Liverpool
Exclusive: ‘PGMOL need to sort this out’ after Madley error in West Ham v Liverpool
Premier League referees must be stronger in their handling of penalty-box grappling after one incident went unpunished in Liverpool’s win over West Ham, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Andy Madley’s attempt to prevent grappling at a West Ham corner didn’t come close to preventing the issue from occuring again.
Liverpool were already 1-0 up at the time of the incident thanks to Luis Diaz’s first-half opener, the Colombian’s second Liverpool goal in as many games having previously netted just once so far in 2025.
A late Andy Robertson own goal gave West Ham parity, but Virgil van Dijk popped up three minutes later, heading in with just a minute of normal time remaining to put Liverpool back on course for the Premier League title.
Andy Madley fails to punish accordingly in Liverpool v West Ham
While much of the drama was left until the final stages at Anfield on Sunday, things could have been different for both sides had Madley been firmer with Liverpool’s defenders in first-half stoppage time.
A West Ham corner was halted from being taken by Madley having spotted jostling and shoving between Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch and Lucas Paqueta in the box, heading over to speak with the latter duo.
Madley refrained from punishing Gravenberch or Paqueta and didn’t give a free-kick or penalty either way, but the grappling continued just as aggressively after James Ward-Prowse had taken the corner..
Hackett, having seen no difference in the levels of grappling before and after Madley’s discussion with the trio, called upon the PGMOL to clamp down on such duels in the box going forward.
Keith Hackett hits out at PGMOL stance on grappling
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to let Liverpool and West Ham’s penalty-box grappling go unpunished, the former Premier League and FIFA referee said:
“In added time, at a West Ham United corner kick, the usual forward–defender wrestling match was taking place, when referee Andy Madley stopped the corner kick to go in and speak to two players”, Hackett told Football Insider.
“What impact did this have? Zero – the players continued to grapple.
“The PGMOL need to sort this out in the close season instructing their referees to start to award free kicks or penalty kicks – ignoring the grappling should not be an option.”
While both teams were guilty of jostling in the box throughout a game which saw 13 corners in total, West Ham fans will leave Anfield wondering what could have been, had they been awarded a penalty.
Liverpool’s late show to score at either end and decide the game as a result puts the title within touching distance, but free-kicks, penalties and cards clearly need to be given for teams to get serious about their discipline in the box.
Milos Kerkez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, has certainly not been shy with his recent social media activity ahead of a potential switch to Anfield.
Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has evolved from speculative links to a targeted recruitment strategy, with the Reds positioning themselves to secure one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
The 21-year-old Hungarian international, valued at £45 million, represents both a stylistic and generational shift for a club seeking to refresh its backline under Arne Slot’s evolving vision.
Kerkez’s profile aligns seamlessly with Slot’s demand for dynamic, two-way fullbacks.
At Bournemouth, the defender has excelled in Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing system, averaging 2.66 progressive carries per 90 minutes—metrics that outpace both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas this season.
His ability to transition rapidly from defence to attack mirrors the fluidity Slot cultivated at Feyenoord, where overlapping fullbacks were pivotal in creating overloads.
His underlying statistics also show his creative input:
| Milos Kerkez | Per 90 | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Carries | 2.80 | 86 |
| Assists | 0.14 | 76 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 4.85 | 67 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 2.31 | 68 |
| Interceptions | 1.11 | 70 |
| Clearances | 2.97 | 67 |
Kerkez’s existing relationships within Liverpool’s setup could prove decisive. His camaraderie with Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain and a key figure at Anfield, has been nurtured through national team duties.
Equally significant is director of football Richard Hughes’ role. Having signed Kerkez for Bournemouth in 2023, Hughes possesses intimate knowledge of the defender’s capabilities and temperament.
This insider perspective likely informed Liverpool’s decision to accelerate talks despite Bournemouth’s steep valuation—a marked departure from their typically frugal approach to fullback acquisitions.
And it seems the player himself cannot be at Anfield soon enough.
From liking Instagram posts confirming Mohamed Salah’s contract extension at Liverpool, to all the comments on Dominik Szoboszali’s Instagram – it’s fair to say that the left-back is a fan.
And now he’s got more Reds fans excited by commenting under Szoboszlai’s most recent Instagram post – suggesting the Premier League title is now a matter of time.
Securing Kerkez would signal Liverpool’s commitment to a proactive rebuild. At 21, he offers a decade of potential service, aligning with Slot’s preference for young, moldable talents.
His arrival could also catalyze Robertson’s phased transition into a mentorship role, preserving his leadership while addressing athletic decline.
Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal will continue to try to delay Liverpool’s title celebrations.
The Reds’ 1-0 victory over Leicester City moved them within three points of claiming the Premier League crown. Trent Alexander-Arnold bagged the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.
There was a chance heading into the afternoon that Arne Slot’s side could have claimed their 20th English championship. Had Arsenal suffered a defeat at Ipswich Town then a win for Liverpool would have seen them celebrating at the King Power Stadium. However, the Gunners romped to a 4-0 triumph over the Tractor Boys at Portman Road.
It means that the Reds’ clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 27 April is when they could officially be handed the title. There is a chance, however, that Liverpool could wrap up the race before that game kicks off. That is because Arsenal are in action against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Should the Gunners lose at the Emirates Stadium, they will be 13 points behind Liverpool will four fixtures remaining – and cannot make up the ground.
Arteta said via Optus Sport: “All we can do is delay that moment and from our side earn the right to finish as high as possible.”
There will be no doubt that Kopites will be tuning into Arsenal’s clash against Palace. But Slot has admitted that is unlikely the Gunners will slip up and is looking forward to the potential of celebrating a title success at Anfield if Tottenham are defeated.
Speaking at his post-Leicester press conference, Slot said: “The only thing the fans want is us winning the league. After one league title in 35 years with them not being involved because of COVID.
“They were involved, but not as much as they probably wanted. Every moment that it happens, it would be special for them. [I am] definitely looking forward to next week because I assume that Arsenal, because they are such a good team, are able to win during the week. We probably have to do it ourselves and the first chance we have is next week against Tottenham.”
Arsenal’s priority for the remainder of the season is the Champions League. After their emphatic 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four.
Arteta has suggested that he will rotate his Gunners team against Palace, who are in pursuit of a top-half finish in the Premier League. The Emirates Stadium boss said via the club’s website: “We have to somehow put 11 players out there and have four or five changes. Let’s see how they recover in the next few days. The good thing is they are willing to play because they like the rhythm as well. We are so used to that rhythm every three days that the boys are demanding and then we don’t have a game on the weekend. We have a gap there, so let’s see how we get there on Wednesday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that Leicester City fell foul of the chasm between the Premier League and the Championship as the Foxes were relegated at the hands of Liverpool.
The Reds’ 1-0 win, courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 76th-minute goal, moved them to within three points of claiming a 20th English title. But defeat for Leicester confirmed that they will play the 2025-26 season in the second tier. The Foxes have endured turbulence because of financial issues, head coach Enzo Maresca leaving the club last summer and Steve Cooper being sacked in November.
Van Nistelrooy took over in the King Power Stadium hot seat but was he unable to stave off dropping to the Championship for the second time in three campaigns. After a 2-2 draw against Brighton in their previous game and narrowly losing to Liverpool, Van Nistelrooy did take some positives and hopes they will bode well for Leicester’s future. However, the former Manchester United striker knows that talks with the Foxes’ owners need to happen.
Van Nistelrooy said: “I am focused on and taking my responsibility to do the best things for the club, taking it into the future and performances like Brighton and Liverpool are signs that players are willing to do that and develop and finish the season the best way possible. The new season will start and continue in the Championship. You have to take the responsibility.
“I think over 32, 33 games it is the level of the three promoted sides has been too big compared to the other 17 games, it is clear the difference in quality is there; the two teams relegated already (Leicester and Southampton )and the other (Ipswich Town) 15 points behind with five games, so the gap is big.
“I expected to get more points than I was able to from the games I was able to lead. There were some very good performances and also performances where we didn’t perform to our capabilities and you lose games in the first half and there were too many of them. I expected to bring more points to the table. Performances like Brighton and Liverpool are helpful towards that process so that’s where I think the club has to use this time.”
Former Liverpool defender Conor Coady conceded Leicester have not been good enough – and they need to get the club on the right track during the summer. He told Sky Sports: “We’ve not been good enough all season. I thought we played quite well today, moved the ball well and nullified Liverpool – they’re a world-class side. But we look back on this season and it’s not been anywhere near good enough.
“We’ve got to look at ourselves as players in the mirror. We have to now, what’s happened has happened. We have to try and put this club in a better position come the summer because we haven’t been good enough.
“We’ve took a bit of stick and we’ll continue to take stick because it’s deserved. From minute one this season, we haven’t been at a level to fully compete in the Premier League and you have to be because it’ll chew you up and spit you out. It’s something we have to look at because we’re absolutely devastated.”
Liverpool
Roy Keane gives brutally honest Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold departure verdict – ‘We talk’
Roy Keane gives brutally honest Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold departure verdict – ‘We talk’
The 26-year-old’s future at Anfield has been up for discussion all season after entering the final year of his contract without signing an extension.
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with Alexander-Arnold and made an approach for him in January which was swiftly rejected. Since then, Alexander-Arnold has remained tight-lipped about his future while Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah signed extensions.
With the season beginning to trickle towards its conclusion, it looks less and less likely that the full-back will sign a new contract on Merseyside. But, if this is to be his final season at the club, he made a crucial contribution on Sunday against Leicester City.
Firing home the winner with less than 15 minutes remaining, Alexander-Arnold ensured that Liverpool could win the Premier League next week, firstly if Crystal Palace beat Arsenal in midweek or should the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield they will be crowned champions. With the defender back in the headlines, Keane tried to add some perspective to the debate on Sky Sports.
“It is amazing, we talk about Trent who is a fantastic player but it is as if the world is coming to an end if he leaves,” the Irishman said. “If he does leave, you wish the lad well.
“He has done brilliantly, been a good servant, he has been a brilliant player for Liverpool but I am pretty sure Liverpool will survive. Better players have left Liverpool than Trent and Liverpool have done okay.
“You have to accept, supporters have to accept, that you are supporting the club. Obviously, you love your players and you will have your idols and certain players like [Kenny] Dalglish and [Ian] Rush and all these people, but when they leave you just continue [Jamie Carragher says exactly in the background], good players will come through – that is the name of the game.
“So as brilliant as Trent is, Liverpool will be fine.” Continuing to agree with Keane, Carragher added: “Before this team got together, Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish were the two greatest players to play for Liverpool.
“We [Gerrard and Carragher] were in the team together and didn’t win the Premier League, the next manager won the Premier League and won everything with half of this team and other players who moved on. So, the greatest players in Liverpool’s history moved on, and the next manager won everything – European Cup, Club World Cup.
“It just shows you, the greatest clubs, as Roy said, will be fine.”
Liverpool
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards disagree on Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold send off stance
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards disagree on Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold send off stance
legend Jamie Carragher got into a debate with Micah Richards and Roy Keane about what Arne Slot should do with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the remainder of the season.
Easter Sunday saw the Reds claim a 1-0 victory over Leicester City to move a step closer to winning the Premier League title. Alexander-Arnold came off the bench on his return from injury to score the winning goal for Liverpool and move his boyhood club to within three points of being crowned league champions.
The last few months has seen Alexander-Arnold’s future be the topic of intense debate and speculation, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Conor Bradley started the game against Leicester with Alexander-Arnold replacing his teammate at right-back just five minutes before finding the back of the net.
“You can’t replace him [Alexander-Arnold], the reason we talk about him so much, he’s probably the most talked about full-back we’ve ever seen in the Premier League because he’s unique, he’s different,” Carragher began.
“Now, most full-backs don’t get it thrown at them that they’re not good defensively but he’s so good on the ball, he can come on and change games.
“So Liverpool aren’t going to replace that, they need to replace his creativity, they can’t do that from right back, they maybe need to do that with an attacking midfielder or left wing position. So the team has to evolve.
“Where they can replace him is Conor Bradley is a right back, he shouldn’t look like Trent and think, ‘I want to be like him’. He’ll be like Andy Robertson, a proper full-back, up and down, you’re not going to be able to replace him [Alexander-Arnold] so forget that.
“The biggest decision Liverpool have or couple of decisions and the summer, if Trent hasn’t committed, which he hasn’t, he shouldn’t be starting games.”
Richards then jumped in and questioned Carragher’s claim. “Not even for a send-off? For what he’s done for the football club,” the former Manchester City defender said.
Carragher then replied: “Liverpool aren’t here to give someone a send-off.”
Richards then explained while he understands Carragher’s point of view, he would still want to see Alexander-Arnold start the final matches of the season.
“He’s [Alexander-Arnold] been a vital part of that,” said Richards. “I understand what you mean, prepare for next season, I totally get that point.
“But what he’s done for the football club for these years, been there since a little boy just to give him a few appearances and say well done?”
Carragher then explained why he would want to see Liverpool start Bradley for the final matches of the season with a view to their summer transfer plans. The Reds legend believes Bradley gaining experience from regular starts will help the right-back’s career development.
“It’s not about that, the point being is in Conor Bradley you’ve got a young player. He had a tough 15-20 minutes at the start of the game and that’s part of how you become an experienced player.”
Carragher added: “It’s not about, ‘Let’s give Trent a send-off’’. It’s about Liverpool needing to assess that Conor Bradley is the guy to play week in, week out next season.
“The decision Liverpool have in terms of Trent moving on, does Conor Bradley become the first choice right-back and buy a back-up who’s maybe a utility player, or buy a first-choice full-back and Conor Bradley will have to battle with him. So that lad will need as much experience as he can get.
“Yes, bring him [Alexander-Arnold] on if you need to win a game, but in terms of starting games, if Trent hasn’t committed to the club – which he obviously hasn’t – Conor Bradley should be starting every game.”
Keane then asked Carragher who he would want to start for Liverpool at right-back against Tottenham next Sunday.
“Conor [Bradley],” Carragher replied. “If this title wasn’t sewn up, you’d put your best player on the pitch, which is Trent, but Liverpool have won the league.”
Keane then said: “It’s a big test to do it week in, week out because we don’t know and there’s a big question over him [Bradley].”
“That’s my point, Roy,” Carragher replied. “You have to give him [Bradley] his head now, five games to go.
“He’ll have good games, he’ll have bad games, but he’s a young defender. Give him that experience, then you get to the summer and make your decision.”
Liverpool
Jamie Carragher suggests Arne Slot does brutal thing to Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool right-back’s goal vs Leicester
Jamie Carragher has suggested Liverpool boss Arne Slot does a harsh thing to Trent Alexander-Arnold after his winning goal against Leicester City at the King Power on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, scored the only goal of the game to hand Liverpool a 1-0 win, which sees them a step closer to what is now an inevitable 20th Premier League title.
The right-back was introduced in the second half and was visibly emotional after his left-footed strike hit the net and ran to the Reds’ supporters before taking off his shirt.
After the match, he was directly asked if he’s leaving Liverpool live on Sky Sports, to which he replied: “Look, obviously, like I’ve said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever. I am glad to be a part of them.”
Alexander-Arnold added: “To do it for the fans here is a very special moment. As much as we do it for ourselves and our family, we do it for the fans as well, they are the ones who travel to the games and spend their money, so it is the least they deserve to see us give 100% on the pitch and win games.
“So to see us so close, some of us, to a second league title and for others a first, especially in front of fans, which is what we’ve been missing, is very special. Virgil pushed me to the front to soak it in, get up close and personal. The fans have been amazing again this season, they have pushed us every game to the final minutes and they have done that again today to help us win the game.”
However, Carragher gave a harsh take on what he thinks Slot should do to the England international between now and the end of the season.
When speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s victory, Carragher said: “If Trent hasn’t committed, which he hasn’t… to the manager for next season, he shouldn’t be starting games.”
https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1914021393684930894
Micah Richards was quick to jump in and suggested: “Maybe not for a send off for him… you think about planning for next season.”
Carragher added: “Liverpool are not here as a football club to give someone a send off.”
Richards hit back: “You win the league [after] so long – he’s been a vital part of that. I understand what you’re saying [about next season], I totally get that. But for what he’s done for the club… been there since a little boy. They are going to win the league, just to give him a few more appearances just to say, ‘well done’.”
Liverpool
What Leandro Trossard said about Liverpool and the title race after Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-0
Liverpool could have won the Premier League title with their 1-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday, but Arsenal and Leandro Trossard had something to say about that.
The Reds have been forced to put their celebrations on hold after the Gunners recorded a 4-0 win over Ipswich, which ensures the Premier League title could still head the way of Arsenal, mathematically at least.
Liverpool would now have to lose all five of their remaining games this season, and Arsenal would need to win all five and make up a goal difference of ten along the way, for Mikel Arteta to snatch the title from Arne Slot.
In the meantime, Leandro Trossard paid reference to Liverpool in his interview after scoring twice to defeat Ipswich, providing an insight into how the Arsenal squad are thinking.
Leandro Trossard says Arsenal are not paying attention to Liverpool whatsoever
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 4-0 win over Ipswich, the Belgium international said (via BBC Sport): “It is important for ourselves. We don’t need to look at them (Liverpool). We just have to keep going like this and take it game by game.
“We want to win every game but we know how tough it is in the league. A good win today and we just need to keep pushing going forward.”
With so much needing to happen for Arsenal to displace Liverpool, that is a sensible outlook from Trossard – who has interest from Saudi Arabia.
Arsenal need to focus on the UEFA Champions League
To be blunt, the title race is over – a side as good as Liverpool are not going to lose five games in a row, having only lost two in 33 to reach this stage.
Therefore, Arteta should put all of his eggs into the UEFA Champions League basket, in our view.
Arsenal, who Kieran McKenna praised, have already defeated PSG 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season in the league phase, which should breed confidence, even more so given the fact the first leg is also in N17.
Should Arsenal progress, either Barcelona or Inter Milan await, both of whom are strong sides, but after beating a juggernaut in Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate, the Gunners should fear nobody.
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold directly asked if he’s leaving Liverpool live on Sky and his answer speaks volumes
Alexander-Arnold leaves future in doubt but Jamie Carragher takes the hint
Sky Sports touchline reporter Patrick Davidson asked Trent Alexander-Arnold about his Liverpool future and got exactly the answer everyone was expecting.
Alexander-Arnold scored the only goal of the game in Liverpool’s win over Leicester City to put the Reds just one win away from their second title of the Premier League era.
As the scorer, Alexander-Arnold spoke to Davidson along with man of the match Alexis Mac Allister, and the Sky Sports man concluded his interview by asking him how many more big moments he will be enjoying as a Liverpool player.
“I’m not gonna speak on my situation but these days are always special, scoring goals, winning games and winning titles,” said the boyhood Liverpool fan, who’s been on the club’s books for more than 20 years.
“I’m glad to be a part of them.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was part of the Sky Sports team at the King Power Stadium and hinted in his reaction that most people expect Alexander-Arnold to leave for Real Madrid.
While the player’s response was understandably noncommittal at a key moment in the season, new contracts for team-mates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk have amplified his silence.
Carragher wasn’t alone in reacting to Alexander-Arnold’s post-match comments.
While the response to his goal and celebration was overwhelmingly positive, there was a distinct whiff of resignation among Liverpool fans on social media after Davidson’s question was deftly batted away by the Premier League and Champions League winner.
“Well that’s Trent gone then after that,” posted one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
“Trent’s off and he has been for weeks,” admitted another. “It is what is is. But he’s given us that moment today as a farewell and we should be thankful for it.”
“Y’know what, whether or not Trent wants to stay, I’ll always love him,” conceded one supporter. “He’s put us 3 points away from the league, now. If this is his grand send-off, so be it. You’re forever in my best graces, scouse.”
Another imaginative fan wrote: “I think the longer [the] Trent saga drags on, the more emotional the fans will get, if at the last day he comes forth and announce (sic)) he’s staying, the emotional shock will force people to place him above [Steven] Gerrard as a greater local icon, it’s a possible power move from Trent.”
Incredible.
Liverpool will win the title in midweek if Crystal Palace beat Arsenal, or with a win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next Sunday if they don’t.
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