A year ago this week, Liverpool were on their knees after a record sixth consecutive league defeat at the hands of lowly Fulham, leaving them eighth in the Premier League table. Now, supporters dream of a sweep. This is the second transformation Klopp has overseen during his reign at Anfield.

But what about the future of the man who so emphatically fulfilled his mission to turn skeptics into believers? Liverpool’s exciting resurgence hasn’t changed his plan to take a break from football when his current contract expires in the summer of 2024, shortly after his 57th birthday. He made this promise to his family.

Learn more about the reality of Liverpool, from Athleticism James Pearce.

For the outside world, Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to lead the line against Manchester City. As it happens, he was not in the country at the time of the kick-off at the Etihad.

Ronaldo is believed to have flown to Portugal once his absence for the Manchester derby became apparent. He reported a recurrence of the hip flexor problem that troubled him earlier this year, which treatment could not alleviate, and then flew back to his homeland before Sunday.

Sources say the trip caused surprise in United’s dressing room given the importance of the game. Injured players are not obliged to attend games, but Ronaldo’s teammates are said to feel that his presence at the stadium, given his aura and contributions this campaign, could have been beneficial.

Full story below.

Athleticism Matt Woosnam certainly thinks so after Palace’s brilliant 2-0 win over top-flight Wolves yesterday.

David Moyes has already been chastised for suggesting United should aspire to be more like City – but these days it’s undeniably true.

From recruiting to executive hires, from academy to planning, these are the lessons, painful as they are, that United must learn.

After today’s 4-1 defeat, it’s more evident than ever.

They are now one point clear of Manchester United with three games less.

Athleticism James McNicholas has written about how the combination of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka will power their present and future.

He came off against Liverpool yesterday at the start of the second half.

A club statement said: “West Ham United can confirm that analysis has shown that Jarrod Bowen suffered no significant damage following the injury he sustained at Liverpool on Saturday night.

“The 25-year-old suffered an impact injury to his right heel during a challenge early in the second half at Anfield and, despite trying to continue, had to be substituted five minutes later.

‘Chief Medical Officer Richard Collinge said: ‘Jarrod underwent an MRI in London on Sunday morning and thankfully no significant injuries occurred. He will continue to be monitored by the medical team and will undergo further examination in the coming days. “

Manchester City took a six-point lead over Liverpool after beating Manchester United 4-1 at the Etihad.

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored twice apiece, with City producing a superb second-half performance to overwhelm United.

United, who started with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba as false nines, contributed to an exciting and open first half. De Bruyne scored twice from close range either side of an elegant Jadon Sancho equalizer.

But the second half was all City – they had 14 shots to nil by United, and a third goal was long overdue when Mahrez scored with a delicious half-volley from De Bruyne’s corner.

Mahrez got his second in the 90th minute to end a humiliating afternoon for United, who fell under Arsenal earlier in the day. They struggle to make the top four; City only have eyes for another league title. The derby confirmed what we already knew: the two teams are poles apart.

There is about half an hour left. De Bruyne’s double is currently the difference…

Young Chelsea striker Bryan Fiabema has joined Rosenborg on loan.

The 19-year-old moved to Chelsea from Tromso in 2020 but hasn’t made a first-team appearance in west London.

Follow live updates here!

The attacking duo, as reported by Athleticism earlier this afternoon, are not included in United’s squad for the derby.

In their absence, Ralf Rangnick said: “Edi trained well the last three days, but in the end he didn’t feel good enough to play. Cristiano had problems with his hip flexor on Friday and since then he has not played.”

You can follow City vs United live updates here.

According to their own manager, Pep Guardiola.

City top the Premier League and are the division’s second highest goalscorer with 64 goals in 27 appearances, an average of more than two per game.

And yet: “I think the club definitely needs a striker,” Guardiola said ahead of today’s Manchester derby.

More here from the boss of the city.

Leicester City did it yesterday, and they did it well as they won 1-0 against Leeds.

Here’s how it went.

Kick-off for today’s Premier League opener is imminent, and you can follow live updates here.

“No, you know what, I haven’t thought about it (the Arsenal captaincy), to be honest,” Odegaard admitted to Norwegian channel TV2.

“It’s not something I really think I want to achieve. Sure, if it ever happens, that’s cool and all that, but it doesn’t change much for me.

“I’m not going to change as a person if that happens. I don’t feel like I changed when I was captain of the national team. I do my thing, but it’s not important to me.

More here on this story.

(Photo: Getty Images)

It is understood that both Ronaldo and Cavani are ruled out of today’s game through injury.

That leaves United caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick with the whole centre-forward conundrum.

Laurie Whitwell has the whole story.