An exceptionally emotional series round was played in the Premier League.
Dinis (left) and Duarte (right) Jota as mascots for the Liverpool–Wolves match. EPA / AOP
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota died in July in a car accident.
The tragedy of a beloved teammate is one of the biggest reasons why the Reds’ game has not gone well this season.
– Diogo would have liked to see us succeed. That is the most important thing. Fans sing his support song only out of respect for the player. He deserves it, Captain Virgil van Dijk quoth for The Times.
According to the Dutchman, the players have had trouble concentrating on the games when supporters have constantly reminded them of their dead colleague.
– We have talked about it a lot, and we are now already at a stage where it no longer affects us. Now it’s entirely up to the fans if they want to continue it.
On Saturday, Jota was exceptionally visible at Anfield, because he is a widow Rute Cardoso had brought the couple’s three children to the stadium. About them Dinis and Duarte Something also serve as Wolves match mascots.
Their father just played for Wolverhampton before his move to Liverpool.
In the opening period Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz took the Reds to a 2–0 halftime lead before Santiago Bueno narrowed the final numbers to 2–1.
Arsenal continues at the top of the league
Saturday’s first Premier League match started with a minute-long round of applause.
They commemorated the Nottingham Forest legend who died on Christmas Day John Robertson.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis confirmed that Forest will honor the two-time European Cup winner by converting the famous Bridgford Stand at the City Ground into the ‘John Robertson Stand’.
However, the Scotsman’s magic didn’t help anymore on the field, because the away team Manchester City claimed three league points with a 2-1 away win.
Ryan Cherki would grab the winning goal of the match in the 83rd minute from behind the player wall.
Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice (left) cheered the Gunners’ opening goal. EPA / AOP
City also rose to the top of the Premier League for a few hours. However, Arsenal reclaimed the top spot when they beat Brighton 2-1 at home by Martin Ødegaard with cannon and Georginio Rutter’s with own goal.
The Seagulls’ consolation goal was recorded For Diego Gómez after about an hour of play.
Arsenal have their goalkeeper to thank David Raya from three points. The Spaniard made a great Hollywood save after falling Yankuba Minteh top corner move into a corner kick.