Today’s LFC liveblog brings you all the latest reaction from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Brighton on Sunday afternoon, with the Reds now sitting fourth in the Premier League table as we head into the international break.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been linked with a January move for Sporting CP’s young, left-sided defender Goncalo Inacio, with reports suggesting the Reds could be made to fend off interest from Manchester United if they want to sign him.
Bowen contract confirmed
Jarrod Bowen’s new long-term contract at West Ham United has been confirmed.
The winger has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the last year, and more recently as a possible successor to Mohamed Salah, though the England international has now committed his future to the Hammers.
Discussing his new deal, Bowen said: “I’m so pleased to have signed a new long-term contract at West Ham. Everyone knows what this Club means to me, so committing my future until 2030 means so much to me and my family.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time here. Winning the Europa Conference League in Prague was an amazing moment, scoring the winner in the last minute will be something I’ll cherish forever.
“It’s left us all wanting that feeling again and again – we want to create more memories together, for our fantastic fans, and for this fantastic Football Club.”
Reds to move for Sporting CP ace?
Liverpool could accelerate their interest in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, according to Football Insider.
The Reds were linked with a move for the 22-year-old in the summer but ultimately decided against signing a left-sided defender, a decision which has since allowed Jarell Quansah to flourish on Merseyside.
However, with injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold this campaign, Football Insider reports that the Reds could make a winter move for Inacio, who is said to be attracting interest from Manchester United too.
Van Dijk ‘curious’ on referee’s call in Brighton draw
Virgil van Dijk has admitted he is “curious” as to why Pascal Gross was not shown any form of card during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Brighton on Sunday afternoon.
The German midfielder conceded a penalty towards the end of the first half after pulling back Dominik Szoboszlai inside the penalty area, denying the Hungarian a clear shot on goal.
Liverpool may have been awarded a spot-kick, though referee Anthony Taylor opted against showing a card to Gross despite the fact he seemingly denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Official IFAB (International Football Association Board) rules state players must be dismissed if not genuinely attempting to play the ball, which was not the case here. The ECHO understands this decision was made due to VAR deeming Szoboszlai was not moving towards the goal and was therefore not denied a clear-cut chance.
Offering his take on the incident and if he felt Liverpool felt they should have had a numerical advantage going into the break, Van Dijk said: “Not really. On the pitch you are thinking about this and we have to be careful for asking if he’s not going to get sent off. I was quite curious what was the reason that he didn’t even get a booking, but it is what it is. We just have to accept it.”
Asked if it is clear why Gross remained on the pitch, the Reds’ captain added: “No because I didn’t see any replays on the pitch. It’s a penalty, we scored a penalty and the referee made the decision to not give a yellow or even a red. That’s what we have to accept.”
