The reality is that Liverpool cannot climb back to the top by outspending their rivals. They cannot win by might. They have to win by stealth. They have to win by having a better manager and a better strategy. They already have a fine manager and the best strategy is to stick with him. He just needs to be left alone to prove he has what it takes again.
South Africa fall to humiliating defeat as 40-1 underdogs Japan score late, late try to snatch victory
SOUTH AFRICA 32-34 JAPAN - MATT LAWTON AT THE COMMUNITY STADIUM: The fiercest clash in Brighton since Quadrophenia this was never supposed to be. Not when it was a game being contested by two teams at opposite ends of the Rugby World Cup spectrum; the best record versus the worst. But those who gathered inside a pulsating, sun-drenched Brighton Community Stadium can say they were there when Japan conquered the mighty Springboks.
West Ham complete stunning hat-trick of away wins as Moses and Sakho strike to down Man City despite De Bruyne goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-2 WEST HAM - JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City lost their long unbeaten record in the Premier League as Slaven Bilic's West Ham completed an incredible hat-trick of away victories. Strikes by Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho allowed the Hammers to end City's 11-match winning run.
Gabriel was sent off for responding to Costa... but was the Arsenal defender left with scratch marks on his neck?
Arsene Wenger saw his side lose to Chelsea under Jose Mourinho - a familiar refrain for the Arsenal manager. But the Gunners were incensed by the match-chaning incident which saw defender Gabriel sent off for a clash with Diego Costa. The Chelsea striker appeared to push and then strike Laurent Koscielny in the face before clashing with the Brazilian defender.
Zouma and Hazard strike as Chelsea return to winning ways in Premier League against nine-man Arsenal
Murray brothers put Great Britain on the brink of historic Davis Cup final after epic doubles victory against rivals Australia
MIKE DICKSON IN GLASGOW: Andy and Jamie Murray walked tall together to come through the unbearable tension of a fifth set decider to give Great Britain a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup semi-final against Australia. Pushed all the way by the superbly combative duo of Sam Groth and Lleyton Hewitt they finally came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.
Leicester launch ANOTHER fightback from two down as Mahrez and Vardy extend unbeaten run
STOKE 2-2 LEICESTER - NICK HARRIS AT BRITANNIA STADIUM: 'Are you Villa in disguise?' chanted the Leicester fans at the Britannia Stadium after watching their side come from 2-0 down to be level at 2-2 with more than 10 minutes still to play.
Ronaldo walks out with son of Syrian refugee before win
The son of the Syrian refugee tripped by a Hungarian journalist accompanied Cristiano Ronaldo onto the pitch before Real Madrid's La Liga game on Saturday.
We need to fix our scrum! Wales and Australia will be licking their lips after Fiji win, admits Cole
England's frustrated forwards will spend this week attempting to fix their misfiring scrum following another alarmingly disjointed performance against Fiji.
Day closes in on world No 1 spot after shooting 69 at BMW Championship to move six shots clear
Jason Day remains on course for his first BMW Championship title and the world No 1 spot after opening up a six-shot lead in Chicago.
Wales fly-half Priestland ready to silence boo-boys against minnows Uruguay
There was a comical moment in Cardiff city centre during the week when the Uruguay team lined up for photographs with exiled Wales star Gavin Henson. The South American minnows are milking their moment in the sun, with the group of farmers, accountants, bankers and students stealing the spotlight from their football contemporaries.
Ireland 50-7 Canada: Sexton stars as Schmidt's men begin World Cup campaign with win in Wales
RORY KEANE AT THE MILLENNIUM STADIUM: Jonathan Sexton produced a five-star showing as Ireland secured a 50-7 victory against Canada in their World Cup opener at the Millennium Stadium.
Hamilton struggles in Singapore qualifying as Mercedes deny tyre pressure conspiracy
MATT MORLIDGE IN SINGAPORE: 'It's not a conspiracy... it's paranoia.' Toto Wolff couldn't have been more forthright when responding to claims that Mercedes' drastic slump in Singapore could have anything to do to with Pirelli. But two weeks after both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were called to the stewards in Italy over alleged illegal tyre pressures, the duo slumped to the third row of the grid under the lights on Saturday night.
Dernbach finishes on losing side despite brilliant haul as Gloucestershire beat Surrey at Lord's
Quite how Jade Dernbach ended on a losing side and ultimately usurped by Jack Taylor might just haunt him until the end of his days. This was the Surrey seamer's moment, his six for 35 second only to Lancashire's Glen Chapple as the best in domestic one-day final history.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Rugby World Cup
UEFA Champions League
STARS OF SPORT
- MailOnline Fantasy Football is back... and you can pick Euro stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to boost your Premier League side
- Ronaldo walks out with son of a Syrian refugee The son of the Syrian refugee tripped by a Hungarian journalist accompanied Cristiano Ronaldo onto the pitch
- It's a thumbs up from Shaw as defender flies back to Manchester Luke Shaw is back in England as he continues recovery after breaking leg against PSV
- Banzai! 80-1 underdogs Japan set Rugby World Cup alight MATT LAWTON: South Africa got their World Cup campaign off to a disappointing start
- Murrays beat Aussies in Davis Cup thriller Great Britain moved to the brink of a place in the Davis Cup final after victory in a thrilling doubles encounter
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- What does it take to win a World Cup? Wilkinson proved kicking is king but breakdown battle is equally important SPONSORED
- 'When did you get fined for not showing up for training?' Andros Townsend shared an hilarious gaffe made by girlfriend Hazel O'Sullivan on Twitter
- As he returns to Southampton, how did Morgan Schneiderlin learn English? The Manchester United man watched Only Fools and Horses
- Fournette sets Twitter alight and announces Heisman credentials Leonard Fournette announced himself as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy
- Martial collared by star-struck traffic warden in Manchester Manchester United striker Anthony Martial returned to popular restaurant Wings
- Pacquiao attends 'Philippine Festa' as guest of honour Manny Pacquiao attended the annual 'Philippine Festa' in Japanese capital Tokyo
- Joker Walker sits in on press conference Kyle Walker took a back seat during a Korean press conference to celebrate Son Hueng-min's first goals
- Neymar poses with Star Wars actor John Boyega Barcelona superstar takes on British actor and Jedi warrior in celebrity poker match
- Rivaldo shows off gruesome scar as former Barcelona star goes under the knife Brazilian legend thanks fans for support after knee surgery
- Haskell bares all as England World Cup star poses naked ahead He is willing to lay his body on the line for the next six weeks and James Haskell isn't shy
- Murray thrashes Kokkinakis to put Great Britain ahead in Davis Cup semi-final But Australia drew level thanks to Bernard Tomic's win
- Everything you wanted to know about England Who runs the fastest 100m? And who likes to belt out Celine Dion? WILL KELLEHER guides you through the XV
- De Bruyne thanks fans for 'warm welcome' The £52m man was the centre of attention at a meet and greet and praised the City faithful after Manchester move
- Alli and Son seize chance to impress Harry Kane used the Europa League to become a regular. Dele Alli knows that, and didn't disappoint
- Man City's new green third kit unveiled by Nike... and it was inspired by the historic 1999-00 play-off comeback against Gillingham at Wembley
- The kids are alright Brendan Rodgers hailed the impact of Liverpool's young players as his side began their Europa League campaign with a draw in Bordeaux
- Ranieri promises to take his Leicester City players out for pizza if they keep their first clean sheet of season Leicester are riding high in the Premier League
- Robshaw is dating a singer, while Carter is wed to an ex-hockey star... meet the WAGs ahead of the World Cup Rugby World Cup takes over for next six weeks
- Hulk feels the effects of Champions League win with FOUR ice packs strapped to his legs Hulk powered through 90 minutes to help Zenit St Petersburg win
- Florenzi has Puskas Award in his pocket Forget Lionel Messi and Neymar. Alessandro Florenzi will steal the headlines with a magical long-range screamer
- France coach picks up Croydon parking ticket as things go from bad to worse for Les Bleus The bus pulled up in a south London bus stop on Wednesday night
- Joshua revving up for glory as British boxing's rising star treats himself to 'new toy'... a lime green dirt-bike Anthony Joshua is raising the (handle)bar
- Manchester United squad arrive back in England without Shaw after defender suffers broken leg in PSV defeat It was a solemn return to England for United
- Dawson sparks outrage in New Zealand by mocking haka with 'hakarena' dance Heightened tensions between World Cup hosts and favourites
- Forest release trailer for new film 'I Believe in Miracles', celebrating Clough's success The movie premieres at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on October 11
- Twitter mocks Ramos for dive during easy win over Shakhtar Real Madrid ran riot, but Sergio Ramos' ludicrous dive caught the eye of internet wags also
- Neymar looking to put his rivals in the shade(s) Brazil and Barcelona attacker agrees a big-money deal to be the face of Police Eyewear for third successive year
- The Great Britannia Bake-off: Bojan is cream of the crop as he wins Stoke cake-making competition Star forward is a man of hidden talents
- Rousey thrills Aussie UFC crowd ahead of her 'biggest challenge' against boxing world champion Holly Holm Vocal crowd was cheering her on
- Rooney uses injury time out to see Amir Khan's gym Paid a visit to Liverpool boxing's famous Smith brothers - Callum, Liam and Stephen
- Is that the way to World Cup glory? England put final preparations in place ahead of big opener Huge test ahead, but the players looked relaxed
- Neymar and Barcelona touch down in Italy for Euro opener with Roma Neymar and his Barcelona team-mates touched down in Italy for their game with Roma
- Berahino puts transfer saga behind him as wantaway star poses for West Brom portrait Berahino tried to force a move away from West Brom this summer
- Bellew stars in new film 'Creed' with Stallone back as Rocky Balboa Tony Bellew is to make his Hollywood debut alongside Sylvester Stallone in this new film
- Passing on knowledge: Henry takes charge of Arsenal U19s training Arsenal legend Thierry Henry led a training session alongside youth coach Ryan Garry
- US Open champion Djokovic admits to being inspired by blockbuster movie 300 Novak Djokovic summoned some cinematic inspiration
- New boy Martial heads for popular spot Wings with wife Samantha £58m new boy Anthony Martial has continued to settle into Manchester life with a trip to Wings
- West Ham 'Boys of 86' prove to be lucky charms as they attend win over Newcastle The 'Boys of 86' watched Slaven Bilic's side ease to a 2-0 home victory
- Murray takes on Celtic in a game of crossbar challenge... but how did the tennis star get on? Andy Murray and his team-mates swapped tennis for football
- What's on the menu, Gareth? Bale enjoys lunch with girlfriend Gareth Bale was spotted leaving a restaurant after lunch with girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones
- Boxer Khan shows off 'King Khan' edition white Range Rover British boxer Amir Khan's special edition Range Rover was in full view in Manchester
-
Sealed with a kiss: Djokovic celebrates his 10th slam success with wife JelenaNovak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the US Open on Sunday
- STEVEN GERRARD: 'Balotelli said: "I don't mark corners... I can't!" It was hard to manage mad Mario, but he made me smile. That wasn't the case with Diouf.'
- May and Corbisiero create their own Zizzi pizzas to raise money for Cancer Research UK The country's appetite for rugby has grown, and it's spreading to the players
-
Van Gaal arrives at favourite restaurant Wings in chauffeur-driven Bentley
The car even had a personalised number plate for Louis van Gaal
- Gayle introduces fans to strip club, mirrored ceiling and 'Hanky Panky' bed in his house The batsman showed off some revealing pictures of his house...
-
Beckham and DiCaprio lead star-studded cast for US Open final
The crowd included David Beckham and actors Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman - Bit slippy lads? Brazilian tie not called off despite ludicrously waterlogged pitch Watch the players in this Brasileiro Serie B match try to run with the ball...
- Nolan admits he was 'very miserable' towards end of time... as he trains with Orient while weighing up move Kevin Nolan needs a club
- Hamilton swoops into the front row of again... at Alexander Wang NY Fashion Week show Lewis Hamilton joined the Weeknd for a front row seat
- United striker Martial visits Wetherspoons for bargain meal as he gets used to Manchester Anthony Martial might be expensive, but his choice of dining certainly isn't!
- Ouch! Dyer puts his neck on the line to head home debut goal... as Leicester come from TWO goals down to win feisty Midlands derby Nathan Dyer was brave
- The transfer window's closed... but West Ham complete deal for Serbia U19 striker Belic West Ham have signed striker Luka Belic from OFK Beograd
- Get the beers in, Fergie! Sir Alex enjoys a pint on his return to Old Trafford (not that one!) Sir Alex Ferguson spent a day out at the cricket for England vs Australia
- STEVEN GERRARD: 'Some of the players came to me to complain that they had to walk 50 yards for a massage' EXCLUSIVE: Gerrard on the 2010 World Cup
- Arsenal duo Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers celebrate win at Joshua fight Anthony Joshua has gained many fans, including Arsenal stars
- Uh oh! Aguero injury scare for Manchester City after late win... but striker says on Twitter it 'doesn't seem serious' Sergio Aguero was forced off on Saturday
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Manchester City 1-2 West Ham: Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho cause upset as Manuel Pellegrini's side drop first points of season
- Swansea 0-0 Everton: Kevin Mirallas sent off in final seconds of goalless draw at Liberty Stadium
- Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland: Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie's thunderbolt secures win as Younes Kaboul sees red for visitors
- Newcastle 1-2 Watford: Odion Ighalo double piles the pressure on Steve McClaren's side after woeful St James' Park performance
- Aston Villa 0-1 West Brom: Controversial striker Saido Berahino nets first goal since Deadline Day madness as Baggies win derby
- Stoke 2-2 Leicester: Foxes fight back from two down again as Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy strikes extend unbeaten start
- Real Madrid 1-0 Granada: Karim Benzema scores winner as Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on chance to become all-time top scorer
- Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal: Kurt Zouma and Calum Chambers own goal settles feisty derby for Jose Mourinho's side as visitors end clash with nine men following Gabriel and Santi Cazorla red cards
- Darmstadt 0-3 Bayern Munich: Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman open accounts as Pep Guardiola's men continue winning run
- AC Milan 3-2 Palermo: Carlos Bacca at the double as Rossoneri edge win at San Siro
- Eibar 0-2 Atletico Madrid: Fernando Torres and Angel Correa on target as Diego Simeone's side move second in La Liga
- Stade Reims 1-1 PSG: Edinson Cavani comes off the bench to rescue a point for Laurent Blanc's side
- Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Fulham: Fernando Forestieri and Michael Turner grab first goals for Owls in thriller
- Nottingham Forest 1-2 Middlesbrough: Boro move second in the Championship with narrow win
RUGBY WORLD CUP
Magic Mike gets World Cup party started! Brown steals show as England edge thrilling opener after Fiji curse TV ref
ENGLAND 35-11 FIJI - CHRIS FOY AT TWICKENHAM: England are on their way. The chariot is rolling - but only just. The host nation claimed the win they needed to ignite their World Cup campaign, but this was not a performance to strike terror into the other leading nations. After the pomp of the opening ceremony at Twickenham, full of fireworks, lasers and flame-throwers, the lights briefly threatened to go out on Stuart Lancaster' s side in this tournament.
What does it take to win a World Cup? Wilkinson and Montgomery proved kicking is king but breakdown battle is equally important
Power was the buzzword in England's 2003 World Cup triumph and the combination of physical strength and endurance only became more important during South Africa's 2007 win and the All Blacks' second success four years ago.
REVEALED: How it could have been a whole different ball game for Arsenal midfielder Ramsey...
RUGBY WORLD CUP DIARY - NIK SIMON: Aaron Ramsey, who was invited for trials with Newport Gwent Dragons in his teens, has been sharing his World Cup excitement on Twitter, showing off his kicking skills.
MARTIN SAMUEL: Solid, not spectacular. Efficient, not slick. England got the job done
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT TWICKENHAM: Pragmatists the world over will recognise the significance of this one. Solid, but not spectacular. Efficient, but not slick. England got the job done, got the win and got the bonus point with the last play of the game through Billy Vunipola, a substitute. Stuart Lancaster used every last one of his replacements, all eight, and the fresh legs paid off with two late tries.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
Cech receives hero's welcome back at the Bridge with fans applauding former No 1
He may have left to join London rivals Arsenal in the summer but some Chelsea fans still hold their former stopper Petr Cech in the highest regard. After playing second-fiddle to Thibaut Courtois last season, the Croatian decided to leave the club after 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge. A banner was put up inside the stadium, as fans showed their was no ill-feeling towards the 33-year-old, despite his departure to one of their biggest Premier League rivals.
Shaw finally flies back to Manchester as stricken defender thanks hospital staff after breaking leg
Luke Shaw will return to Manchester on Saturday morning as he continues his recovery from the horrendous double fracture to his right leg.
Torres and Correa on target as Atletico climb into second with win over Eibar
Angel Correa and Fernando Torres scored the goals in a hard-fought 2-0 victory for Atletico Madrid away to Eibar. Diego Simeone's side had made little impact against a determined Eibar defence but the introduction of Correa and Torres in the second half.
EXCLUSIVE: Redknapp taken aback by Homeless World Cup as ex-QPR boss hopes his England charges are set for better future
OLIVER TODD IN AMSTERDAM: It's been over three years since Harry Redknapp's name was mentioned in the frame for the England job, but this week the former Tottenham and Southampton manager has been doing his bit for another of the country's national sides. At the Homeless World Cup in Amsterdam, Redknapp, seven months on from quitting QPR, was making a low-key return to coaching to help out an England squad made of young people in need of a confidence boost.
Martial collared by traffic warden while heading for dinner in Manchester... but for a selfie, not a ticket!
Manchester United and France striker Anthony Martial returned to popular city-centre Chinese restaurant Wing's and posed for a selfie with a star-struck traffic warden outside the venue. Wing's is a well known hotspot for several United players and manager Louis van Gaal was also pictured at the venue earlier in the week.
'When did you get fined for not showing up for training?' Spurs ace Townsend laughs off confusion after girlfriend falls for tweet
Tottenham Hotspur's Andros Townsend has shared with his 295,000-strong Twitter following an hilarious gaffe made by girlfriend Hazel O'Sullivan.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Fournette announces his Heisman Trophy credentials in LSU's victory over Auburn
He only played for three quarters, but Leonard Fournette announced himself as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy after the second game of his sophomore season. The LSU running back shredded Auburn's defense, rushing for a career-high 228 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries as Tigers racked up an emphatic 45-21 victory.
Birthday girl Reid puts tragedy behind her with sparkling display for Europe
DEREK LAWRENSON: Even the hardest American heart would surely not have begrudged the sight of Mel Reid bathed in the broadest of smiles.
MIKE DICKSON: Murray must summon up one last effort as to help Great Britain into Davis Cup final
Andy Murray will play the crucial match of Great Britain's Davis Cup semi-final against Australia after he and his brother Jamie put the hosts 2-1 ahead on Saturday.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
BT Sport's coverage of the Champions League is revolutionary and will get bigger and better... Sportsmail goes behind the scenes at new home of European football
KIERAN GILL: We are in the BT Sport studio next door to east London's Olympic Stadium and Gary Lineker is getting prepared, practising lines from the teleprompter while Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright crack jokes to his left. It is 6.15pm and Lineker, the highly-respected footballer-turned-presenter, is just 15 minutes from showtime.