Iranian team 'under so much pressure' over anthem actions at Asian Cup — and more

Iran's female footballers stayed silent during the national anthem in their opening Women's Asian Cup game, but it was a different picture ahead of their game against Australia.

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Home team fans

Nigel: The reason Brighton lost is not Arsenals fault for the way they played, it's Brightons fault for not scoring when they had the chance! Fabian is moaning and blaming Arsenal but your players didn't score! Simple!

Chris: Toothless up front again. A familiar theme this season. Uncle Tony needs to crunch the data and sign us a goalscorer or two this summer ... please.

Fran: Played recently well tonight. Arsenal's defence kept them in the game. We dominated and they created very little, The referee and linesman were absolutely awful. Didn't seem to know what was going on around them.Completely ruined the whole game.

Graham: Brighton play some excellent football but play a team of mainly midfielders who are extremely limited in goalscoring which costs them valuable points. They need to splash out the cash for a top class striker such as Ivan Toni. They might then qualify for the Champions league.

Sam: Decent performance until the final third. Too many players not sharp enough - Mitoma needs to work on his finishing, no idea what has happened to Georginio and we do look blunt. Arsenal and the referee though, my god. Time wasting, diving, rolling on the floor and the referee allowed this to happen. Disgusting to be brutally honest. I can't believe that Arsenal, with their tactics, are going to win the league. Never left a game as angry.

Away team fans

Vince: Good result, poor performance. What ever happened to all that attractive passing football from Arteta's earlier days at the managerial helm? We bought Gyokeres to give us the Plan B option of no-nonsense, route one football but now that seems more the norm than the exception. That said, like most fans, I'll gladly accept it if we win the title. Which I suppose is why Arteta has turned this into Plan A.

Steve: It looked like we were using this game as a training session for our defense. Disappointing but 3 points works for me.

Mark: Pivotal night possibly in race for prem. With trip to Germany hope Arteta leaves almost all starting 11 at home for fa cup tie. No need for them to travel regardless of result and one of few times left in season we can take that liberty. A few days at home to recharge is massive as we look mentally tired in so many of recent games.

Gabriel: Heart was in my throat. Credit to Brighton for how they played, but we need more attacking intent. I saw nothing special in attack, and if we want to win this league, we need more from the boys up top. End of the day, 7 points clear, let's stay humble Gunners

Matthew: Arsenal showed character tonight against Brighton. Away games like this are never easy, especially against a team that plays good football and presses well. The important thing is that Arsenal managed the game well and stayed disciplined. These are the kinds of matches that win you titles — grinding out results even when it's not perfect. If Arsenal are going the league , performances like this are exactly what the team need.

Assistant sporting director Neil Adams will leave Norwich with head of recruitment Lee Dunn being promoted.

Liverpool Eye Khéphren Thuram as Midfield Reinforcement Ahead of Summer Window

Liverpool’s recruitment team are already shaping plans for the upcoming summer transfer window, and one name gathering increasing attention is Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram. According to reporting by CaughtOffside, the Reds are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the French international as they consider midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.

The report states that “Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is expected to be one of the most closely watched players in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation in Turin.” That level of interest reflects how far the 24 year old has developed since arriving in Italy.

Liverpool’s admiration appears particularly significant, with the club exploring the possibility of submitting a structured proposal to tempt Juventus into negotiations.

Liverpool Interest in Thuram Intensifies

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been an ongoing process over the last two seasons, and Thuram’s profile fits many of the qualities the club value. As noted in the original report, “Liverpool are believed to be particularly interested in adding more physical presence and ball-winning ability to their midfield.”

Photo: IMAGO

The France international offers precisely that blend. Thuram has become known for his athleticism, powerful ball carrying and ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking phases. His physical profile would add another dimension to Liverpool’s current options.

Sources cited by CaughtOffside suggest Liverpool could explore “a package worth around €45 million plus bonuses” in an attempt to bring the midfielder to Anfield. Whether that figure would satisfy Juventus remains uncertain, especially considering the Italian club reportedly value him between €65 million and €75 million.

Still, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has often focused on players entering their peak years. Thuram fits that model perfectly.

Growing Reputation in Turin

Since joining Juventus, Thuram has steadily grown into a central figure within their midfield structure. The report explains that he has “grown significantly since arriving in Italy, developing into one of Europe’s most coveted box-to-box midfielders thanks to his physical dominance and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.”

His versatility also strengthens his appeal. Thuram can operate deeper to protect the defence, function as a traditional box to box midfielder, or surge forward during attacking transitions.

That adaptability has helped him feature heavily this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.

One scout quoted within recruitment circles recently described him as “a modern midfield engine, someone capable of carrying the ball through pressure and still recovering defensively.”

Premier League Competition Emerging

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. The CaughtOffside report confirms that “Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are among the Premier League sides assessing Thuram as a potential target.”

Manchester United’s interest is linked to long term midfield planning, particularly as they consider life after Casemiro. Arsenal’s approach appears more cautious, though their recruitment team reportedly appreciate Thuram’s ability to operate in high tempo systems.

Despite the growing interest, Juventus remain in a strong position. Thuram is contracted until 2029, meaning the Serie A club control negotiations and can demand a premium fee.

That reality means any Premier League suitor, Liverpool included, would need to present a compelling financial package to test Juventus’ resolve.

Transfer Battle Could Define Summer Window

With several English clubs circling, Thuram could become one of the defining midfield stories of the summer. His blend of physicality, tactical maturity and technical ability fits the demands of the modern Premier League.

For Liverpool, the pursuit appears aligned with a clear objective. Strengthening midfield depth with players capable of dominating transitions remains a priority.

If the reported interest develops into formal negotiations, Anfield could soon emerge as a serious destination for one of Europe’s most sought after midfielders.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the link with Khéphren Thuram is genuinely exciting. This squad still feels like it is searching for the perfect balance in midfield, particularly after the huge investment made last summer. Arne Slot delivered a remarkable Premier League title in his first season, yet the current campaign has shown there is still work to do.

Liverpool sit sixth with nine matches remaining, and one recurring issue has been control in the middle of the pitch. Thuram could help solve that.

His physical presence alone would add something different. Liverpool have technical midfielders and energetic runners, but a powerful ball carrier who can break lines through strength and stride length would give Slot another tactical weapon. Watching Thuram drive forward from deep positions in Serie A, you can easily imagine him doing the same at Anfield with runners ahead of him.

Another appealing aspect is his age profile. At 24, he is entering his prime years. Liverpool’s recruitment strategy often targets players at this stage so they can develop further within the system.

Competition from Manchester United and Arsenal makes the situation complicated, but Liverpool should absolutely be pushing hard for this signing. If the reported €45 million plus bonuses offer is real, it feels like a sensible starting point.

Supporters will hope the club follow through. Thuram looks like a player capable of transforming the midfield dynamic, and Anfield would welcome that energy immediately.

Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update Ahead of Wolves Clash

Liverpool head into their FA Cup meeting with Wolves with renewed optimism after an encouraging update on Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot confirmed the attacking midfielder is edging closer to a return, which will be welcome news for supporters ahead of Friday evening’s tie.

The German playmaker has missed several recent fixtures with a back problem, leaving Liverpool without one of their most inventive players during a crucial part of the campaign. With Wolves again standing in their way, attention has naturally turned to whether Wirtz can play any part.

Florian Wirtz Recovery Progress

Florian Wirtz first encountered the issue in the warm up before Liverpool’s 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest on February 22. The 22 year old had been named in the starting line up but withdrew shortly before kick off after feeling discomfort in his back.

At first the expectation inside Liverpool was that the problem would be minor. Instead it has lingered, ruling Wirtz out of the home win over West Ham United and the recent defeat against Wolves.

Photo: IMAGO

His absence has been noticeable. Liverpool remain a strong attacking side under Arne Slot, but when Wirtz is missing the final third can become slightly easier for opponents to read. The German’s ability to glide between the lines, find pockets of space and thread passes through tight defensive structures gives Liverpool a different dimension.

Arne Slot Provides Positive Update

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Wolves, Slot offered a cautiously encouraging assessment of Wirtz’s progress.

“He trained half and half with the team yesterday. He made the next step in rehab. Let’s see where he is today. He could be available for a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario. Everyone else fine.”

That update suggests Liverpool will take a careful approach with Florian Wirtz rather than rushing him back too quickly. Even a brief cameo could give Liverpool a lift, particularly if the match becomes tight late on.

Slot also hinted that rotation will be necessary, though Liverpool will not have a completely fresh line up available.

“We have a few but we don’t have 11. I always have options to bring in and players can bring in and let them start.”

Liverpool Focused On Response Against Wolves

Liverpool’s defeat at Wolves recently still lingers in the background, and Slot acknowledged that his side must react in the right way. The FA Cup tie offers an immediate opportunity to do exactly that.

“Not for the first time this season, three days after a game where we have dropped points, I’ve seen us do quite a lot this season, we have to be better than we were last time.”

That message underlines the standards expected at Liverpool since Slot guided the club to the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. Consistency, intensity and a swift response to setbacks have become hallmarks of the team.

With Wolves arriving for this FA Cup contest, Liverpool will hope to combine those qualities with the potential return of Florian Wirtz, even if only briefly. His creativity could provide the spark needed to push Liverpool towards the next round and keep momentum building in the weeks ahead.

For now the situation remains a watching brief, but the signs are positive. If Wirtz does feature, even for a handful of minutes, it could be a timely boost as Liverpool aim to overcome Wolves and continue their pursuit of more silverware.