Conor Bradley had the Anfield crowd singing his name after a goal and two assists in an electric performance as Liverpool laid down their title credentials with a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea on Wednesday that manager Juergen Klopp called outstanding.
“I don’t think you can have an outstanding team performance when the individuals don’t work together,” Klopp told the BBC. “The start was brilliant, we were really going for them. We were outstanding, it was a top game.
“We could have scored and should have scored more goals. You cannot score five, six goals against Chelsea if you are not outstanding.”
Liverpool moved five points clear atop the Premier League to set up a potential thriller on Sunday against third-placed Arsenal.
Liverpool have 51 points after 22 games, while Manchester City and Arsenal both have 46, with City having a game in hand.
“It’s so clear they were much better than us. We lost every single duel. Every time we recovered the ball after one or two touches we lost it,” Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino told TNT Sports.
Twenty-year-old Bradley’s goal was his first for Liverpool but was not a complete surprise as the Northern Ireland youngster has been excellent at right back since replacing injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. He earned a rousing standing ovation and huge hug from Klopp when he was substituted.
“Incredible. Wonderful. He’s flying at the moment,” Klopp said. “Rightly so. He’s working hard and is a good footballer. He’s helped us so much it’s incredible. Quite a few people said we need a right back in the summer but we were very positive about Conor.
“All the injuries we have, we can’t string these results together if these boys don’t show up.” Klopp added.
Darwin Nunez was relentless in attack, but hit the post with a first-half penalty, and had numerous other near-misses. The Uruguayan became the first player since 2003-04 to hit the woodwork four times in a Premier League match.
“He was really disappointed with himself about missing the penalty but he is a handful,” Klopp told the BBC. “It was really hard for him. Then he headed against the crossbar. He sets up a goal even after the massive disappointment. That’s the most important thing.
“He is in outstanding shape, still a bit unlucky so it’s all fine.”
In the other Premier League fixtures on Wednesday evening, two goals by birthday boy Julian Alvarez and a Rodri strike gave Manchester City a comfortable 3-1 win over Burnley, as they welcomed Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones back into the starting line-up, and had striker Erling Haaland on the pitch in the second half after missing the last 10 games with injury.
City are second in the Premier League table, five points behind Liverpool with a game in hand.
Tottenham Hotspur climbed to fourth place as a second-half broadside fired them to an enthralling 3-2 home victory over struggling Brentford.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
