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Virgil van Dijk FINALLY settles Liverpool future after Carabao Cup final

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Virgil van Dijk should have settled his Liverpool future after the Reds’ defeat in the Carabao Cup final.

Virgil van Dijk FINALLY settles Liverpool future after Carabao Cup final

Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards will have been watching proceedings closely at Wembley. There will be plenty they will not have liked.

The mere two shots on target in close to 100 minutes played is simply not good enough and confirms why Liverpool are looking to overhaul their attack as revealed exclusively by Anfield Watch.

Mo Salah’s poor performance yet again also highlights why Liverpool have been reluctant to renew his current deal. He looked rugged on the pitch and struggled to beat his man – not for the first time recently he was outplayed.


That will raise question marks about the Egyptian’s future but he’s not the only one with an uncertain outlook.

Virgil van Dijk is in a similar boat. However, conversely he will have settled his future in a positive way despite the Reds’ defeat.


Why Virgil van Dijk has just settled Liverpool future

There has been a lot of debates surrounding Liverpool’s trio with expiring contracts at the end of the season about whether they all deserve their contract extensions.

Virgil van Dijk FINALLY settles Liverpool future after Carabao Cup final

Even Van Dijk has faced scrutiny. After all, he’s not getting any younger. Is there not a worry his performances will start to drop as he inevitably enters the twilight of his career?

Despite the season he has had this continues to be a question mark around Van Dijk, but it’s a question mark he should have completed abolished after his performance in the Carabao Cup final.

Things could have been a lot worse for Liverpool if their club captain wasn’t on the pitch.

Van Dijk essentially kept the Reds in the game single-handedly, defending at times as Slot rotated his formation heavily and subbed off Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool to attack Newcastle.

The defender handled Newcastle’s counter attacks with brilliant poise and often put his body on the line to make sure the Reds chance never really waned.

It was only in the dying embers of the game when Liverpool’s fate had been decided.

And as the Reds’ fate was decided as will have Van Dijk’s. It’s clear out of the Liverpool trio he is the one who needs to be tied down to the club the most.

Not only is he the club captain and essential in the dressing room he is also irreplaceable on the pitch. You could probably replace Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and Salah’s goal-scoring prowess but you cannot replace Van Dijk’s defensive aura.

Hughes and Edwards will have been watching that game and it should have been enough for them to realise Van Dijk’s future is settled.

If logic prevails, he will be staying at Liverpool. No question about it.




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“We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan

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We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan

“We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan

As Liverpool edges closer to Premier League glory, emotions are running high among fans—but for one young supporter and his family, this weekend holds even deeper meaning.

Isaac Kearney, a passionate young Liverpool fan known by many in the Anfield community, won’t be watching Sunday’s massive clash against Tottenham Hotspur from the stands. His mum shared a touching update today that has stirred hearts across the fan base:

 “We won’t be attending the game, but we will be heading down to Anfield early to soak the atmosphere and watch it down there 🙌😀 What a day it will be.”

It’s a simple statement, but behind those words lies a story of love, resilience, and the unshakable spirit of Liverpool fans.


“We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan

This Sunday, April 27th, Liverpool hosts Tottenham at Anfield, with kickoff at 4:30 PM BST. The Reds need just one point to officially seal the Premier League title—a moment fans have dreamed of all season. For Isaac and his family, being close to the club, even outside the stadium, is more than enough.


They won’t be in the seats, but they’ll be where it matters most: in the heart of Anfield’s passion. Soaking in the cheers, the songs, the unity. Feeling the energy of a club that’s more than just football—it’s family.

Isaac’s story reminds us all that football is about more than goals and trophies. It’s about moments. It’s about connection. It’s about showing up—even when life throws you curveballs—and standing tall in the crowd.

As the anthem rings out and the game begins, thousands will be watching… and somewhere outside those gates, one boy’s dreams will still shine brightly. To Isaac, there’s no giving up.




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Fans can’t believe what Crystal Palace posted moments after Arsenal draw to leave Liverpool on brink of the title

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Fans can’t believe what Crystal Palace posted moments after Arsenal draw to leave Liverpool on brink of the title

Fans can’t believe what Crystal Palace posted moments after Arsenal draw to leave Liverpool on brink of the title

Fans were left stunned by what Crystal Palace posted to X in the moments after their 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Heading into the match, both teams’ attentions were arguably on other competitions as Palace will take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, while Arsenal have a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final with PSG to look forward to next Tuesday.

However, Wednesday’s clash proved to be an entertaining affair, especially for Liverpool fans who watched on in anticipation as a Palace win would’ve seen them crowned as Premier League champions.

The Gunners took the lead through Jakub Kiwior just three minutes in, but Oliver Glasner’s side fought back and equalised thanks to an Eberechi Eze volley on 27 minutes.


Three minutes before half time, Leandro Trossard put the home side ahead, but once again the Eagles equalised, this time via Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who netted a spectacular long-range strike with seven minutes left.

And despite the action on the pitch, it was what Palace posted to their social media channels that really got fans talking.


At 10:09 pm (BST), the Croydon club posted: “You’re welcome Liverpool…” to social media, seemingly about the fact Arne Slot’s side can now win the league in front of their supporters if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.

And fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.

One said: “I forgive you for 2014.

“Good luck on Saturday lads!”

Another added: “I had to do a double take on the profile I deadass thought this was a troll account.”

A third explained: “Absolute legends. What a performance. Deserved to win. Forgive 1990 FA Cup semi, now.”

While a fourth commented: “If you’d made me guess which team made a tweet like this we’d all guess Palace. Steve Parish probably wrote it himself.

“Meant to be a Premier League club and they go on like they’re in League Two.”

Speaking after the match, Palace head coach Glasner expressed his delight with side’s performance.

“I’m really proud of the players and how they performed today,” Glasner told Palace TV.

“Also, being 1-0 down – and in the last two away games we conceded 10 goals – and then playing here at Emirates against an Arsenal side who are in great shape, it’s a tricky situation.

“But the reaction was great – it was unbelievable to be honest. We didn’t lose anything of our courage, we didn’t lose anything of our belief, and then we played forward. I think it was a really well-deserved draw, coming back twice.”




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Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to make shock Liverpool U-turn after surprise ‘twist’ in Real Madrid saga

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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool is in fresh doubt.

Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to make shock Liverpool U-turn after surprise 'twist' in Real Madrid saga

Liverpool supporters are resigned to losing their right-back, who has been on the books at his boyhood club for more than 20 years, when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Reds are on the cusp of their second title win of the Premier League era and have announced chunky new deals for both Mo Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk this month.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave in the summer, having won everything there is to win with Liverpool and been tempted away by the challenge of playing for Real Madrid.

But it’s been reported that the England star’s switch to the Spanish capital is not as inevitable as Liverpool winning the title.


Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the expected sacking of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti changes the picture.

Ancelotti was instrumental in attracting Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu, according to Brown, and Football Insider reports that “the 26-year-old is believed to be asking questions and having second thoughts about the move” as a result.


“The right-back is also under pressure from fans and the club to stay at Anfield.”

With no deal agreed, Alexander-Arnold has the luxury of choice. Deciding to join Real Madrid on the basis of the head coach alone comes with obvious risk and Ancelotti is unlikely to have been the only factor in the player’s thinking.

Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to make shock Liverpool U-turn after surprise 'twist' in Real Madrid saga

A reunion with Jurgen Klopp is just one of the possible outcomes.

“I think there’s a chance he stays at Liverpool,” said Brown.

“It’s gone on throughout the season, there’s been so much talk, but it’s not signed yet.

“It looks to me like Madrid are entering a rebuilding phase, and that will cause uncertainty for Trent Alexander-Arnold because he might not fit under a new manager.”

Alexander-Arnold has won the Premier League and Champions League in a Liverpool shirt but is thought to be ready to call time on his time in England’s top division and prove himself at one of very few clubs that can further test his abilities.

He scored the goal that put Liverpool within one win of the title in Sunday’s win at Leicester City, revealing nothing and everything in his post-match interview on the pitch.




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Three players who could miss Liverpool’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur with the title on the line

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Liverpool vs Tottenham team news ahead of the Premier League fixture at Anfield.

Three players who could miss Liverpool's clash against Tottenham Hotspur with the title on the line

Liverpool supporters will be heading to Anfield in buoyant mood. They might be expecting to return home in the wee hours. That is because the Premier League title could be secured with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Kopites have not celebrated an English championship properly since 1990. The Covid-19 pandemic denied them the chance to toast the feat when Jurgen Klopp’s side ended the 30-year wait. But new generations are on the verge of experiencing what their parents and grandparents got to cherish throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

One point is all it will take for Liverpool to claim the title. In truth, many would have been overjoyed that Arsenal drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Reds fans want to celebrate it properly. Of course, it was a nice problem to have. But the potential feeling of winning the silverware at the full-time whistle will be euphoric.

Yet Liverpool still have to keep to their end of the bargain. Head coach Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the squad know there is still a job to do and that is to beat Tottenham.


But Slot is set to head into the fixture with almost a full complement of players yet again. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from an ankle injury in emphatic style to score the winning goal at Leicester City. It will be intriguing if Alexander-Arnold.

The only member of the current Reds squad absent is Joe Gomez. The defender is working his way back from hamstring surgery. There is hope that Gomez will be able to play some part before the end of the campaign.


Slot’s troops will be heavy favourites to defeat Tottenham. Pressure is on Ange Postecoglou after their 2-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest earlier this week was their 18th league loss of the season. Spurs languish 16th in the table and their main focus for the rest of the season is on the Europa League. They face Bodo/ Glimt in the semi-finals, with the victors of the competitions earning a spot in next term’s Champions League.

The visitors will definitely be without centre-back Radu Dragusin, who has surgery from an ACL injury in February. Meanwhile, captain Heung-Min Son is a doubt. He has a foot issue and was absent against Forest.

Head coach Postecoglou left Destiny Udogie out of his squad for the Forest reverse but he could return. Meanwhile, centre-half duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were substituted at half-time.




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Crystal Palace sends three-word message to Liverpool after setting up dream title scenario

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Jean-Philippe Mateta’s delightful chip for Crystal Palace over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya prompted his club to tweet at Liverpool ahead of the Reds Premier League title-clinching showdown.

Crystal Palace sends three-word message to Liverpool after setting up dream title scenario

Crystal Palace took another dig at its North London rival Arsenal following the side’s dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Wednesday.

A late Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizer deemed “world class” by Jamie Carragher — the Frenchman’s 14th in the Premier League this campaign — wasn’t enough for the Reds to win the title, as Arne Slot and company needed an Eagles victory to clinch the side’s 20th domestic championship.

Now, Liverpool can win the league with a draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Anfield. Crystal Palace sent a three-word message on social media for its troubles: “You’re welcome Liverpool,” the club’s account tweeted.


The Reds didn’t clinch the 2019/20 league title at Anfield after Christian Pulisic scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge to beat then title-chasing Manchester City.

Even if Liverpool could have sealed the title at home, there would have been no fans in attendance to celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Is this what the Reds wanted? It’s unclear; after all, the most important thing is clinching the title. At least the Palace result makes the chance of a Liverpool title win even more certain.

“It was not our goal to decide the title, it was our goal to win the game,” Palace coach Oliver Glasner said. “I think a draw is a very good result. More important is the performance. We are back on track. That’s what we need.”

Mateta took the ball off Arsenal defender William Saliba in the 83rd minute before deftly looking up at the position of goalkeeper David Raya.

The Frenchman, while looking at the ball, impressively dinked the ball over the Spanish star between the sticks with a lovely shot that looked like it came from a pitching wedge and not someone’s right foot.

“When I started on the bench, I could see he [David Raya] was very high up the pitch,” Mateta explained. “So I knew if I won the ball I could try, so I did and scored. It is one of the best goals of my career. I thought it hit the crossbar but thankfully it was in!”

Liverpool will face a Tottenham side on Sunday in ice-cold form in the Premier League, having lost four of its last five games (with the only victory over last-place Southampton).

However, Spurs are in much stronger form in Europe, having knocked off Eintracht Frankfurt in a fiercely competitive Europa League quarterfinal.




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Stephen Bunting Shares a Touching Moment with Isaac Kearney—and a Powerful Lesson from His Parents

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Stephen Bunting Shares a Touching Moment with Isaac Kearney—and a Powerful Lesson from His Parents

Stephen Bunting Shares

In the whirlwind of media obligations and the high-octane atmosphere of Premier League Darts, Stephen Bunting found a moment to pause—and it turned into one of the most heartfelt highlights of his day.

Amidst the cameras and questions, the 40-year-old darts star carved out a quiet pocket of time to spend with a young fan, Isaac Kearney. But this wasn’t just a casual meet-and-greet. For Bunting, it was something far more profound.

“Lots of media duties today,” Bunting shared, “but had time to take a break and spend time with this small superstar, Isaac Kearney. What an absolute credit to his parents. A real pleasure to have met you, young man.”

That brief encounter sparked admiration and reflection. Bunting, a seasoned professional known for his competitive edge and emotional honesty, was clearly moved—not only by Isaac’s charisma but by the upbringing that shaped him. In just a short time, it became evident that Isaac carried qualities that speak volumes about the love, values, and care instilled by his parents.


In a world where public figures often spotlight wins and losses, Bunting’s heartfelt words offered something deeper: a reminder that behind every remarkable child is often a story of strong parenting.

His tribute to Isaac’s parents wasn’t just a passing compliment—it was a powerful affirmation that in raising children with character and confidence, parents are the true unsung heroes.


Moments like this show the human side of sports—the connections that form off the stage, away from the lights. For Bunting, it was more than a break from media—it was a memory worth holding onto.

In Isaac, he saw not just a young fan, but a reflection of great parenting. And in sharing that moment, Bunting reminded us all of the importance of raising kind, respectful, and bright young minds. Sometimes, it’s not the trophies or the titles that define a legacy—it’s the people we impact and the hearts we touch along the way.




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Stephen Bunting on ‘dream’ Liverpool Premier League Darts return a decade in making: ‘I want to win, not cry’

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Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

Stephen Bunting is set for an emotional night in Liverpool as he returns to the Premier League Darts stage on Thursday—almost a decade after his last full campaign. But the 40-year-old insists: “I want to win, not cry.”

Back in 2015, Stephen Bunting’s last regular Premier League appearance ended in a heavy defeat to Phil Taylor—a moment that left a lasting impact on him. Now, with lessons learned and confidence renewed, the St Helens native is ready to take centre stage in his home city once again.

“I’ve dreamt of coming back ever since that night,” Bunting said in a pre-match press conference. “I played as a challenger in 2020, but this is different. I wanted to be back as a full Premier League player—and here I am.”

Bunting has had his sights set on the Liverpool fixture ever since the Premier League lineup was announced. It’s not just another match—this is personal.


Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

“Playing Phil Taylor in Liverpool all those years ago, I put so much pressure on myself. I was nervous, I got hammered. But I’ve learned a lot since then.”


Those lessons have been hard-earned.

Stephen Bunting endured a difficult start to this year’s campaign, spending the first eight weeks without a single match win. But the numbers tell a deeper story—he averaged over 100 in five of those matches and has recently picked up form with a night win in Berlin and a finals appearance in Rotterdam.

A New Mindset, A New Song

Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

Now, he’s not only changed his game but also his mindset. Gone is the pressure and self-doubt. Bunting says he’s removed the weight from his shoulders and is simply enjoying the ride.

“I’ve taken all the pressure off myself. The points might not reflect it, but my performances do. I’m aiming to be part of next year’s Premier League as well—I’m world No. 4 and just enjoying the experience.”

Symbolic of this change is his new walk-on song: Titanium—his son’s favourite track and a powerful anthem of strength and resilience.

“It’s emotional. It means something to me now. That’s why you see the emotion when I walk on stage.”

Liverpool Crowd: Pressure or Power?

Playing in front of a home crowd can either lift or overwhelm a player. And Bunting is aware of both possibilities.

“I’ve done hypnotherapy. I’m calmer now. But it will still be emotional—friends, family, the Liverpool crowd. I just need to stay focused. I want to win, not cry.”

Darts pundits are keeping a close eye on how he handles it. On the Love the Darts podcast, Laura Turner said:

“It could go either way. Bunting has been emotional before. He just needs to stay in control.”

Commentator Chris Murphy added:

“Liverpool are heading toward a Premier League title. The crowd will be electric. It might get emotional before a dart is even thrown.”

The Dream Lives On

For Bunting, Thursday night is more than just another match—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and personal growth. And if he wins, it won’t just be for the points—it’ll be for every dart thrown in pursuit of a dream.

“The will to win has never been stronger. Every time I lose, I learn. That’s important.”

 




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“I’m fine at Liverpool” – Reds player says he’s aware of transfer interest, but not rushing to go

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Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer window.

“I’m fine at Liverpool” – Reds player says he’s aware of transfer interest, but not rushing to go

Last Monday, Marca journalist José Félix Díaz stated the 26-year-old is a target for Real Madrid.

A day later, Díaz said the Liverpool star is ahead of Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi in Real Madrid’s list.

TyC Sports journalist Gastón Edul had a chat with the Argentina international and asked him about the recent reports of the La Liga side’s interest. Mac Allister is aware of these links and doesn’t want to get distracted.

“I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they’ll lose interest,” he said.


Earlier this month, the World Cup winner’s father, Carlos, stated he won’t leave the Reds anytime soon. The player now insists he’s happy at Anfield, where he has a contract until 2028.

“I’m fine at Liverpool and I don’t have any need. So, I have a lot of respect for the club, and I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about other clubs,” Mac Allister explained.


The South American midfielder has also talked about his day-to-day life in England.

“I’m a little far away, so some fans greet you with respect, but in the city, they are more passionate. The club is like a family. One phrase sums it all up: You’ll never walk alone,” he added.

Mac Allister has been a regular for Liverpool since joining them from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2023. He’s on the verge of winning his first title with the Merseyside club this season.

Arsenal, currently in second spot, face Crystal Palace later today and a defeat against the Eagles will see Liverpool mathematically clinch the title.




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