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Tottenham Hotspur were leapfrogged in the Premier League standings as their poor run of form continued at the helm of Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side showed no mercy as they put three goals past the north London outfit inside the opening 15 minutes and it looked as if Spurs were heading for a repeat of their defensive disasterclass at Newcastle United, where they shipped five goals within 20 minutes.

However, Ryan Mason’s side were able to somewhat restrict the Reds in front of goal from there on out. Harry Kane managed to get one back before the break and then Heung-min Son added another late on.

Spurs nearly registered another impressive comeback when substitute Richarlison popped up with what seemed to be the equaliser in the 93rd minute but Diogo Jota had other ideas after an absolute gift from Lucas Moura set him through to snag the winner seconds later.

The loss all but shatters the prospect of the Lilywhites finishing in the top four this season, having slipped down to sixth place – two points behind their opposition, who still have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, it was another shocking outing from Cristian Romero in the heart of defence…

How did Cristian Romero play vs Liverpool?

The 25-year-old centre-back has been on one heck of a decline since his World Cup triumph in Qatar, where he lifted the trophy with Argentina back in December.

In a chaotic opening quarter-of-an-hour, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville was quick to lambast Romero, as well as his defensive partner Eric Dier, as he claimed they were an “absolute shambles” and suggested they were “all over the place.”

Defensively, the €55m (£50m) signing was a “liability” – as described by Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley – as he failed to win more than three duels, a success rate of just 50%, which suggests that he struggled to combat the threat on offer from Liverpool’s tricky frontline.

Romero, who misplaced as many as eight passes, was also at fault for the Merseyside outfit’s third goal as he took down Cody Gakpo with a piece of “diabolical” defending, in the eyes of Jamie Redknapp, which allowed Mohamed Salah to step up and convert his 28th goal of the season.

At the other end of the pitch, the aggressive Argentine failed to convert a rare opportunity to score as his flick over Allison hit the post, resulting in an expected goals (xG) ratio of 0.47, via Sofascore. Kane’s effort came in at a lower 0.37, so it was a major chance wasted.

It’s hard to argue against Romero costing Spurs points once again – he proved to be his typical overly-aggressive and calamitous self, a far cry from the player we witnessed before the winter break.

Telegraph reporter Sam Dean took to Twitter during the match to criticise the £165k-per-week star. He said: “Cristian Romero’s decline in form over the past few months has been wild. Presumably it’s linked in some way to the World Cup. He’s a 25-year-old Argentina international and he’s playing like a reckless teenager.”

Whilst Moura’s pathetic backpass practically handed Liverpool the three points, it was Romero’s early showing that had Spurs on the backfoot early doors yet again and ultimately that’s what cost the team, leaking another four poor goals.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Davinson Sanchez has been labelled "dreadful" by journalist Kevin Palmer, in the wake of his performance in the 3-2 defeat against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.

What's the latest on Davinson Sanchez?

Sanchez was brought on as a first-half substitute for the injured Clement Lenglet on Saturday, but the defender suffered the ignominy of being taken off again just before the hour mark, with Arnaut Danjuma taking his place.

Interim manager Cristian Stellini insisted that it was a "tactical decision" to replace the centre-back so soon after coming on, as he wanted to "recover the game" by bringing on additional attacking options.

It was a bad day at the office for the defender, who was booed by Spurs fans for what they deemed to be an unacceptable performance, and members of the media were also quick to criticise him.

Taking to Twitter during the game, Palmer made it clear he thinks Tottenham will need to bring in better players if they are to stand any chance of competing for major honours, while he also appeared to take a swipe at Eric Dier.

The journalist said: "When you consider Tottenham paid £42million for Davinson Sanchez, he has to go down as one of their most expensive mistakes. A dreadful defender who has been on big money for SIX years. They will never succeed with such Dier players in their squad."

Should Tottenham sell Davinson Sanchez?

The 26-year-old struggled to get to grips with the game yesterday afternoon, receiving a 6.2 Sofascore match rating, the joint-lowest of any player, and in truth, he has been poor for the vast majority of the season.

Having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season, many of those coming as a substitute, the £65k-per-week Colombian has been a peripheral figure in the squad, despite Spurs having the seventh-worst defensive record in the league.

The inability to displace the likes of Clement Lenglet could be in part due to Sanchez's "awful decision-making" at times earlier on in the season, while in the recent trip to Everton he failed to win a single one of the three duels he contested, both on the ground and in the air.

If Spurs want to become Champions League regulars once again, they will need to bring in new reinforcements at centre-back this summer, as their defence has let them down on far too many occasions this season.

Leeds fans may have lost faith in Georginio Rutter to keep their side in the Premier League this season but Javi Gracia could possess the ideal replacement in Sonny Perkins.

Could Sonny Perkins keep Leeds in the Premier League?

After failing to score or assist in three starts and five substitute appearances at Elland Road, rumours are quickly beginning to swirl about Rutter’s morale.

The 20-year-old joined the Whites in a club-record £35.5m deal in January, joining on a five-and-a-half-year deal having starred in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim.

Despite his age and Hoffenheim’s struggles this season, the Frenchman had managed an impressive 11 goals and eight assists in 64 Bundesliga appearances, so it was easy to see why Leeds wanted to take a chance on his potential.

However, he is clearly struggling to adapt to the Premier League and reports have suggested that he is already regretting his move to Yorkshire, with Kicker claiming that he misses his former teammates and shed tears when he was told by his agent that he would be joining Leeds.

Although he was handed his first league start for the club in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea last weekend, it is claimed that he isn’t happy with his game time at Elland Road.

Gracia needs players who are willing to fight and give everything for the shirt, and Rutter’s reported reaction suggests that he may not be up for a relegation battle.

In the absence of Rodrigo, the Spaniard has very few attacking options to choose from at Elland Road, especially as Patrick Bamford has just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances so far this term.

Leeds are not afraid to put their faith in youth, with Wilfried Gnonto, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville all featuring on a regular basis this season, which perhaps makes it more surprising that Perkins is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Whites.

The teenage forward, who joined from West Ham last summer, has nine goals in 17 appearances for the U21s and scored an important equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City in the FA Cup in January.

His rampant form has drawn considerable praise, none more so than from Leeds U21 boss Michael Skubala, who noted after a brace against Aston Villa:

“Yeah he’s a goal machine, he loves scoring goals. He’s working on other parts of his game that he still needs to improve, but Sonny’s not had the best pre-season so he’s slowly becoming stronger and faster but two great finishes and that’s what Sonny’s all about.”

Leeds need goals if they are going to avoid dropping back to the Championship and if Rutter isn’t up to the task, surely Perkins should be given his opportunity to keep the club in the Premier League.

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Tottenham Hotspur would have won their Champions League tie if they had James Maddison in their team.

The Lowdown: Spurs need wholesale changes

Spurs have now scored just four goals in their last six matches, drawing blanks in four of those games – and it all seems to be getting too much for some Tottenham fans.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Conte has a very strong chance of leaving Spurs come the end of the season, but if these poor performances and results persist, Daniel Levy may be forced into an earlier change.

Given Tottenham’s struggles in the final third, they clearly need help to create chances for players such as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, which is where Premier League regular Maddison could soon come into the equation.

The Latest: Maddison could change Tottenham

After seeing Spurs register two shots on target against AC Milan, Agbonlahor touted Maddison – who’s been linked with Tottenham in the past – as someone who could’ve helped them win the game against the Italian champions.

He said: “You look at Spurs and Son’s playing within himself, Kulusevski comes inside all the time, they’re missing another winger who can get at a player, and, badly missing a number 10.

“Put Maddison in that team last night, they probably win the game.”

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The Verdict: Tottenham could go big in the summer

If Spurs were to try and land someone of Maddison’s ability, they may have to shell out ‘over £100m’ on the attacking midfielder according to Graeme Souness, but that price tag could well be justified if he was to hit the ground running at Spurs.

Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Maddison has been able to register 47 goal involvements in the Premier League alone, so he’s starting to show consistency and a level of maturity that suggests he could be a gamechanger.

It’s not just on the pitch where Maddison could help Spurs, but his infectious and ‘cheeky chappy’ personality could be what Tottenham need to get some life and creativity into the team, as it appears to have been sucked out of them under Conte.

In-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is the subject of interest from current Premier League leaders Arsenal, according to journalist Steve Kay.

The Lowdown: Watkins flying for Villa

The 27-year-old finds himself in a rich vein of form at the moment, proving to be one of Villa’s most influential players since Unai Emery took charge.

Watkins has scored eight goals and registered four assists in the league this season and he has found the net in each of his last five appearances.

The Englishman’s form doesn’t appear to be going unnoticed, however, which will be a concern for the Villans.

The Latest: Arsenal eyeing up move

Taking to Twitter, Kay claimed that Arsenal see Watkins as a potential transfer target during the summer transfer window:

“Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is one of the strikers that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on as a possible summer signing according to sources. Arteta is a massive admirer of the England International, who recently praised the forward in the away win against Villa.”

The Verdict: Could be hard to say no

In truth, it is understandable to see why Watkins’ head would be turned by a potential move to Arsenal this summer, given the quality they are performing with currently.

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Mikel Arteta has built an extremely exciting young squad that is pushing for Premier League glory and the Villa man could be seen as a big upgrade on Eddie Nketiah.

The £75,000-a-week Watkins certainly has the attributes to shine for Arsenal, not only scoring regularly this season but also working hard and pressing from the front, and he has been hailed as a ‘record breaker’ by journalist Gregg Evans for the recent scoring run.

The hope is that he sees his long-term future at Villa, of course – his current deal expires in 2025 – and that he continues to spearhead the Emery era.

Newcastle United have reportedly scouted Bristol City central midfielder Alex Scott ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfielder needed

Newcastle will be looking for a new midfielder this summer, with reports that both Matty Longstaff and Matt Ritchie are expected to leave St. James’ Park after their contracts expire.

They have already been linked with moves for the likes of Anton Stach, Conor Gallagher and Gabri Veiga, but a new target has emerged on their shortlist.

The Latest: Scott interest

As per The Daily Mirror, scouts in the North East are ‘running checks’ on Scott ahead of the next window, while Wolves, AFC Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The report adds that the Tynesiders are ‘ready to enter the race’ for the Englishman, who is regarded as ‘one of the brightest young talents in the country’.

Scott ‘fits the profile’ of who the Magpies are targeting, as they want to sign players who are ready for the Premier League but also have plenty of room for development.

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The Verdict: Get it done

With Jonjo Shelvey being allowed to move to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window as well, Eddie Howe has room for a new midfielder in his squad.

Nicknamed the ‘Guernsey Grealish‘ after his place of birth and likening to the Manchester City and England star, Scott is rated highly, having also been lauded as ‘deadly’ and ‘different class’ by his team-mate Kal Naismith.

At just 19 years of age, he has already played 80 times for Bristol City, scoring five goals and supplying a further seven assists (Transfermarkt), and has the extra versatility to be able to play anywhere across the middle of the park.

Nonetheless, given how in-demand Scott is likely to be this summer, it is imperative that the Magpies get this deal done as soon as possible.

Wolves have been linked with Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott recently and Matt Hobbs should look to bring him to Molineux after his superb performance in the FA Cup at the weekend.

John Percy of The Telegraph claimed in the early stages of January that Wolves had “been in talks” with Bristol City over a move for the midfielder, although may have to pay £25m in order to secure a deal.

Julen Lopetegui’s side have already brought in Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia, Craig Dawson, Mario Lemina and Daniel Bentley this month, and could potentially return to Ashton Gate ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

If Wolves do retain an interest in signing the 19-year-old this month, there is no doubt that scouts will have been in attendance at Bristol City’s impressive 3-0 win over West Brom on Saturday and if they were, they will have been very impressed with Scott’s performance.

As per Sofascore, the talented midfielder would earn a superb 8/10 rating for his display, which ranked him as the best outfield player on the pitch from both sides.

The teenager would make it 2-0 in the first half after Mark Sykes’ assist, while he also contributed two key passes, one big chance created and an impressive 91% pass accuracy during the FA Cup tie.

Following the game, Nigel Pearson made a bold claim about the youngster, suggesting that he believes that it won’t be long before we see him in a Three Lions shirt.

He said: “Such is my faith in Alex that I believe he could go on to play for England.”

Suddenly, the Robins’ £25m asking price does not seem so excessive and it could prove a shrewd investment by the Old Gold, especially given the lack of homegrown talents currently in Lopetegui’s squad.

Scott has long been tipped for the top, with pathway manager Brian Tinnion singing his praises when he broke into Bristol City’s senior squad as a 17-year-old.

He commented: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable. To start every single Championship game so far as a 17-year-old is excellent.

“He has every single attribute you would want in a professional footballer. He can tackle, he’s great with both feet, he can head the ball, his delivery is good and his overall quality is great.

“He lets his football do the talking and he’s getting better all the time. We are really excited about his future.”
Saturday’s strong performance was not a one-off for Scott, as he boasts four assists in the second tier so far this campaign, averaging a strong 6.81 rating from WhoScored in his 27 appearances thus far.
Therefore, with time running out before the deadline and Scott’s reputation only expected to grow, Wolves should definitely consider a move for the teenager this month.

Leeds United have Steven Gerrard on their managerial radar to succeed Jesse Marsch, according to Italian journalist Marco Conterio.

The Lowdown: Gerrard’s managerial career

The Liverpudlian began his senior managerial career in Scotland with Rangers, where he averaged an impressive 2.15 points per game in 192 matches.

The 42-year-old won the Scottish Premiership during his time at Ibrox and went on to replace Dean Smith at Aston Villa in 2021, but just like Marsch, he only lasted 11 months in the Premier League.

Gerrard averaged just 1.18 points per game in 40 matches at Villa Park, but it looks as if he is still on Victor Orta’s radar after speculation first emerged over a move to Leeds back in 2019.

The Latest: Leeds interested in Gerrard

Conterio, chief editor for TuttoMercatoWeb, took to Twitter following Marsch’s dismissal to share names of potential successors at Elland Road.

Alongside West Brom manager Carlos Corberan and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, Conterio named Gerrard as a potential option to take over in Yorkshire. Meanwhile, reliable reporter Phil Hay has since reported that Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano is also on the radar.

The Verdict: Could be easy to do…

Gerrard shared his love for Elland Road while he was Aston Villa manager and actually shares the same agency as new Whites signing Weston McKennie, so a move could be fairly straightforward to complete should Leeds pursue the 42-year-old.

However, there are question marks over his ability to manage in the Premier League after struggling in the Midlands, so an appointment could be a gamble.

The pros over the move are that Gerrard now has experience in the English top flight from which he can learn, along with previous success at Rangers, but Leeds know that they need to get this decision spot-on, especially as they are flirting with the bottom three once again this year.

Leicester City target Jack Harrison is ‘keen’ to sign a new contract with Leeds United, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Foxes are just one point above the Premier League relegation zone following a mixed start to the season, and Brendan Rodgers will know that he has to bolster his attacking ranks this month should he want to avoid the drop.

The Elland Road winger’s deal is set to expire in June 2024 and he hasn’t yet put pen to paper on an extension, leaving his future up in the air after bids from Newcastle United in the summer.

The Foxes are said to have identified the 26-year-old as a potential target, though it doesn’t sound like he wants to leave Yorkshire anytime soon.

The Latest: Harrison’s stance

Taking to Twitter, Dorsett again confirmed Leicester’s interest in Harrison but revealed that the player has his heart set on staying with the Whites.

“#lcfc interested in #lufc Jack Harrison as they search for a winger. Leeds don’t want to sell, especially to a relegation rival, and I’ve been told Harrison keen to agree new contract at Elland Road. Currently has 18 months left. Brazilian Tete likely to be half the cost for Leic.”

The Verdict: Setback for Rodgers

Harrison has been one of the standout performers for Leeds in recent years, and Rodgers will have suffered a setback by letting his target potentially slip through his fingers.

The Stoke-on-Trent-born talent has recorded 57 goal contributions during his time with Jesse Marsch’s outfit and is a versatile player with the ability to operate in four different positions, leading one to wonder how dangerous he would look interchanging in an attack alongside a healthy James Maddison (Transfermarkt).

The Whites star also ranks in the 94th percentile for most tackles per 90 minutes by players in his position, showing his desire to help his team at both ends of the pitch, which is exactly the profile of player Leicester are in need of recruiting.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed West Ham United may now have a great opportunity to sign Terem Moffi after a key development.

What’s the word?

The Hammers had very much been on the hunt for the Lorient striker and even saw a bid in the region of £25m rejected earlier on in the window.

That offer may have been turned down because his club knew there was interest from other parties and so they could hold out for a bit of a bidding war.

Indeed, Nice had been linked with Moffi too and The Independent recently reported that the Ligue 1 side had seen three of their own offers turned down for the striker.

However, it now looks as though Nice are set to sign Youssef En-Nesyri instead. Indeed, the Moroccan has agreed to leave Sevilla and move to the French club, according to Foot Mercato.

Amid this latest update, Ex has explained that this could now “open up the door” for the Hammers to make a move for Moffi this winter.

Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, he said: “The other forward that they want to sign and are still bidding for is Moffi. As I’ve repeated it all window, the Lorient forward.

“Now, Nice were meant to be in for him. This is an interesting turn, and he was meant to favour staying in France. But Nice, now interestingly, appear to be close to signing in En-Nesyri, who was the forward that we tried to loan at the start of summer from Sevilla.”

He continued: “But anyway, if En-Nesyri then joins Nice, that means they’re not in the running for Moffi. So that could open up the door for us to sign him.”

Reinforcements needed?

Of course, West Ham have already signed one striker with Danny Ings arriving from Aston Villa for a reported £15m. However, he looks set for a long spell on the sidelines with a bad knee injury.

Seeing as Moffi was a target before that recent transfer, it would make a lot of sense for David Moyes to go back in for the Lorient attacker.

What’s more, as Ex points out, En-Nesyri was another previous target for the Hammers as they looked to sign him on loan this winter.

But with the Sevilla man now potentially off the market, the next obvious option is indeed Moffi. Taking it all into account, that certainly looks like the deal to keep an eye on for the time being.

With 12 goals in 18 Ligue 1 matches for his side so far, it certainly feels as though the Nigerian could come in and add something to the West Ham attack in the second half of the season.