Liverpool Week in Review, Monday 2nd November: Reds Beat Chelsea on Penalties but Fall to Arsenal at Anfield
It's been a big week of cup drama and title-race talk for Liverpool. The Reds edged past Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with the tie finishing 1-1 before Liverpool won 6-5 on penalties at Anfield (LiverpoolFC.com). Joe Gomez stepped up with a spot-kick that Andoni Iraola said he had full confidence in (Liverpool.com), and BBC Sport looked at just how much that Gomez penalty meant to one Liverpool fan (BBC Sport). Young midfielder Trey Nyoni was a standout performer, with This Is Anfield reporting fans declaring he "has to be a starter" after showing he's "not afraid" (This Is Anfield), while the tactical picture from the game was broken down by the Liverpool Echo, who also praised Nyoni's display (Liverpool Echo). There was a lighter moment too, with Jordan Henderson appearing to react to Anfield boos during the game (Liverpool.com). Opposite number Xabi Alonso called the Chelsea defeat "least important" as he kept his focus on the Premier League (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com). The win set up a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Bournemouth, as confirmed by Sky Sports' draw coverage (Sky Sports).
That cup joy was followed by Premier League disappointment, as Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal (Liverpool Echo). This Is Anfield's player ratings covered a tough afternoon (This Is Anfield), and Iraola explained his substitution thinking and the goal threat he was chasing from the bench (This Is Anfield). Iraola's decision to start Nyoni was described by This Is Anfield as a "seismic" and "huge call" from the head coach (This Is Anfield). There was controversy too, with Liverpool denied what some felt was a penalty after Christos Tzolis's challenge on Cody Gakpo, a call that VAR and referee Andy Madley backed, and one Gary Neville agreed with (Liverpool.com) (ESPN). Virgil van Dijk also had his say on Alexander Isak's reaction to a non-penalty, reportedly telling him "50 cameras – why do you have to complain?" (This Is Anfield). There was also a red card controversy involving Arsenal's Noni Madueke escaping a sending off, with Iraola praised for his classy response (Liverpool.com). Liverpool Echo felt Iraola needs more from his big-money squad after the result (Liverpool Echo), while BBC Sport looked at how well Ezri Konsa fitted in for Arsenal in the win (BBC Sport).
Before the Arsenal game, Liverpool had beaten Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0, and captain Virgil van Dijk used the result to challenge his side's big-money players to keep delivering at Anfield (Liverpool Echo) (LiverpoolFC.com). Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard praised the Reds' form under Iraola but felt there was still something missing from the squad (Liverpool.com). Alexander Isak was also a topic of conversation after what the Echo described as an "emphatic" response in front of goal during the recent run of four straight wins (Liverpool Echo). Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, admitted a U-turn on his earlier scepticism about Liverpool's title credentials (Liverpool Echo), and Iraola responded directly to Carragher's comments ahead of the Arsenal clash (Liverpool Echo). Paul Merson also laid down a challenge to Liverpool and Iraola before the game (Liverpool.com).
Injury and team-news updates were a constant theme. Iraola gave an update on Florian Wirtz after a knock picked up against Brighton, while remaining "unsure" on a couple of other players (Liverpool.com), and separate reports suggested as many as 13 players could be missing for the Chelsea and Arsenal games (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com). Ahead of Arsenal, Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz both arrived with the squad (This Is Anfield).
On the transfer front, Liverpool have been linked with Leeds United centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, with Leeds reportedly taking a strong stance on his future amid interest from Liverpool and Inter Milan (TeamTalk). Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo continues to impress at right-back, and TeamTalk reported a second source suggesting Liverpool are poised to sign him in January (TeamTalk), while Araujo himself said he is "grateful" for the fans' affection but stressed any permanent decision is still months away (This Is Anfield). Glen Johnson was also quoted backing Liverpool to make the move permanent (Liverpool Echo). Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister gave a fresh update on his contract situation amid speculation linking him with Real Madrid (Liverpool.com) (TeamTalk). Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be linked with a possible Anfield return, with reports exploring what Real Madrid fans make of him and suggesting Liverpool have made a "request" over a potential January option (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool.com). Federico Chiesa was urged to address his struggles at Liverpool amid talk of a possible exit, with Inter reportedly making an enquiry (Liverpool.com) (This Is Anfield). Liverpool were also credited with interest in Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha (LiverpoolFC.com), AS Monaco's Lamine Camara (TeamTalk), and youngster Finn Jeltsch (Liverpool.com).
On the women's side, Gareth Taylor's column looked back on LFC Women's draw with London City, reflecting on the squad's mentality and looking ahead to a trip to West Ham (LiverpoolFC.com).
Finally, the Reds now turn to another Merseyside occasion, with Everton vs Liverpool derby tickets still available including hospitality packages (Liverpool Echo).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
