Ronnie O’Sullivan fired a parting shot at World Snooker Tour chiefs as he prepared to cash in on his historic eighth UK Snooker Championship title by jetting off for a lucrative Christmas exhibition in China.
O’Sullivan, whose 10-7 win over Ding Junhui on Sunday made him the oldest winner of the title, maintains the view that some officials see the sport as being better off without him, insisting “they seem to want me to hand my resignation in”.
His claims have been flatly denied by the WST, who responded in a statement: “We want to work together to continue to grow the game which we have done so successfully to date, we would love Ronnie to carry on playing for as long as possible.”
O’Sullivan’s criticism comes amid an uneasy truce between the WST and leading players, five of whom – not including O’Sullivan – were warned that committing to an exhibition in Macau in October that clashed with the Northern Ireland Open would have constituted a breach of contract.
The Christmas Day exhibition, also in Macau and involving O’Sullivan and a number of other leading players, is not affected by such a threat, but the world number one has made no secret of his disinterest in engaging on the issue with those who run the tour.
O’Sullivan said: “As long as they want me to keep playing I’ll play. But they sent me a letter the other week saying they want me to consider my future on the tour. I don’t know what’s going through their heads at the moment.
“From my perspective, I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job but they don’t seem to think so, they seem to want me to hand my resignation in.”
WST contested O’Sullivan’s interpretation of the contents of the letter, one of a series sent to the world’s top 16 players in the wake of the Macau controversy, seeking to initiate discussions.
“We wrote to Ronnie hoping to discuss his future plans and ambitions in the sport,” the WST added.
The PA news agency understands that as of this week, only Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, who had what he described as a “positive” four-and-a-half-hour meeting with officials on Tuesday, has taken them up on their offer.
O’Sullivan, who has skipped half of the eight ranking tournaments so far this season, and is yet to commit to play in the Scottish Open later this month, has often made plain his belief that his future – and perhaps that of the sport itself – lies in lucrative exhibitions abroad.
Therein lies the issue for the sport’s power-brokers, as the reopening of the Chinese market has brought big-money offers, many of which dwarf the prize funds at regular ranking tournaments, which players are effectively contractually bound not to undermine by playing elsewhere.
“I get paid so much more for going to do that (exhibitions),” added O’Sullivan. “It’s really hard for me to turn them down, I can’t. I’ve got to think of my family and all that sort of stuff.
“It’s all right if you win all of these tournaments, great. But if you get beat first round you’re struggling to pay your bills and stuff.
“It’s hard. I’m trying to find the balance between competing and playing and trying to take the good offers that are out there for me to do my own sort of thing.”
Neck guards will become compulsory at all International Ice Hockey Federation events including the Olympics and the men’s and women’s world championships, the sport’s governing body has announced.
The move follows the death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, who died on October 28 after being hit in the neck by an opposition player’s skate during a match at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
The English Ice Hockey Association announced within days of Johnson’s accident at the end of October that neck guards will become compulsory during “all on-ice activities” from the start of 2024.
Neck guards are not yet compulsory in professional leagues including the NHL, while the IIHF is yet to announce a start date for its new ruling, given delays in procuring the required equipment.
An IIHF statement read: “The IIHF Council, on recommendation from its Medical Committee, has decided to mandate the use of a neck laceration protector, specifically designed for this purpose, at all levels of IIHF competitions.
“The exact date this mandate will go into effect for the senior categories will be determined by the supply situation. The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they are able to respond to the current high demand.
“Until the rule officially goes into effect, the IIHF continues to strongly recommend that neck laceration protectors are worn by all players performing in an IIHF competition.”
A man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death and has been released on bail to a date in the new year pending further inquiries.
A nomination to star colt Paddington was sold for 72,000 guineas at Tattersalls on Monday to raise funds on behalf of injured jockey Graham Lee.
The Grand National and Ascot Gold Cup-winning rider remains in hospital after suffering serious neck and spinal injuries in a fall at Newcastle last month.
A JustGiving page set up by Lee’s daughter Amy for the Injured Jockeys Fund is approaching the £170,000 mark – and the Coolmore team were keen to add their support by auctioning off a nomination to their top-class three-year-old Paddington before the first ‘Sceptre’ lot at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale.
Paddington rattled off four straight Group One victories in the space of 68 days earlier this year, landing the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
The recently-retired son of Siyouni will stand his first season at Coolmore in 2024 with a stallion fee of €55,000.
The winning bid was made by Lady Lloyd Webber of Watership Down Stud.
Sky Sports will screen a minimum of 215 Premier League matches a season as part of a domestic rights agreement worth a record £6.7billion.
The broadcaster secured four of the five packages on offer in the league’s latest domestic rights tender which starts in 2025-26, with TNT Sports netting the other package of 52 games.
Amazon, who show 20 matches per season under the league’s current deal, have not secured rights for the new domestic cycle which runs through to the end of the 2028-29 season.
The Premier League said the value of the agreements being announced, which also cover non-live rights, was £6.7billion, the largest sports media rights deal in UK history.
The current live TV deal, which runs through to 2024-25, has been reported to be worth £5billion over the three-year cycle.
England’s Nations League group games conclude on Tuesday with a clash against Scotland at Hampden Park.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points ahead of the contest.
Big win could be required
Only table-toppers advance to the Nations League semi-finals, and England are currently second in Group A1, level on nine points with leaders the Netherlands, who the Lionesses beat 3-2 at Wembley on Friday. While the two sides are locked on head-to-head record, the Dutch have a goal difference that is superior by three – so it could be that Sarina Wiegman’s side need not only a victory, but a high-scoring one. The Netherlands face a Belgium outfit that are a point behind in third, while already-relegated Scotland have two points.
Olympic aim
This is not only about trying to progress to the Nations League’s last four. England are the nominated home nation for securing a Paris 2024 Olympics qualification spot, something that will be achieved if they advance and then make the Nations League final or, if France are finalists, come in the top three. With England’s success on that front the only way Scottish players will be able to play at the Games, it is certainly an unusual situation heading into Tuesday – ahead of which Scotland captain Rachel Corsie has said it is “absolutely outrageous to question anyone’s integrity”.
Relegation threat
Relegation from League A is not out of the equation for England – should things go awry for the European champions and World Cup runners-up on Tuesday to leave them third in the pool, that will put them in the promotion/relegation play-offs. The draws for the finals and the play-offs will take place next Monday, with the matches set to happen in February.
Mead’s return
If England need goals, a significant boost is that they now have Beth Mead, the Golden Boot winner when they triumphed at Euro 2022, back in the fold. The fit-again Arsenal forward made her first international appearance since suffering an ACL injury just over a year ago when she came on at half-time against the Netherlands, a game in which Wiegman’s team battled back in the second half after being 2-0 down at the break. At the back, they are again without the injured Millie Bright – goalkeeper Mary Earps captained in her absence against the Dutch.
Previous meeting
The teams opened their campaigns in this inaugural edition of the Nations League by facing each other at the Stadium of Light in September, with England edging Pedro Martinez Losa’s Scotland 2-1. Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp netted for the Lionesses before the deficit was reduced in first-half stoppage time by Kirsty Hanson, who subsequently hit the bar after the break.
Captain Rachel Corsie believes any questioning of Scotland’s integrity when England visit Hampden on Tuesday night is “outrageous”.
Pedro Martinez Losa’s side are already relegated from League A1 of the Women’s Nations League ahead of their final fixture in the inaugural competition.
England are the nominated side to qualify on behalf of Team GB for the Olympics and they need to beat the Auld Enemy in Glasgow to have any chance of going to Paris next summer.
The Lionesses are behind group leaders Netherlands – who play Belgium in their final game – on a goal difference of 4-1 and need to win the section and reach the final, or finish third if Olympic hosts France get to the final, if Team GB are to make the Games.
With England success the only way Scottish players will be able to play at the Olympics, Netherlands boss Andries Jonker described the situation as “strange”.
Corsie said: “A lot of people outside have spoken about it, and truthfully I think it is so disrespectful.
“To have played for my country for as many years as I have, to know the girls that sit in there, the ones that want to be here, the ones who can’t be here through injury, I think it is absolutely outrageous to question anyone’s integrity and I think it is a huge insult to us.
“I understand why the question is being asked, but for us, the motivation is playing for your country.
“It’s difficult to understand that if you’ve never experienced it but when you have experienced it, you don’t need extra motivation, it is absolutely the pinnacle of the sport to represent your nation so that will absolutely be the motivation tomorrow, to be pulling on the Scotland jersey.
“The format is something that players don’t really have any input or say on. The situation is unique, it’s difficult.
“I think it is a game that we absolutely look forward to. The position that we are in in the group is difficult because it is not where we want to be, but at the same time we have the opportunity to finish the year against a team that is one of the best but also against one that in the history of this country and in the sport, is a huge rivalry.
“The chance to play them here at Hampden Park, I know, is one that everyone is definitely relishing.”
Martinez Losa was also keen to stress the integrity of his squad.
He said: “I feel the situation is one we cannot change, it is a situation we have been brought into. I wish that it could have been anticipated or we could have changed.
“What I do not feel happy about is the questioning of the integrity of the Scottish players.
“Scotland is a wonderful country, with wonderful people, they are very passionate about everything and nobody for one second should question the integrity of the players and how much they want to represent their nation.
“The feeling of this group is to represent thousands of girls and boys who are coming to watch and inspire all these people – that is stronger than anything. I feel the question is totally inappropriate.”
Bill Belichick is still the right coach for the New England Patriots despite their struggles this season.
That is the view of Duron Harmon, who played for the Patriots between 2013 and 2019, winning three Super Bowl rings in that time.
All of those triumphs came under Belichick's guidance, with the 71-year-old having been head coach of the Patriots since 2000.
His 24th straight season in charge has proved a dismal one, with the Patriots sinking to a 2-10 record.
New England have lost their last five games including their 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13.
Their displays have cast doubt over the future of veteran coach Belichick, but Harmon – who is on the practice roster at the Cleveland Browns – does not think making a change is the right solution.
"I just think it's timing," he told Stats Perform. "How many organisations do you know that are this successful for this long? That's life.
"You look at all the great organisations, the [Chicago] Bulls when they had their run, then eventually, you've got to go through [hard times].
"That's just a part of sports that happens because when you're at the top, everybody's gunning for you. Everybody's trying to figure out how to get better.
"They're taking from you, they're taking coaches from you. They're taking players from you. That's sports, it's life.
"We've come where it's time for the Patriots to be on the other side for a little bit. I think if there is one person that can reverse it and turn it the other way, it's the man that's right there, and that's Bill Belichick – he's done it before.
"If he has the, I don't want to say patience, but if he wants to go through that again, I think he's the man to do it."
Harmon also believes Belichick would choose to stay on with the Patriots, rather than end his tenure on a low ebb.
He added: "Besides Tom Brady, he's the most competitive person I know. People don't realise, Bill is a competitor. He loves to win, but he hates to lose even more. And you can kind of just see it in his demeanour.
"Losing is not a part of his nature and I can't see him just going out like this.
"I think this would be the motivation. He does everything there. He's the coach, he's the front office. It's all on him."
Rehan Ahmed defended Jos Buttler’s captaincy following criticism of his tactical acumen by Sir Alastair Cook after England started their tour of the Caribbean on a losing note.
Several of Buttler’s decisions were scrutinised during a calamitous World Cup defence and England’s new era in ODIs made a false start as they were beaten by a Shai Hope-inspired West Indies on Sunday.
Having been strangled by spin duo Ahmed and Liam Livingstone, the Windies needed 101 in the last nine overs but they feasted on England’s pace bowlers to win with four wickets and seven balls to spare.
Cook, the former England captain and their record Test run-scorer, wondered on TNT Sports afterwards whether Buttler could have juggled his resources better during the Windies’ successful chase and deployed Will Jacks’ off-spin in the middle overs to take the pressure off the seamers at the death.
But 19-year-old leg-spinner Ahmed said: “Jos is an unbelievable captain. It’s just his call.
“We were in a great position by the end of it. It wasn’t like there was bad decisions throughout the game.
“I don’t think you can put anything down to Jacksy not bowling. I felt like we were always in the game even right to the end.
“We just didn’t execute at the end. We were always still in the game.”
Buttler’s lean patch with the bat also continued at the weekend after being dismissed for three, his fifth single figure score in eight innings while he is averaging 14.1 since the start of the World Cup.
Ahmed said: “Every time I bowl to him in the nets, he smacks me everywhere. Some people can be short of runs sometimes but he’s still Jos Buttler. He’s probably the best white-ball player I’ve bowled to.”
Sam Curran felt the full might of the Windies’ power hitting as he leaked 98 from 9.5 overs and the most expensive ODI figures by an England bowler came with the extra indignity of being pummelled for three sixes in four balls as unbeaten centurion Hope got his side over the line.
Curran’s fortunes have nosedived since being named player of the tournament in England’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign last year.
Dropped after three innocuous showings at the 50-over World Cup – averaging 11.66 and 70 with bat and ball respectively – the 25-year-old made an important 38 off 26 balls at the weekend, although that was overshadowed by what followed.
Ahmed, who was the pick of England’s attack with two for 40, has backed Curran to demonstrate his resilience in the second ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday.
He said: “After losing a game and if you’ve been hit around then I don’t think you’ll be very happy with it.
“The thing is, Sam is an unbelievable player – everyone knows he is as well, so I’m sure the next game he’ll probably get a five-for, he’ll be good.”
It is understood Ahmed’s younger brother Farhan will be selected on Tuesday in England’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup, which is set to be held in South Africa from January 13 to February 4 next year.
The 15-year-old is an off-spinner by trade and although his elder sibling cracked a couple of jokes at his expense, there is the prospect of two Ahmeds in an England side in the future.
Ahmed joked: “He bowls a lot of dot balls so he’ll be quite boring and I don’t expect (him to hit) too many sixes. But no, I’m very happy for him, he’s very young and he’s been picked for such a big thing.
“He’s quite exciting for an off-spinner, which is quite surprising. But I think he’ll go well. I’m very chuffed for him.
“I play with my older brother and younger brother and dad in club cricket and it’s the best ever feeling.
“As many of us that can play together it’s always going to be good. Whether it’s for England for county for school for a club, anything.
“Playing alongside family is always a great feeling.”
A decision on whether Coral Gold Cup runner-up Mahler Mission will be aimed at the Randox Grand National has yet to be made following his fine effort in defeat at Newbury on Saturday.
Having looked the likely winner of the National Hunt Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival before falling two fences from home, the seven-year-old made a promising return when second at Carlisle last month, teeing him up for an appearance in one of the year’s most prestigious handicaps.
Mahler Mission travelled powerfully and fenced fluently for much of the three-and-a-quarter-mile journey before being reeled in by the patiently ridden Datsalrightgino.
While proud of his stable star’s performance, John McConnell was left wondering what might have been after admitting his preparation was not entirely trouble-free, while the fact he finished without his two front shoes could not have been a help.
McConnell said: “Overall, we were delighted, he ran a great race and just got beaten by one on the day. We were very happy with him and we’ve got plenty to look forward to.
“He travelled very well and it looked like he got outstayed nearly in the end. We didn’t have the clearest of runs up to it, so maybe he was a little bit short, but I’m not going to make excuses – when you’re second in a race like that, it’s great.
“People forget that was only his seventh run over fences, so it was definitely a big deal.”
Mahler Mission is a 16-1 joint-favourite for the Grand National with Paddy Power, but he is not yet certain to make the trip to Aintree in April.
“I have to talk to the owners and see what they want to do,” McConnell added.
“Obviously, the National has been talked about a lot and if that’s going to be a target, we’ll have to sit down and work back from that.
“It’s obviously a major race and it would be great to be a part of it, but at the same time you’re kind of sacrificing your season nearly to set yourself up for it, so it’s a hard call.
“I’ll have to speak to the owners and see what they’re thinking. With the mark he has, you’d like to take advantage of it, so if we were going to go down that road, we wouldn’t want to be any higher (in the handicap) than we are and that would frame our whole season.
“We’re just not sure if we’re going to aim for that yet. On Saturday, we didn’t really discuss it, we were just happy for him to have run so well.”
Mahler Mission holds an entry in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on December 27, but he appears unlikely to line up in that lucrative contest if the National is confirmed as his major target.
“Again, it depends on the route we’re going to take. The Paddy Power itself is a good race with plenty of prize-money on offer, so it is an option,” said McConnell.
Kevin Sinfield paid an emotional tribute to Doddie Weir after concluding the latest leg of his ultra marathon challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease community.
Sinfield braved driving rain in Edinburgh on a route which concluded at Murrayfield Stadium, graced so often by the rugby union great who died in November last year.
Weir fought tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease and in the process became friends with Sinfield and Rob Burrow, and the former Leeds Rhinos star struggled for words during his post-stage speech.
“It’s been an honour again to be in Edinburgh despite the weather,” said Sinfield.
“The big man started it all off and his impact on Rob and the Burrow family, and the friendship started between the two of them, and I came on as well.
“It’s been difficult for us to understand what success looks like this time. The awareness is great and the fundraising is enormous because we know that’s the thing that’s going to shift the dial and fund a cure.
“But ultimately it’s about how you make people feel, and I think that would be the message from Doddie.”
Sinfield sets out from Dublin on Tuesday on stage inspired by former Munster coach Paul Darbyshire, who died from MND in 2011 at the age of 41.
Sinfield’s route will start at Croke Park, where he will pay tribute to former Antrim GAA captain Anto Finnegan, who also died in 2011, before embarking on a circular route that finishes at the the city’s Aviva Stadium.
After his visit to Dublin, Sinfield will move on to the penultimate stage in Brighton on Wednesday, followed by his final route which will conclude with him running up The Mall in London on Thursday.
:: To donate to Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 in 7 quest, see https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield
Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association for failing to ensure their players behaved in a proper manner during added time in Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham.
City’s players, and particularly Erling Haaland, reacted furiously when they were denied the chance to play advantage in the closing moments of a thrilling 3-3 draw after the Norwegian striker had been fouled.
Haaland had shrugged off the challenge from Emerson Royal to play Jack Grealish through on goal, but referee Simon Hooper pulled play back to award the hosts at the Etihad Stadium a free-kick.
Haaland continued to voice his anger as he left the field after the final whistle and he later went even further by posting a remark criticising Hooper on social media.
“Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule 20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023,” read a statement posted on the FA Spokesperson account on Twitter.
Bernardo Silva felt City suffered a “very, very bad” decision but admits the team also need to do their own job better.
“It is a bad decision and everyone saw it,” said the Portuguese midfielder. “But at the end we are all humans.
“The referee probably is the first one to know it was a very, very bad decision because he (Grealish) was one on one with the keeper and it could have given us the three points.
“It is a tough one to take, but in the end it is what it is, it’s football, and sometimes people make mistakes.”
The PA news agency understands Hooper will not be stood down from refereeing duties for the Sheffield United v Liverpool match on Wednesday.
City also had themselves to blame after spurning a hatful of chances to claim what could have been a comfortable victory, with Haaland among the guilty parties.
Haaland on Monday followed up his social media complaint, which simply read ‘Wtf’, with a good-natured response to a humorous tweet referencing him.
The 23-year-old’s incredulous expression during Sunday’s match was edited into The Scream painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
Reposting the image, Haaland wrote: “Wtf that made me smile for the first time today.”
City led 2-1 at the break thanks to a Phil Foden goal after Son Heung-min had scored at both ends in the opening nine minutes.
Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez also hit the woodwork in the first half, while Haaland missed an open goal after one of numerous Spurs errors.
Spurs recovered to level through Giovani Lo Celso, but it seemed Grealish had won it in the 81st minute, only for Dejan Kulusevski to equalise again in the 90th minute.
It was City’s third successive draw and saw them slip to third in the Premier League.
Silva said: “We have been conceding late goals against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and now Tottenham.
“At the end it is seven points. We could be four points ahead on top of the league if we did our job properly, which is kill the game, or at least don’t concede in the last minute. At this level those little details matter.
“We need to demand more from ourselves, each one of us.”
Spurs’ late equaliser ended their run of three successive defeats.
Kulusevski, who powered in the crucial goal off his shoulder, revealed the visitors’ stronger second-half showing came after some stern words from manager Ange Postecoglou during the break.
The Sweden international told the club’s website: “The coach was very angry at half-time. It was the first time I have seen him like that but he did the right thing.
“What we did was special in the second half. It is an unbelievable feeling. These moments in life are small. We have to enjoy them and just be thankful and be proud of the team.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United is very likely to be announced early next week.
Confirmation of the investment by the 71-year-old’s Ineos Group would conclude a saga which has lasted more than a year, and sources have indicated that an announcement is strongly expected to be just days away.
The Glazer family who own United first announced on November 22, 2022 their intention to undertake a strategic review of their options, which included the possibility of them selling the club.
Many United fans, who have resented the Americans’ involvement in the club since their leveraged takeover in 2005, welcomed that news and until October of this year a buyout looked possible, with Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim publicly in the running.
Sheikh Jassim withdrew his bid for full control of the club on October 14 and Ratcliffe’s focus has now shifted to taking a significant minority stake.
The deal is set to involve Ratcliffe purchasing a sufficient number of B shares from the Glazer family to secure 25 per cent of company voting rights.
Each B share carries 10 votes, whereas A shares carry one vote per share. The Glazers have hitherto owned all the B shares in United, affording them 95 per cent of the overall voting rights.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group is expected to pay in the region of £1.25billion for the share purchase, while also acquiring significant control over footballing operations.
It has also been reported that Ratcliffe is prepared to invest a further £245million to improve club infrastructure.
The deal had been expected to be done during the November international break, but that came and went and the one-year milestone was passed almost a fortnight ago.
The club announced on November 15 that Richard Arnold was stepping down as chief executive.
Sources close to Ineos indicated they were not involved in Arnold’s departure, but it seems likely that further change will be afoot once the deal is signed.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists he is not interested in what happens at title rivals Manchester City – either on or off the pitch.
The Gunners sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League after their narrow 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday.
Liverpool are their nearest challengers as City were held to a draw for the third league game in a row – with Tottenham sealing a thrilling share of the spoils at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Defending champions City will still be in the shake-up come the end of the season and pipped Arsenal to the title last season en route to winning the treble.
Asked if he has seen a drop-off from that City side that swatted away all comers last year, Arteta replied: “I don’t look at those things. I have enough looking at my team.
“I think about how we’re going to play better tomorrow and be more consistent and be more difficult to beat and the things that we need to tweak and how we can use our players in the best possible ways to win. It’s still a huge marathon ahead of us.
“The encouragement comes from watching the team play, watching them behave every day and how hungry and willing they are to approach every training session.
“That’s what gives me encouragement. What the others do is something that we cannot control.”
Arteta was also name-checked by friend and former colleague Pep Guardiola in the aftermath of City’s 3-3 draw with Spurs.
Guardiola refused to be drawn on the decision of Simon Hooper not to play an advantage late in the game as City broke through on goal – saying he would “not do a Mikel Arteta comment”.
It was a clear reference to former City assistant Arteta, who is still awaiting the outcome of a Football Association charge after he labelled the decision of VAR to award Anthony Gordon’s goal in a recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”.
“On to the next one (question) please,” Arteta replied when asked about Guardiola’s jibe.
Asked if he was aware of the sort of mind-games Premier League managers have utilised in the past, he added: “If I am good at mind games, maybe you don’t notice.”
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister admits it was nice to be momentarily freed from the restrictions of his defensive role to score the “best goal of my life”.
The Argentina international’s superb 30-yard rising drive into the top corner in Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 win over Fulham was his first for the club since signing from Brighton in the summer.
His attacking qualities have been largely nullified following his arrival as necessity has meant he has been asked to play a deeper role in midfield than he is used to, but his flash of brilliance showed he has not lost any of his instincts in the final third.
“Not a bad start to my career there in Liverpool as a goalscorer,” he said.
“I had a nice one against Leicester (for Brighton) but it was disallowed so I think it was the best goal I scored in my life.
“As soon as I hit it, I knew that it was going to be a goal. When I play as a number six I am not very worried about goals and assists (because) I have other work to do – but it’s always nice to score.”
Mac Allister’s goal would have been a worthy match-winner but some haphazard defending allowed Fulham to equalise twice before taking the lead with 10 minutes to go.
That set up a grandstand finish with Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring within a couple of minutes of each other to snatch victory and extend their perfect Anfield winning record to 11 matches this season.
Captain Virgil van Dijk accepted there was a degree of sloppiness in Liverpool’s game but said at the start of a busy December it was important just to secure the points and move on to the next game, which comes at Sheffield United on Wednesday.
“I think we were a bit too sloppy in possession in the transitions but I am not that kind of guy that wants to look too much to the negative side,” said the Netherlands defender.
“If we win these types of games the way we do now is not a bad thing so we have to take the positives out of it, especially during this busy period that starts now.”
Alexander-Arnold was pivotal to the victory as it was his impressive free-kick, which went in via the underside of the crossbar and the back of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, which kicked things off early in the game.
When Mac Allister was withdrawn with 25 minutes to go it was the right-back who stepped into central midfield to continue to dictate matters with his passing and Van Dijk has been impressed with how his vice-captain has operated mainly in a hybrid role for the last nine month.
“Well obviously when he has the ball at his feet and he is free he can put the ball wherever he wants and that is a big quality,” added the Dutchman.
“We all know that and opponents know it as well. They tried to put him a bit more under pressure but obviously for him to (contribute to) two goals and be important on the offensive side is good and it is something we’re going to need, so let’s keep it going.”
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