Liverpool head into the two-week international break with a sense of renewed confidence after picking up a much-needed win over Ajax last week.
The 4-1 defeat by Napoli on the opening night of the Champions League had put a downer on Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have not been able to respond in the Premier League, with two fixtures postponed following the Queen’s death. While many Liverpool players will now be heading off to join their international teams, many will use the time for a rest.
Happily, the Reds’ injury problems are beginning to ease and Klopp should have a refreshed squad to pick from by the time the next game against Brighton on October 1 rolls around. In the meantime, allow Mirror Football to get you up to speed with the latest headlines from around the club.
Reds make flying start in WSL
Liverpool’s men’s side may not have been in action over the weekend, but there was still plenty to cheer for the red half of Merseyside.
Klopp’s team did not travel down to London to face Chelsea, but Matt Beard's side enjoyed a perfect start to life in the Women’s Super League by beating the Blues 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool stormed to the Championship title last season but were expected to struggle against Emma Hayes’ all-conquering defending champions in their season-opener. That looked to be the case when Fran Kirby rolled in a penalty inside the first few minutes.
However, Beard’s team rallied, defended brilliantly and won it thanks to two penalties of their own from Katie Stengel.
Arthur gets through 90 minutes
Arthur Melo’s arrival at Liverpool has not been a fairytale yet, with the Juventus midfielder yet to make any sort of impact following his deadline day loan move.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has not been deemed fit enough by Klopp to start, despite his problems in midfield, so Saturday’s events were a major step. Arthur and Fabio Carvalho both played 90 minutes in the under-21s’ 1-0 win over Leicester City.
The Juve loanee has a lot to prove to Klopp, who was only convinced to sign a midfielder late on in the summer transfer window, and this was a promising first step.
Mane shares emotional moment
Sadio Mane was a much-loved figure at Liverpool during his six years with the club and his move to Bayern Munich has sparked much debate.
But there is one thing that cannot be in doubt: the Senegalese forward’s personality. Mane is struggling for form at Bayern currently, with the club in the midst of a poor run in the Bundesliga.
Yet that isn’t getting him down, with a wholesome moment with a young fan summing up his generosity. During Bayern’s recent draw at home to Stuttgart a youngster recorded himself running onto the pitch in an effort to share a hug with Mane. He duly obliged and the footage is heart-warming.
