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Liverpool face Inter Milan in the Champions League but they are short of attacking options.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Cody Gakpo is set to be absent for ‘a few weeks’

The forward has not travelled to Italy for the Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Tuesday. Gakpo’s absence leaves Arne Slot short of attacking options, with Mo Salah omitted from the squad after his outburst to the media following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United, while Federico Chiesa is ill.

The timeframe on Gakpo’s injury means he appears likely to be absent for Saturday’s clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield and the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 20 December.

Head coach Arne Slot said at his pre-match press conference: "Federico is ill, so that is poor timing you could say. But it's not something you can do anything about. So, we are monitoring his situation. If he has an amazing recovery – which I, we, doctors don't expect – he might travel tomorrow. But let's have a fair expectation, that's not what I expect.

"And Cody Gakpo unfortunately picked up an injury in the last game we played against Leeds and he will be out for a few weeks.”

‘It doesn’t make me happy’

Meanwhile, Alisson Becker has reacted to the bombshell interview that Salah gave after Leeds. The forward, named on the bench for a third successive game, claimed he had been ‘thrown under a bus’ and that ‘somebody wants me out’ of the club.

Salah has been left on Merseyside despite Liverpool being short of forwards against Inter. The Reds are 13th in the Champions League table and lost 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven in their previous game.

Alisson admitted that Salah’s decision to go public about his feeling at Elland Road ‘doesn’t make me happy’. The goalkeeper, who was on pre-match media duties which means he will unsurprisingly start in between the posts, said: "I didn't speak to Mo about it. We spend so much time together, not so much away from the training ground, but there's a bond. I will speak with him, but that will be private."

"It's not an easy situation. I've been playing with Mo since I came to Europe. He's a great guy, a legend for LFC. We achieved so many things together. "It doesn't make me happy, but we have a big challenge tomorrow. Our focus is on that.

"I hope he plays for the club again, but that's a situation between Mo and the club. I don't think his goal was to disrespect anyone. He had the freedom to talk how he feels about his own situation. Now it's important how we react."

Liverpool are linked with several new players ahead of the January transfer window after a disappointing start to the season for Arne Slot

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Liverpool’s miserable run of form continued on Saturday night as they threw away a 2-0 lead against Leeds United before eventually succumbing to a 3-3 draw.

Arne Slot’s side had gotten in a comfortable position after a quickfire double from Hugo Ekitike early in the second half. However, a tackle from Ibrahima Konate on Willy Gnonto saw a penalty awarded to the hosts.

The decision came after referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the pitch side monitor and said the Liverpool defender was being penalised for a careless challenge as replays showed clear contact within the 18-yard box.

Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool back in front in the 80th minute but Ao Tanaka scored in the 96th minute to rescue a point for Leeds. It is the third time this campaign that Liverpool have dropped points after conceding in second-half stoppage time - having done so at Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

They almost did it in midweek against Sunderland but Federico Chiesa cleared a shot off the line. As the Reds continue to struggle towards January, they are being linked with numerous players.

Fabrizio Romano drops big Yan Diomande update

Liverpool have been linked with signing RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Writing for Give Me Sport, Fabrizio Romano was questioned on the links and said: "There are at least 4/5 clubs following the player. Nothing is concrete at the moment, but interest from several clubs is genuine."

The same article also claims Diomande is of interest to Liverpool and Spurs. It is certainly a big update with one of the biggest transfer news reporters signalling that there are several clubs genuinely interested amid links to Liverpool. He has six goals and two assists in 12 Bundesliga games this season.

One TEAMtalk source told their outlet recently about Diomande: “In terms of talent level, Red Bull has not experienced an interest like this since Erling Haaland. The ceiling for this kid is that high. However, it has to be pointed out there is no for sale sign attached to him – Leipzig do not want to let him leave.”

What type of player is Diomande?

Football writer Bence Bocsak, who has featured in several publications providing analysis on players for The Guardian, BBC Sport and talkSPORT, is a huge fan: “Hard not to get carried away with Yan Diomande because what he has shown in less than 900 minutes for RB Leipzig this season is nothing short of special.

“He is ambipedal, which makes him so unpredictable in his dribbling and allows him to play LW and RW. Technically his first touch is sublime and he’s got that close control combined with quick feet that can get him out of tight spaces.

“When there’s space ahead of him, he is lightning fast and can use that to his full advantage. You leave space for him at your own peril. Based on what he’s shown at Leipzig, he’s the full package if you’re looking for a progressive winger.

“He’s probably more effective coming off the RW role where he can utilise his shooting a bit more. Seems to be slightly more comfortable with his left foot. I’d like to see him improve his crossing and he’s overall link-up and passing play in the final third. But as a ball carrier he is simply exceptional. Like I said it’s hard not to get carried away. Based on what he’s shown, the sky is the limit.”

Liverpool have reportedly made an enquiry as they look to sign a player from Merseyside rivals Everton

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It has been almost 24 years since the last time it occurred and it is something that has only happened twice this century but Liverpool could be about to add another player to an incredibly-rare list.

Abel Xavier in January 2002 was the last player who transferred from Everton to Liverpool while Nick Barmby is the only other player to have also moved across the Merseyside divide since 2000.

However, a bombshell report from France has claimed that Liverpool have made an enquiry to sign a current Everton star - but Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

It does not take many guesses to land on Illiam Ndiaye. Ahead of Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, the former Sheffield United man was branded an amazing player by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.

No Everton supporter wants to see one of their stand-out players go to Liverpool - but Ndiaye would sting that little bit more given his place in Everton history. The 25-year-old Senegal international scored the last goal for the men’s side at Goodison Park and also netted the first Everton goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Could he really move to Anfield?

Well, according to a report from Foot Mercato in France, “Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool have made inquiries about signing the former AS Dakar Sacre-Coeur player.”

He was born in France and previously spent time in Ligue 1 with Marseille. Ndiaye has four goals and one assist in 13 Premier League games for the Toffees this season while he has already created a number of highlight reels with his captivating dribbling.

Ndiaye has been a huge driving force behind Everton’s improving fortunes under David Moyes. While Saturday’s surprisingly meek 4-1 loss at home to Newcastle United was a frustrating one, the Toffees are certainly in a more positive place than this time 12 months ago.

Ndiaye joined Everton for around £20m in the summer of 2023. In total, he has 15 goals and one assist in 52 games for the Toffees.

Even in defeat to Manchester City last month, Moyes was keen to praise Ndiaye for his performance in the loss. He said: “I thought Ili’s performance in the first half was outstanding. I thought he was the standout player at that time in the game.

“I just saw signs that he had fatigued during the game. Even the goal, we just get it a yard wrong from stopping the pass going through.

“But Ili is playing really, really well. I just don't know if maybe the two games for his international team just took a bit more out of him and the travel, as well. But he played very well. Unfortunately, he couldn't get us a goal.”

One of Liverpool heroes from their Champions League and Premier League triumphs was wanted by two of their Premier League rivals

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Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has revealed that he rejected moves to both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to secure his move to Anfield back in 2016.

Mane became a key player for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp as he won a Premier League title, Champions League trophy along with an FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

He made a total of 269 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 120 goals and providing 46 assists. However, it all might have worked out differently if the Senegal international opted to join one of Liverpool’s rivals all those years ago.

"Manchester United called me that time," Mane said, as he appeared on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

"[Wayne] Rooney was there. And [Angel] Di Maria was there. And [Memphis] Depay was there. When they failed to get me, they bought [Anthony] Martial."

Mane continued: "Van Gaal called me and he said, 'Mane, how are you? What are you doing?' He said, "I want you to come to Manchester United.

"[Van Gaal said] 'We'll see what is the best, because I know you're a good player and you can help the team, and we can help you also to become better players.'

"And then I said, 'OK, so my question: you have Depay, you have Rooney, you have Di María, you have [Robin] van Persie. 'So where am I going to play?' That was my question, because me, I want to play.

"He said, 'I know your talent, you're good. But if you do good training, make a good impression, you will play.' I was not convinced about his explanation. I talked to the coach, but he told me that I will play if I'm good; if not...

"But at the time, me, I was not ready, I can say. I was young. I still needed someone to help me more. And one or two more years to become what I want to be. Because I was still at Southampton; I was not consistent."

He added: “A few days later, Klopp called me.”

Mane went on to add that after speaking with club he knew that Liverpool was the right club for him. While he was never sold on moving to Old Trafford, he did admit that he was more tempted by a move to North London.

On the approach from Tottenham, Mane said: "I had a meeting with Tottenham. At the same time, [Mauricio] Pochettino called him [my agent] and he said, 'I want to have Sadio to come to Tottenham training ground.'"

"And then I go to Tottenham training ground one week after. I see the facility, I meet the coach, I talk to him and I was more convinced than the Man United project. Because Man United – the problem was too many big players."

Mane stayed at Liverpool for six years before departing for Bayern Munich. His final appearance for the club was in the 2022 Champions League final in Paris which the Reds lost to Real Madrid.

He now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr after joining the club in 2023. He helped form of one of Liverpool’s most iconic front threes alongside Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. And all associated with Liverpool will be glad the winger opted for Anfield over the likes of United or Spurs.

Everton are rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for this in-form transfer target

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Everton have been linked with a new striker target ahead of the January transfer window and he is reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to make a move to the Premier League.

The Toffees are on the market for a new centre-forward to take their attack to the next level. Both Beto and Thierno Barry have struggled to find consistent form this season, with just one goal between them in the Premier League so far.

Barry was brought in over the summer as Everton prioritised bolstering their frontline. However, the £27 million signing is yet to open his account in blue and has been limited to just four Premier League starts so far.

Everton considering new striker transfer target

The Toffees have started the season well but they are definitely missing a clinical centre-forward to lead their attack. Jack Grealish has been a revolutionary signing, while Iliman Ndiaye is also impressing with his performances this season.

However, Everton are seriously lacking goals from their No.9 and are now exploring other options to take their attack forwards. The Blues are currently 13th in the Premier League table but David Moyes believes a clinical striker can keep them climbing up the table.

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who report Everton are showing ‘serious interest’ in former Brentford star Ivan Toney, who has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia since his move last summer.

Moyes has reportedly identified Toney as the ‘proven goalscorer’ he feels his team are in need of to ‘keep them moving up the table’. However, he’s not going to be an easy target to acquire.

Ivan Toney linked with Premier League return

Toney has been seriously enjoying his football out in Saudi Arabia, with 41 goals in 59 appearances since his £40 million arrival at Al-Ahli. The 29-year-old has notched 11 in 15 games so far this season too, as the club look to close the gap on the league leaders.

Toney has reportedly told those close to him tat he is ‘ready to take a pay cut’ in order to ‘force’ a move back to the Premier League in the new year. His focus is on securing a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, with the tournament now right around the corner.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be the leaders in the race for Toney’s signature. Spurs are also in need of a clinical No.9 to boost their efforts in attack but he remains firmly on the radar of Everton as well.

Toney has personally told Al-Ahli that he wishes to leave the club in 2026, despite sporting director Rui Pedro Braz insisting he isn’t for sale. The Jeddah club plan to reject any offers for the Englishman but Toney’s camp are reportedly ‘working on a compromise’ that could see him land his ideal Premier League return.

Toney could potentially accept a deal worth £200,000 per week in wages, which is said to be ‘roughly half’ of what he currently earns in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool are on the market for new defensive options following their nightmare run of results in the Premier League

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Liverpool have put an end to their concerning run of form on the pitch but they are still in need of strengthening their squad in 2026.

These early stages of the season have exposed weaknesses within Arne Slot’s team and they are already considering potential new recruits for January.

One particular area of concern is Liverpool’s defence and signing a new centre-back has become a priority at Anfield.

Liverpool ‘keeping tabs’ on centre-back transfer target

According to TBR Football, Liverpool are ‘keeping close tabs’ on Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, along with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old has been attracting attention from a number of leagues recently and Spurs in particular are eyeing a potential January move.

Wolfsburg have a track record of selling impressive centre-backs to Premier League clubs. Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix both moved to England from Wolfsburg in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Now, Koulierakis looks like he could be the next in line, as interest builds ahead of the new year.

“Koulierakis is attracting a lot of attention across Europe, composed and left-sided – left-footed defenders do tend to carry a bit more of a premium and he is standing out at the moment,” TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey said.

Liverpool are especially keen on bringing in young but reliable central defenders next year. Virgil van Dijk turns 35 in July and his contract is due to expire in 2027. Ibrahima Konate will become a free agent at the end of the season if he cannot reach a new agreement with Liverpool, while Joe Gomez came close to leaving the Reds for AC Milan over the summer.

With new signing Giovanni Leoni also out with an ACL injury, Liverpool’s list of natural centre-backs are depleting and they are in serious need of reinforcements.

Will Ibrahima Konate leave Liverpool next year?

Konate’s contact saga continues to encourage speculation over his future. The France international was once a priority for Liverpool when it came to contract talks but discussions with Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk took centre stage instead.

Since then, discussions with Konate have come to a grinding halt and a report from Spanish outlet Marca in September claimed he has now rejected three new contract proposals from Liverpool.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the defender’s position at Anfield, confirming he remains a target for Real Madrid next year. The Spanish giants are keen on signing a central defender on a free transfer.

“If Konate will go on a free next summer then Real Madrid will be very attentive to the situation. On the other side, Liverpool are still talking to his agents,” the transfer expert said on his YouTube channel.

“The Reds at this stage have the opportunity to still talk to the player. But Konate has the opportunity to decide whether he wants to stay at Liverpool are try a new chapter. There is a lot of interest in the player, not just Real Madrid.”

Everton suffered a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham but the game wasn’t without controversy

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Everton’s unbeaten start to life at The Hill Dickinson stadium came to a thudding halt at the weekend when they were beaten 3-0 at home by European hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur.

The game proved to be a tale of three headers as defender Micky van de Ven scored twice from set pieces before midfielder Pape Matar Sarr capped off the win for Thomas Frank’s side with a header of his own.

The result saw Tottenham get catapulted up to third in the table after a commanding start to life under their new manager, while Everton dropped down to 14th in the table in what ultimately proved to be an afternoon to forget.

The Lillywhites were good value for their victory on Merseyside but the game could very easily have panned out differently if it wasn’t for a controversial refereeing decision.

Keith Hackett shares scathing reaction to disallowed Everton goal

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett believes VAR shouldn’t have intervened in a potentially game-changing goal for Everton.

The incident took place in the opening half an hour, just minutes before Micky van de Ven’s opener when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall whipped in a pinpoint ball to the front post which was nodded in by the towering Jake O’Brien.

On the field, the goal was awarded in Everton’s favour but just as the former Lyon defender headed off to celebrate VAR flagged the strike for offside with both Iliman N’Diaye and Jack Grealish appearing to interfere with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and his line of vision.

“[It was] disappointing to see the Everton goal ruled out,” said Hackett via Football Insider. Craig Pawson in a good position, awards the goal. Sadly, we then have VAR Stewart Attwell, once again, coming in and indicating to the referee that he should go to the monitor.”

Hackett goes on to explain that he feels Vicario exaggerated the amount of contact he receives from the Everton player. He added: “There is a slight nudge but when we see the amount of grappling that goes on inside the penalty area going unpunished, this is minimal. This goalkeeper is not going to save this goal. So, the indication is that two Everton players are in an offside position, they were. But, they’re behind the goalkeeper, not in front of him. The line of sight is clear, they have not interfered with the opponent. This goal should’ve stood.”

David Moyes shares clear verdict on disallowed goal

Everton boss David Moyes says that the referee was correct to disallow Jake O’Brien’s goal, conceding that he would have been frustrated as an opposing manager if the goal was allowed to stand.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle: “Since I have seen it, I agree it was offside. If it had been the other way around, I would be claiming it was an offside goal, so I think they got it right.”

Everton have a week to prepare for their next match as they gear up for a massive away match against the season’s surprise package Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. It’s the first meeting between the two teams since a 2-0 win against the Black Cats in 2017 when Moyes was in the opposing dugout. Romelu Lukaku and Idrissa Gueye were the goalscorers in that encounter.

Everton suffered a 3-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur with Beto missing a big chance when the game was goalless.

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Tim Sherwood believes that Everton’s strikers are ‘not good enough’ and hindering the rest of the attack.

The Toffees fell to a 3-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur as their unbeaten start at Hill Dickinson Stadium came to an end. But within the opening three minutes, Everton spurned a golden chance when Iliman Ndiaye crossed for Beto, but he failed to make proper contact.

Micky van de Ven scored from two Spurs corners before half-time and Pape Matar Sarr rounded off the visitors’ victory with a minute remaining.

Beto was again selected to spearhead the attack, having also squandered a golden chance in the 2-0 loss at Manchester City. The former Udinese striker has bagged just one Premier League goal this season. And despite being purchased for up to £27 million from Villarreal in the summer transfer window, Thierno Barry been down the pecking order and did not make an impact when coming off the bench against Spurs.

What’s been said

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Sherwood admitted the duo are struggling to meet the standards Everton require. The former Spurs manager said: “Sometimes, you can protect strikers and say they are not getting the chances. But they are putting so many crosses into the box. They cross the ball more than most teams from left side to right side. The quality of the crosses might not always be fantastic but Beto is too isolated when he’s in the box.

“Whether it’s Barry or not, it’s too isolated when he’s there. He is very reluctant to play both of them because they’re not good enough. The bottom line is they’re not good enough and are showing they are not good enough. He is trying to help them out and find the solution as best as he can, David Moyes. They have got very good players; [Kiernan] Dewsbury-Hall is great, Jack Grealish we know, Ndiaye is a little superstar but they have got no focal point. They have got no-one to play off or make runs off.

“They have got a nucleus of a decent side. They are solid at the back, a very good goalkeeper but they need a centre-forward but everyone is looking for the same thing so it’s difficult to go and find that. And why would someone of the quality go to Everton rather than somewhere else because there are a lot of teams looking for centre-forwards, including Spurs I’d suggest.”

David Moyes gives verdict on Everton loss

On Everton’s performance against Spurs, manager Moyes said: “I don't think that we deserved to lose 3-0 but if you don't defend set pieces well enough, then you're always liable to lose the game. It's not something that's been a big problem with us but it was today, whether that was because of the quality Spurs had or whether it was down to how poor we were defending it, then that could be argued.

“Some good things and, obviously, I'm annoyed because we don't defend our set pieces as poorly as that normally, so we'll need to try to improve on it. We've been pretty good at it. Overall, the play was good enough to earn more than we did today, we've just got to try to tighten up and finish off some of the good play and the chances we have.”

Everton suffered a 3-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

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Thomas Frank toasted Tottenham Hotspur’s victory that ended Everton’s unbeaten start at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees’ unbeaten run at their new home since moving from Goodison Park was curtailed following a 3-0 defeat by Spurs. David Moyes’ side were undone by two set-pieces in the first half, with Micky van de Ven scoring both from corners. Everton had their own effort from a set-piece ruled out by VAR after Jake O’Brien nodded home.

And in the closing stages, Tottenham wrapped up three points when Pape Matar Sarr bagged with one minute of normal time remaining.

The north London side moved up to third in the table, while Everton remain 14th and slipped to successive league defeats. On the game, Spurs boss Frank said: “I think overall a very solid performance, especially pleased with the first half. I think we were good in phase one, good in phase two, more passes, control of the game more in phases, in general, The second half was a little bit more of a dogfight at times. Going here to Everton, which is against a very good team, well set up by David Moyes and a very good home crowd, they've been unbeaten here so far. To go to any ground in the Premier League, to win 3-0 away from home is a very good result. So, yes, very happy, happy with obviously the set pieces as well.

“That gives you an ability to perform at a certain level where you want to always do a little bit more, but be really, how can you say, competitive and especially away from home. Then I think we are, is it three years ago we played Champions League, or three years ago? It's still quite an inexperienced Champions League squad to go every third or fourth day. One of the most difficult things with that is to be able to compete in both tournaments and especially after an away trip in Champions League and then go away in the Premier League again. So, to/ keep the energy, the focus, the intensity to be able to do that, I'm very pleased with the players, how they handled that to get the win today. Plus, we also did it after Bodo, travel, then travel to Leeds and win. So, I think it shows a lot about that mentality. There's things we like to work on, but the most important thing is the mentality."

Everton suffered a 3-0 loss against Tottenham but had a potential equaliser ruled out by VAR.

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David Moyes had no complaints about Everton’s disallowed goal in their defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Toffees were beaten at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time as they fell to a 3-0 loss at the hands of the north London side. Spurs took the lead in the 19th minute through Micky van de Ven’s header.

Everton thought they equalised five minutes later when Jake O’Brien nodded home from a corner. However, a VAR review deemed that Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish were interfering with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and the goal was disallowed by on-field referee Craig Pawson.

Van de Ven doubled the visitors’ advantage from another corner in first-half stoppage-time and Pape Matar Sarr put the game to rest in the 89th minute.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Moyes said: "I've seen it and I think it was the right decision. It wasn't a goal. In the end, it was the right decision. The position Ndiaye took up with the goalkeeper. If it happened to me, I wouldn't be happy

"We don't need to react in any big fashion. We played a good Tottenham team. They're in the Champions League. We've moved from the stadium, the position we were in needed to improve. First defeat at the stadium since we moved here.”

On the performance overall, which condemned Everton to successive Premier League defeats, Moyes added: “We were undone. Really disappointed. We don't concede a lot from corners and I have to praise Tottenham. Thomas Frank works a lot on it.

"We played well today. We had as much of the game as Tottenham and probably as many chances. We got undone with set pieces and that's what happened. We need to be more clinical and a bit more creative with how we can make better chances. We had enough opportunities, but couldn't get it. We can't change the players we've got, so we'll keep practicing. The goals will come.”

Everton captain James Tarkowski agreed that O’Brien’s header being chalked off was correct. The centre-back said: "To me, if that was given against us, I would be disappointed. It’s a bit subjective but from what I have seen it was probably offside."