Both sides made winning starts to their respective Europa League campaigns on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp notching up a record 50th victory on the continent as the Reds again had to come from behind to defeat Austrian side LASK, while the Hammers had to do likewise at home to Serbian top-flight leaders Backa Topola as summer signing Mohammed Kudus netted his first goal in claret and blue. This is a meeting between two clubs - sitting third and sixth respectively in the early going - that have started the new season well after extremely disappointing domestic campaigns in 2022/23, with eight wins between them from 10 matches and only one defeat so far - spirited West Ham unable to hold onto their first-half lead against reigning champions Manchester City last weekend. Liverpool have a 100 per cent home record so far this term and West Ham are unbeaten away, so it should make for a cracking tussle.
West Ham fans can stop lobbying now. Many were beginning to grow just a touch impatient to see Mohammed Kudus handed his first start, and his influence on last night's Europa League opener showed why. As West Ham's third European campaign in as many years got under way, David Moyes trusted Kudus as a right-winger.
Martin Odegaard says it was an âeasy decisionâ to agree a new contract with Arsenal and believes the club can win major trophies after tying down the core of its squad. Arsenal captain Odegaard this morning signed a five-year deal until 2028, giving the Gunners a major boost ahead of Sundayâs north London derby against Tottenham. The midfielder is the latest key player to commit his future to Arsenal, following Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba.