Letting Kevin De Bruyne go is seen as one of Chelsea’s biggest-ever transfer failings.
But according to two of their former regulars, no one could have predicted the player the Manchester City skipper turned out to be.
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De Bruyne is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best ever midfieldersCredit: Getty
The Belgian joined the Blues in 2012 from Genk for just £7million, but only ever managed nine first team appearances before going on loan to Werder Bremen, and then being sold to Wolfsburg.
Tearing the Bundesliga to pieces with the latter side, City paid £55m for the 33-year-old‘s services in 2015, and the rest is history.
Now one of the greatest creators the Premier League has ever seen, two of his former Chelsea teammates have discussed how he slipped through their fingers.
Appearing on The Obi One Podcast with former teammate John Obi Mikel, John Terry was asked if he could have seen the evolution from De Bruyne and fellow Chelsea flop turned English football great Mohamed Salah.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “It’s my one disappointment as captain, because I adapted over time as captain, I think I softened as the years went on.
“Those early years when those guys were there I was probably very strong, very disciplined on the group and how we did things.
“Actually, that was probably the first time they needed an arm around the shoulder and a sit down and a discussion and maybe helped them settle in.
“So for those players for the level they’ve got to, I’m disappointed in myself as captain and it’s a regret I’ll have.
“I’m delighted they’ve become what they’ve become, but I wouldn’t have said they would have got to the level they got to.”
Mikel was in complete agreement with his former teammate, and didn’t see anywhere near enough from ex-midfield partner De Bruyne.
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Terry has revealed he didn’t expect De Bruyne to develop into the player he has todayCredit: The Obi One Podcast
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De Bruyne featured in just nine games for the Blues – failing to find the back of the netCredit: Chelsea FC
“Definitely not,” Mikel said in agreement about De Bruyne and Salah.
“But it wasn’t just you JT, when you look back then and look at their levels, I think Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t the best trainer back then.
“He was somebody that comes to training, and probably because he wasn’t playing that much, always head down, always angry and sulking.
“He was like a kid who came to the playground and nobody wanted to play with him.
“I remember when Samuel Eto’o had a go at him and they had a massive fight on the training ground just because he [De Bruyne] wasn’t putting in the effort that Samuel Eto’o wanted so they had a massive row on the pitch.
“But back then we didn’t expect them to be where they are today, credit to them they’ve gone away and they’ve done what they had to do to become who they are, they’re superstars.
That close’ – Jurgen Klopp desperately regrets not signing two Premier League superstars
“When I watch Kevin De Bruyne today, I’m like, ‘Is this the same guy?!’”
Since linking up at City, De Bruyne has played an integral part in his side lifting six Premier League titles.
That is in addition to scooping the Champions League, as well two FA Cups, five League Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup.
In 412 appearances for the Citizens, he has banged in 106 goals, while laying on a whopping 174 assists.
He is tied with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in racking up the most Premier League assists in a single season – supplying 20 goals for his teammates in the 2019/20 term.
Jurgen Klopp has revealed missing out on Tottenham Hotspur skipper Heung-min Son left him feeling like a ‘dumb s***’.
The ex-Liverpool boss has opened up on the two current Premier League stars he regrets not signing from his glittering 23-year managerial career.
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Klopp departed his role as Liverpool’s manager last month after nine successful yearsCredit: Getty
Klopp spent nine years at Anfield between 2015-2024 where he worked alongside some of the world’s best players.
The Reds wouldn’t be where they are today without the German’s signings in Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker just to name a few.
And in 2016, he corrected one of his regrets by securing the services of Sadio Mane from Southampton – a player he missed out on while at the helm of Borussia Dortmund.
Mane at the time was starring in Austria at Red Bull Salzburg – one of the clubs Klopp now oversees in his Global Head of Soccer role at Red Bull.
But two players evaded Klopp at Signal Iduna Park – both who have gone on to become Premier League icons.
Son – now at Spurs – was linked with a move to Dortmund while playing at Hamburg, but he instead ended up at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to north London in 2015.
Meanwhile the other player is none other than Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne – who starred at Wolfsburg between 2013-2015.
He even scored in the DFB-Pokal final victory over Dortmund in 2015, before joining the Citizens a few months.
Speaking at a recent event in Cape Town to celebrate the ten-year anniversary celebration of Hout Bay United Football Community, Klopp commented on the players that got away.
The 57-year-old said: “I could’ve signed Son from Tottenham. At that time, he was at Hamburg.
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Klopp was able to sign Mane at Anfield after missing out on him during his time at DortmundCredit: AFP
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Klopp has revealed missing out on landing Son left him feeling like a ‘dumb s***’Credit: Getty
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De Bruyne could have played under Klopp in Germany – but he instead joined CityCredit: Getty
“I don’t even remember why [I didn’t sign him] and just facing him in the Premier League, I thought ‘My God, you dumb s*** [for not signing him].’ It’s crazy.
“Kevin De Bruyne was that close. Then he smashed us in the cup final with Wolfsburg, so that was a double minus.
“Though I don’t think it generally makes too much sense to regret stuff, but you did the best probably at the time, so deal with it.”
As for now-Al Nassr star Mane, he remarked: “There’s a Dortmund supporter in here so I have to apologise to him. Because I didn’t sign Sadio Mane for Dortmund.
“I could say I was young and naive, but I wasn’t that young and naive.
“I realised it when he came to Liverpool, I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s a lot of money for a guy I could have had three years ago for much less.’”
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards walk out on live Alisson interview after Liverpool’s win over PSG
Salah is putting his name among Premier League iconsCredit: Getty
The Egyptian was directly involved in both goals at the Etihad, which marked the eleventh Premier League match this campaign in which he’s both scored and assisted.
This is the most by a player in a single season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since Messi for Barcelona in the 2014/15 season, also on 11.
Overall, Salah already has 41 goal contributions in the English top-flight alone this term and has another 11 games to break all records.
The 32-year-old is just six short of the Premier League record, but that’s halved for the best individual tally in a 38-game season.
Who has the record for most goals and assists in a Premier League season?
Alan Shearer and Andy Cole share the mantle for the most goal contributions in a single Premier League season with 47.
The former achieved the feat in Blackburn’s title-winning campaign in 1994/95, with Cole having done for Newcastle the year before.
However, an important distinction is that both of those achievements came in a 42-game season when the Premier League had 22 teams.
Since the introduction of a 38-game season in 1995/96, Thierry Henry and Erling Haaland share the record with 44 goal contributions each.
Arsenal‘s iconic Frenchman Henry scored 24 goals and provided 20 assists during his historic 2002/03 campaign.
Haaland meanwhile matched that contribution in his opening season in England, scoring 36 goals alongside providing eight assists.
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Salah is on the verge of equalling his incredible first season at Liverpool
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*42-game season, **Missed first five matches due to suspension
That latter achievement is the most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign, with the Norwegian two ahead of Cole.
The joint record is somewhat controversial, with Man City superstar De Bruyne believing he should hold the feat outright.
The Belgian has previously argued that some of his assists that year was wrongfully taken away from him and that he should be on more.
As reported by goal, De Bruyne said: “I have got two more – you guys took two away from me that I am still claiming so for me I was already above [Henry].
“It is what it is. I need my teammates, obviously I am creating for them to score, and I am grateful when they do. It is nice to have [the record] and it is nice to have it with Thierry.”
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De Bruyne and Henry share the Premier League assist record for a single seasonCredit: AFP
Most Assists in a Premier League Season
Thierry Henry – Arsenal (2002/03 – 20)
Kevin De Bruyne – Man City (2019/20 – 20)
Mesut Ozil – Arsenal (2015/16 – 19)
Cesc Fabregas – Chelsea (2014/15 – 18)
Frank Lampard – Chelsea (2004/05 – 18)
Kevin De Bruyne – Man City (2016/17 – 18)
Ironically, both of his alleged assists came against Arsenal, with De Bruyne’s cross for Raheem Sterling‘s goal in a 3-0 win in December 2019 taking a slight deflection so didn’t get counted.
In the reverse fixture, KDB teed up Sterling again that June but missed out on the assist as the ball hit David Luiz on the thigh.
1 Erling Haaland (Manchester City) 36 2022-23
2 Andy Cole (Newcastle United) 34 1993-94
2 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 34 1994-95
4 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 32 2017-18
5 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 31 1993-94
5 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 31 1995-96
5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 31 2007-08
5 Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 31 2013-14
9 Kevin Phillips (Sunderland) 30 1999-00
9 Thierry Henry (Arsenal) 30 2003-04
9 Robin van Persie (Arsenal) 30 2011-12
9 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) 30 2017-18 and 2022-23
What are the lyrics to Liverpool fans’ chant for ‘The Egyptian King’ Mo Salah?
One of the best rivalries in modern football produced another classic, or you might even say “clásico”, as a 92nd minute Jude Bellingham winner handed Real Madrid a 3-2 win in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff against Manchester City.
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The Etihad Stadium was left stunned as English star Bellingham tapped into an empty net to steal victory for the Spanish giants.
Vinicius Junior set up the decisive goal with the Brazilian stealing a pass from Mateo Kovacic that was intended for Rico Lewis, drawing City goalkeeper Ederson out and lobbing him, but the ball was sailing wide before Bellingham got their in time to finish off his teammate’s brilliant work.
It was the first time Real have claimed victory in regular time away at Manchester City – they won on penalties after the second leg of last year’s quarter-final – and they are well-placed to eliminate Pep Guardiola’s side, and book their own place in the Round of 16, in the second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
City led twice, through superstar Erling Haaland on both occasions, and the home crowd were jubilant when his 80th minute goal from a penalty, won by Phil Foden who was brought down just inside the box by a clumsy Dani Ceballos challenge, made it appear as if they may head to Madrid with a lead.
But one of their own academy products that came back to haunt them.
Brahim Diaz, who left City for Real Madrid back in 2019, and had a four-year loan spell at AC Milan, came off the bench to score an 86th minute equaliser.
Diaz pounced on a ball that spilled off Ederson’s chest after a Vinicius Jr. strike, and the 25-year-old slotted it into the far corner, and in a classy touch opted not to celebrate.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said pre-match that his side’s clashes with the Premier League giants “seems like it’s a clásico” due to the quality and frequency of their meetings, like the La Liga leader’s rivalry with Barcelona.
It is only the fourth time that two teams have met in the Champions League in four successive seasons – after Deportivo v Juventus (2000-04), Liverpool v Chelsea (five in a row from 2004-09) and Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (2013-17) – but this battle was arguably Real and City’s spiciest.
It was their first meeting since Real’s infamous Ballon d’Or boycott last October, and the home fans were eager to remind them of it.
A massive banner with a picture of City’s Spanish maestro Rodri kissing the trophy accompanied by the words ‘stop crying your heart out’, in reference to the song by big City fans Oasis, was unveiled in the terraces before kick off.
Rodri, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, was even spotted capturing a photo of the banner on his phone, while Real’s sensational forward Vinicius Jr., who they believe was the deserved winner, was met with boos and jeers every time he was involved in play.
The noise did not seem to bother the Brazilian however as he was superb all night, but went without the reward of getting on the score sheet despite his impressive creativity.
He released Kylian Mbappe in the 11th minute but Edersen pulled off an excellent save.
One minute later he again almost had an assist but Nathan Ake cleared Ferland Mendy’s shot off the line, and shortly after he may have been awarded a penalty if not for the offside flag being raised, and later in the half a deflected shot of his hit the crossbar.
Real’s electricity in the front half made them look the more threatening of the two sides early, but it was City who scored first through who else but Haaland in the 19th minute.
Jack Grealish, who was subbed off after a half an hour with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, lobbed an excellent ball into the box to Josko Gvardiol who chested it down to Haaland and the Norwegian goal scoring machine calmly put the ball over Thibaut Courtois with his left foot.
There was a lengthy VAR check for offside, but the video referee eventually awarded Haaland his first goal against Real Madrid, in his fifth attempt.
Completing a brace later also added further to his remarkable Champions League record with 49 goals from 48 matches.
City took a 1-0 lead into the break but there easily could have been more goals as a Manuel Akanji header from a Kevin De Bruyne corner hit the bar, and Mbappe squandered a late chance by launching a shot over the bar.
The French superstar made up for it in the 60th minute, however, as a complete miskick sailed into the back of the net to equalise.
Federico Valverde blasted a free kick into the City defensive wall, but the ball rebounded to Dani Ceballos who put a superb dink pass over the top to Mbappe inside the box and his acrobatic volley came off his shin, but a wrongfooted Ederson could only watch as it slowly looped into the far corner.
The second half momentum was mainly with the visitors as Bellingham also had a couple of near misses, and having had almost double the amount of shots, 20 to 11, they could not help but feel like they should be returning home with a lead.
But they were eventually rewarded for their persistence with Diaz and Bellingham’s late goals.
– Clinical PSG, Juve and Dortmund lead –
PSG put one foot in the Round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory away at fellow Ligue 1 side Brest.
The hosts were always up against it with the Parisian giants boasting a 31 game unbeaten run against them, Brest’s last victory came in a league match in 1985, and the visitors put the foot down from the start.
Vitinha converted a penalty in the 21st minute to open the scoring before Ousmane Dembele continued his stunning recent form with a brace either side of half time.
The Frenchman has now scored 18 goals in his last 11 games in all competitions for PSG, making him the most prolific goal scorer in Europe’s big five competitions since the start of December.
The second leg will be held at Paris’ Parc de Princes next week.
Elsewhere, a 82nd minute Samuel Mbangula winner handed Juventus a 2-1 win in Turin against Dutch outfit PSV.
Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the Italian giants, but Ivan Perisic levelled shortly after half time.
Borussia Dortmund had a comfortable win away in Portugal against Sporting CP with a 3-0 victory courtesy of goals to Serhou Guirassy, Pascal Grob and Karim Adeyemi.
Manchester City roared back into form with a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich, while Nottingham Forest’s unlikely title challenge goes on after a 3-2 victory over Southampton took Nuno Espirito Santo’s men level with second-placed Arsenal.
– ‘We are worst team in history of Man Utd’: Amorim –
Ruben Amorim made the astonishing admission that his Manchester United flops are the worst team in the club’s history after Sunday’s dismal 3-1 defeat against Brighton.
United crumbled to a sixth loss in 11 Premier League games since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.
“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” Amorim said after his side’s wretched display at Old Trafford.
“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”
Man UTD legend passes away aged 84 | 00:39
Amorim’s side are languishing in 13th place and although they are 10 points above the relegation zone, they are far from certain to avoid being dragged into the survival struggle on the evidence of Sunday’s display.
Yankuba Minteh set the tone for United’s moribund performance with an early opener for Brighton.
Bruno Fernandes equalised with a penalty before half-time, but second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter left United in turmoil.
United have suffered six home league defeats this season, their most from their opening 12 matches of a season since 1893-94.
They have also lost 10 of their 22 league games this season, the earliest into a top-flight campaign that they have hit double figures for defeats since 1989-90.
“Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that,” Amorim said.
While United have not been dragged completely into the fight for survival just yet, Amorim must find a way to get results to avoid the pressure on him becoming intolerable.
The 39-year-old arrived at United in November, hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
But his preferred 3-4-3 formation is not suited to the players in United’s squad.
Yet, while he admitted he is only thinking of avoiding relegation now, the Portuguese coach refuses to change his philosophy.
“I am not going to change, no matter what. I know we can succeed but we need to survive this moment. I am not naive. We need to survive now,” Amorim said.
United’s latest calamity came on the day the club paid a sombre tribute to Denis Law after their legendary striker passed away aged 84 on Friday.
Postecoglou: ‘Spurs need reinforcements’ | 01:11
– ‘Everybody is underperforming’ –
Law is immortalised in a statue of United’s ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside Bobby Charlton and George Best outside Old Trafford.
Fans laid scarves and flowers at the statue in tribute to the third highest scorer in United’s history and took part in a minute’s applause for Law prior to kick-off.
What transpired after that would have shocked Law to his core as Amorim’s team once again failed to live up to the storied history of the 20-time English champions.
“In nine games in the Premier League, we won two,” Amorim said. “Everybody here is underperforming, no matter what the circumstances.
“We are underperforming and have to accept that. It’s unacceptable to lose so many games, for any Premier League club, imagine Manchester United.
“So it’s a really hard moment but we have to continue, we have to continue, there is no other way.”
United have lost six of their last seven league games against Brighton in an indication of how far they have fallen since last winning the title in 2013.
Amorim’s side host Rangers in their next game on Thursday in the Europa League, with the manager desperate for a positive result to change the mood.
“I knew it was going to be hard to put a completely new idea in the moment, but when you lose games and don’t win three games in a row it becomes really hard,” Amorim said.
“So that’s why I’m telling we are going to suffer because I will continue to do the same.
“I am just here to help my players, but we need to understand we are breaking all the bad records.”
Haaland signs monster deal with City | 01:21
– Foden stars as Man City hit Ipswich for six –
Phil Foden struck twice as Manchester City climbed to fourth in the Premier League with a 6-0 rout of struggling Ipswich on Sunday.
Foden netted either side of Mateo Kovacic’s eye-catching goal as City blew Ipswich away with three first-half goals at Portman Road.
Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee netted after the interval as City enjoyed their biggest league win this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won three of their last four league games as they begin the long climb back to respectability after a dismal start to the season.
Sterner tests lie in wait for City, including a vital Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and looming Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal.
But this was the kind of confident display City used to make look routine during their march to four successive English titles.
Winning is almost certain to prove beyond them as they trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points.
Guardiola will settle for restoring City’s pride this term as he rebuilds a team that suddenly grew old and inconsistent before his eyes.
Haaland, who has scored 112 goals in just 127 appearances for City, this week committed himself to the club until 2034 when he signed a new nine-and-a-half year deal.
But Kyle Walker was again absent from the City side amid reports that AC Milan are ready to bid for the unsettled England right-back.
In City’s first visit to Portman Road for 23 years, the champions emphasised how powerful they can still be at peak form.
– Ruthless City –
Haaland scored a hat-trick when City beat Ipswich 4-1 in August and he threatened to net in the opening moments in Suffolk.
Kovacic’s pass split the Ipswich defence and sent Haaland clean through on goal, but the Norway striker’s shot was pushed away by Christian Walton.
Kovacic fired wastefully over after a flowing move carved open the Ipswich rearguard again.
Omari Hutchinson almost put Ipswich ahead against the run of play with a stinging strike from just inside the area that hit Haaland and flashed just over.
But City’s pressure was rewarded in the 27th minute when Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined to set up Foden for a clinical close-range finish.
Foden turned provider as ruthless City doubled their lead three minutes later. Kovacic strode onto Foden’s pass on the edge of the area and smashed a superb low strike past the flat-footed Walton for his first goal since October.
Guardiola’s men were rampant and they struck again three minutes before half-time.
Set free by Doku, De Bruyne raced into the area and cut the ball back for Foden, whose shot from five yards evaded Walton’s weak attempted save.
The England forward’s fifth goal in his last four games maintained his recent improvement.
City have scored 25 first-half goals in 22 games, more than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Ipswich were powerless to stem the tide. Doku danced through their defence to score City’s fourth with a low shot that hit Dara O’Shea on its way past Walton in the 49th minute.
City showed no mercy and Haaland joined the party in the 57th minute. Jack Clarke conceded possession and Doku teed up Haaland to drill past Walton for his 22nd goal in all competitions this season.
McAtee came off the bench to bag City’s sixth in the 69th minute, the 22-year-old looping a header over Walton from Kovacic’s cross.
Forest were equally rampant in the first 45 minutes to cut the gap on leaders Liverpool to six points and consolidate their lead in the race for a place in the Champions League next season.
Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood netted before the break. Southampton salvaged some pride in the second period through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu but they remain on course for an immediate return to the Championship, 10 points adrift of safety.
Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he was angry his injury-ravaged side did not get their rewards for a battling performance as Alexander Isak’s strike earned in-form Newcastle a 2-1 win on Saturday.
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Both sides struck inside the first six minutes as Anthony Gordon’s controversial equaliser cancelled out Dominic Solanke’s opener for Spurs.
Isak then scored for the seventh consecutive Premier League game to claim a sixth straight win in all competitions for Newcastle.
The Magpies remain in fifth but move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Spurs’ ambition of a top-four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
Postecoglou said he was furious his team didn’t “get the rewards they deserved today”, describing himself as “angriest I think I have ever been in my career”.
Spurs to target January transfer window | 01:10
“I loved everything. The players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses. We deserved to win the game today,” he added.
Spurs were without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario along with defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies through injury plus the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur.
The loss of stand-in ‘keeper Fraser Forster to illness meant Postecoglou was forced to throw in Brandon Austin for his Spurs debut.
Slow starts, particularly at home, have been a major part of Spurs’ struggles under Postecoglou but they got off to a flyer.
In front of the watching new England manager Thomas Tuchel, Solanke did his case for international recognition no harm with a fine downward header from Pedro Porro’s cross on four minutes.
The lead lasted barely over two minutes, albeit the equaliser arrived in controversial circumstances.
Joelinton blocked Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his arm to gift Bruno Guimaraes possession and the Brazilian fed in Gordon to fire home.
Ange Postecoglou said he was angry his injury-ravaged side did not get their rewards.Source: Getty Images
However, a VAR review deemed Joelinton’s handball was not deliberate and the goal stood.
Isak needs no help to find the net on current form but got it from an under-manned Spurs defence seven minutes before half-time.
“I think it’s clear,” Postecoglou said after the game about the handball.
“Whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion. What I’m saying is, on any given day with a fair and even playing field and logical thought processes, we would have won that game.”
Radu Dragusin deflected Jacob Murphy’s low cross onto the foot of the Swedish striker, who took his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
Spurs were dealt a further blow as Dragusin, who had been a doubt due to illness, was forced off at the break, leaving Postecoglou without a single natural centre-back to choose from.
Midfielder Archie Gray and full-back Djed Spence deputised manfully as Tottenham did all the pressing in the second half.
Brennan Johnson blasted off the post after Pape Sarr’s effort had been parried by Martin Dubravka.
Despite Spurs’ lack of bodies at the back, they did have the luxury of introducing Son Heung-min and James Maddison off the bench in the hunt for an equaliser.
Maddison flashed a curling shot inches wide from a short corner before Johnson and Sergio Reguilon both drilled low efforts across the face of goal.
But Newcastle held out to cap a brilliant festive period for Eddie Howe’s men that has propelled them into the running for a return to the Champions League.
“Second half we had to defend really well. I’m really pleased to get over the line and win the game,” said Howe.
Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge was dealt another seismic blow as Joao Pedro’s penalty secured a 1-1 draw for Brighton on Saturday to leave the Gunners five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
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Mikel Arteta’s attacking options were limited by illness and injury but 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri took his chance to shine with a composed finish to put the visitors in front.
However, Arsenal saw two vital points slip away when William Saliba was harshly punished for a clash of heads with Joao Pedro and the Brazilian slotted home the resulting spot-kick.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright was insenced over the decision, claiming double standards after a hefty clash between Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski and Newcastle midfielder Anthony Gordon did not end in a penalty earlier in the day.
“It’s pathetic,” Wright said.
“He’s just tried to head the ball here — I don’t know what to believe anymore. C’mon man, it’s ridiculous.
“I can’t believe what I’ve just seen.”
Liverpool can now further extend their lead at the top and close in on a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title when they host struggling Manchester United on Sunday.
Already shorn of talisman Bukayo Saka for the next two months with a hamstring injury, Arsenal’s attacking options were further depleted by illness.
Kai Havertz failed to even make the matchday squad for the second consecutive game, while captain Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli were only fit enough for appearances as second-half substitutes.
Nwaneri was the beneficiary with a second consecutive start and showed why he is one of the Premier League’s rising stars with a clinical finish for the opening goal.
The teenager still had plenty to do as he raced onto Mikel Merino’s ball over the top but his pace took him beyond the Brighton defence before firing low into the far corner on 16 minutes.
Arsenal went on to control the remainder of the first half but lacked any penetration without their quartet of attacking stars to build on their lead.
Merino had the one big opportunity to double the Gunners’ advantage early in the second period when he skewed wide from Declan Rice’s free-kick.
Moments later the visitors were rocked by a controversial call that could have huge ramifications for the title race.
There was the slightest touch from Saliba’s head onto Joao Pedro’s but the Brighton forward went down clutching his face and got the reward of a spot-kick.
The Seagulls captain for the day, in the absence of Lewis Dunk, confidently stroked home the penalty to level.
Arteta responded immediately by summoning Odegaard from the bench, while Martinelli had replaced Nwaneri at the break.
However, it was Brighton who looked the most likely winners in the closing stages.
Yakuba Minteh wasted a great chance to end their now eight-game winless run when his shot across goal evaded both Yasin Ayari and Kaoru Mitoma and slid wide of the far post.
But a point is enough to edge Brighton back into 10th.
Spurs to target January transfer window | 01:10
HAALAND DOUBLES UP IN MAN CITY STROLL AS SPURS FUME
Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday while in-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham.
Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period.
Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games but they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they have turned the corner.
The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal deflected City winger Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
City tightened their grip three minutes before the break when Haaland headed home at the back post from Savinho’s deep cross.
The Norwegian claimed his second 10 minutes after the interval, dinking the ball over Areola after a fine pass from Savinho, to take his league haul to 16 goals, one behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Phil Foden made it 4-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug grabbed a consolation for Julen Lopetegui’s men, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.
Despite their shocking run of results, sixth-placed City are just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
But Guardiola said his team were still not back in the groove. “We have struggled with results recently but the last two victories are good and we did not lose for three,” he told the BBC.
“I would say a month and half (of poor form) compared with eight years is not bad.”
Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1.Source: Getty Images
– ‘Angriest in career’ –
In the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap more misery on injury-hit Spurs.
The home side went ahead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke.
Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Antony Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner but Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline looking at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand in the build-up.
VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a natural position and the contact to be accidental, which provoked a furious reaction from Tottenham’s bench and they were up in arms midway through the first half when the already-booked Dan Burn avoided a second yellow card for handball by the centre circle.
In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner towards the end of the first period.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were breathing down Liverpool’s necks just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more.
The Italian, who has always insisted his team are not in the title race, made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who calmly finished in the corner.
The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but they could not capitalise and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded their first league win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
Tottenham have been told to make a huge decision on the future of club captain Heung-Min Son.
The South Korean superstar is coming to the end of his current contract in north London but is currently in sporadic form as Spurs struggle.
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Son is not as prolific, or as effective, as he once was and looked toothless against Nottingham ForesCredit: Getty
Defensive injury issues have hampered Ange Postecloglou’s team in the Premier League.
They have, though, reached the League Cup semi-finals where they will face Liverpool, and are well-placed in the Europa League too.
Son has 13 goal contributions 21 appearances across all competitions but wasn’t anywhere near his usual self against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
That form has led former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino to query if the 32-year-old will get the new deal he wants.
And he believes there is a chance the next five months could be his last in north London, insisting sometimes difficult decision need to be made.
He told talkSPORT: “I don’t think Son will stay at Spurs. No, I don’t. I think it’s one of them that you’ve got to make a big call on as well.
“He’s been brilliant for them over the years, but it’s time to move on in football sometimes.”
Tottenham do have the option to extend the South Korean’s deal but talks are ongoing over a renewal.
However, Cascarino is insistent it would take a big resurgence in form for Spurs to pull the trigger on a new deal.
He added: “He will survive, or they would definitely keep him, if he had a second part of the season that was superb.
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Son is into his second season as captain in north LondonCredit: Getty
“If he has that season where it hasn’t really worked to now, and then he goes and gets 15 or 12 goals in the second part of the season, plays well, then Tottenham will probably use that option.
“But as it is today, I think it’s more likely that he could go.”
Son, now the club’s all-time top assister in Premier League history, is not the only top-flight star in this predicament.
Kevin De Bruyne is in the same bout but Cascarino believes Man City’s decision about retaining the Belgian playmaker relies on how fit he is.
He added: “It’s another big call for Manchester City, because if it’s a fit Kevin De Bruyne, then you’ve still got one hell of a talent. He still won’t lose his ability to pass the ball.
“But they look a team a little bit like Manchester United. They’re running out of legs on the pitch in many different positions.”
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De Bruyne has been linked with a move to MLS in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is also out of contract in the summer – and has been in fine form.
Cascarino, though, believes he should easily be able to claim a new contract from his current employers.
He added: “I think Chris Wood, Forest will try and give him another year, because he doesn’t rely on pace.
“You’re talking about a player that never has to think about, ‘Oh, he’s lost half a yard’. It doesn’t matter if Chris Wood loses half a yard.
“If you’ve got Anthony Elanga one side and Callum Hudson-Odoi the other, and Morgan Gibbs-White joining him, and Elliot Anderson joining him as well, you don’t really need to worry about that.
“He could do another year, no problem. So I don’t see that as an issue.”
Simon Jordan criticises Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou for his attitude towards the media
Mohamed Salah dropped another hint that his future could lie away from Liverpool as the Egypt star said he would be happy “wherever I am going to end my career” after starring in Sunday’s 6-3 demolition of Tottenham.
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Salah scored twice and provided two assists in the goal-spree in north London as Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The 32-year-old is the first Premier League player to bag at least 10 goals and 10 assists before Christmas, while his brace also took him into fourth place on Liverpool’s all-time list of scorers with 229 in all competitions.
“He is, quite frankly, a phenomenon,” The UK Telegraph’s chief football correspondent Jason Burt wrote.
“There is time for another statistic. In terms of overall goal contributions, in all competitions, Salah has an astonishing 33 in this campaign already. The next highest? Bukayo Saka with 22. The Egyptian really is in a league of his own.”
Salah’s immense value to Arne Slot’s team is clear, but Liverpool have been unable to persuade the forward to sign a new contract as speculation mounts about his future.
With Salah’s current deal expiring at the end of this season, he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January.
Salah has been linked with French giants Paris Saint-Germain as well as Saudi Arabian teams, and he has already made several comments earlier this season about this potentially being his last campaign with Liverpool.
Post-match on Sunday, Salah once again made a cryptic reference to his future.
“It’s great to achieve that at such a big club, but the most important thing is that we won the game. Wherever I am going to end my career I am happy about it,” he told Sky Sports.
Salah added that there was “no update” on his contract situation, but Slot will surely be desperate to extend his talisman’s seven-year stay on Merseyside after he took his goal tally to 18 in all competitions this term.
“Salah’s contract situation, with his current deal running out next June, has been well-discussed but the 32-year-old could do well to take a leaf out of Kevin De Bruyne’s playbook when it comes to negotiations,” Burt wrote in the UK Telegraph.
“With his last deal at Manchester City, which also expires at the end of this campaign, De Bruyne brought up the data to reinforce his worth. Salah can simply say to Liverpool: “look at my numbers. Look at the facts”.
With Salah to the fore, Liverpool have won 21 of their 25 games in all competitions since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager.
Slot defends Postecoglou despite loss | 00:59
“I didn’t think about it before the game but I’m glad I have done it, something that makes me proud, I’ll keep working hard,” Salah said of reaching double figures in goals and assists this season.
Salah was less happy with Liverpool’s defending against Tottenham, adding: “We were quite good in front but I think we need to improve defensively as a team.
“Conceding three goals is quite hard. It’s quite good the result and hopefully we just keep going.”
Salah’s teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been linked with a move away from Anfield, with the right back rumoured to be on Real Madrid’s radar.
Several Liverpool people are becoming more resigned to the losing the star duo, as well as a possible exit for star defender Virgil van Dijk whose contract also expires in June.
‘Painful one for us’: Ange dejected | 01:06
Former Reds defender Neil Ruddock believes “you can’t blame them” for looking elsewhere despite sitting top of the Premier League.
“Players come to the end of their contracts but I’m sure they’ve been talking, you don’t leave it until after Christmas, I’m sure there’s a lot going on,” Ruddock told FourFourTwo.
“I’m sure Liverpool are trying their hardest to keep the three of them there, but as a footballer, you can’t blame them if they want to taste playing abroad, playing for Real Madrid – for a young player like Trent, you can’t really blame him.
“For the older lads like Salah, I can also understand. Why would you stay a couple more years if you don’t think you’re going to be the player you were and you lose that hero status?
“There will be a lot of conversations going on between the players, the people who look after them and the club, there’s a lot to weigh up. For all three of them, I hope they stay, but you can also understand it if they go.”
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs rollercoaster continues to roll on and he has an injury crisis on his hands that will force the North London club to hit the transfer market.
Meanwhile, a United talisman could be on the move, while City’s woes continue on the other side of Manchester.
Read below for all the latest Premier League talking points!
WHY TOTTENHAM MUST HIT THE TRANSFER WINDOW IN JANUARY
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was scathing in his assessment of Timo Werner, who arrived at the North London club in January 2024.
The German winger is one of Tottenham’s most recent arrivals, and he was intended to provide depth, pace and energy to a depleted attacking line.
Postecoglou pulled Werner from the field at halftime in a draw against Rangers, and was later asked about the player’s response to his comments.
“I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos,” he said.
Spurs’ biggest issue is their injury crisis, but his comments serve as a big message to the Tottenham squad.
Postecoglou has been without a host of big-name players that make up their regular starting side.
Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Heung-Min Son, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have all been sidelined.
So the former Celtic boss called upon teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to start against their Scottish rivals.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham, looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I’m getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school,” he said.
With Spurs sitting in 10th and disappointing losses coming against Ipswich and Bournemouth in recent weeks, Postecoglou must hit the transfer market in January and it’s almost certain he will bring in defensive reinforcements.
On the attacking front, South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang is set to arrive, having already signed a contract in July until 2030.
However, he’s only 18-years-old and could take time to develop before he becomes a candidate to start, potentially getting minutes on the bench.
In defence, according to Spanish outlet AS, Postecoglou is set to recruit Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete from Getafe in the La Liga.
He is predominantly a centre back, but also can ply his trade off the left and he reportedly has a release clause said to be worth around $26 million AUD.
Meanwhile, according to Football Insider, Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Lens in the Ligue 1, has also caught Postecoglou’s eye.
He’s reportedly been scouted on multiple occasions by Spurs, and the 20-year-old is reportedly also the subject of interest from rival Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle United.
Epic free kick sees draw for Bournemouth | 00:53
UNITED SUPERSTAR ON THE OUTER IN ARMORIM REVOLUTION
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim dropped Marcus Rashford ahead of the cross-town derby against Manchester City.
The Red Devils secured a 2-1 win in that clash, and the 27-year-old’s time at the club could be coming to an end.
It’d be a considerable move for Rashford, who made his debut at his boyhood club as an 18-year-old, joining United’s youth system at only seven.
He’s played 287 games for the Red Devils, and now he’s openly admitted he believes it’s the right time to leave Old Trafford.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford said to Henry Winter, a prominent football writer.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings.’ You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a Derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available.”
Rashford has been a heavily criticised figure during his time at United, revealing he believes he is “misunderstood”.
“I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years,” he said.
“I have my own dreams. I’ve achieved parts of it. But I’m not at where I want to be. But the problem is when you get there, you create another thing.”
The dangerous attacker will likely command a significant transfer fee ahead of a potential January move, but it’s shaping as a disappointing end for a figure once revered as the face of Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United applauds the fans as he looks dejected after defeat to Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 07, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE
Winning four Premier League titles in-a-row is a staggering feat, and the drop off Manchester City are experienced has been forecast for years.
But Pep Guardiola’s outfit are dropping to new lows in the run to Christmas, winning just one of their last 11 games.
The Spanish super coach has won every trophy under the sun during his time in the sky blue side of Manchester, but as his continue to get beat on the pitch, Guardiola is showing signs of a coach under siege off it.
“They implode on themselves, which is the reason why everybody says they’re fragile. Pep Guardiola’s reaction on the sideline, that all adds to it, and as players, you see everything,” former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said to Optus Sport.
“Everybody is seeing for the very first time a manager in Pep Guardiola being under such intense scrutiny now, questioning his ability to get themselves out of the situation.
“Maybe there’s an element of… players seeing stuff from him that they’re not buying into anymore. Maybe finger pointing is happening.”
Manchester City now sit nine points from the top of the Premier League ladder, and Guardiola himself even went as far as admitting he’s the one to blame for City’s woes after their 2-1 derby loss to United.
“I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press. I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth,” he said.
So what has gone wrong? Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes his transfer decisions have put them in a vulnerable position.
“We all know, it’s the first time and we’re allowed to say it, that we can challenge his decisions in the way of letting Cole Palmer go, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez,” Henry said on Sky Sports.
“Ilkay Gundogan came back and it’s not the same Gundogan who scored 17 goals a season.
“You’re missing those goals. Erling Haaland is scoring the same goals, a few less than in his first season but he’s doing what he does usually.
“I’ve seen him miss sitters in every season but where are the goals of Mahrez, Alvarez or Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan – where are those goals?”
However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel and the French striker was of the belief if anyone could turn City’s fortunes around, it is Guardiola.
“One thing I will say about this team, it’s the first time it’s happening like this to him in his career. Let’s not kill the guy or this team because of what’s happening,” he said.
Ange’s Spurs strike in under 37 seconds | 01:11
SET PIECES CARRYING ARSENAL’S ATTACKING WOES
Arsenal have scored a league high eight goals of their total 29 from set pieces.
That figure includes two penalties, but it raises a question — are Arsenal too reliant on dead ball situations?
Overall, the Gunners attacking output has been down. They’ve scored 29 goals in 16 appearances in the 2024/25 season, compared to 33 and 40 at the same stage in campaigns.
It’s also been more than three games since Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s last goal from open play, which came against West Ham.
Nicolas Jover is the man who has been credited with Arsenal’s success from set pieces, but dead ball scenarios alone won’t be able to spark a title resurgence.
As it stands, Chelsea and Liverpool sit four and six points clear in first and second place, and Arsenal dropped crucial points in their last outing against Everton.
For former Arsenal women’s player Karen Carney, Arteta’s side rely too heavily on the impact of Bukayo Saka.
“They’re very right side dominant,” she said on Optus Sport.
“[Teams] set up a game plan to eradicate that, and [apart from] being good from set pieces, then you’re thinking where else you’re going to get goals from.
“The left side isn’t giving us the output that [they] want. And that’s why I’m saying if they don’t go and get someone for the left side, I think they won’t ever kick on to the levels where they want to get to.
Nicolas Jover, Set-piece coach of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Saka and Odegaard are their main guys, and if you block that, there is a problem. I think the rest of the team is built on really good physicality, and they’re a hard team to beat.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry echoed that opinion and labelled Arteta’s attacking style “predictable”, whilst admitting it is a positive sign to be scoring off set pieces.
He compared the Gunners’ attack to that of Liverpool, explaining Saka has limited attacking options at his disposal beyond Martin Odegaard.
“Think about Liverpool, when Mo Salah cuts inside, you have Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, or [Darwin] Nunez running [on the left], or Conor Bradley sometimes on the inside running. Look at what Bukayo Saka has,” Henry said
“But it’s predictable, we all know he’s going to play with [Martin] Odegaard, everyone sees that. Can you beat the line?
“You can pass to Declan Rice and enjoy a quick three vs. two. That’s called creating, playing between the lines, attracting an opponent one way and going the other way to see what you can do.”
While Arteta remained coy when speaking on potential transfers, Arsenal could target another strike option to command the left wing spot over Gabriel Martinelli.
“The amount we generate in the match and how little we concede, I fully trust my players,” he said on Wednesday.
Newcastle ace Alexander Isak has previously been linked with a move to the North London club, while former Premier League defender floated the idea of recruiting Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons.
“For his size, he’s quite physical and he’s very good technically, so I believe he’s the type of player that would thrive in the Premier League,” Johnson said.
“£66 million’s not too bad for a player that’s going to be knocking on the door for a starting place in the team.”
UGLY WOLVES SCENES AS TENSIONS BOIL IN RELEGATION BATTLE
The Wolves are in a relegation battle, and tensions are clearly running high in Wolverhampton.
In their last two Premier League games they’ve been involved in post-match stoushes, with the latest coming after a 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.
Not only does the loss boost the chances of a relegation rival, it also gave them a three-point buffer from Wolverhampton who now sit in 19th place with only two wins.
Gary O’Neil was sacked following the defeat, and Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira is in talks to replace him.
But the real issue looks to be a lack of emotional control from the playing group.
Rayan Ait-Nouri received a second yellow card after the final whistle, being walked down the tunnel by teammate Craig Dawson after a grapple with Ipswich’s Wes Burns.
Meanwhile, striker Matheus Cunha pushed and shoved with a member of Ipswich’s coaching staff in staggering scenes.
The latest incident came only days after Mario Lemina had the captaincy stripped off him after arguments between he and his teammates and coaching staff broke out.
“We are under a lot of pressure,” O’Neil said.
“I understand the players being emotional but we have to keep control better.”
While O’Nell will no longer have to deal with the turmoil in the Wolves dressing room, it’s going to be a big ask to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Only last season Wolverhampton were playing an entertaining brand of football, finishing in 14 with 13 wins.
Last campaign saw Luton town finish in 18th place with 26 points as the highest-placed team to go down. So can Wolves conjure up 17 points in their remaining 22 games?
The midlands club will likely experience a ‘new manager bounce’ when their next mentor arrives, but it’s a big ask.
