Liverpool star explains Ballon d'Or snub as Newcastle send fresh Alexander Isak message

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Liverpool's defence of their Premier League title is going from strength to strength.

The Reds maintained their flawless start in the league with a victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday.

Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike ensured Liverpool claimed all three points against David Moyes' team.



A daunting journey to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray also looms in the Champions League.

READ MORE:Florian Wirtz makes blunt admission about Liverpool form and Jurgen Klopp advice - 'Don’t want to hear'READ MORE:Man United duo respond as Ousmane Dembele beats Liverpool's Mohamed Salah to Ballon d'Or

Amid all the fallout from the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where four Liverpool stars ranked in the top 30, as well as comments from rival Premier League managers about the Reds, we take a look at all the latest news from Anfield.

Four Liverpool players were featured in the Ballon d'Or top 30 on Monday evening.

While Salah's absence was noticeable, having finished fourth, it was Mac Allister who revealed his reasons for not attending the ceremony.

The 26-year-old shared a statement on Instagram to clarify ahead of the ceremony.

He penned: "Won't be able to attend @ballondorofficial ceremony today for personal reasons, all the best for everyone, enjoy!" The 2022 World Cup champion and his partner, Ailen Cova, are expecting their first child together imminently.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has voiced his worry that Liverpool's remarkable opening to the campaign could render it "impossible to catch them".

The Reds are chasing consecutive league titles for the first time since the 1980s and boast a perfect record of five victories from five matches.

Slot has also strengthened his attacking options with the signings of Wirtz and Alexander Isak during the summer window, leaving the Blues manager increasingly concerned for the remainder of the Premier League.

"If they continue in this way I think it is impossible to catch them, not just for us, but for all the clubs," he said.

"They have been doing a fantastic job since last year, and the players they have decided to buy shows the intention of the club to go again for the Premier League and the Champions League, and that is quite clear."

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that his team are lacking the 'X factor' following Isak's transfer to Liverpool on deadline day.

The Reds secured the Swedish striker for a record-breaking £125million, leaving Howe grappling with the loss, particularly as the Magpies have struggled to find the back of the net in the Premier League this season, scoring just three goals in five matches.

"In an ideal world you have a full pre-season to iron out any issues you have," said Howe.