1. Arsenal’s victory over Newcastle brought three points, but discussion afterwards shifted to the form of one key player. Some pundits and tabloid outlets suggested that Gabriel Jesus “hasn’t been himself” and argued that Mikel Arteta should consider taking him out of the starting line-up. The Brazilian forward has been praised for his work rate, yet his sharpness and end product have dipped compared to previous seasons. That has led to calls for summer signing Viktor Gyökeres to be given a more extended run in the central striking role.

It is worth noting, however, that this narrative has largely emerged from tabloids, social media, and aggregator headlines rather than established outlets such as the BBC or Guardian. Mainstream coverage of the match focused more on Arsenal’s resilience, Arteta’s substitutions, and the late winning goal. For now, the “bench Jesus” angle should be treated cautiously, as it is not yet strongly backed by high-credibility sources.

There is a claim in one article (Arsenal Insider) that suggests Berta’s first Arsenal signing “was extremely lucky not to be ‘sacked’ according to a Premier League title winner” — referring to Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, Kepa made more than one appearance (especially during his loan at Bournemouth and otherwise), so he would not fit “one appearance” in Arsenal before being linked with exit.

Another piece mentions “after making just one appearance … the experienced professional returns to the Cherries” in reference to Neto. However, Neto was on loan at Arsenal and had limited appearances; but Neto is not a signing under Berta (he was already with the club in that backup role).

—

If I were to guess, the story might be misreporting or conflating two different players: Neto (who made very few appearances) is leaving, and some are treating him loosely as if he was a first signing under Berta, though he wasn’t.

—

If you want, I can try to track down the specific name with more digging (perhaps local sources or less-publicised reports). Do you want me to find that?

Liverpool continued their preparations for a crucial Champions League fixture at Anfield with an intense training session on Tuesday, overseen by head coach Arne Slot. The atmosphere at the AXA Training Centre was one of focus and anticipation, as the squad sharpened their fitness and tactical awareness ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes encounter on Wednesday evening.

For Slot, who has been tasked with guiding Liverpool into a new era of European competition, the session was not just about refining strategy but also about building unity and confidence within the group. The Dutchman has consistently emphasized the importance of discipline, ball retention, and intelligent pressing in his system, and Tuesday’s drills reflected those priorities. Players were seen engaging in possession-based exercises, rapid transition routines, and finishing drills designed to keep the attacking line sharp in front of goal.

While the presence of established first-team regulars naturally drew attention, there was also plenty of intrigue surrounding the involvement of several of Liverpool’s most promising young talents. Jayden Danns and Trey Nyoni, two names that have been on the radar of academy followers for some time, were both active participants in the training session. Their inclusion highlighted not only Liverpool’s commitment to developing homegrown talent but also the faith Slot and his staff have in the next generation.

Danns, a forward known for his sharp instincts inside the box and his ability to create space in tight situations, has been steadily rising through the ranks. His performances at youth level have been a blend of determination and technical finesse, earning him opportunities to train alongside the senior squad. For him, the chance to work directly under Slot and alongside world-class teammates represents a critical stage in his development. Similarly, Nyoni, a midfielder with an eye for creative passes and a natural composure under pressure, continues to impress coaches with his maturity beyond his years.

Both Danns and Nyoni were officially registered under Liverpool’s ‘List B’ category for the Champions League. This special designation allows clubs to include younger players who have been eligible to represent the team for a set period without occupying a slot in the main squad list. Their registration ensures that, should Slot choose to call upon them, they will be available for selection in European fixtures. For the youngsters, simply being on this list represents a significant step forward in their careers, signaling that they are no longer seen purely as academy prospects but as genuine options for first-team involvement.

Another name that has attracted attention is Rio Ngumoha. Unlike Danns and Nyoni, Ngumoha has been registered directly with Liverpool’s senior squad for the Champions League campaign. This distinction arises from UEFA’s criteria, which require players to meet certain conditions regarding age and years spent at the club to qualify for ‘List B’. As Ngumoha does not yet meet those conditions, Liverpool ensured his inclusion by adding him to the main squad list. This is a notable vote of confidence in his abilities and underlines the belief within the club that he has the potential to contribute even at the highest level.

The inclusion of these youngsters in preparations for such a major European fixture reflects a broader theme in Liverpool’s approach under Slot: the blending of youthful energy with established experience. Historically, the club has thrived when striking this balance, allowing emerging talents to learn directly from senior players while also injecting fresh enthusiasm into the squad. The Champions League stage, while daunting, has often served as a platform for breakthrough performances, and Slot’s willingness to integrate younger players suggests he is open to giving them that chance when appropriate.

Tuesday’s session also carried symbolic importance. Training ahead of a Champions League match at Anfield is never just a routine exercise; it is part of the club’s long-standing tradition of preparing meticulously for nights that carry enormous weight for players, staff, and supporters alike. The focus, determination, and spirit on display were reminders of what is at stake—not just points or progression, but pride, legacy, and the continuation of Liverpool’s storied history in Europe.

As the team now turns its full attention to Wednesday’s clash, the narrative is one of opportunity. For the senior players, it is another chance to demonstrate leadership and execute Slot’s tactical vision on one of football’s biggest stages. For the young talents—Danns, Nyoni, and Ngumoha—it is the possibility of taking their first real steps into the bright lights of elite European football. Whether or not they feature, the experience alone is invaluable, shaping their journey and embedding them deeper into the culture of a club that thrives on passion, resilience, and ambition.

In the end, Tuesday’s training session was more than preparation—it was a glimpse into the future. A future where Liverpool’s established stars and rising prospects come together to carry forward the club’s pursuit of excellence, both domestically and on the continent.