Liverpool powered seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against Leicester, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off in Manchester United’s dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs copped another loss, 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.
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Erling Haaland missed a penalty as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, but it was United’s travails and Liverpool’s remarkable run that took centre-stage on Thursday.
Arne Slot’s side were shocked by Jordan Ayew’s early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo.
England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time.
Mohamed Salah’s 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool’s 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions.
“We created enough, but because we went 1-0 down it was a game,” Liverpool manager Slot said.
Liverpool’s comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were defeated 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his team’s third goal.Source: Getty Images
United suffered a third successive loss in all competitions to leave new boss Ruben Amorim with five defeats in his first 10 games.
Fernandes was dismissed two minutes into the second half at Molineux for a second bookable offence.
United’s 10 men cracked in the 58th minute when Matheus Cunha’s corner went straight in as goalkeeper Andre Onana flapped under pressure.
Hwang Hee-chan compounded Amorim’s misery when he tapped in with just seconds left.
Losing to fourth-bottom Wolves was another bitter blow for United, who endured a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend after losing 4-3 in the League Cup at Tottenham.
With his team marooned in 14th place — just eight points above the relegation zone — Amorim’s woes might not be over, with United facing in-form Newcastle on Monday before travelling to Liverpool in their first game of 2025.
“It’s so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it’s more difficult,” Amorim said.
Ruben Amorim has had a rough start at Manchester United.Source: Getty Images
Champions Manchester City have just one victory in their last 13 games in all competitions as their Christmas schedule started in disappointing fashion.
Bernardo Silva put City in front early on before Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a point for Everton.
Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland had the chance to end his longest goal drought at the Etihad but Jordan Pickford denied him.
City are languishing in seventh place and sit five points adrift of the top four, with their astonishing decline showing no sign of ending.
“Of course we need results and we didn’t get it. The team played really good again in all departments and unfortunately could not win,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.
Erling Haaland is challenged by Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.Source: Getty Images
At Stamford Bridge, second-placed Chelsea were stunned by Fulham’s late fightback for a 2-1 win in a dramatic west London derby.
It was Chelsea’s first home defeat against Fulham since 1979. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead after 16 minutes, the England forward drilling home from the edge of the area after weaving through the Fulham defence in dazzling style.
But Fulham levelled with eight minutes left when Antonee Robinson’s cross was headed down by Timothy Castagne and Harry Wilson nodded in from close range.
Chelsea were furious, claiming Alex Iwobi had fouled Pedro Neto in the build-up to the goal.
But there was worse to come for the Blues in stoppage-time when Rodrigo Muniz converted Sasa Lukic’s pass with a clinical strike.
Chelsea are four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand and host Leicester later on Thursday.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure.Source: AFP
Nottingham Forest climbed to third place after a 1-0 win against sputtering Tottenham at the City Ground.
Forest went ahead in the 28th minute when Anthony Elanga raced onto Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass and stroke a composed finish past Fraser Forster.
Forest’s fourth successive win was sweet revenge for boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose former club Tottenham had Djed Spence sent off in the closing moments for a second booking.
Tottenham are stuck in 11th as the pressure mounts on boss Ange Postecoglou. Newcastle swatted aside 10-man Aston Villa 3-0, moving up to fifth place after winning three consecutive league games for the first time since 2023.
Jarrod Bowen’s 59th-minute goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win at bottom of the table Southampton after the visitors saw Guido Rodriguez’s red card overturned by VAR.
It was a frustrating start for new Saints boss Ivan Juric, who has replaced the sacked Russell Martin.
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace shared a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Kai Havertz and Ben White scored twice as Arsenal thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday to surge ahead in the Premier League title race and ramp up the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City.
Leandro Trossard was also on target for the Gunners, who move three points clear of Liverpool and four of Manchester City.
The destiny of the title remains in City’s hands as the defending champions have two games in hand.
Liverpool have also played one fewer game than Arsenal and are in action at Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men’s goal difference advantage now looks unassailable should it become decisive in the title race.
Chelsea and Arsenal’s title rivals were dealt a huge blow before kick-off as the Blues’ danger man Cole Palmer was ruled out due to illness.
Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, looks dejected during the Premier League match.Source: Getty Images
Palmer has scored or assisted nearly 50 per cent of Chelsea’s Premier League goals this season and his presence was badly missed by the visitors.
Despite enduring a disappointing first season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea had been unbeaten in eight consecutive league games prior to their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
But they were blown away by an Arsenal side keen to reaffirm their title credentials after losing their last home game to Aston Villa.
The hosts flew out of the blocks and were in front inside five minutes. Trossard only ended up at the Emirates after Arsenal were gazumped by Chelsea in the battle to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023.
The Belgian has proved to be a far more productive signing and smashed in his 15th goal of the season at Djordje Petrovic’s near post.
Arsenal celebrate their huge win.Source: AFP
– Jackson avoids red –
Chelsea were lucky to not have their bad start compounded by a red card when Nicolas Jackson escaped unpunished for a studs-up challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Petrovic redeemed himself for fault at the opening goal with two brilliant saves to turn away Havertz’s low effort and a deflected shot by Trossard to keep his side in the game before halftime.
Chelsea did, though, have chances to level before the break. Jackson spurned three huge chances against City at Wembley at the weekend and was equally wasteful when he headed a huge opportunity into his own hand.
Petrovic briefly held Arsenal at bay early in the second period with saves from Declan Rice and Havertz.
However, the floodgates opened once White curled in Arsenal’s second after Chelsea failed to clear a corner on 52 minutes.
Havertz scored the winning goal in a Champions League final for Chelsea during his three years in west London, but he never performed consistently to the level he has found in recent months under Arteta.
Martin Odegaard’s stunning through ball was met with the finish it deserved as Havertz smashed high past Petrovic.
Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz celebrates.Source: AFP
His next finish was more subtle as the German international fired in off the post from Bukayo Saka’s pass for his seventh goal in his last 14 club games.
A night for forget for Chelsea was summed up by another sitter from Jackson when he hit the side-netting with just Raya to beat.
And fortune was also not on Pochettino’s side when White’s attempted cross flew into the top corner from another sensational Odegaard pass.
Defeat leaves Chelsea still in ninth, three points adrift of the European places.
Next up for Arsenal is what appears their toughest hurdle remaining away to Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
Should Arteta’s side prevail at the home of their fiercest rivals, City will likely need to be perfect in their final six games to retain the title.
Tottenham continued to make things harder for themselves with defensive issues, while a previously-maligned striker is finally showing his worth despite his team’s struggle for consistency.
The title race also took a major twist, but is one of the leading contenders set to fall behind the pace?
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at all of the big moments from the weekend’s Premier League action in the latest edition of Premier League Talking Points!
For the fourth time in their last five games, Tottenham gave themselves a mountain to climb after conceding the first goal.
But, unlike the other three encounters, Ange Postecoglou’s troops simply could not overcome the deficit and escape with at least a point, as Joao Gomes’ 63rd-minute strike helped Wolves seal a 2-1 victory.
The defeat was Tottenham’s first since a 4-2 loss away to Brighton on December 28 and also squeezed them out of the top four after Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Fulham, but it was one that had supposedly been coming.
After all, Postecoglou’s side had failed to keep a clean sheet since a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on December 15.
Even then, a look at the expected goals (xG) from that contest hints Forest were perhaps unlucky not to find the back of the net, accruing an xG of 1.71 to Tottenham’s 1.61, per Understat.
Prior to that, Tottenham’s last clean sheet was on October 23 in a victory over Fulham by the same scoreline.
“If you look at the bigger picture, rather than just this game or even the last three home games, it becomes more worrying for Spurs,” Pitt-Brooke wrote.
“There is a trend that has lasted for longer than the past few weeks. For months, Spurs have looked like a team not performing as well as they could.
Tottenham’s five-game unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Wolves. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“A team unable to dominate opponents over the whole game, conceding too many chances, often relying on individual quality at both ends of the pitch to get them over the line.”
Granted, there have been mitigating circumstances that can explain Tottenham’s demise at various stages, none more so than a lengthy injury list.
Postecoglou was again unable to start his full strength team against Wolves as Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, his first choice at left and right back respectively, were unavailable through injury.
But he was able to start his best midfield trio of James Maddison, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr as well as a front three of Heung-Min Son, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.
The Aussie boss reiterated he is “not a magician” and most, if not all are aware his project at Tottenham is in its infancy.
However, with no European football or domestic cup competitions to stress over, Postecoglou has the rare chance to focus solely on the Premier League, something a number of Tottenham’s rivals do not.
Tottenham’s next game is against Crystal Palace on March 3, gifting Postecoglou two weeks to get his squad fully fit and concoct a plan that doesn’t leave his team so defensively exposed.
Postecoglou is hoping to guide Tottenham back to the Champions League. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)Source: AFP
21YO ENTERS ELITE GROUP BUT UNITED REMAIN FRAIL
Who would’ve thought that after firing blanks for 14 consecutive Premier League games Rasmus Hojlund would find himself in the company of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona?
Hojlund’s double against Luton Town not only steered Manchester United to victory, but it also meant the Dane had scored in six consecutive league games — something only Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy and Cantona had achieved prior.
Additionally, Hojlund became the youngest in Premier League history to achieve the feat at just 21 years and 14 days, eclipsing Newcastle’s Joe Willock who did it aged 21 years and 272 days.
Hojlund, who moved to Old Trafford from Atalanta in the summer for a staggering £64 million ($AUD123 million), now has seven goals in his last seven league games, a run that has coincided with the Red Devils winning five and drawing six in that same span.
However, a deeper look at United’s performances not just against Luton but across the entire season paints a slightly different, less rosy picture.
Hojlund’s record-breaking scoring run is a welcome distraction from United’s defensive struggles. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Williams gave an alarming comparison: since Jurgen Klopp took over at Liverpool in 2015, they have faced 20 shots twice … throughout his entire tenure.
It points to a rather chaotic team that isn’t quite riding its luck, but is shipping a staggering amount of chances and should be grateful their rivals aren’t able to capitalise on the opportunities.
A similar tale followed against Luton, a team assembled for less than £10 million.
After Hatters skipper Carlton Morris pulled one back for the hosts at Kenilworth Road, it was all Luton.
Remarkably, United held on for the three points, marking a fourth consecutive league win that inches them closer towards the top four.
“United were a mess, leaders such as Casemiro and Maguire giving no direction,” Winter wrote.
“Heaven knows what the watching Harry Styles thought.”
Winter added: “Another win, but hardly convincing.”
Manchester United continue to win, but they aren’t exactly dominating their rivals. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
DEVASTATING TITLE IMPLICATIONS IN REDS’ CRUEL INJURY CURSE
Last year felt like the closest title run in some time as Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way before the former simply ran out of gas, physically and mentally.
However, Liverpool have returned to the title race picture after last year’s struggles and are the league leaders with 57 points, two ahead of Arsenal (2nd) and four ahead of City (3rd), albeit with a game in hand.
Liverpool and Arsenal made major statements of intent on the weekend with a 4-1 win over Brentford and a 5-0 victory over Burnley respectively.
As for City, they needed an 83rd-minute equaliser from Rodri to rescue a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.
With 13 games left this season, it’s shaping up to be one wild sprint to the finish.
However, of the three teams, it looks like Liverpool are the weakest of the bunch.
In the win over Brentford, Jurgen Klopp was forced to watch Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones all exit the game early with an injury.
Jones and Nunez were largely precautionary but Jota, who has been a vital component to Liverpool’s attack, appears set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
A day before the trip to Brentford, Klopp revealed superstar goalkeeper Alisson was out with injury and did not specify a return date.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai also missed the Brentford clash with a knee and thigh injury respectively, with Klopp claiming both are likely to return after the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on February 26.
Injuries to several key players would be an awfully cruel reason for Liverpool to fade out of the title race, especially in Klopp’s last season at Anfield.
But if City prove to be an inevitable force and Arsenal continue to score goals for fun — they’ve scored 21 goals in their last five league games for an average of 4.2 goals per game — Liverpool simply might not be able to keep up.
Central Coast’s A-League Men clash with Melbourne City in Gosford on Sunday night descended into chaos late in stoppage time when a wild brawl broke out, which saw almost every player from each side involved.
About 10 minutes after Mariners forward Angel Torres scored his 88th-minute winner to break City hearts and delivered the hosts a thrilling 2-1 win in scorching conditions, a clash between City’s Terry Antonis and Central Coast’s Jacob Farrell in the seventh minute of added time spark a huge melee.
In the wash-up, Central Coast’s Storm Roux, who was already substituted from the match, was sent off for his involvement from the bench, while his captain Danny Vukovic was also shown yellow. Antonis and his teammate Tolgay Arslan were also given yellow cards.
“They’ve come from everywhere here,” Paramount play-by-play commentator Robbie Thomson said.
“I spoke about the rivalry, there’s no love lost between these two sides.
“Now the City bench is coming … this is escalating.”
Players tussle during the A-League Men round 13 match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Former Mariners coach Phil Moss added: “Just when you thought the temperature was cooling down, it’s gone in exactly the opposite direction.
“Good luck dissecting all of this, because there were bodies everywhere. Both benches coming in.”
Mariners player Josh Nisbet was asked about the incident post-game.
“You can see the passion in the game, and that both teams needed the points,” he told Paramount.
“We all love ‘Faz’, so as soon as someone touches him, we better get in there.”
The incident capped off a frustrating match for Melbourne, who absolutely dominated the second half with 14 shots at goal to two and seven corners to one. The sustained pressure they applied to the Mariners defence saw them level proceedings in the 79th minute when Steven Ugarkovic blasted it home from the edge of the box, with the help of a deflection.
Referee Adam Kersey gives Storm Roux of the Mariners a red card. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
But nine minutes later, after accepting the set up from Jing Reec, Torres danced around Curtis Good, and coolly sent it past wrong-footed Melbourne goalkeeper Jamie Young to send Central Coast into the top four of the A-League Men ladder, in what was a cruel blow for City.
The hosts opened up the scoring in the 50th minute with a magnificently constructed team goal. Alou Kuol sent a sublimely weighted pass into the path of Josh Nisbet who didn’t have to break stride, and the latter cut it back to Christian Theoharous who sent it flying into the back of the net from 12 yards out.
All up, Melbourne had far more total shots (17-9) and corners (8-3), while they edged Central Coast in shots on target (6-5) as well as possession (56 per cent), but it wasn’t enough to take any points away from the match.
Jacob Farrell of the Mariners competes for the ball with Andrew Nabbout of Melbourne City. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
After losing their first four games, and dropping to the bottom of the ladder, the Mariners have now strung together nine consecutive league games without defeat, including six wins, to roar back into contention to defend their title.
Meanwhile, Melbourne missed a chance to re-enter the top four, and after copping back-to-back losses for the first time since October, they remain stuck in eighth spot and could drop to ninth on Tuesday night.
But the win came at a cost for Central Coast after Brad Tapp left the game in the 61st minute with what looked like recurrence of a knee injury, and in the 76th minute, Storm Roux also limped from the field with a possible foot issue.
MARINERS WASTE CHANCES
After a largely uneventful opening half-hour, the hosts had two golden opportunities to take the lead in the 31st minute when Torres played Kuol through, but from six yards out, the latter failed to get it past Young who stayed big and executed a magnificent save. From the follow-up, Torres’ strike from 10 yards out cannoned into the crossbar, and moments later, Theoharous’ shot from 20 yards out was too tame.
Glory win on the road! | 00:55
In the 40th minute, the hosts looked destined to open the scoring again when Theoharous sprinted down the right and crossed it to Kuol in a very dangerous position, but City defender Jordon Hall was there to get his boot in and execute a sensational block of Kuol’s close-range shot to deny the Mariners the lead again.
Central Coast had to be content with a 0-0 stalemate at the break, but they only had to wait five minutes after half-time to grab the lead via Theoharous.
TIDE TURNS CITY’S WAY
Melbourne almost equalised immediately when Andrew Nabbout crossed it beautifully to Jamie Maclaren, but the competition all-time leading goalscorer’s sliding shot from a few yards out at the back post was stopped brilliantly by Vukovic.
In the 63rd minute, Callum Talbot’s pinpoint pass into the area found Maclaren whose powerful strike was once again thwarted by Vukovic. Shortly after, Arslan cut a swath through the Mariners defence, after receiving a delightful backheel pass from Leo Natel, but the German star’s shot on goal was stopped by another outstanding Vukovic save.
City finally scored in the 79th minute courtesy of Ugarkovic and came close to grabbing the lead a few minutes later when Maclaren’s deft chip over Vukovic tantalisingly floated onto the roof of the net. But Torres would have the final say.
Ange Postecoglou might have a disciplinary issue on his hands at Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester United finally turned in a performance to back up their claims about playing for embattled boss Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, a heavyweight’s horror run continued and it could have major implications in the race for the title as well as the four Champions League spots on offer.
Foxsports.com.au reviews the weekend that was in the latest edition of Premier League Talking Points!
PL GREAT BLASTS SPURS’ ‘STUPIDITY’ AS ANGE ACKNOWLEDGES KEY ‘ISSUE’
Ange Postecoglou acknowledged Tottenham have “a little bit of an issue” with their in-game discipline after Yves Bissouma was sent off in the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham were rarely troubled against Forest, but Bissouma made the contest needlessly difficult when he was shown a straight red card in the 70th minute after a VAR check as he horribly mistimed a challenge and scraped his boot on Ryan Yates’ shin.
It was Bissouma’s second red card of the season after being sent off against Luton Town and he will now miss Tottenham’s next three Premier League fixtures, robbing Postecoglou of a vital midfield cog.
It is a costly blow, especially since Postecoglou’s squad is already thin given the large casualty ward that has built up in recent months.
Bissouma’s early shower also condemned Tottenham to the bottom of the Premier League’s fair play ladder as it was the north London side’s fourth red card of the season, the equal-most this season alongside Liverpool.
Although Postecoglou enjoys his players toeing the line of aggression but knows in the VAR world we live in, tackles like Bissouma’s are rarely going to have a happy ending for the player challenging for the ball.
“I haven’t seen it but I’m assuming they slowed it down and saw it,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports after the 2-0 win.
‘That is an absolutely AWFUL challenge’ | 01:09
“It’s been a little bit of an issue. It’s a fine line with those things. The players are aware of that, they don’t want to miss games. I think today was more of a desperation tackle than something nasty.
“We’ve had to deal with that a few times this year and you can’t go on doing it like that because eventually we’ll pay a price for it, and we did against Chelsea.
“It’s something we talk about constantly but it’s a fine line between their commitment to what we’re trying to do and not overstepping the mark.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also took aim at Tottenham and aired his concerns for how big of an impact the club’s disciplinary record will have on the table at the end of the season.
“For them to lose them constantly through all this … look, I got sent off two or three times in my career and made some mistakes,” Neville said.
“But these are getting sent off two or three times a season, some of these players, and it’s the same players.
“They’ve got to stop it because they’re going to cost Tottenham. Spurs will drop points without these players.
“If they’re injured, you can’t do anything about it. But if they’re continually being rash and reckless with these challenges, it becomes stupidity, it’s madness.”
How Postecoglou gets his team back in line remains to be seen but, as Neville pointed out, he can’t afford rash challenges from his key players any longer.
Yves Bissouma was shown his second red card of the season. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
‘SUPERIOR’ RED DEVILS FINALLY SHOW MISSING INGREDIENTS
These days it seems as if Manchester United go through the clichéd ‘week from hell’ at least once a month.
But these past seven days were of a different variety.
An embarrassing 3-0 loss at Old Trafford to Bournemouth was followed up by a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, condemning the Red Devils to last place in their Champions League group.
A trip to Anfield beckoned and many feared the scoreline would go on to read something similar to the 7-0 humiliation United endured against Liverpool last season.
There was a ridiculous amount of pressure on the shoulders of embattled United manager Erik ten Hag, too.
Despite a raft of injuries as well as a suspension of skipper Bruno Fernandes, United turned in a gritty, backs-to-the-wall performance that proved this team is firmly behind the Dutch boss.
Liverpool fired off 34 shots over the course of the contest and had an xG (expected goals) of 2.35 to United’s 0.6, but the most important statistic of all had the two teams equal at 0-0.
The Times’ Henry Winter marvelled at United’s resilience, especially at the unfamiliar centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.
Raphael Varane had a big day at the back for United. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
“United needed Varane and Evans to stand tall,” Winter wrote.
“Ravaged by injury and players in exile, beset by loss of form and confidence, United showed real resilience to keep Liverpool at bay.
“In ‘aspects’ of the game such as grit and character, United were superior. In putting in the blocks, United were superior. Not every aspect is a thing of beauty. Containment can be an artform.
“United were supposed to be swept away. Ten Hag was supposed to be fighting for his job.
“But this team fought for the shirt, for the fans, and for him.”
Of course, this result could be a red herring for United given it was a fixture against a bitter rival.
The Red Devils travel to West Ham next. If they can prove the draw against Liverpool wasn’t out of the ordinary, perhaps the crisis in Manchester isn’t as bad as the outside world believe.
Erik ten Hag’s side showed plenty of resilience against a rampant Liverpool outfit. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
DAMNING STAT PROVES WHY CITY’S STRUGGLES ARE NO JOKE IN WILD TITLE RACE
Liverpool’s scoreless draw against Manchester United meant Arsenal ended matchweek 17 on top of the Premier League ladder thanks to a 2-0 win over Brighton.
In fact, there’s just one point separating the league-leading Gunners, second-placed Liverpool and unlikely title race contender Aston Villa in third.
But there’s almost certain to be another twist as soon as the next round of fixtures in what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling Premier League title races in years.
Villa could actually spend a night in top spot as they welcome last-placed Sheffield United to Villa Park on Saturday morning (AEDT).
Given Unai Emery’s side have won 15 consecutive league games at Villa Park a victory seems a forgone conclusion against the battling Blades, yet it looms as a real banana skin of a clash.
But the ladder could have a new leader the next day as Arsenal travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a mouth-watering fixture.
What’s most remarkable is the lack of discussion surrounding Manchester City as title contenders.
Granted, there is a sense of inevitability Pep Guardiola’s side will find form in the second half of the season.
Arsenal are the current leaders of what’s shaping up to be an epic title race. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
City were as far as eight points behind Arsenal in the 2022/23 campaign but stormed home to finish five points ahead of the Gunners who stumbled over the finish line.
But given the number of other title contenders this year, coupled with City’s worrying recent form, is there cause for concern in the blue half of Manchester?
Guardiola’s side were 2-0 up with 14 minutes remaining against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium but by full time, the score read 2-2.
With that result, City have won just once in their last six Premier League games and more worryingly have kept one clean sheet in their last 11 league fixtures.
City’s 34 points after 17 games is also their lowest points tally at this stage of the season since Guardiola joined prior to the 2016/17 campaign.
Throw a first-ever trip to the Club World Cup and City could have some serious ground to make up when they return.
Will it be too much ground?
Guardiola is tearing out what little hair he has left as Manchester City continue to throw away leads. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BRUTAL TOFFEES REALITY CAN’T HIDE INSANE RUN
Four wins and four clean sheets on the trot and the Toffees are well and truly surging. Since losing to Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby on October 21, Everton have won six, drawn one, and lost just once – to Manchester United. On the back of a ten-point deduction for breaching Premier League financial rules, the Toffees have been on an inspired run. They look a united force, spurred on by the perceived injustice of that massive penalty (especially when compared to the likes of Manchester City, who are currently fighting over 100 charges from the Premier League).
Everton are sitting in 16th, just two places out of the relegation zone but seven points clear of Luton Town. Without that deduction, they’d be equal with ninth-placed Brighton and just three points off sixth place. The fight for Europe – not relegation – would be in their sights.
What is most pleasing for Everton fans is the team’s resilience and adaptability. Decimated by suspensions and injuries, including the late withdrawal of Vitalii Mykolenko, Everton was forced into a reshuffle – turning to a 5-4-1 formation and making four changes from last week’s win over Everton.
Everton are on a roll. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ben Godfrey made his first league start of the season, Michael Keane started despite only returning to training midweek after being ruled out last week, and Amadou Onana playing 90 minutes for the first time since October. The trio were standout performers, reflecting a squad where every player can step up when required.
“I was delighted,” manager Sean Dyche said. “We’re a side pieced together yesterday morning. We lost Myko (Vitaliy Mykolenko) with a tight groin and because we’ve got injuries and suspensions we can’t risk players so we had to change everything in a morning.
“Their acceptance to go and deliver a performance that can win was very pleasing.”
But the real test starts now. Between now and mid-February, they face fourth-place Manchester City and fifth-place Tottenham twice apiece, as well as third-place Aston Villa. It’s arguably the toughest upcoming run in the competition.
They’ve already won as many games in the league this season as the entirety of last campaign, and the mood is very different around Goodison Park. The old adage that ‘the ladder doesn’t lie’ is not quite fair when it comes to Everton – and the top teams will be rightly wary.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has blasted Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk after the latter claimed there was “only one team trying to win” as the two clubs played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
The Red Devils made the trip to Merseyside on the back of a humiliating Champions League exit in which they came last in their group, heaping even more pressure on embattled United boss Erik ten Hag.
However, United showed plenty of fight and spirit against Liverpool to keep a clean sheet and take a valuable point but Diogo Dalot got himself sent off for dissent in second half stoppage time.
Although it was a much-needed result for United against a fancied opponent, Liverpool’s Van Dijk took aim at the club for its negative approach to the contest.
“There was only one team trying to win the game,” Van Dijk said.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen. We want to win every game, especially a team like them.
“It’s frustrating as we were superior in all aspects and they were just hoping on the counter attack to hurt us. In the end they are buzzing with a point and we are disappointed with a point.
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk wasn’t happy with United’s approach to the clash. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“They aren’t in the best phase so coming here you have to worry about the threat we have. But we should have won today. There are big games coming up and we won’t dwell on it.”
Van Dijk’s comments riled up Keane, who did punditry work on the fixture for Sky Sports.
And the United legend wasted little time in giving Van Dijk a history lesson while also claiming the Dutchman’s “arrogance” wasn’t a great look on him.
“There’s a lot of arrogance coming out of him, dissing Manchester United like that,” Keane said.
“He needs reminding that he is playing for a club that has won one title in 30-odd years.
“Manchester United are in a difficult place, just like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many years. So maybe that arrogance backfired on him today.
“He needs to remember where he is coming from. One title in 33 years?
“He said Man United were buzzing and one team came to play. Yeah, I’ve come to Anfield many times with Manchester United where Liverpool were in a tough place and were happy with a draw.
Manchester United secured a much-needed result away to Liverpool. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
“The bottom line is that the most important stat is the scoreline. Liverpool had chances and didn’t take them. That’s their own fault.”
The draw meant Liverpool lost their hold on top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal after the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.
In a further title twist, the two sides will collide on Sunday at Anfield.
Should Liverpool and Arsenal play out a draw, it could also allow Aston Villa to sneak through into top spot.
Unai Emery’s side came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 and face last-placed Sheffield United at Villa Park, a venue where Villa have won 15 consecutive league games.
As for Manchester United, the draw kept them within touching distance of the Champions League spots as they sit in seventh on 28 points, six behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
It’s been an incredible weekend for Socceroos around the globe, with trophies raised, promotions secured, and goals galore.
However, there has been one sad injury update on an out-of-favour superstar, while another veteran copped an injury as well.
Here’s all the latest in our Roo Radar!
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MASSIMO LUONGO
The midfielder’s stratospheric rise in recent months at third-tier English side Ipswich Town has been one of the stories of the season.
And on Sunday, the fairytale had a perfect ending. Luongo played 75 minutes of a 6-0 win for Ipswich over Exeter City, a result that sees the Blues return to the Championship after a four-year absence.
Luongo scored a goal as he continued an unbelievable streak with the club. He has played 14 consecutive league games for Ipswich, and they’ve won 13 of those games with a draw in the other.
The team banked an incredible 43 goals scored and just two conceded during that streak, with Luongo striking twice himself.
In their three prior seasons in the third tier, the team finished 11th twice and ninth, making this year’s stunning rise to second place and automatic promotion even more impressive.
Having failed to play even a minute for Middlesbrough after an ill-fated move there at the start of the season, Luongo’s revival at Ipswich has suddenly put him back in the frame for a first Socceroos cap since 2019.
Making things even more special for Aussie fans, Luongo was joined by Connor Burgess, a 27-year-old Australian centre half who has played the full game in each of their incredible recent run of matches.
Burgess has played 37 games in all competitions this season despite suffering a facial fracture back in September.
TOM ROGIC
Another out-of-favour former Socceroos mainstay, Tom Rogic, is having a much harder time of it.
He played 32 of Celtic’s 38 league matches last season under Ange Postecoglou before a surprise departure that left him club-less until mid-September, when he signed at English second-division club West Bromwich Albion on a one-season deal.
But after promising flashes of brilliance in the first few weeks at the club, the playmaker has barely made an appearance in recent months.
He hasn’t started a match since January, was left out of the squad entirely for a seven-game stretch the following month, and has been given limited minutes off the bench since then.
In his last seven substitute appearances, only two have seen him play more than 20 minutes.
Now manager Carlos Corberan has revealed nerve pain in the player’s back has been a long-term problem robbing the Australian of more opportunities to make his mark.
Tom Rogic was a bright spark in his early games for West Bromwich Albion.Source: Getty Images
Corberan said: “It’s the fact that he’s had an injury. It has stopped him from being more of an alternative because there is no doubt that he was having more minutes before Christmas. It’s true that since then, the number of his minutes have reduced, but it’s more related to how physically he feels.
“He still doesn’t feel 100 per cent. He can train with the group, but he still has some pain in the back, in the nerve which connects the back and the hamstring. It isn’t something we consider to be a problem, but the pain doesn’t allow him to be at 100 per cent condition.
“At the end, if you’re not 100 per cent, you cannot train with the same intensity that you need to get, to play more minutes. That’s why I consider him a player who can still help us with minutes, still he is a player with a lot of quality and skill, but he’s a player who needs to manage because he’s not in a normal condition.”
The club has the option to extend Rogic’s contract by another season – and with the side currently fighting for Premier League promotion, that could even see the 30-year-old back in England’s top flight!
Given his current form and fitness issues, the club seems unlikely to pick up that contract option.
The international future is clouded for the player who missed the World Cup last year and hasn’t represented the Socceroos since February 2022.
AARON MOOY
Aaron Mooy continues to enjoy a dream campaign under Postecoglou at Celtic, with a trophy treble now well within reach.
Having already won the League Cup in February (Mooy started all four of Celtic’s games in that competition, including against Rangers in the final), the Hoops now sit a whopping 13 points clear of bitter rivals Rangers in the league with five games to play.
They could clinch the league – a second straight under Postecoglou – as early as this weekend.
Mooy came off the bench in that 1-0 win, the Australian’s 41st appearance of the season. He has racked up seven goals and 10 assists in that time, making it one of the 32-year-old’s finest years in his storied career.
Celtic face second-division Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the final of the Cup, which will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Saturday, June 3 (local time).
That’s one week after the league concludes, meaning Postecoglou and Mooy could already have lifted two domestic trophies by then.
AWER MABIL
Awer Mabil came off the bench at half time before delivering a game-changing performance for AC Sparta Prague in Czechia.
The on-loan winger netted twice from the penalty spot in stoppage time – first the equaliser, then the go-ahead goal – to turn a draw into three points in a 3-1 win over Liberec.
Asked after the match if he had any nerves when he sent both penalties into the same spot, 27-year-old Mabil said: “No, no, we’ve been working so hard that when these moments come, I just know where to put it.
“And they went in today and the most important is the three points.
“We’re just fighting for that championship.”
His side face Slavia Praha in the cup final on Thursday morning (AEST) and currently sit two points above them in the league with five ‘championship round’ matches to go (against the other top-six teams).
AROUND THE GROUNDS
There’s been some fantastic performances from Australians elsewhere this weekend.
In Germany, FC St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine racked up another 90-minute performance to guide his team back into the winner’s circle 2-1 over Arminia. Fellow Aussie Connor Metcalfe came off the bench in the 66th minute. St Pauli is fifth in the second-tier with just four matches to go. The top two teams are automatically promoted, while the third-placed team plays off against the third-bottom team from the top flight to decide which team gets to play in the Bundesliga the following season.
St Pauli sit six points off the third-placed team.
Striker Nick D’Agostino had a goal and an assist for Norwegian club Viking FK in a bonkers 7-3 win over HamKam. He wasn’t the only Aussie to start and play a key role – Olyroos gun Patrick Yazbek picked up an assist in his 76 minutes on the park, while Gianni Stensness played the full 90 minutes.
Viking is third in the league after four rounds.
In France, Denis Genreau’s Toulouse beat Nantes 5-1 in the final of the Coupe de France to seal their first-every trophy and qualification to the Europa League. Genreau was an unused substitute but has featured 16 times in the league – France’s top division – this year.
In Korea’s second division, veteran forward Mitch Duke is back from injury and back making an impact, nabbing an assist in his 74 minutes for Machida Zelvia in a 2-1 win over Roasso Kumamoto.
There was more good news for young gun Alexander Robertson in Manchester City’s U21 team. Robertson started and got 45 minutes for the City U21s – picking up an assist to boot – in a 4-3 win over Wolves U21 on the weekend. It comes after City won the Premier League 2 Division 1 title last week.
But there was a worrying incident for one Socceroos defender, Milos Degenek, who was substituted just 13 minutes into Columbus Crew’s 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami in the MLS.
The centre-back – just days after his 29th birthday – appeared to suffer a leg injury.
Liverpool has pulled a massive shock in one of football’s highest-profile transfer sagas, reportedly withdrawing their interest in England’s $250m teen sensation Jude Bellingham.
19-year-old Bellingham, currently at Borussia Dortmund, is rated as one of the finest youngsters in world football and has already established himself as a valuable member of England’s midfield.
But after years of chasing his signature – and crucially, not spending the money on other midfield options – the Reds have finally given up the pursuit.
The decision has caused outrage among Liverpool fans, especially since the club’s failure to reinforce the midfield in the off-season predictably led to a dismal campaign.
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After an incredibly gruelling 63-game season last year, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were in dire need of reinforcements.
But Liverpool largely failed to reinforce their midfield after failing to sign their top target in Bellingham, also missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid. Their only arrival was a desperate last-gasp move for Brazilian Arthur from Juventus – and that was on loan, a sign he was never more than a stopgap in Liverpool’s long-term rebuild of their engine room.
Instead, the Reds added firepower up front in the form of a £64 million bid (plus add-ons) for Darwin Nunez, while making clear that they were prepared to wait 12 months for Dortmund to be willing to part with Bellingham.
It was obvious then that a bidding war for the teen’s services would reignite at the end of this season, given Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea were all also strongly chasing Bellingham.
Bellingham has put together an outstanding body of work again this season, with 10 goals and five assists in 37 appearances for the German club. His standout performances for the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar, where he notched a goal and an assist and generally impressed, meant his price tag rocketed further.
After Chelsea splashed a British record £106m ($A198m) for Enzo Fernandez in January, Dortmund understandably expected a transfer fee that would comfortably surpass that figure.
The Guardian reports Dortmund are chasing a fee of £135m ($A252m) plus add-ons, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano labelled the likely outlay a “package worth more than £130m” ($A243m).
Liverpool always appeared to lead Real Madrid as the favourites for the youngster’s signature, having followed him since he was a member of Birmingham City’s academy.
But according to many reports, the club hierarchy decided to walk away from the bidding war and will instead undertake a more widespread overhaul of the playing group.
The need for a radical reshaping of the squad has become painfully clear this season as the Reds tumbled to lows never before experienced in Klopp’s seven-year reign at the club – the longest tenure of any current Premier League manager.
The midfield, as it was last year, is the biggest problem. Age, form, and injuries have all conspired to produce a genuine crisis.
Captain Jordan Henderson is 32 years old, as is Thiago, with the reliable James Milner 37.
Where the Reds needed fresh legs and energy in the engine room, they instead had to rely on the veteran legs of Milner and co far more than Klopp would have like.
The outcome was predictable – Liverpool’s extremely high-intensity style of play has become tired, belaboured.
There are problems elsewhere, of course – too many problems to count.
Virgil van Dijk has been a shadow of his usual world-beating self in defence, while the defensive frailties of star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold have been exposed with regularity.
The Reds are languishing in eighth in the Premier League and at risk of missing out on the top four and Champions League qualification for the first time since Klopp’s maiden season at Anfield. Liverpool are also out of both domestic cups and the Champions League.
In essence, the season has been disastrous by their standards – but it is the midfield that has been most sorely exposed.
Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp has faced a series of frustrations this year.Source: AFP
WHY THE MIDFIELD NEEDS A COMPLETE REBUILD 32-year-old Henderson is one of many whose form has dipped. Defensive midfielder Fabinho has never played so poorly since his arrival in 2018, while Naby Keita has been limited to just eight league appearances after battling injuries and falling out of favour.
Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have suffered long-term injuries while Arthur has hardly played a minute.
The best run of form by any Liverpool midfielder came from an unlikely source – 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic, who starred after bursting into the starting line-up in late January. He was a standout as he featured in eight consecutive league games, only to suffer an abductor tear three weeks ago that will end his season. The brightest light from Liverpool’s midfield this season was snuffed out.
When it comes to the future of the Liverpool midfield, Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Milner are all out of contract.
Bajcetic, 20-year-old Harvey Elliot and perhaps 22-year-old Curtis Jones appear long-term options, while Thiago is still world class – when he’s fit.
Besides that, the group seemingly needs a complete overhaul. Instead of the one midfield signing they desperately needed last season, the Reds now clearly need at least two signings in that area (now their reported aim) – without even mentioning the need to reinforce elsewhere on the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk has endured a difficult campaign.Source: Getty Images
Which is exactly why they have turned away from Bellingham. His price tag reduces their capacity to spend elsewhere, while the likelihood of a drawn-out transfer war for his services means other targets could foreseeable be sold to rivals by the time a Bellingham deal is eventually done – if indeed he chose Liverpool after all.
Asked last week about the need for transfer activity at the end of the season, Klopp may have hinted at a decision to walk away from Bellingham.
“Whatever we do next year will never be enough from people’s point of view and your [the media’s] point of view,” he said.
“But yes, with smart recruitment we will improve – definitely. That is the plan.
“We cannot make 24 changes and say, ‘here we go’ – not even 10 – but it is just that we have to make changes, smart changes, and then we go again.”
But Liverpool fans have long pinned their hopes on signing Bellingham – or at the very least, going all out to fight Real Madrid and co for his signature. In many ways, it was the light at the end of the tunnel that is a disastrous season.
That hope has been ripped away – and the reaction to Liverpool’s decision has been swift and damning.
The Times’ Tom Roddy told Sky Sports News: “It is a massive blow for Liverpool. It just shows the direction that both club and player are likely to go this summer. It underlines just how expensive Liverpool expect Bellingham to be. “He is going to be a record-breaking signing for British football as a midfielder, likely to usurp the £106m that Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in January.
“The assumption will be that it’s Real Madrid, because they were the two leading clubs. I do think there’s a possibility that he stays at Borussia Dortmund because I don’t think he wants to rush into anything at all … [but] The assumption will be that he leaves this summer.”
As Football Insider reporter David Lynch wrote on social media: “The failure to sign a midfielder last summer was characterised as a refusal to compromise on targets.
“Yet Liverpool’s first choice in that position, a player pursued over several years, has now been deemed out of reach for reasons they could have easily predicted 12 months ago.
“Consequently, they will now chase alternatives, some of whom could have been secured the year prior and without the need to write off an entire season.”
This season could get even worse if they miss out on Champions League qualification. Not only does the top continental competition provide a key lure for transfer targets, the millions of dollars in missed participation money could force the club’s American owners to dig deeper into their pockets to fund the much-needed squad overhaul.
This season could get even worse if they miss out on Champions League qualification. Not only does the top continental competition provide a key lure for transfer targets, the millions of dollars in missed participation money could force the club’s American owners to dig deeper into their pockets to fund the much-needed squad overhaul.
As the Bellingham saga shows, their willingness to splash the cash when needed is under question, as is the club hierarchy’s long-term planning and transfer approach in general.
After wasting a season, the transfer window will go a long way to answering those questions – for better or worse.
Australian defender Harry Souttar has a new coach at Leicester as the struggling side attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Foxes have appointed Dean Smith as manager until the end of the season in a shock three-man coaching team, with legendary Chelsea centre-back John Terry and former Leicester assistant Craig Shakespeare also signing short-term deals to join the coaching staff.
It comes after the second-bottom side sacked Brendan Rodgers at the start of the month after four years in charge.
Smith’s signing came as something of a surprise given the club was reportedly on the brink of landing former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch, but negotiations apparently broke down after he watched the team’s damaging 1-0 home defeat against fellow strugglers Bournemouth on the weekend.
Rafa Benitez was also reportedly in the running for the role, while the club is still reportedly chasing recently-sacked Chelsea manager Graham Potter as their next long-term manager after the season concludes.
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Leicester have lost both matches since Rodgers was sacked, with first-team coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell taking charge on an interim basis prior to Smith’s appointment.
The second match – the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth – saw Harry Souttar benched for the first time since joining the club in January, having started nine consecutive league games and playing the full 90 minutes each time.
The arrival of Smith presents a strong opportunity for the 24-year-old to return to the starting side.
And with former Chelsea and England captain John Terry as a new assistant manager, the towering Australian has a golden opportunity to learn from one of the competition’s greatest centre-halves – or to convince Premier League rivals to pursue a transfer should the Foxes end up relegated.
Terry previously worked for Smith as an assistant coach at Villa.
Craig Shakespeare also returns to the King Power Stadium as Smith’s assistant manager.
Shakespeare was part of Claudio Ranieri’s coaching team when Leicester stunningly won their fairytale Premier League title in 2016, and also briefly managed the club after the Italian’s sacking. He was also part of the team’s remarkable relegation escape in 2015 under Nigel Pearson.
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“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season,” Smith said.
“The challenge in front of us is clear, but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before and, with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable.
“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week.”
Smith, who was sacked by second-tier Norwich in December, faces a daunting assignment for his first game, a trip to in-form champions Manchester City on Saturday.
“Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world,” Smith said.
“I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.”
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Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha believes the 52-year-old Smith can save them from relegation despite their dismal form in 2023.
The Foxes are without a win in their last nine games in all competitions, losing eight of those matches to plummet into the relegation zone.
“His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital assets for us in the coming eight games as we fight to secure our Premier League status,” he said.
“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight.
“Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential, helping the team rediscover its confidence and channelling the support of our fans, who will be so important during these final eight games.”
Rodgers spent four years at Leicester and led the club to their first ever FA Cup triumph in 2021.
But despite finishing a respectable eighth last season, Leicester sold key defender Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, with Rodgers gradually falling out of favour after complaining publicly about a lack of backing from the board over new signings.
Now Smith has just a handful of games to arrest the slide and avoid relegation, something he was unable to do while in charge of Norwich last season.
