While the back pages are dominated by Benjamin Sesko’s latest heroics off the bench, Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium owed just as much to the tireless, all-action display of Matheus Cunha.

The Slovenian striker may have provided the “ruthless finish” in the 71st minute to secure the three points, but it was Cunha’s tactical discipline and a singular moment of vision that laid the foundation for Michael Carrick’s latest triumph.

Matheus Cunha puts in incredible performance vs Evertton

Starting on the left flank, Cunha produced what many are calling his most complete performance in a United shirt.

While often lauded for his flair, it was his grit that stood out on Monday night.

According to Statman Dave, Cunha made a staggering 11 defensive contributions across the 94 minutes, including a goal-saving block on James Garner just seconds before United’s winning counter-attack.

Matheus Cunha made 11 defensive contributions in the 94 minutes he played vs. Everton.

A huge shift and a decisive moment of quality in attack. ? pic.twitter.com/mr5ryvaYJf

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 23, 2026

His defensive work rate allowed Luke Shaw to venture forward and kept Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner largely quiet.

Cunha is a bastard but he’s our bastard ???#MUFC

pic.twitter.com/6ZyGShGPr0

— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) February 23, 2026

However, his most decisive contribution was offensive. Deep inside his own half, Cunha intercepted a loose ball and threaded a brilliant crossfield pass to release Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo’s subsequent square ball found Sesko, who hammered home his third decisive goal in four matches.

Benjamin Sesko scores after coming on as a sub once again to give Manchester United the lead ? pic.twitter.com/rXNYX5sZul

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2026

Michael Carrick yet to lose a game as Manchester United manager

The victory extends Michael Carrick’s remarkable start to life as Manchester United’s interim manager.

Since replacing Ruben Amorim on January 13, Carrick has yet to taste defeat, overseeing six unbeaten Premier League matches (W5, D1).

Under Carrick’s guidance, United have reclaimed a spot in the top four, moving three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool.

The former midfielder has instilled a new-found resilience in the squad, evidenced by the team’s ability to grind out results late in the game.

The post Benjamin Sesko may have scored the winner but one player made all the difference vs Everton appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for Ousmane Diomande this summer as they revive their interest in the Sporting CP defender.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Eagles have identified the 22-year-old as the primary target to anchor their defense for the 2026-27 campaign.

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Crystal Palace ready to make big move for Ousmane Diomande

The South London club previously attempted to lure the Ivorian international to Selhurst Park last year, and they are now prepared to make a “serious push” to finally get their man.

The urgency behind the pursuit stems from the recent departure of former captain Marc Guehi, who completed a high-profile move to Manchester City in the January window for approximately £20 million.

Guehi’s exit left a significant void in Oliver Glasner’s backline, resulting in the manager publicly expressing his frustration towards the club’s hierarchy.

Diomande, who is a rapid defender and physically imposing center-back, is viewed as the ideal tactical successor.

Despite signing a contract extension in Lisbon just last month, tying him to Sporting until 2030, Record suggests the renewal was a strategic move to protect his market value rather than a guarantee of his stay.

While his release clause remains fixed at €80 million (£69m), Sporting’s board reportedly recognises the need to generate transfer income this summer to fund infrastructure projects, potentially opening the door for negotiations below that figure.

Crystal Palace face strong competition from Premier League rivals

Palace will not have a clear run at the defender. Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their scouting presence in Portugal, undeterred by the thigh injury that sidelined Diomande for the early part of this season.

Furthermore, Arsenal have been among the clubs with a strong interest in the player. Both the Gunners and Chelsea have said to have made contact with the player’s representatives last year, and remain attentive to his situation.

With 26 caps for the Ivory Coast and experience in the Champions League, Diomande has long held an ambition to play in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace have had a disappointing campaign

Many expected Oliver Glasner’s side to build on last season’s FA Cup triumph and push on in the Premier League. Instead, the momentum has stalled.

The summer departures of key players, including Eberechi Eze, significantly weakened the squad, while the January exit of Marc Guehi added to their problems.

Glasner has since voiced his frustration over the club’s ambitions, highlighting the growing uncertainty behind the scenes.

With Glasner confirming he will leave at the end of the season, the outlook at Selhurst Park appears increasingly bleak.

Palace currently sit 13th in the Premier League and look set to miss out on European qualification, a setback that could prove decisive in their pursuit of reinforcements.

That uncertainty may ultimately influence Diomande’s decision over whether to join the Eagles.

The post Report: Crystal Palace preparing ‘serious push’ for €80m Marc Guehi replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a one-game provisional suspension by UEFA according to Sky Sports.

The ruling ensures the Argentine winger will miss Wednesday’s critical second-leg clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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The decision comes as a direct consequence of an ongoing investigation into allegations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. during the first leg in Lisbon.

Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional ban

The suspension stems from the heated scenes at the Estádio da Luz last Tuesday. Following Vinicius’ second-half winner, the game was halted for nearly ten minutes after the Brazilian reported being called a “monkey” by Prestianni.

While the 20-year-old covered his mouth with his shirt during the exchange, the allegation was supported by Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly told officials he heard the slur repeated five times.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body confirmed the ban on Monday, stating it was issued “without prejudice” to any final ruling.

If found guilty at the conclusion of the full investigation, Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game suspension.

Benfica have announced they will appeal the provisional measure, though they admitted it is unlikely to be processed in time for Wednesday’s kickoff.

Jose Mourinho to skip media duty amid “gaslighting” backlash

Adding to the tension, Sky Sports reports that Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has decided to exercise his right to skip all media duties, both pre-match and post-match, for the trip to Madrid.

Mourinho is currently serving a touchline ban of his own after being sent off in the first leg, which allows him to delegate press responsibilities to his assistant, João Tralhão.

Mourinho has faced a firestorm of criticism for his post-match comments last week, in which he appeared to blame Vinicius for the incident.

The “Special One” drew the ire of anti-racism group Kick It Out, who accused him of “gaslighting” after he suggested the Brazilian’s goal celebration incited the home crowd and players.

“A stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens, always,” Mourinho told Amazon Prime, a comment that sparked a fierce rebuttal from Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, who labeled the remarks a “huge mistake.”

By avoiding the cameras this week, Mourinho seems intent on shielding himself from the mounting pressure, leaving a depleted and distracted Benfica to face the daunting task of overturning a 1-0 deficit in the Spanish capital.

The post Jose Mourinho makes big decision ahead of Real Madrid Clash as UEFA bans Gianluca Prestianni appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur’s star defender Micky van de Ven delivered a stinging reality check to his teammates before the humiliating 4-1 North London Derby defeat.

In a season that has spiraled into a nightmare, the Dutchman labeled the club’s current league position as “unacceptable” and named five key figures, including himself, who must shoulder the burden of saving Spurs from the drop.

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With the club sitting in 16th place and just two points above the relegation zone, the mood in the dressing room is reportedly at an all-time low.

Micky van de Ven wants Tottenham teammates to step up

Speaking to Sky Sports before the match against Arsenal, the Dutchman pointedly noted that the club’s younger players cannot be expected to carry the weight of a relegation battle.

Instead, he called out a core group of five experienced players, himself, the suspended Cristian Romero, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfield anchor Joao Palhinha, and striker Dominic Solanke to lead by example.

He said: “If you are a club like Tottenham Hotspur, you have this quality of place (training ground), and you are, what I say, as big as the most, it’s unacceptable that you’re standing at this place on the table, and the results need to be way, way better.

“Of course, we still have some quality players left. We have a really talented squad and some top players, but we also miss some key players for us, and it’s really important for the players who are fit right now to step up.

“You have some young players, obviously, in the group, and you can’t really ask them to be the guys that need to push us forward. So, then, normally, I have Cuti next to me, who is now unfortunately suspended, but you have [Guglielmo] Vic behind me, who has a lot of experience, Joao Palhinha, in the midfield, who has a lot of experience, [Dominic] Solanke, who has a lot of experience.”

Van de Ven accused of ignoring Igor Tudor’s orders vs Arsenal

While Van de Ven’s words were aimed at leadership, his own actions on the pitch have drawn heavy criticism.

Footage from the Arsenal defeat showed the defender completely ignoring tactical instructions from new interim boss Igor Tudor.

As Tudor frantically signaled for the line to push higher, Van de Ven remained static, a display of insubordination that mirrored a similar incident with former manager Thomas Frank earlier this season.

This public friction, combined with Spurs’ plummeting form, has pushed Van de Ven toward the exit door.

Valued at over €100 million, the 24-year-old is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Real Madrid, with the latter viewing him as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

If Van de Ven’s call to arms doesn’t spark an immediate reaction against Fulham next Sunday, he may well be leading his teammates through their final few months in a Tottenham shirt before a massive summer exodus.

The post ‘Unacceptable’: Micky van de Ven calls out four Spurs players as Tottenham woes deepen appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool may soon be preparing for life after Mohamed Salah.

With a public fall out with Arne Slot and growing reports linking the Egyptian to a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, the Reds face a defining summer.

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If Salah’s ninth season at Anfield proves to be his last, replacing one of the club’s greatest ever forwards will not be straightforward.

However, one intriguing name continues to surface: Christian Pulisic.

The AC Milan winger may not appear the obvious successor at first glance, but the parallels between his career and Salah’s own redemption arc are striking.

Pulisic already shares a striking career parallel with Mohamed Salah

Pulisic’s journey mirrors Salah’s in a way that few Liverpool transfer targets can match.

Both players arrived at Chelsea as highly rated young talents, burdened by expectation and promise.

Yet neither truly flourished at Stamford Bridge. Salah departed England early in his career, rebuilding his reputation in Serie A before earning his move to Liverpool.

Similarly, Pulisic has rediscovered himself at AC Milan.

Since moving to San Siro, the USA international has evolved into a decisive, confident attacking force. He has registered 10 goals in all competitions this season, bringing his total tally for the Italian giants to 42 goals and 25 assists in 123 appearances.

More importantly, his performances suggest maturity and composure in the final third,  qualities that defined Salah’s transformation in Italy before his record-breaking return to the Premier League.

If Liverpool were to sign Christian Pulisic, they would not simply be replacing Salah; they would be betting on history repeating itself.

Pulisic’s stats compared to Salah at same age

The argument for Pulisic becomes even more compelling when comparing the two at the same age.

Pulisic is currently 27 years old, the exact age Mohamed Salah was during his iconic 2019-20 season when he led Liverpool to their first Premier League title.

At 27, Salah had already established himself as a world-class finisher, but Pulisic’s current trajectory is similar.

While Pulisic may not yet have the same trophy cabinet or the incredible goal contribution numbers, his statistical efficiency at age 27 suggests he is entering his “golden era” just as Salah did.

The AC Milan star is currently averaging a goal contribution every 96 minutes, a rate comparable to Salah during his most productive years at Anfield.

For Liverpool’s recruitment team, this will be critical.

Given Liverpool’s need for immediate impact should Salah depart, Pulisic’s blend of Premier League experience, Serie A resurgence, and peak-age production makes him a compelling candidate.

Replacing Mohamed Salah is close to impossible. But if Liverpool are seeking a player who understands redemption, pressure, and elite expectations, Christian Pulisic may represent the most intriguing like-for-like evolution available on the market.

The post Liverpool eye 43-goal Mo Salah successor who shares remarkable Chelsea redemption story – opinion appeared first on CaughtOffside.

As speculation intensifies regarding Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool, fuelled by a recent spat with Arne Slot and looming interest from the Saudi Pro League, former Reds striker Emile Heskey has weighed in on the impossible task of replacing the Egyptian King.

Speaking to OLBG (quotes via The Mirror), Heskey named three players who could replace Salah, should the legendary number eleven depart Anfield this summer.

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Heskey’s Mohamed Salah replacement shortlist: Kvaratskhelia, Bowen, and Pulisic

Heskey was quick to admit that there will no direct replacement for Salah, but he highlighted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his primary target.

The Georgian international, currently starring for PSG after a high-profile move from Napoli, is Heskey’s “go-to” choice for his flair and game-changing ability.

He said: “We’re talking about replacing Mohamed Salah and I think as fans you’ve got to look at something different because you can’t replace Mo Salah. I remember one season I was speaking to someone who said Mo’s had a bad season. He’d scored 25 goals! I’d love to have had that bad of a season.

“We’re talking about someone scoring 20 plus, nearly 30 goals a season for 10 years. I don’t think you can replace Mo Salah but I do like the lad from PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He would be my go-to.”

However, the former England international also looked closer to home, suggesting West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen as a tactical alternative.

“Would Jarrod Bowen be a downgrade from Mohamed Salah? I think most players are a downgrade… but Bowen is a different type of player and he would probably help the formation because he’s going to work a little bit harder than Mo,” Heskey added

The last name on the list was former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. Now revitalised in Italy, Pulisic’s directness reminds Heskey of Salah’s own career path.

He suggested that, much like Salah flourished after leaving Chelsea for Serie A and returning to England, Pulisic could return to the Premier League to prove his critics wrong.

He said: “I actually quite like Christian Pulisic. He is very direct. He probably didn’t get as many goals as I would have liked him to get at Chelsea but I thought he gave defences problems.

“Obviously after a good World Cup, being at home with the pressure on him, he is definitely someone who could offer something different to Mohamed Salah or even Cody Gakpo right now.

“Mo left Chelsea to go to Italy and look at what he’s done for Liverpool. I think it’d be great to see someone like Pulisic come back into the Premier League in the same way. I’m guessing he would love to show that his time at Chelsea was just a little blip. He was only a young lad when he came over.”

Replacing Salah’s outrageous numbers will be impossible

Salah’s consistency is virtually peerless. Replacing a player who has averaged nearly 30 goals a season for a decade is nearly impossible.

Since singing for Liverpool, Salah has broken almost every record, consistently performing season after season for 9 years.

He has recorded double digits for goals and assists every single season, accumulating 252 goals and 121 assists in 429 games across all competitions.

This season, which has been his worst ever in a Liverpool shirt has seen him score seven and assist eight so far across all competitions.

Even in his off season, the Egyptian King is expected to cross double digits for goal contributions.

Replacing someone with the outrageous numbers he has produced over the years will be impossible for the club.

The post Liverpool given three-man shortlist to replace Mohamed Salah ahead of a looming summer exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Igor Tudor, pulled no punches in a bruising post-match assessment following his side’s 4-1 collapse against Arsenal.

In his first game in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Croatian tactician witnessed a performance that he believes was undermined by deep-seated “bad habits” within the squad.

Despite the heavy defeat, which leaves Spurs languishing in 16th place, Tudor remains defiant about the team’s survival prospects, though his diagnosis of the current locker room culture was scathing.

Igor Tudor says Tottenham have good players with bad habits

Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Tudor was asked if he still maintained the confidence that Tottenham could avoid a catastrophic relegation.

His response was a mixture of belief in the squad’s raw talent and frustration with their application.

Tudor highlighted that while the physical quality exists, the “psychological” baggage from previous regimes and a lack of focus in key moments, such as conceding a second-half goal just 23 seconds after the restart, is what currently separates them from the elite.

He said (via BBC Sport):

“Of course I’m confident, because I believe these are good players with bad habits. They are good players; nobody can tell me they don’t have quality. But we need to change a mental switch and have this mental sharpness to be in the game from the first to the second minute.”

Tottenham facing serious relegation threat

While Tudor talks of a “mental switch,” the league table tells a far more urgent story. The 4-1 defeat, fueled by braces from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, means Spurs are now winless in the Premier League for the entirety of 2026 so far.

With only 11 games remaining, Tottenham sit just four points above the relegation zone.

The “emergency situation” Tudor described upon his arrival has only intensified, and with footage emerging of key players like Micky van de Ven appearing to ignore his instructions, the task of breaking those “bad habits” before the drop becomes a monumental challenge.

Tottenham must now find that sharpness quickly, starting with next Sunday’s crucial clash, or face the unthinkable prospect of Championship football.

The post “Good players with bad habits” – Igor Tudor criticises Tottenham players after heavy North London derby defeat appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Shocking footage has emerged from the stands showing Dutch center-back Micky van de Ven appearing to completely ignore tactical instructions from manager Igor Tudor during Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham.

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The video, captured by Spurs content creator Chris Cowlin, shows a frantic Tudor on the touchline repeatedly gesturing for Van de Ven to push the defensive line higher to squeeze the space between midfield and attack.

Despite the manager’s increasingly animated shouts, the defender pointedly refused to comply, maintaining his deep position.

The footage has sparked outrage among the Spurs faithful, many criticising the centre-back for his actions.

They didn’t listen to Thomas Frank so they won’t listen to Tudor. It’s the players that are getting us relegated, not the managers.

— STONEY (@mrmstoney) February 22, 2026

VDV thinks his to good for the club now. He obviously can’t be asked anymore. (Some may not blame him).

I honestly fear our club might be relegated this season. We have such crap players it’s unreal.

— Jorge (@JoeJorge1980) February 22, 2026

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Alarmingly, this is not the first time Van de Ven has ignored his manager.

Earlier this season after the defeat against Chelsea, Micky van de Ven was caught on camera walking past former manager Thomas Frank, completely ignoring the Dane as he tried to speak to him.

The repetition of this behavior suggests that the 22-year-old’s frustrations with Tottenham’s struggling form are manifesting as a lack of respect for the managerial hot seat.

Micky van de Ven linked with Tottenham exit

With Spurs sitting in 16th place and the atmosphere turning toxic, Van de Ven’s future at the club is now increasingly uncertain.

Having been one of the few bright sparks since his arrival, his recent conduct has fuelled speculation of a summer departure.

Several top clubs have shown interest in him. Most recently, Liverpool have emerged as strong suitors.

Reports suggest that Liverpool see him as an ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk and that the Reds are reportedly preparing a bid as high as €100m for the big Dutchman.

It appears that the player has his heart set away from Tottenham making a summer exit a likely possibility.

The post Watch: Footage shows Micky van de Ven completely ignoring Igor Tudor’s orders during 4-1 defeat vs Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal delivered a blistering response to their recent title jitters with an emphatic 4-1 dismantling of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

While the Gunners’ players and fans celebrated wildly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton was far from impressed, warning that Mikel Arteta’s side might be getting ahead of themselves.

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The victory was a statement of intent after disappointing draws against Brentford and Wolves had threatened to derail their campaign.

However, the jubilant scenes at the final whistle, featuring prolonged on-pitch huddles and emotional fan interactions, drew a sharp rebuke from Sutton.

Chris Sutton tells Arsenal to celebrate when they have won the title

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live shortly after the match, Sutton expressed concern that the exuberance could lead to complacency in a title race that remains on a knife-edge.

Sutton said: “Slightly concerned with the over celebrating from the Arsenal players. Celebrate at the end of the season when you have won the title.”

Sutton’s comments tap into a recurring narrative surrounding Arteta’s Arsenal, who have frequently been accused of over-celebrating mid-season victories.

For Sutton, the focus should remain solely on the ten games left to play rather than a single derby win.

Eze and Gyokeres restore five-point cushion

Despite Sutton’s grumbles, the performance on the pitch was undeniable. Eberechi Eze continued his remarkable “derby demon” streak, netting a clinical brace, making it five goals in two games vs Spurs in an Arsenal shirt, ending his Premier League goal drought.

He was joined on the scoresheet by summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who also bagged two goals and an impressive overall performance.

Kolo Muani scored the only goal for Tottenham, after a mistake from Declan Rice.

The 4-1 win ensures Arsenal maintain a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

However, the pressure remains high as second-placed Manchester City still hold a game in hand.

While Spurs remain mired in 16th place under new boss Igor Tudor, Arsenal have reclaimed their status as title favorites.

The post ‘Slightly concerned’: Sutton slams Arsenal players for what they did after the 4-1 win against Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

In a North London derby that has everything on the line, Declan Rice has found himself at the center of a nightmare scenario that will haunt Arsenal fans if they fail to secure a result.

Just moments after demanding focus and composure from his teammates, the England midfielder suffered a catastrophic “Steven Gerrard slip” moment, gifting Randal Kolo Muani an equaliser for Tottenham Hotspur.

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The parallels to Gerrard’s infamous 2014 slip against Chelsea are uncanny. With Arsenal leading through an Eberechi Eze strike and seemingly in total control, Rice was seen visibly gesturing to his fellow players, urging them to stay switched on and avoid “silly mistakes.”

However, less than two minutes later, Rice was the one who blinked.

Declan Rice spoke to his Arsenal teammates after Eberechi Eze's goal, seemingly reminding them to stay switched on.

Minutes later, he gave the ball away, which led Randal Kolo Muani's equaliser.

On Friday, the England international said that Arsenal's goals are self-inflicted. pic.twitter.com/lbOZniVfqF

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 22, 2026

Declan Rice makes costly error minutes after telling teammates to not lose focus

Under little apparent pressure just outside his own box, Rice was caught in possession by Kolo Muani.

In a moment that mirrored Gerrard’s “This does not slip” speech followed by his actual slip, Rice appeared to lose his footing or hesitate on the ball.

Declan Rice asked his teammates to focus and stay calm, and after less than just one minute, he himself caused a goal for Tottenham ??pic.twitter.com/y17Mzu1txx

— KinG £ (@xKGx__) February 22, 2026

Kolo Muani didn’t need a second invitation, nicking the ball off the £105 million man, weaving past William Saliba, and hammering a low finish past David Raya.

For a player usually lauded for his composure, this high-profile error in the heat of a derby is a rare and jarring blemish.

"You CANNOT believe that" ?

Randal Kolo Muani snatches the ball off Declan Rice and fires in an equaliser for Spurs! pic.twitter.com/cgL9LiIHnv

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 22, 2026

A must-win game for Arteta’s title charge

The stakes could not be higher for Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal entered this weekend with their title charge wobbling after dropping points against Brentford and Wolves.

With Manchester City breathing down their necks and holding a game in hand, anything less than a win today could see the Gunners lose their grip on the Premier League trophy.

As the match continues into a tense second half, the pressure is firmly on Rice to redeem himself.

Arsenal have been the better side, but in a title race decided by the thinnest of margins, Rice’s “Gerrard moment” has given Spurs a lifeline they scarcely deserved.

The post Watch: Declan Rice suffers embarrassing ‘Gerrard slip’ moment in costly Arsenal error vs Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool remain in the race for Champions League football as Alexis Mac Allister emerged as the unlikely hero at City Ground.

In a chaotic finale against Nottingham Forest, the Argentine midfielder revealed he had predicted his match-winning moment to teammate Hugo Ekitike just seconds before finding the back of the net.

The 1-0 victory keeps Liverpool level on points with top-four rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, but the three points were shrouded in controversy and a performance that manager Arne Slot will likely want to forget.

What Alexis Mac Alliser said to Hugo Ekitike before goal

The game reached a boiling point in the 89th minute when Mac Allister thought he had broken the deadlock.

After Stefan Ortega produced a stunning save to deny Ekitike, the ball ricocheted off Mac Allister’s midriff and into the net.

However, following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was chalked off for a handball.

Reflecting on the disallowed effort, Mac Allister told BBC Sport:

“It hit my back and my elbow. I understand the rule, but if you understand football, that goal should have stood. I told Hugo [Ekitike] it would be a goal and one or two minutes later, it was. I’m very glad it was me.”

True to his word, Mac Allister didn’t let the frustration linger. In the 97th minute, he pounced on a loose ball following a Virgil van Dijk knockdown to fire home the legitimate winner, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

? 90’ Alexis Mac Allister’s goal disallowed by VAR ?

? 90+7’ Alexis Mac Allister scores winning goal ??

A crazy ending at the City Ground ? pic.twitter.com/0oLvylTUdw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 22, 2026

Liverpool lucky to win after awful performance

Despite the late heroics, there was no hiding the lacklustre nature of Liverpool’s play. It was a poor showing from everyone including Mohamed Salah, who was not too happy at being taken off.

Deprived of the injured Florian Wirtz at the last minute, the Reds lacked any real attacking impetus for over an hour.

That speaks volume given the current state of the opponents who sit 17th in the table. Liverpool’s next opponents are West Ham, who are currently 18th, fighting for their life.

The intensity of the relegation fight will make that clash equally challenging. Liverpool will need a far more complete performance if they are to keep their Champions League ambitions on track.

The post Alexis Mac Allister reveals what he told Hugo Ekitike moments before scoring the winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mohamed Salah was visibly frustrated after being substituted by Arne Slot during Liverpool’s disappointing outing against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool delivered one of their poorest performances of the season against a side battling near the foot of the table.

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In the 77th minute, Slot made his first changes of the match, introducing Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha in place of Cody Gakpo and Salah.

The Egyptian forward did not appear pleased with the decision. As he made his way off the pitch, Salah was seen wearing a sarcastic grin and shaking his head. Moments later, cameras caught him on the bench laughing in apparent disbelief at the call to withdraw him while Liverpool were still searching for a winner.

Salah sorri após ser substituído ?#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/YFAO1P04s2

— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) February 22, 2026

Salah laughing after being subbed off. pic.twitter.com/bmkj2FnvKJ

— – (@AnfieldRd96) February 22, 2026

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Mohamed Salah had a poor game against Nottingham Forest

By his usual high standards, Salah struggled to make an impact. His numbers against Forest painted a subdued picture:

• 0 shots
• 0 dribbles
• 0 accurate crosses
• 4 unsuccessful touches

Mo Salah vs Nottingham Forest: ?

? 0 – Shots
? 0 – Dribbles
? 0 – Accurate crosses
? 4 – Unsuccessful touches
? 6.03 – WS rating pic.twitter.com/Na87CFHZz4

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 22, 2026

Slot’s decision to replace him ultimately proved justified, particularly given the immediate energy provided by Ngumoha. In just 14 minutes on the pitch, the youngster recorded:

• 11 touches
• 2/2 take-ons completed (100%)
• 2 duels won
• 1 chance created
• 1 touch in the opposition box

Rio Ngumoha's game by numbers vs Nottingham Forest:

14 minutes played
11 touches
2/2 take-ons completed
2 duels won
1 chance created
1 touch in opp. box

"He did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did all game" – Carragher. ? pic.twitter.com/OctiXmxch4

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 22, 2026

While it was undeniably an off-day for Salah, his world-class quality remains unquestioned. Even in matches where he struggles to influence proceedings, he possesses the ability to conjure a decisive moment out of nothing.

However, his reaction is likely to fuel further speculation about his future. Having reportedly fallen out with Slot earlier this season, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term prospects at Anfield. The Saudi Pro League are eager to make him the face of the competition, with Al-Ittihad believed to be in discussions with his representatives.

If tensions behind the scenes persist and results fail to improve, this season could yet prove to be Salah’s final chapter at Liverpool.

The post Watch: What Mohamed Salah was seen doing immediately after being taken off by Arne Slot appeared first on CaughtOffside.