Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah was a notable absentee at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished fourth in the final rankings – a placement that surprised many fans and pundits alike.

Salah, who has been one of the most consistent performers in world football over the past few seasons, chose not to attend the Paris event. His omission from the top three sparked debate, with some feeling the Egyptian deserved greater recognition for his performances with Liverpool and Egypt.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his earlier controversial remarks, standing by his view that Salah is often undervalued in global discussions about football’s elite. Carragher argued that Salah’s consistency, goal-scoring record, and big-game contributions merit more respect than he is currently afforded.

While the Ballon d’Or spotlight shone elsewhere, Salah’s absence and Carragher’s comments have reignited the debate around how the winger is perceived compared to contemporaries like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé.

The Carabao Cup has reached its third-round stage, and already the picture is forming around the leading contenders. Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are widely viewed as the frontrunners to go deep in the competition and challenge for silverware.

Each of the four clubs has both the squad depth and pedigree to balance domestic cups alongside their league and European campaigns. Manchester City’s dominance in the tournament over the past decade ensures they are always favourites, while Liverpool’s squad rotation under Arne Slot has so far looked effective. Chelsea, under new management, will be eager to use the cup as a springboard for success, and Arsenal’s young, hungry squad offers both energy and tactical flexibility.

While upsets are always possible – especially with lower-league sides relishing the chance to take on Premier League giants – the expectation remains that one of these four heavyweights will be lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Port Vale’s third-round Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal proved to be a landmark occasion at Vale Park, as it drew the club’s biggest home crowd since 1999. The atmosphere was electric, with over 18,000 supporters packing the stands to witness their team take on Premier League opposition.

The last time Vale Park had seen such numbers was over two decades ago, when Liverpool visited for an FA Cup tie that remains etched in the club’s history. Arsenal’s arrival carried a similar sense of occasion, as the Gunners’ stature and the prospect of a cup upset generated huge excitement across Stoke-on-Trent.

For many Vale fans, the night was about more than the result – it was a chance to showcase their club on a national stage and relish the energy of a full house. For Arsenal, it was another reminder of the pull they have across English football, with their travelling support also making their presence felt.

The occasion underlined the magic of domestic cup competitions, where League One and Premier League worlds collide to create nights that live long in memory.