Liverpool suffered a disappointing defeat on Sunday as Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners at Anfield amid a sea of controversy following the visitors being found guilty of 114 breaches of financial conduct.
Iraola encouraged by Liverpool despite 3-0 defeat
City were found guilty of all 80 charges related to financial wrongdoing and 34 of 35 charges of failure to cooperate with the league investigation, but their players were in defiant mood as they continued their perfect start to the Premier League season.
The Reds entered the contest with several injury concerns, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo among those unavailable, and ultimately paid the price after being reduced to ten men, but Andoni Iraola was encouraged by aspects of his side’s performance prior to Ryan Gravenberch’s red card in the 62nd minute.
“I think the analysis is quite clear. I think we played two different games – one until the red card and one from the red card until the end,” the Spaniard said.
“I think we were the better team until the red card in the first 62 minutes. And they were better than us, obviously, after the red card and they scored the goals.”
The Liverpool boss was particularly frustrated by the midfielder’s first booking, questioning the referee’s decision to issue a yellow card for a challenge on Elliot Anderson.
“I think the first foul of Ryan is never a yellow card – never. This kind of game, just a stomp in the big toe or something like minor. He [the referee] doesn’t even call the foul straight away – he lets it go. I think Elliot Anderson does a couple of steps, he decides to go down.
“I don’t know why after he shows the yellow card because it’s not a situation where he leaves an advantage. We had nine players behind the ball, it was in the middle of the pitch, no danger there.”
With Szoboszlai struggling with a tight hamstring and Gravenberch now suspended, Liverpool could be particularly short of midfield options for next weekend’s trip to Brentford.
New sporting director Julian Ward is expected to address that area of the squad as a matter of urgency in 2027, and we exclusively revealed that Monaco’s Lamine Camara is among the club’s targets as they search for an out and out defensive midfielder.
However, Ward also has several important contract situations to resolve, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker among those approaching the final months of their respective deals.
And the Liverpool chief has now reportedly made significant progress towards completing one of his first priorities since returning to the role.
Julian Ward closing in on new Rio Ngumoha contract
According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are nearing an agreement over a new long-term contract for teenage winger Rio Ngumoha, with Ward determined to get the deal finalised and considering it essential from the moment he arrived last month.
The 18-year-old’s future has been the subject of speculation amid interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but Liverpool are confident of keeping one of their most exciting young talents, with only minor details still requiring attention.
Ward is understood to be pushing for the agreement to be officially completed as soon as possible, removing any lingering uncertainty surrounding Ngumoha’s future.
The winger’s current deal runs until 2028, having been signed before his 18th birthday, but he is now eligible to commit to a considerably longer contract.
Rio Ngumoha could be handed opportunity against LASK
Ngumoha has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, establishing himself as one of the most highly rated young players in the top flight.
The teenager has also made his senior England debut, but has found regular starting opportunities difficult to come by this season.
|
Rio Ngumoha 2026/27 |
Appearances |
Minutes |
|---|---|---|
|
Premier League |
4 |
116 |
|
Champions League |
1 |
60 |
|
League Cup |
1 |
72 |
|
Liverpool total |
6 |
248 |
|
England (Nations League) |
2 |
36 |
However, TEAMtalk’s report stresses that his limited minutes have not created any significant concerns over his future, with Liverpool remaining committed to his long-term development.
The youngster could now be handed an opportunity to impress when Liverpool face LASK in Europe this week, particularly after Bradley Barcola struggled against Manchester City.
Speaking after Sunday’s defeat, former Reds defender Jamie Carragher suggested the Frenchman has yet to produce his best football since arriving at Anfield.
“If we’re going to look at Barcola, he’s played 4-5 games for Liverpool, he hasn’t been amazing, you probably want a little bit more against Man City,” he told Sky Sports.
“But it’s new players, new league, he didn’t have a preseason. You’re giving him excuses and hoping it gets better.”
With Gakpo also sidelined through injury, Ngumoha has an opportunity to stake his claim for a more prominent role in Iraola’s plans. A strong performance against LASK could strengthen his case for further Premier League opportunities, while Liverpool will be hoping to secure his long-term future with a new contract in the coming weeks.
