired from playing a lot might mean I select different players. They will come in today and I'll make the decision."

• Federico Chiesa is fit to start but not to play the full 90 minutes: "He's able to start in our opinion and if he does there are many options we have. He's able to start but he's not able to play 90 at the level we are playing tomorrow against a strong West Ham team."

• On 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni: "Let's see first how everyone comes in this morning and then we'll make a plan for every individual. They way I look at it now there will be a fair chance for him to be in our squad rather than the under-21s."

• On the importance of the Carabao Cup: "It's not only fans who like winning trophies - players and managers do too. It is always nice to win something and I know in the history of the club they have won this trophy many times, including last season in a very special way with a lot of youngsters on the pitch."

• On the Hammers: "Tough start but they've faced some strong opponents. I've seen in their games they have had good spells. They've bought in a lot of players that have not been implemented yet but maybe tomorrow there is an opportunity for them. They will come back stronger and they have a good manager."

• On recent positive comments by Trent Alexander-Arnold about his relationship with Slot: "I think we all remember the day that Jurgen left what that meant to him. To hear him saying that about his new manager after a few months is nice. It's not always easy to come in and replace a manager like this."

• Slot added Alexander-Arnold's defending is about "concentration": "The only thing I know is we are talking about a player who has won the Champions League and a league title. It's clear to me he's been a good defender all his life. It's not about if he's capable of doing things. It's more about his concentration rate."

Follow all of Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The Monday Night Club panel have been discussing whether Trent Alexander-Arnold could have his head turned by interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold's current Liverpool deal runs out at the end of the season, and asked if he wanted to stay at Anfield for the long term, the 25-year-old said: "I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said : "There's a reason why he's running his contract down and he has to defend himself and say his contract previous to this have been done in private and that's the way I've handled things in the past.

"But, it's unusual for a club of Liverpool's size for what he's done there, for him to be in the last year of his contract.

"It's different for Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk because they're in their 30s. For Trent Alexander-Arnold, this shouldn't be happening and how many clubs out there are bigger than Real Madrid?"

Former Everton and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend added: "I don't think he necessarily wants to leave Liverpool or he's searching to leave Liverpool, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid.

"If there's interest from Real Madrid, I don't think as a player you can turn that down. He can't really say no to Real Madrid."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Liverpool are preparing to raid Bayer Leverkusen for their Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 21, Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong, 23, and Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios, 25. (CaughtOffside), external

The Reds also remain interested in signing Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 25, from Real Sociedad in the January window. (Fabrizio Romano, via TeamTalk), external

Liverpool will open talks with Colombia winger Luis Diaz, 27, over extending his deal beyond its current expiration in 2027 following his impressive start to the season. (Football Insider), external

Liverpool and England defender Joe Gomez, 27, is wanted by Aston Villa and Newcastle. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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At their best, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have as good a partnership as William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal.

The numbers did not show that last season because Liverpool played an at times reckless brand of attacking football under Jurgen Klopp - and because Van Dijk's centre-back partner kept changing.

Konate lost his place in the team to Jarell Quansah, a talented, emerging defender, but not someone capable of consistently world-class performances like the Frenchman.

Quansah played 45 minutes against Ipswich Town in the Premier League opener, but has not seen any game time since. Konate has come in and been incredibly good alongside the legendary Van Dijk, who is looking as good as ever and in terms of pure ability, is the best central defender in PL history.

As it is, Konate is so physically imposing. He is fast and strong, but unlike Van Dijk, throws himself into tackles and blocks and is happy to do the dirty stuff. He looks better on the ball, too, registering a terrific assist for Luis Diaz's opener against Bournemouth on Saturday.

He also defended resolutely and is part of a Liverpool backline that has conceded only one goal in five PL matches so far. That is the best record in the country.

Konate's weakness was always his injury record, but he has actually only missed eight games in total over the past two years - and looks as fit as ever right now.

Liverpool's dazzling attackers will continue to get the plaudits, but a title push will be built on the consistency of Van Dijk and Konate's defence.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external