Florian Wirtz delivers but lacklustre Liverpool are held by Sunderland

Liverpool's defensive struggles continue as they prepare to face Leeds this weekend, following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth loss in seven Premier League matches. Manager Arne Slot faces increasing scrutiny as he seeks to halt the team's alarming decline.

This weekend in the Premier League, Arsenal will face Aston Villa, a team that has historically posed challenges for them, particularly after a previous match where Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead. With Arsenal currently leading the league, a victory at Villa Park would further solidify their title ambitions.

Liverpool has officially dropped out of contention to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is a target for Barcelona as they look to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming summer transfer window in 2026.

Liverpool Football Club has permanently retired the number of Diogo Jota following his untimely death, marking what would have been his 29th birthday with a heartfelt tribute. The club expressed its sorrow and remembrance, stating that Jota will be 'forever in our hearts.'

Liverpool's Florian Wirtz had his first goal for the club ruled out as an own goal by Sunderland's Nordi Mukiele, leaving him without a goal or assist in 13 league appearances. Virgil van Dijk has urged Wirtz to disregard the statistics and maintain confidence in his abilities.

FIFA has granted clubs an additional week to retain their star players before they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), allowing athletes like Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo, and Achraf Hakimi to play until December 15. This decision comes as top European clubs prepare to lose key players for up to five weeks during the tournament in Morocco, scheduled from December 21 to January 18.

Lucas Paqueta received a red card for dissent during West Ham's recent match against Liverpool, which ended in a defeat for his team. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged that Paqueta is suffering from the consequences of this incident, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on the player.

Liverpool captain Grace Fisk has been ruled out for the next 10 days due to a calf injury, which led to her withdrawal from the England squad. Manager Gareth Taylor expressed concern that this injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the team as they prepare for upcoming matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and West Ham.