Burnley FC
Why Liverpool spending £15m on this rock solid Englishman could prove to be another Robertson-like coup
According to reports, Liverpool are preparing a £15m bid for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope. Liverpool have made a fast start to the transfer window, having already secured Naby Keita, the club completed the signing of Fabinho.
Although their chase for Lyon’s Nabil Fekir hit rough waters, a deal for the Frenchman could still happen after the World Cup.
Klopp has made some fantastic acquisitions in the forward areas, most notably Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane but Liverpool need fresh faces in the defence and in the goalkeeping department.
Liverpool have been linked with Roma’s Alisson
While Liverpool are pursuing the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and James Tarkowski for the centre-back position, the Reds are also in the race for Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker. But Burnley’s Pope is someone who could save the Reds a lot of money, while not compromising on quality.
Pope may not be at Alisson’s level yet, but the England international could turn out to be a very shrewd signing for the Merseyside giants.
Pope has the experience of playing in the English Premier League, having been an understudy for Tom Heaton for quite a while before finally getting his chance last season, following Heaton’s injury. Pope grabbed the opportunity by both hands and his impressive performances for Burnley last season earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad
Pope had a save success rate of 75% last season, the second-best in the PrLeagueleague, only behind Manchester United’s David De Gea. Pope managed to keep 11 clean sheets in 35 appearances.
He also made 114 saves and 26 sweeping clearances and was flawless between the sticks for Burnley last term. The 26-year old, who has cat-like reflexes, is an excellent shot-stopper and can pull off of mind-boggling saves.
He is ready to hit his peak in a season or two and will blossom in the Liverpool team. He is already better than Liverpool’s current crop of keepers. Lorius Karius got the nod ahead of Simon Mignolet as the number one because of his improvement.
Loris Karius (left) and Simon Mignolet (right)
The German keeper made some match-winning saves, displaying amazing reflexes and breeding confidence. But things have changed. Karius may never recover from his horror showing in the Champions League final, and even if he does, who is to stay he isn’t going to make more mistakes?
On the other hand, Mignolet has been linked with a move away from Anfield in the summer. As a result, Liverpool need to bring in a new goalkeeper and Pope could be the ideal pick. He could be the final piece in the puzzle to make Liverpool strong title challengers next season.
Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, extending their winning streak to nine consecutive matches across all competitions. Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice scored first-half headers as the Gunners moved seven points clear at the Premier League summit, maintaining their extraordinary defensive record with a seventh consecutive clean sheet.
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Viktor Gyokeres’ Confidence Looks to Be Growing
Viktor Gyokeres delivered his best 45 minutes in an Arsenal shirt, ending a five-match top-flight goal drought with a poacher’s header from Gabriel’s knockdown before producing an assist of sublime quality. His cross-field pass to Leandro Trossard for Rice’s goal demonstrated vision and technical execution that’s been absent during his recent struggles.
The Swedish striker scored his fourth league goal of the season and finally looked comfortable leading Arsenal’s attack. His intelligent movement created space for Bukayo Saka twice in the first half, nearly setting up additional goals before halftime. Though he was substituted at the interval for Mikel Merino—with no injury update provided—his opening-period performance suggested the confidence that made him Europe’s most prolific striker at Sporting CP is returning.
Declan Rice’s Set-Piece Deliveries Are Invaluable
Arsenal’s £105 million midfielder justified every penny with another masterclass from dead balls. His pinpoint corner delivery found Gabriel at the back post for Gyokeres’ opener, marking Arsenal’s eighth league goal from corners this season—the most ever by a team through their first 10 Premier League matches.
Rice then powered home a thumping header from Trossard’s cross to double the lead, showcasing his aerial threat that complements his set-piece creativity. Arsenal have now scored 12 of their 18 Premier League goals via set pieces this campaign, a 67% conversion rate that’s unprecedented in the competition’s history.
His ability to whip corners with perfect trajectory and pace has weaponized Arsenal’s attacking threat from defensive situations. Teams cannot afford to concede free-kicks anywhere near their penalty area when Rice stands over the ball, creating a psychological advantage that’s proving decisive in tight matches.
Besides Timber, Martin Zubimendi’s Fitness Might Also Be Crucial Going Forward
Zubimendi sat down for treatment late in the match before being substituted for Christian Norgaard, sparking concern about another potential injury to Arsenal’s already depleted squad. The Spanish midfielder has been instrumental in Arsenal’s midfield triumvirate alongside Rice and the injured Martin Odegaard, providing tactical discipline and progressive passing that’s allowed Arsenal to dominate possession.
With Odegaard still five weeks away from returning, Zubimendi’s fitness becomes even more critical. He’s started every Premier League match this season, forming the platform that’s enabled Arsenal to concede just three goals in 10 matches while maintaining territorial dominance.
Arsenal face Slavia Prague on Tuesday in the Champions League before traveling to Sunderland next Sunday, meaning any Zubimendi absence would force Arteta into midfield reshuffles at a crucial period. Jurrien Timber avoided injury again, but Zubimendi’s late treatment reminds everyone how thin Arsenal’s squad depth remains despite their impressive winning run.
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Arsenal extended their winning streak to nine consecutive matches with a dominant 2-0 victory at Turf Moor, moving seven points clear at the Premier League summit. Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice scored first-half headers as the Gunners recorded their seventh consecutive clean sheet, maintaining their extraordinary defensive record while William Saliba returned from injury.
The Standout Performers:
Declan Rice – 9/10 Delivered another complete midfield masterclass, setting up Gyokeres’ opener with an undefendable corner delivery before powering home a thumping header from Leandro Trossard’s cross.
His work rate never stopped, covering ground relentlessly while controlling proceedings from deep. Arsenal’s eighth set-piece goal in 10 matches came directly from his delivery, cementing his status as the Premier League’s most dangerous dead-ball specialist.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 9/10 Dominated aerial duels throughout, winning everything Burnley launched toward him.
His cushioned flick-on from Rice’s corner created Gyokeres’ opening goal, showcasing the attacking threat he brings from defensive situations. Defensively imperious, organizing Arsenal’s backline to another clean sheet against limited opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres – 8.5/10 Produced his best 45 minutes in Arsenal colors before being substituted at halftime with an alleged minor knock. His poacher’s header from Gabriel’s flick opened scoring, but his hold-up play and vision stole the show. The cross-field pass to Trossard that created Rice’s goal demonstrated technical quality absent during recent struggles, suggesting his confidence is finally returning.
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Leandro Trossard – 8/10 Marked his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with an excellent display. Battled Kyle Walker throughout despite lacking the veteran’s pace, compensating with superb technical skill and intelligent movement. Provided the assist for Rice’s goal with a pinpoint cross before having his own rebound effort cleared off the line.
Other Notable Performances:
William Saliba – 7.5/10 Returned from injury without missing a beat, dealing comfortably with Burnley’s limited attacking threats.
Brought calmness to Arsenal’s defensive shape, positioning himself perfectly to intercept danger before it developed. His presence allows Arsenal to play their high line with confidence.
Jurrien Timber – 7/10 Another solid showing down the right flank, linking effectively with Bukayo Saka while defending his zone competently. Flashed one effort over the bar when pushing forward. Continues his remarkable consistency as Arsenal’s most reliable defender this season.
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Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10 Performed his defensive duties diligently while providing attacking threat when opportunities arose. His willingness to push high created extra numbers in attack, though Burnley rarely tested him defensively during a comfortable afternoon.
Martin Zubimendi – 6.5/10 Anchored midfield with conviction, breaking up Burnley attacks and recycling possession effectively. Limped off late in the match needing treatment, sparking concern about another injury to Arsenal’s depleted squad. Offered little going forward but fulfilled his defensive responsibilities.
Eberechi Eze – 6.5/10 Showed positive involvement during the first half without producing decisive moments. Faded after the interval before being substituted in the 71st minute. Still searching for consistent influence despite flashes of quality.
Bukayo Saka – 5.5/10 Uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, missing two golden opportunities in the first half that he’d normally convert. Dúbravka saved well from his early one-on-one before denying him again after flowing Arsenal move. His marker struggled to contain him, but Saka couldn’t capitalize.
Substitutes:
Mikel Merino – 6/10 Replaced Gyokeres at halftime, shifting Arsenal’s shape with the striker withdrawn. Struggled to impose himself in advanced positions, lacking the focal point presence Gyokeres provided before his substitution.
Ethan Nwaneri – 6.5/10 Brought energy after entering in the 71st minute. Shot wide when well-positioned late on but demonstrated his confidence demanding the ball in dangerous areas. Deserves more opportunities after impressing against Brighton.
Piero Hincapie – 5.5/10 Brief cameo at left-back after Calafiori’s withdrawal. Insufficient time to make meaningful impact.
Christian Norgaard – 6.5/10 Replaced Zubimendi late after the Spaniard needed treatment. Forced Dúbravka into a smart save with a decent effort, showing alertness despite limited minutes.
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Viktor Gyokeres was substituted at half-time during Arsenal’s EPL fixture against Burnley. The Gunners made a brilliant start in the first-half, after Gyokeres himself headed home from close-range from an inch perfect Declan Rice corner. It was Gabriel Magalhaes who set him up with the assist.
Viktor Gyokeres was very Lively Throughout the First-Half
Gyokeres was buzzing with confidence in the first-half. After scoring his first, the Swede then played an outrageous flat cross-field ball to find Leandro Trossard. The Belgian, then, from the flanks set up the incoming Declan Rice with a perfect chipped cross.
Viktor Gyokeres vs Burnley (A)
— – (@imzftbi) November 1, 2025
45 mins played pic.twitter.com/HVZeZkAGPM
Rice expertly headed the ball past Martin Dubravka in the 35th minute, to double Arsenal’s lead – Gyokeres once again being in the thick of things.
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Viktor Gyokeres Caught an Elbow at the end of the First-Half
At the end of the first-half, tussling for the ball, right before the first-half whistle, Gyokeres took an elbow to the face. His complaints fell in the deaf ears of the match officials, even as the disappointed Swede walked off after the whistle.
The beginning of the second half saw Gyokeres being substituted, replaced by midfielder Mikel Merino. The whole fanbase on social media was flummoxed, leading to a boatload of rumors and speculations.
Why was Viktor Gyokeres Substituted at Half-Time Against Burnley?
While there is no concrete reason yet, it is believed that Viktor Gyokeres was substituted just for precautionary reasons. Arsenal also have a seemingly tough away fixture against Slavia Praha this mid-week.
Only if there is confirmation from Mikel Arteta would one know the actual reason behind the Swede’s substitution at half-time. But for now, it’s just precautionary or probably Gyokeres might have been rattled by the elbow.
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