This Is Anfield

Liverpool hold an interest in Tottenham youngster Archie Gray, which could solve a number of issues this summer, but any transfer hinges on the next four games.

Gray is one of the only Tottenham players to emerge with any credit in a miserable campaign, with the 20-year-old impressing in a variety of positions.

While largely operating in midfield, including as a No. 6, he has also been required to step into the side at centre-back, right-back and left-back.

That has sparked the interest of Liverpool, with the Mail‘s Lewis Steele corroborating previous claims they could move for Gray this summer.

Any deal for the England U21s international is, however, only likely to come if Tottenham are relegated to the Championship.

Are Tottenham likely to be relegated this season?

Now under new management in Roberto De Zerbi, the north London side are currently 18th with four games left to play – and are two points behind West Ham in 17th.

Opta Analyst‘s prediction model rates their chances of relegation at 59 percent, with West Ham tipped to stay in 17th with only a 38 percent likelihood of joining Burnley and Wolves in the Championship.

Tottenham also still have Aston Villa (currently fifth), Leeds (15th), Chelsea (eight) and Everton (11th) to play over the next month.

Gray joined from Leeds in July 2024 for a fee of around £30 million – with Joe Rodon also going the other way for £10 million – and is contracted until 2030.

That would make any transfer a costly one, though if Tottenham were relegated they would be forced to sell a number of players to avoid financial ruin.

Why do Liverpool want Archie Gray?

Liverpool’s interest in the youngster is unsurprising given the performances he has shown while at Leeds and since his move to Tottenham, while his versatility could make him an ideal addition to Arne Slot‘s squad.

Crucially he would be eligible as an U21 player in next season’s Premier League and after that would qualify as a homegrown player, with a shortage of such options at Liverpool.

If Curtis Jones departs as is now expected along with Rhys Williams, goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek and possibly even Joe Gomez, the homegrown quota would drop even further.

Given the issues at right-back and at the base of midfield, adding a player of Gray’s flexibility could be an ideal solution – and Liverpool will be watching keenly over the next four weeks.

Andy Robertson will join Tottenham on a free transfer this summer, should the London club not be relegated from the Premier League.

That’s the latest according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, who says that a “verbal agreement” with all terms are in place.

Tottenham, though, at the time of writing, are in the bottom three of the Premier League following West Ham‘s comprehensive win on Friday night.

The London club have seven games to save their top-flight status, starting with Sunderland away on Sunday.

It had been reported this week that Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Napoli are also interested in the Scotland captain.

Romano adds that “Nothing signed/sealed yet as staying in Premier League will be a key factor ahead of proceeding.”

Spurs had shown interest in signing the 32-year-old in January, but Robertson opted to remain at Anfield to see out the final year of his contract and complete nine years at the club.

Why Robertson is leaving Liverpool

Arne Slot admitted on Friday that Robertson’s lack of playing time this season has likely affected his decision to seek a new challenge.

“It’s been a great nine years for him at the club, but we also saw that this season he didn’t play as much as he was used to.

“He’s still played a lot, but not as much as he’s used to, and as a result of that he’s leaving next season.

“But not only that, I think it’s also difficult to be in that position longer than a season.”

Robertson has only made 15 starts this season, clocking 1,596 minutes on the pitch from 31 appearances in total.

His game time has effectively halved from the title-winning campaign last time out – and with Kerkez 10 years his junior at 22, the situation is unlikely to change.

Slot was asked whether the pursuit of more regular first-team football prompted Robertson to decline a new contract.

“That’s a question I think it’s smarter to ask him than ask me,” he replied.

“I think every player wants as much regular first-team football as possible. But it’s a question you should ask him.”

Tottenham are reportedly in “pole position” to land Andy Robertson as a free agent, plus the latest on Arne Slot‘s future and the club’s response to ticket price protests.

Liverpool CEO responds to ticket price rise backlash

With Liverpool fans to begin their protests against the planned ticket price increase against Fulham, the club’s CEO, Billy Hogan, wrote to season ticket holders and members via email.

The lengthy message does little to suggest the club will go back on their decision, nor will it temper the ire among fans over the planned increases.

It is a defensive justification for the price hikes, with some main points including:

• He argues that massive spikes in ‘uncontrollable’ operating costs (utilities up 107%, rates up 286%) make a price freeze unsustainable if the club wants to remain competitive on the pitch.

• He highlights that the club have increased prices by only 4% while rivals hiked theirs by 17%, suggesting supporters have been shielded until now.

• He contends that the club did listen to the Supporters Board by protecting junior tickets at £9 and expanding discounts for young adults.

• He maintains that LFC is not profiting from fans, with the price rise not fully covering increased costs, but every pound generated allows more investment back into the club.

Protests at Anfield from Saturday onwards will include no banners on the Kop, and a boycott of spending inside the ground.

LFC News: Tottenham want Robertson, contradictory Slot reports, Iraola linked

• Andy Robertson has four clubs interested in his services as a free agent, but Tottenham have been described as being in “pole position.” They would need to stay up first! (David Ornstein, The Athletic)

• Arne Slot has stressed that he feels “complete support” from Liverpool’s owners, but conflicting reports have emerged over his future – German report: Sack expected; English report: Planning with him for next season

• Interestingly, The i Paper states “there is also enthusiasm in some quarters of the Liverpool brains trust” about Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola – that’s got to be Richard Hughes!

• Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez‘s starting chances against Fulham have been cast into doubt by the head coach after their 90 minutes vs. PSG

• Morgan Rogers has been linked, with Liverpool described as “hovering” around the situation amid interest across the Premier League. Negotiations would likely start at £80m – surely they owe us for Elliott…

• Michael Edwards and Hughes reportedly signed three-year deals at the club with no intention of staying beyond their initial contract – surely the club wouldn’t want that disruption?

Football News: Nico Schlotterbeck signs contract, Fernandez apologises and De Zerbi ‘passion’

• Rumoured centre-back target Nico Schlotterbeck has extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund, all but ending any speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool

• Eddie Howe has said he is “100 percent committed to the job” at Newcastle. That decision could be taken out of his hands, however.

• Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he is not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he looks to keep Tottenham away from relegation, but he wants to use his “passion” to inspire. Is it too late?

• Enzo Fernandez has apologised to Liam Rosenior and his Chelsea teammates after an interview expressing admiration for Madrid, but he remains unavailable for selection against Man City (BBC)

Liverpool FC: On this day

This day is one you should all remember well, as it is when Liverpool went to the Etihad in 2018 and left with a 2-1 win that secured their place in the Champions League semi-final.

The Reds arrived with a three-goal advantage from the first leg, but the first half was one full of nerves and stubborn defending from Jurgen Klopp‘s men.

Gabriel Jesus got City on the scoreboard to create some tension, but Mo Salah famously scored after halftime to all but seal the result, with the images from the away end seared in our mind.

Roberto Firmino completed the scoring and set up a semi-final tie against Roma, where we got to see Alisson in action before he later became a Red.

Oh, take us back!

Rio Ngumoha was the redeeming quality for Liverpool in their drab 1-1 draw against Tottenham, but two defenders failed to even average a five-out-of-10 rating!

The Reds were so flat at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, dropping two costly points at home to a badly out-of-form Spurs side.

Here we compare our player ratings with those of the Liverpool Echo, GOAL and the TIA readers.

Ngumoha (7.33) was just about the only positive to take from the game, excelling on his full Premier League debut.

GOAL’s Tom Maston described the teenager as the “most threatening player on the pitch,” as he stood out while more experienced players toiled.

He was below only Dominik Szoboszlai in the estimation of This Is Anfield readers, who dished up the harshest scores, having rated Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo less than 4/10.

Alisson (7.25) got the second-highest overall score against a relegation-threatened Spurs team – that’s how disappointing Liverpool were!

He made six saves, proving to be a big influence, with Ian Doyle of the Echo calling it an “impressive return” to the side.

Joe Gomez (4.75) and Andy Robertson (4.90) were both poor, though, with Maston saying the former looked to be “lacking in confidence.”

What the stats say

According to FotMob, Szoboszlai was the best player for Liverpool, following another superb free-kick.

The Reds’ No. 8 again did his best to inspire his side to victory, making the most defensive contributions for the hosts (14), and also having the joint-most recoveries with Alisson (10).

Alexis Mac Allister was below-par yet again, winning only two out of 12 ground duels (17%), summing up his season-long struggles of being overrun in midfield.

Ngumoha, meanwhile, won eight out of nine ground duels and completed all seven of his attempted dribbles, highlighting his positive full league debut.

Arne Slot insisted he has “tried a lot of things” to arrest Liverpool’s trend of conceding late goals but is yet to find a solution after a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Slot appeared to pass the buck to the players as he assessed the latest collapse at Anfield as Liverpool saw Richarlison score a 90th-minute equaliser.

“I think if you look back on it – which is maybe not the nicest thing to do if you’re a fan of us – I’ve tried a lot of things,” he told reporters post-match.

“I’ve brought in Joe Gomez in the last minute of a game to keep the lead at Fulham, we conceded; brought in Wata [Endo] during the season to have that midfielder who picks up all the second balls.

“I’ve done attacker-for-attacker substitutions, not to bringing a defender in.

“We’ve tried many things but the way we are conceding goals is also constantly different.

“Unfortunately the things you can try to do to influence it from the side, as in a defensive substitution or an offensive substitution, I’ve tried many of them but it hasn’t yet led to us not conceding in the last minute.

“But we also have chances in the last minutes of the game. Even today, in extra time we had an unbelievable chance that simply doesn’t go in.

“But it won’t stay like that, I can tell you that.”

What Arne Slot said after boos at Anfield

Liverpool’s efforts on Sunday were met with boos at full-time and, like goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai, Slot admitted he could understand their frustration.

“I think it’s understandable for fans to be frustrated, because it happened already so many times that they’ve seen the home team not picking up the points that they’re expected to, conceding goals in the last minute,” he said.

“Now it’s up to us to bring that frustration to Wednesday and come up with a big performance.

“We’re all frustrated, that’s completely clear.

“It’s now up to me and the players to take that frustration to Wednesday evening and show the fans the performance and the result they deserve, because they’ve been supportive throughout the whole season to us.

“If it happens so many times that they are frustrated at the end of a game or after the final whistle, that makes complete sense to me.”

Wednesday night will of course bring the visit of Galatasaray, who lead their Champions League last-16 tie 1-0 after another chastening defeat for Liverpool in Istanbul.

Liverpool served up yet another pitiful performance at Anfield against arguably the biggest strugglers in the Premier League, as Tottenham salvaged an easy point and boos rang out.

Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham

Premier League (30) | Anfield

March 15, 2026

Goals: Szoboszlai 19′; Richarlison 90′

Liverpool are still sleepwalking

A draw which feels worse than a defeat, Mo Salah leaving the pitch raging and most of Liverpool’s players not even making eye contact with each other.

This was a miserable afternoon which felt inevitable from the first whistle.

Tottenham are the Premier League‘s most in-crisis team right now, so of course they were going to leave Anfield with something.

Boos ringing out at full-time was both uncharacteristic and a sign of end-times.

There was talk of interim boss Igor Tudor getting sacked, after losing all of his four games. Yet a point was picked up at Anfield and, to be honest, Spurs sneaking a late winner would not have surprised anyone.

Liverpool scored early on but never once took grip of the match.

It’s a copy-and-paste performance every single week – Liverpool don’t know how to assert themselves anymore and don’t really look interested enough to try.

Another weekend of sleep-walking and more points dropped.

Tickets not selling rings loudest alarm bells yet

Just 24 hours before kickoff we saw something pretty mind-blowing: tickets were still available on the club’s website.

Returned tickets were available to purchase for members for around £55, something that is simply unheard of for Liverpool in recent times.

It’s a damning indictment of where things are at; Liverpool aren’t enjoyable to watch and now it’s being represented in black-and-white.

Not turning out for your team is never a good look, but football is a very expensive passion and folk are now deciding that it isn’t worth the time and money to turn up and see the same lacklustre performance once more.

Of course, Liverpool ended up proving these people right with this painfully predictable draw.

The big names just aren’t stepping up

Collective performances haven’t been great for the entire season. There are multiple explanations, all of which have been widely explored: a new-look squad, relentless injuries, the irreplaceable loss of a team-mate.

The campaign has never felt like one which would get going, but if we’re looking purely at the individuals, there is no question that the big names aren’t stepping up.

Tottenham‘s goal came from one big lumped upfield ball, which Andy Robertson did not challenge for and Virgil van Dijk ghosted past the flick-on.

Joe Gomez was out of place for movement of Richarlison, who simply had to stub the ball along the ground to gain Spurs a draw.

A really pathetic story all round, with each of Liverpool’s most experienced figures playing a starring role.

Liverpool have a future-proof weapon in Szoboszlai’s free-kicks

There was some truly sub-standard goalkeeping from Guglielmo Vicario which allowed Dominik Szoboszlai‘s free-kick to hit the back of the Kop end goal, but regardless it was another dead-ball finish from the Hungarian.

He has now scored four direct free-kicks in the league this season, the most ever by a Liverpool player in a season – only David Beckham in 2000/01 and Laurent Robert in 2001/02 have scored more, with five each.

This is a weapon now and Liverpool need to use it going forward, no rotating free-kick takers.

The more Szoboszlai scores, the more his reputation as a specialist grows and the more opposition goalkeepers begin to doubt themselves.

Wirtz and Ngumoha can be the perfect catalyst for each other

A rare shining light on a grey afternoon, Rio Ngumoha once again looked lightning.

As per Opta, this match saw him become the youngest player on record (from 2006/07) to complete as many as seven dribbles in a single Premier League game.

Ngumoha was constantly direct and desperate to get on the ball, but his interlinking play with Florian Wirtz was particularly impressive.

A moment in the second half saw the teenager search for a non-existent through-ball for Wirtz, before rolling his marker and quite literally opening a channel from nowhere.

Quick-thinking football IQs will always gravitate towards similar thinkers, and these two could be magic together dovetailing on the left and in the central areas.

Too many Liverpool players yet again underwhelmed as they limped to a 1-1 draw with a woefully out of form Tottenham.

Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham

Premier League (30) | Anfield

March 15, 2026

Goals: Szoboszlai 18′; Richarlison 90′

Alisson – 7 (out of 10)

Back in the team after injury, Alisson made a good save to deny Souza, then thwarted Richarlison three times, making his presence clear.

Even dummied Richarlison at one point, which the crowd enjoyed, but couldn’t keep out his goal.

This is why triggering that extra year on Ali’s contract was so vital.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Liverpool’s Mr Versatile returned to right-back and was a standout player again.

He hit his fourth direct free-kick in the league this season, although the Spurs ‘keeper wasn’t exactly great.

The Hungarian was always looking to bring creativity and drive but faded a little, which is understandable given the amount of minutes he’s clocked this season.

Joe Gomez – 5

With former teammate Joel Matip watching on at Anfield, Gomez produced a disappointing showing alongside Van Dijk.

Not a huge amount was asked of him, but there was a tentativeness about him that spread panic at times.

Awful positioning for Richarlison’s equaliser.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Van Dijk was strong aerially at both ends, winning three aerial duels and doing little wrong in his all-round game.

There were occasional lapses, but he will feel badly let down by others, as has been the case for much of this season.

Like Szoboszlai, he’s clearly being overplayed and it’s showing.

Andy Robertson – 6

Robertson was largely solid but he did nowhere near enough in the lead-up to the equaliser.

One chest of the ball back to Alisson summed up his experience, but he’s not the player of old.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6

Gravenberch was improved here but the Reds lost control as the game went on, though, which doesn’t reflect too well on him.

Is he being asked to be more defensive? Because he doesn’t play that way. There’s so much space in the middle.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5

This was again disappointing from Mac Allister, but he won the free-kick that Szoboszlai scored from after a good run.

There was some purpose to his passing but, once again, his lack of legs was an issue as the game went on.

Becoming a real problem player, for all his undoubted effort.

Florian Wirtz – 6

Wirtz was fairly quiet at Anfield but he produced an intelligent performance in the No. 10 role.

He found pockets of space and picked the right final ball, linking well with Ngumoha on a number of occasions.

More still needed, given the price tag.

Jeremie Frimpong – 6

Frimpong was a constant outlet with his pace, but he was guilty of being one-dimensional.

Djed Spence often got the better of him in one-on-one situations, but he teed up Ngumoha after a good run and drilled cross.

Rio Ngumoha – 8 (Man of the Match)

What a talent this lad is!

On his first Premier League start, the 17-year-old was the bright light, showing quick feet and looking like Liverpool’s most dangerous player.

The final ball wasn’t always perfect, which is only natural, but there was so much to admire about his display.

Bent an effort wide and produced an outrageous piece of skill to find Wirtz, prior to being given a standing ovation after being replaced.

Cody Gakpo – 7

Gakpo started at centre forward and did well, barring one horrible shot early on.

The Dutchman worked hard, trying to lead the press, and he hit the post with a decent strike that was kept out by Guglielmo Vicario.

The fans appreciated his effort, even if there were some poor moments.

Overall Team Performance: 5

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (on for Wirtz, 64′) – 6

Too slow and negative on the ball, which left the crowd frustrated. He isn’t a No. 10.

Mohamed Salah (on for Frimpong, 64′) – 7

Not perfect, but a lively cameo and created a good opportunity.

Hugo Ekitike (on for Ngumoha, 64′) – 6

Should have added fresh legs but looked far from it.

Trey Nyoni (on for Gakpo, 83′) – n/a

Federico Chiesa (on for Mac Allister, 90+2′) – n/a

Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Konate, Kerkez, Ramsay

Arne Slot – 5

After a woeful night against Galatasaray, all eyes were on Slot and how his team would respond.

He, and they, did not.

This was yet another unconvincing day for Liverpool against the worst team in the league, who were without a win in 11 and couldn’t even name a full squad.

Slot’s pre-match and in-match changes didn’t really work, with the same issues again. The only goal being an “individual moment of brilliance” and very little created from open play yet again.

Failure to progress past Galatasaray on Wednesday would surely be another step towards what now feels like an inevitable way this all ends for the Dutchman.

Boos at full time, tickets readily available on the day of the game, the fans aren’t exactly enthused.

Liverpool failed to get over the line against a Tottenham side decimated by injury and suspension, and the shambles of a performance felt all too familiar for supporters.

Tottenham could not name a full 20-man squad at Anfield due to their extended absentees, without a win in 11, and above the relegation zone on goal difference only.

It was a match many neutrals would assume was headed in only one direction, but the fact Liverpool fans could sense the outcome and the performance flaws speaks to what has defined the campaign.

Again, a moment of brilliance was relied upon in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai‘s free-kick, with the Reds otherwise mustering only a further three shots on target.

Tottenham, conversely, had seven on target and created two big chances compared to Liverpool’s zero.

Anfield was quiet, emptied early and voiced its dissatisfaction after the final whistle, with a chance at finishing the weekend in the top four thrown away.

“I’m officially out – Arne ain’t it.

“When you’re saying this Spurs team could have won, should have won, Ali has made more saves than their dodgy keeper.

“Absolutely furious & it’s unacceptable.” – Speelautomaat in TIA comments

“I’ve defended Slot all season. This is the game that does it for me.” – Ronniewhelan in TIA comments.

“Don’t want a knee jerk reaction, but this result is BS, we all felt an equalizer was coming.

“Game management like this isn’t acceptable.” – Jota The Slotter in TIA comments.

The result, and more notably the performance, was hardly a surprise for Liverpool supporters, who have come to expect the worst, with the authority of yesteryear nowhere to be seen.

It is not working, nor has it been working for some time now.

Injuries or missing players does not excuse having no clear identity or direction, that’s transferable, it’s merely execution you should be debating, but alas, we are not.

The question for Liverpool has to be, how long can this go on for?

Liverpool were booed at full-time after dropping points to another relegation candidate, with little to cling to as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham at Anfield.

Team News: 5 changes as Rio Ngumoha finally starts

Speaking before kickoff, Arne Slot revealed that Hugo Ekitike carried a knock into the buildup, which led to a first Premier League start for Rio Ngumoha.

Ngumoha was one of five players brought in with the head coach making big calls ahead of the Champions League decider against Galatasaray.

Alisson returned from injury while Jeremie Frimpong, Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo also came in as Giorgi Mamardashvili, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez and Mo Salah dropped out.

Szoboszlai with another free-kick in predictable first half

Despite the narrative heading into the game Liverpool began as they have more often than not this season, with Tottenham the more aggressive side and the Reds wasting their early chances.

But they went ahead through more magic from Dominik Szoboszlai, who bent a free-kick over the wall and in as Guglielmo Vicario made a poor attempt to keep it out.

That acted as a release of sorts and Liverpool began to dominate while keeping Tottenham away from their box, with all eyes on Ngumoha in his battle up against Pedro Porro.

Vicario redeemed himself to an extent as he tipped Gakpo’s shot – bound for the bottom corner – onto the top post and away as half-time neared.

Despite their efforts Liverpool were unable to add to their lead before the break, but went in firmly in control as they should.

Half-time: Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham

Ngumoha’s exit precedes sleepwalk to draw

Liverpool continued to look to their 17-year-old for a spark in a dull start to the second half, with Ngumoha dazzling Porro and going close on more than one occasion.

Alisson needed to be alert at the other end, including a diving save to keep out countryman Richarlison who still managed to get a shot off despite pressure from Virgil van Dijk.

There was a disappointment inside Anfield when Ngumoha came off around the hour mark, with Slot making a triple change as Salah, Ekitike and Curtis Jones replaced the winger along with Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.

Anxiety grew as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser and the home crowd vented their frustration at Gakpo and Salah as poor passes and touches saw counter-attacks break down.

The leveller came in the 90th minute, with Richarlison the most predictable of goalscorers as Liverpool dropped points to another relegation candidate at Anfield.

Slot and his players were met with boos from the home crowd at full-time. Something’s got to give.

Liverpool can break into the Premier League‘s top four and leave Tottenham close to the relegation zone with a win at Anfield. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Premier League (30) | Anfield

Kickoff Time: 4.30pm (GMT)

Referee: Chris Kavanagh

Today’s match blog is run by Harry McMullen, get involved by messaging in the comments below.

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