Wayne Rooney defends his previous criticism of Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk after the Reds captain called the pundit's analysis of their early season struggles "'lazy".

Liverpool enter a curious emotional crossroads as Anfield prepares to welcome a familiar face in unfamiliar colours. Trent Alexander-Arnold returns wearing Real Madrid white, a sight that still feels like watching Steven Gerrard line up for Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time,

For all Slot’s attempts at circumspection, Liverpool were well worth their win. Mohamed Salah put the hosts in front at the end of a first half they had dominated, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konaté missing clear chances before the Egyptian forward fired in.

"Some of the takes are ridiculous, but you deal with it. Outside noise can reach certain players, but we stick together. "We live in a world where everyone can have their own opinions on so many platforms and they know better. We have to stay away from that and focus on the hard work we are doing.