Alexis Mac Allister has revealed why he didn’t attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony while Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has fired a warning to the rest of the Premier League
Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League crown continues to soar. The Reds extended their perfect start in the league by beating Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday.
Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike ensured the Reds took all three points against David Moyes’ side. Arne Slot’s side are now five points clear at the top after Arsenal and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday, while Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United.
Liverpool’s credentials will be tested however as they face tricky away ties to Crystal Palace and Chelsea next up. A tough trip to Turkish giants Galatasaray also awaits in the Champions League.
With all the fallout from the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where four Liverpool stars placed in the top 30, as well as what rival Premier League managers have been saying about the Reds, Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest news out of Anfield.
Mac Allister reveals Ballon d’Or snub
Four Liverpool players were included in the Ballon d’Or top 30 on Monday evening. However, only Reds captain Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker made the trip to Paris where PSG’s Ousmane Dembele took home the coveted prize.
READ MORE: Mo Salah’s Liverpool team-mates show their true colours after Ousmane Dembele wins Ballon d’OrREAD MORE: Arne Slot’s frank admission on Liverpool’s early season form – ‘This is not an excuse’
Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Mac Allister were all listed in the top 30 but none of the trio were in attendance. While Salah was conspicuous by his absence, having finished fourth, it was Mac Allister who opened up on his reasoning for skipping the ceremony.
The 26-year-old posted a statement on Instagram to explain prior to the ceremony. He wrote: “Won’t be able to attend @ballondorofficial ceremony today for personal reasons, all the best for everyone, enjoy!” The 2022 World Cup winner and his partner, Ailen Cova, are soon expecting their first child together.
Rival’s “impossible” claim
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his concern that Liverpool’s stunning start to the season may make it “impossible to catch them”
The Reds are pursuing back-to-back league crowns for the first time since the 1980s and have five wins out of five so far. Slot also bolstered his forward line with the acquisitions of Wirtz and Alexander Isak in the summer and the Blues boss is now worried for the rest of the Premier League.
“If they continue in this way I think it is impossible to catch them, not just for us, but for all the clubs,” he said. “They have been doing a fantastic job since last year, and the players they have decided to buy shows the intention of the club to go again for the Premier League and the Champions League, and that is quite clear.”
Eddie Howe issues Isak X-factor concern
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has conceded that his side are missing the ‘X factor’ after selling Isak to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
The Reds signed the Swedish striker for a British record of £125million. Howe is struggling to contend with the loss, especially with the Magpies struggling to score in the Premier League so far this season with just three goals registered in five matches.
“In an ideal world you have a full pre-season to iron out any issues you have,” Howe said. “You’re forming your partnerships and team relationships so they’re formed for the start of the season.
“We’re in the position where we’re going to have to do it as we play. I have no issue with doing that, I’ve done it before. The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team is playing with strength, it’s just missing that X factor that I think will come.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
