Copyright GIVEMESPORT
A rain-soaked Etihad Stadium played host to Manchester City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the defending champions of the Premier League, Liverpool, as Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku were on target for the hosts. The Anfield faithful, in the wake of another loss under Arne Slot, have demanded one player to be sold in the January transfer market. After missing a penalty earlier on, Haaland – who carries a sense of inevitability – opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Virgil van Dijk's header was controversially ruled out by referee Chris Kavanagh as Andy Robertson was adjudged to be in an offside position. Nico Gonzalez bagged his side's second of the affair before half-time. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Arne Slot's Liverpool have already lost more Premier League matches in 2025/26 (five) than they did for the entirety of last season (four). Doku, who danced and dazzled on the left wing, was given the Man of the Match award by Gary Neville after he topped off his dynamic display in Manchester with a sumptuous curling effort beyond the reach of Giorgi Mamardashvili. It was another grim performance, and result, for Slot and his entourage as the prospect of a title defence continued to slip from their grasp. Liverpool Fans Call for Club to Sell 'Liability' in January Transfer Window There were very few players in Liverpool colours who covered themselves in glory as they picked up their fifth Premier League defeat of the current campaign. Conor Bradley, although he struggled against Doku, wore his heart on his sleeve – but that same cannot be said about Ibrahima Konate, who is no longer loved and adored by those of an Anfield persuasion. A few years ago, he'd have a compelling case to be named among the best central defenders in the world, but it's not unfair to suggest that his career has taken a bit of a nosedive in recent months. Real Madrid, though, are still big fans of the ex-RB Leipzig defender as, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Xabi Alonso and his staff are aware of the French defender's situation. Not at his best since the start of the campaign, Konate's recent display perhaps points towards a January exit – or at least for someone of Joe Gomez's ilk to get a run of games under their belt to give him a rest from the spotlight. Statistically, against City, he was very much involved by taking 81 touches of the ball, but he won just two of his five ground duels. Gary Neville, when City were 1-0 up, even claimed that Guardiola's men were happy to let the Frenchman have possession of the ball. "Liverpool have got to start playing," the former defender-turned-pundit said on commentary duty for Sky Sports. "The tactic of City to leave Konate with the ball has worked brilliantly." What also stands out was how poorly he defended Haaland's header in the first half. The Norway international rose above him with ease to nod City's first of the encounter home – and the patience of the Liverpool fanbase is wearing thin with the 26-year-old. "Konate has the cheek to not sign a new contract. If I was the club, I'd sell him in January," one fan said, as another added that error-strewn Konate has become something of a 'liability' in recent weeks. "When Konate makes one mistake, you know another ten are coming. His head just completely goes. He's a liability." "I'm so done with Konate, constantly costing us goals," another wrote before a fourth supporter added that he doesn't fill fans with confidence. "Get rid of Konate, he doesn't want to play anymore for Liverpool. He is costing us more, the more game he plays." Simply, another put: "Sell Konate right now." "Honestly, they need to get Konate out of this club and sell him. What are the board doing? If he's not signing a new contract, get rid! I don't understand what the plan is. It's clear he doesn't want to be here." On potential replacements for Konate, it's clear that Liverpool are fond admirers of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi – and it seems that supporters are also keen on securing the signature of the 25-year-old despite him being also on the radar of Real Madrid. "Konate needs to leave," one fan said before adding, "We must get Guehi in January."
