KMI panel rules Liverpool should have had penalty in Arsenal's 1-0 Anfield win

An independent Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has ruled that Liverpool were wrongly denied a penalty during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Anfield, finding that referee Andy Madley should have awarded a spot kick when Jurrien Timber pulled an opponent’s shirt in the first half.

The panel voted 4-1 in favour of a penalty being given, and also voted 3-2 that VAR Stuart Attwell should have intervened and sent Madley to the pitchside monitor, on the grounds that the failure to award the penalty constituted a clear and obvious error. Arsenal’s narrow victory ended their long wait for a win at Anfield.

Liverpool among three clubs chasing Alex Scott

Liverpool are locked in a three-way battle for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with Arsenal reviving their interest in the player and Chelsea also monitoring his situation. Scott has previously been valued at £100m, and while Bournemouth refused to entertain offers in the summer, the club are now prepared to listen after the player turned down a contract extension. That decision means Scott could become available on a free transfer if no deal is struck before his contract expires.

Ngumoha sets sights on Ballon d’Or

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has spoken openly about his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or, citing Harry Kane — the current holder — as a major inspiration while on England duty together.

The 18-year-old drew a line from Kane’s achievement back to Michael Owen, who won the award in 2001 as a Liverpool academy product, and said he believes he can follow in their footsteps.

“Yeah, 100%, Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or is definitely a big, big thing, being known as the best player in the world,” Ngumoha said. “It’s also helped English football now because everyone’s seen one of us win the Ballon d’Or. It is definitely encouraging many more people to wanting to definitely be known as the best player in the world. For me, I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it.”