ManCityNewsXtra

The PFA say they could SUPPORT a potential strike among Premier League players

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 19:46:23 GMT

The Professional Footballers Association's chief executive Maheta Molango has thrown his weight behind possible strike action amid growing concerns over player welfare.

Pep Guardiola: Man City boss raises prospect of strike but does not think it would happen

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 19:23:42 GMT

Pep Guardiola raises the possibility of players going on strike over their welfare - but adds he does not think it will happen.

The last 10 Premier League sides top on Christmas Day and what it means for Man City

staronline@reachplc.com (Sam Fletcher) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:24:40 GMT

After a 4-0 over relegation-threatened Newcastle, Manchester City will top the Premier League table on Christmas Day and history suggests it's a good omen for Pep Guardiola's side

Guardiola makes strike claim as angry Benítez joins chorus over player welfare

Andy Hunter — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 17:32:16 GMT

Manchester City manager says words alone will not solve issue
Benítez feels money driving game after Everton made to play

Pep Guardiola has raised the prospect of strike action and Rafael Benítez has claimed “money is now managing the game” as anger grows among Premier League managers over players welfare.

The Premier League rejected Everton’s request to postpone their Boxing Day game at Burnley owing to five positive Covid cases and six injuries in Benitez’s squad. The Everton manager believes his club are being punished for not closing their training ground and that the league’s integrity – as well as its profitability as a sellable, televised product – could be damaged by fulfilling fixtures with academy players.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola raises prospect of strike but does not think it will happen

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:41:54 GMT

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola raises the possibility of players going on strike over their welfare - but adds he does not think it will happen.

Premier League: Pep Guardiola suggests strike action is needed to protect players

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:42:06 GMT

The Manchester City boss wants to protect the sanctity of the Christmas period and argued that player welfare issues extend far further than the packed festive programme.

13 footballers with very bold nicknames including Scouse Cafu and Basmati Busquets

staronline@reachplc.com (Dan Burnham) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:17:35 GMT

Footballers are often given nicknames that compare them to a legendary player of the beautiful game, and while some live up to their moniker, others can be very funny for how bold they are

Ferran Torres: Pep Guardiola 'happy' for Barcelona-bound forward

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 13:41:20 GMT

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirms Ferran Torres is close to joining Barcelona, saying: "I'm happy for him."

Five times footballers karate kicked teammates from Mario Balotelli to Zlatan

staronline@reachplc.com (Kasra Moradi) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:01:22 GMT

Former Man City and AC Milan star Mario Balotelli was back to his old tricks again as he launched a stunning head-kick on a teammate during a celebration, but he wasn't the first to do so

Erling Haaland insisted Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo has 'always been a role model' last year

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 09:46:04 GMT

The Borussia Dortmund forward has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga next summer, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City heavily linked.

Premier League officials facing backlash over their decision to press ahead with festive schedule

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 01:09:52 GMT

SAMI MOKBEL: Top-flight officials are set to meet captains and managers from all 20 clubs on two separate zoom calls to discuss why they have not called a short-term break.

Premier League: After Tadic and Haller, who else has succeeded after leaving England?

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 22:00:49 GMT

Dusan Tadic very rarely gets mentioned in the same breath as Lionel Messi but the Ajax star surpassed one of the Argentine's many records in the game at the weekend.

Barcelona agree initial €55m fee to sign Manchester City’s Ferran Torres

Fabrizio Romano and Michael Butler — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:49:46 GMT

Forward to travel to Spain for medical and to sign five-year deal
Fee could rise to €65m despite Barcelona’s financial issues

Barcelona have agreed an initial €55m (£46.7m) deal to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City, with additional clauses that could take the fee to €65m.

The La Liga club are expected to offer the Spain international a lucrative five-year contract, despite their widely reported financial issues.

Barcelona edging closer to signing Man City's Ferran Torres

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:00:26 GMT

The 21-year-old has not played since October after suffering a foot injury on international duty with Spain but was interested in exploring a move away after a lack of starts before that setback.

Ferran Torres: Man City agree to sell forward to Barcelona

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:56:51 GMT

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sell forward Ferran Torres to Barcelona for 55m euros (£46.7m) with a further 10m euros (£8.5m) in add-ons.

Roy Keane claims Pep Guardiola is the BEST manager in the Premier League

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:34:28 GMT

The Manchester City manager has enjoyed much success since joining the club in 2016, winning three Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and the FA Cup on one occasion.

SCORES of Premier League players now able to play in Christmas fixtures after isolation period cut

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:04:05 GMT

Health chiefs have said those with a positive Covid test can be released after seven days, rather than 10, which means scores of Premier League footballers will now be able to play at Christmas.

Man City ace Bernardo Silva once refused to take down his Christmas tree for 'good luck'

staronline@reachplc.com (Sam Fletcher) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 13:43:08 GMT

If Manchester City are able to fend of Liverpool and Chelsea to secure another Premier League crown they might have Bernardo Silva to thank - and not for his silky displays but for his Christmas tree

Benjamin Mendy charged with fresh count of rape as trial date changes from January

staronline@reachplc.com (Jack Staplehurst, Joshua Peck) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 11:46:30 GMT

Benjamin Mendy has been remanded at Liverpool's Category B prison HMP Altcourse since October 1 having been arrested in August, initially on a count of three rapes

Benjamin Mendy: Man City footballer charged with another rape

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 11:31:02 GMT

Footballer Benjamin Mendy is now facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

7 forgotten Premier League outcasts who waited years to make another appearance

staronline@reachplc.com (Will Schofield) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:32:32 GMT

To make a Premier League appearance is the dream of many footballers, and some players after achieving their goal were forced to wait a considerable amount of time to make another

Micah Richards left in hysterics after seeing Roy Keane wearing special Christmas jumper

staronline@reachplc.com (Nick Murphy) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:53:42 GMT

The bromance between Micah Richards and Roy Keane has reached a new level after the former Manchester City man gave his ex-Manchester United counterpart a hilarious Christmas gift

Micah Richards insists Dusan Vlahovic is 'everything you could need' in a striker

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:07:12 GMT

Micah Richards says Dusan Vlahovic possesses 'everything you could need' in a striker as he is 'ridiculously' good and possesses 'lightning' quick feet.

Premier League: Man City on top but no team in control of title race - Alan Shearer analysis

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 16:47:19 GMT

Manchester City are top of the Premier League at Christmas but Liverpool and Chelsea are still right in the title race, says MOTD pundit Alan Shearer.

Just ONE player outside Man City and Liverpool makes in into the analysts' Premier League best XI...

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:00:54 GMT

The analysts at CIES, the football observatory based in Switzerland, have compiled the best XI based on a performance index they compile using match stats from statisticians at Opta.

David Squires on … the life, times and goals of Sergio Agüero

David Squires — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:30:02 GMT

Our cartoonist on the former Argentina and Manchester City striker, who has been forced to retire after a stellar career

8 times sports stars vented anger after NFL star Tom Brady smashes sideline tablet

staronline@reachplc.com (Sam Fletcher) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:20:39 GMT

From thumping headbutts and tablet smashes to karate-style kicks and dartboard punches, Daily Star Sport reflects on eight famous tantrums from some sporting greats

Pep Guardiola 'punished' Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as night out left City 'unhappy'

staronline@reachplc.com (Joseph McBride) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:30:45 GMT

Jack Grealish and Phil Foden left Pep Guardiola 'unhappy' as the Manchester City boss 'punished' the pair for embarking on a night out following the 7-0 win over Leeds

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish warned by Pep Guardiola after night out

Marcus Christenson — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:29:09 GMT

City pair pictured on a night out following victory over Leeds
‘I pay a lot of attention to behaviour,’ says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has warned his Manchester City players that they must behave on and off the pitch in order to be picked for games. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were pictured on a night out after the 7-0 win against Leeds United and were subsequently dropped for the win over Newcastle on Sunday.

City won 4-0 but Guardiola told the BBC after the game: “I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch. And when off the pitch is not proper they are not going to play. So they have to be focused all the time because the distractions in the Christmas time and everything that happens – you have to still be focused.”

Micah Richards TV blooper is most amazing thing Roy Keane has ever heard in his life

staronline@reachplc.com (Joe Krishnan) — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:55:01 GMT

Micah Richards and Roy Keane are truly the gift that keeps on giving as the Sky Sports punditry pair engaged in a discussion about their festive habits, leaving the latter baffled

Manchester City midfielders Phil Foden & Jack Grealish warned over conduct

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:03:55 GMT

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are warned over their conduct by head coach Pep Guardiola after they were left out of Manchester City's win over Newcastle on Sunday.

Paul Merson claims Marcelo Bielsa's stubbornness at Leeds is reminiscent of Arsene Wenger

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:42:37 GMT

Despite disappointing results, Bielsa has continued to stick to his principles and encourages his team to play a high-octane style despite it often leaving them vulnerable defensively.

Manchester United keen to keep Edinson Cavani next month with Barcelona keen on veteran striker

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:16:11 GMT

CHRIS WHEELER: Cavani has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp in the January transfer window to replace Sergio Aguero who was forced to retire from football this week.

Unvaccinated Premier League stars set to face new guidelines amid Covid carnage

staronline@reachplc.com (Rhys Daly) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:41:00 GMT

Unvaccinated Premier League players could be forced to follow different guidelines to their jabbed team-mates in a bid to reduce Covid-19 outbreaks with fixtures going ahead as planned

Maurizio Sarri wants to bring Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to Lazio

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:32:04 GMT

Kepa previously played under Sarri during the Italian coach's solitary season at Stamford Bridge back in 2018-19. Sarri is keen on bringing Kepa to Lazio to bolster his goalkeeping options.

Premier League POWER RANKINGS - Gabriel Martinelli and Diogo Jota are new entrants

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:00:46 GMT

Each week throughout the 2021-22 season, Sportsmail will bring you a Power Rankings table, which lists the top 10 hottest players in the Premier League.

Premier League and EFL clubs to fulfil fixture list amid record positive Covid-19 results

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 19:24:42 GMT

Premier League and EFL clubs decide to keep all fixtures in place over the festive period despite record positive Covid-19 tests.

Manchester City and Liverpool fined by UEFA following a pitch invasion during Champions League games

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 18:39:55 GMT

Premier League clubs Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been handed fines by UEFA's disciplinary panel following crowd disturbances during European games.

Pep Guardiola suggests 'improper behaviour' led to him benching Grealish and Foden

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:30:30 GMT

Sportsmail understands Guardiola allowed his stars time to unwind following the seven-goal thrashing of Leeds last Tuesday. But Foden and Grealish were not deemed in correct condition.

Aymeric Laporte double takes at his new PornHub-inspired nickname from Man City fans

staronline@reachplc.com (Dan Burnham) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:07:30 GMT

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has been an ever-present in their backline which has kept three clean sheets from three Premier League matches - earning him an unusual X-rated nickname from a fan

Best and worst value for money of 25 most costly 2021 summer signings in Premier League

staronline@reachplc.com (Ciaran Wiseman) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:00:40 GMT

Data released by a newly completed study has revealed which summer signings have proved to be the best value for money in the Premier League so far this campaign

Premier League clubs opt to stick with Christmas fixtures after emergency Covid meeting

staronline@reachplc.com (Will Schofield) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:00:35 GMT

Matchweek 20 of the Premier League has not been cancelled after Premier League clubs voted to stick with the current fixture schedule after an emergency meeting due to rising cases of Covid-19

Ex-Man City star Martin Demichelis is married to playboy model who loves yoga sessions

staronline@reachplc.com (Jacob Leeks) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:27:26 GMT

Martin Demichelis has been married to supermodel Evangelina Anderson for six years, with the former Playboy star regularly setting pulses racing on her Instagram account

Antonio Rudiger urges his teammates to be braver in order to end the side's recent slump in form

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:22:40 GMT

While City have racked up eight straight wins, the Blues have slipped to four draws and a defeat across the same run. This frustrating set of results has included draws with Burnley and Everton.

Second dominatrix in Man City shirt claims 'he has come to senses and agreed to threesome'

staronline@reachplc.com (Ciaran Wiseman) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:09:38 GMT

Alaska Clarke is the second dominatrix to pose in a Manchester City shirt after another claimed one player had joined her for a sex session after their 7-0 Leeds win

Newcastle's Ryan Fraser slams the use of VAR after he was denied a penalty against Manchester City

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 13:05:00 GMT

The 27-year-old Scotland international was astonished to see his appeals go unrewarded on Sunday after being wiped out by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson on the half hour mark.

Racist incidents across Europe mars matches over the weekend

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:32:12 GMT

Football across the continent was marred by three separate incidents of racist abuse at the weekend in the Premier League, the Belgian Pro League and in the German third tier.

Dominatrix who Man City star 'visited after thrashing' poses in shirt 'given as gift'

staronline@reachplc.com (Dan Burnham) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:22:30 GMT

The Manchester City player claimed to have visited a dominatrix following his side's 7-0 thrashing of Leeds was clearly in the festive spirit, as he supposedly came bearing the gift of a football shirt for her

Barcelona 'eye £43m bid for Manchester City's Ferran Torres AND a move for United's Edinson Cavani'

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 08:34:18 GMT

Cash-strapped Barcelona may be in financial peril but that hasn't stopped them targeting two Premier League forwards in the upcoming January transfer window.

Premier League and beyond: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Guardian sport — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 08:00:49 GMT

João Cancelo continues to shine, Dele Alli shows his worth and Blackburn are looking up

Jürgen Klopp spent much of the pulsating 2-2 draw with Tottenham frothing with rage at some of the refereeing decisions and his anger was more than justified. We all have bad days at the office, but certain elements of Paul Tierney’s display were inexplicably poor. Diogo Jota was denied a blindingly obvious penalty in the first half, before Harry Kane escaped with a yellow card for a potentially career-ending tackle on Andy Robertson. Robertson was smart enough to jump, without which the damage would have been severe. “That’s definitely a red card ... if Robbo’s leg is on the ground, it’s a broken leg,” Klopp correctly told Sky Sports after the match. Robertson was subsequently sent off in the second half for kicking Emerson Royal, a blatant act but far less serious, in terms of the level of danger to his opponent, than Kane’s tackle. Referees have a hard job, and Tierney should have been better supported by the VAR, but consistency and common sense were nowhere to be seen at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Luke McLaughlin

Match report: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool

Match report: Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City

Manchester City enjoy Sunday stroll in their north-east happy place

Match report: Leeds 1-4 Arsenal

Match report: Wolves 0-0 Chelsea

Vincent Kompany is 'DISGUSTED' by racial abuse he received from Club Brugge fans

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:55:16 GMT

Anderlecht manager Vincent Kompany (right) said he was 'disgusted' by the racist abuse hurled at him from Club Brugge supporters in Sunday's 2-2 draw.

Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Dates, format, TV channel, groups, Premier League player list

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 22:00:56 GMT

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is now right around the corner, getting underway in under a month. There are still a number of questions that remain, which we break down in full.

Chelsea, Liverpool, City and Man United's matchday income revealed: How much does your club make?

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 22:00:46 GMT

The study by the University of Liverpool reveals a huge disparity in what top flight teams take on match days, raanging from Chelsea at £1,648 to Burnley at just over £300 per fan per season.

Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola's side claim eighth successive Premier League victory

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 18:00:07 GMT

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola criticises his side's performance, despite City thrashing Newcastle to record an eighth successive Premier League win.

Manchester City enjoy Sunday stroll in their north-east happy place | Andy Brassell

Andy Brassell — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:45:46 GMT

St James’ Park has been a favourite spot for City in their decade of Premier League glory, and their latest visit was no different

It is hard not to think that Pep Guardiola would have been doubly pleased on receiving news of his negative PCR test in the run-up to Manchester City’s visit to Newcastle. Nobody of a sky-blue persuasion would want to miss a visit to this particular corner of the north-east.

This is said not just from the prospect of filling one’s boots in the days before Christmas against – still – one of the division’s most fragile teams, but because Newcastle and their city-centre home are touchstones in City’s decade of Premier League glory. St James’s Park will always have a special place in City hearts, from the penultimate game of the season in May 2012 in which an irresistible Yaya Touré was let off the leash to score two late goals and set up the most thrilling final day of them all – leading to a first title of English champions in 44 years and the first of five Premier League wins in 10 years.

Manchester City: Pep Guardiola says his side's performance in Newcastle win was 'not good'

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:43:51 GMT

JACK GAUGHAN: The Premier League champions became the first team in history to win 34 top-flight games over a calendar year by cruising past Newcastle United.

Newcastle United 0-4 Manchester City: Eddie Howe says Magpies did some things right

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:47:32 GMT

Eddie Howe praises team despite "strange" game and not receiving a "stonewall" penalty decision after Newcastle defeat.

Newcastle United 0-4 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola praises Joao Cancelo's 'fantastic' goal

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:24:54 GMT

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praises the performance of full-back Joao Cancelo in their 4-0 win at Newcastle United.

Manchester City break THREE calendar year records after 4-0 thumping of Newcastle

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:22:48 GMT

The record for most top-flight victories in a calendar year was previously held by Bob Paisley's Liverpool, who won 33 matches in 1982 which saw them win back-to-back Division One titles.

Manchester City illustrate gulf in class with thrashing of Newcastle

Louise Taylor at St James' Park — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:18:37 GMT

The so-called Gulf derby turned into an ultimately painful exposure of the yawning chasm in class separating the Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City and the Saudi Arabian-controlled Newcastle United.

Both clubs may be regarded as “trophy” purchases on the part of their oil-rich overlords but only table-topping City are likely to secure silverware anytime soon. Creditably, Eddie Howe’s side refused to surrender but television viewers in Riyadh and Jeddah may have felt the need to watch through their fingers whenever Pep Guardiola’s players, and the outstanding João Cancelo in particular, assumed possession.

Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City: Premier League – as it happened!

Simon Burnton — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:14:30 GMT

Manchester City secured their place on the Premier League’s Yuletide table-top with an ultimately comfortable victory over Newcastle United

Newcastle gift Ruben Dias a free goal!

4 mins: Almiron nicks the ball on halfway and runs forwards, the fans roaring him on. Which is perhaps why he didn’t hear Zinchenko coming to take it back again as he neared the City penalty area.

Fans think Newcastle should be relegated for awful defending vs Man City

staronline@reachplc.com (Kasra Moradi) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 16:02:55 GMT

Newcastle United were outclassed in their 4-0 defeat to Man City on Sunday afternoon as fans were left fuming at their “shambolic defending” and claimed they “deserved” to be relegated

Jamie Redknapp expresses disbelief after Newcastle weren't given a penalty versus Manchester City

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 15:28:43 GMT

City goalkeeper Ederson caught Newcastle's Ryan Fraser in the area, but, to the surprise of many, referee Martin Atkinson didn't point to the penalty spot.

Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City: Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo strike

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:58:44 GMT

CRAIG HOPE AT ST JAMES' PARK: The Gulf derby? Gulf in class, more like. 'We're richer than you,' sang Newcastle United's supporters. Perhaps on some level that is true..

Jack Grealish reveals he is working on his finishing as he aims to boost his goal tally

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:39:04 GMT

Grealish, English football's first £100million player, scored his third goal in 20 games for City when he headed in against Leeds on Tuesday night - and he hopes that'll set him off on a run.

Newcastle eye former Man City star Edin Dzeko with Eddie Howe scrapping for survival

staronline@reachplc.com (Joseph McBride) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Newcastle United are in desperate need of reinforcements in January, and former Manchester City star Edin Dzeko has emerged as a potential target to help them avoid relegation

Manchester City: Bernardo Silva's wages 'set to be doubled' to make him one of club's top earners

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 00:09:23 GMT

Bernardo Silva has been Manchester City's player of the season so far. And City are reportedly prepared to make him one of the highest earner's in their history with a deal worth £14million per year.

Marcelo Bielsa praises Leeds fans after they sing his name during their sorry defeat by Arsenal

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 22:47:02 GMT

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness blamed Bielsa's tactics for Leeds playing like they were in the 'school playground', labelling their performance an 'absolute shambles'.

Civil war is in the air: Players who are jabbed start to turn on those who are not

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 22:32:51 GMT

With vaccination rates here by far the worst among the major leagues in Europe and the Omicron variant advancing, it's hard to see how further mass cancellations will be avoided.

Jack Grealish targets Manchester City treble but admits he must improve

Jamie Jackson — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 22:30:08 GMT

Forward hopeful City can emulate United side of 1999
‘Hopefully I will have a few medals around my neck’

Jack Grealish believes Manchester City can win the treble this season but the forward says he needs to improve his personal goal and assist tally given his British record £100m transfer fee.

City lead the Premier League after 17 games, having won their past seven league matches. Only Manchester United – in 1999 – have claimed a treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. But before Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, Grealish did not duck the question, saying: “I think so,” when asked if City could win it all.

Man City to hand Joao Cancelo pay rise to quarter of a million pounds every single week

staronline@reachplc.com (Harry Pratt) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 21:00:00 GMT

EXCLUSIVE: City full-back Cancelo has been one of the star performers of the season and he is set to add an extra £100k a week onto his already-lucrative package

Newcastle v Manchester City underlines the problem inherent in football | Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:00:06 GMT

The game’s great dilemma is squaring the need for rich backers – no matter how unpalatable – with our longing for a football fix

It has been another week of soul-searching for football. What is the game, what is it for and who does it belong to? With nine Premier League matches postponed in the past week and Dr Nikki Kanani, medical director of primary care for NHS England, suggesting that attending games is a needless risk, a return to reduced attendances, closed-doors matches or even a suspension have become distinct possibilities.

The return to Project Restart protocols may be enough to quell the spread of the virus among players but if it is not, keeping going cannot be justified. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has already called for a circuit-breaker but potentially pushing the end of the season into the summer is not easy because of the truncated close-season to accommodate a November World Cup. In football, as in so many other spheres, the pandemic has exposed the dangers of greedy short-termism and bodge-job solutions to systemic problems.

Graeme Souness slams Leeds as an 'absolute SHAMBLES' during defeat against Arsenal

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:56:40 GMT

Fresh off the back of shipping seven against Manchester City, Marcelo Bielsa's side were condemned to more misery following their woeful, limp display today.

Leeds 1-4 Arsenal: Mikel Arteta's side cement place in top four with dominant win at Elland Road

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:00:23 GMT

OLIVER HOLT: Arsenal's win was the third successive match they have won since Mikel Arteta disciplined Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and stripped him of the captain's armband.

Chelsea problems mounting after Everton draw after they slipped to third in Premier League

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 15:10:10 GMT

Thursday night's 1-1 draw against a depleted Everton team ended with boos around Stamford Bridge and the frustration is understandable after a December that has not gone to plan.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel won't take fan's frustrations 'personally' as he looks to lift Blues

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 14:54:07 GMT

Chelsea have slipped four points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table after recording just three wins across their last seven top-flight outings.

Jack Grealish admits he's 'struggled' since his £100m move to Manchester City

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 13:36:50 GMT

Grealish has admitted he expected more from himself at Manchester City this campaign, after bagging six goals and 12 assists while he was at Aston Villa last season.

Sergio Aguero 'to be offered an ambassador role at Man City' after his retirement'

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 12:05:22 GMT

The Argentine emotionally admitted he had been forced to retire by a heart condition at the Nou Camp on Wednesday but he already has the job offers rolling in.

Football Focus: Man City's Jack Grealish reveals his favourite Christmas present

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 09:13:21 GMT

Manchester City's Jack Grealish chats to Dion Dublin about the best Christmas present he has ever received, and why he was "half fuming" one Christmas morning.

Newcastle v Manchester City: match preview

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 09:00:53 GMT

The kick-off at St James’ Park is now at 2pm rather than 2.15pm and it is not the only thing that has been moved at Newcastle. For the first time since Mike Ashley’s departure as the club’s owner in October, the Sports Direct advertising that previously covered the ground has been removed. Manchester City fear Pep Guardiola might not be there to see it following the manager’s inconclusive Covid test on Friday but, even if Guardiola is forced to watch from home, Eddie Howe could struggle to secure Newcastle’s desperately craved second win of the season. Louise Taylor

Sunday 2pm Sky Sports Premier League

Dominatrix boasts about early hours visit from Man City star after spanking Leeds 7-0

staronline@reachplc.com (Harry Brent) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 08:18:42 GMT

21-year-old French-English beauty Mistress Estée claims a Manchester City player came looking for a thrashing after thrashing Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night

Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel insists poor run does not reflect performances as he urges side to 'believe'

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:48:26 GMT

Chelsea are four points behind Premier League leaders Man City after taking 12 points from their last seven games. But Thomas Tuchel (inset) is still encouraging his side to 'believe'.

Martin Keown: Arsenal produced 'poetry in motion' by playing out from the back in Southampton win

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:30:54 GMT

MARTIN KEOWN: Arsenal demonstrated playing out from the back perfectly in their 3-0 win over Southampton. The dangerous tactic is 'poetry in motion' when applied correctly.

Jack Grealish says Pep Guardiola is single-handedly winning matches for Man City this season

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:30:07 GMT

The defending champions are at Newcastle United hunting for an eighth consecutive Premier League victory - but will have their manager on the touchline after a chaotic day at the Etihad.

Every Premier League club's 'available transfer budget' based on Financial Fair Play rules

staronline@reachplc.com (Jacob Leeks) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:04:26 GMT

Premier League clubs spent more than £1billion in the summer transfer window and could be set to pay out big money in January as teams battle for survival and the title

Premier League: Eight things we learned from matchround 17

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:00:46 GMT

Sportsmail takes a look at what we learned from round 17 in the Premier League as Chelsea lose ground in the title race after shock 1-1 draw to struggling Everton.

Pep Guardiola WILL be in charge for Manchester City's trip to Newcastle following Covid-19 scare

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:00:25 GMT

Pep Guardiola had a coronavirus scare on Friday - but will be in charge for Manchester City's trip to Newcastle United. He had previously been forced to cancel his pre-match conference.

Premier League POWER RANKINGS: Can Bernardo Silva hold off Mohamed Salah?

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:00:46 GMT

Each week throughout the 2021-22 season, Sportsmail will bring you a Power Rankings table, which lists the top 10 hottest players in the Premier League.

Manchester United 'NEED' to sign 'superstar' Jude Bellingham, claims Steve McManaman

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:56:48 GMT

McManaman highlighted the gulf in quality between United's midfield options and those of their closest rivals, and said Bellingham would be a first-team regular that would significantly improve the team.

Chelsea: Frank Leboeuf urges Thomas Tuchel to 'find solutions' or face being left in 'no man's land'

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:54:35 GMT

Chelsea have lost ground in the Premier League title race over the past few weeks. And Frank Leboeuf (top left) fears it could soon become a 'two-horse race' between Manchester City and Liverpool.

Kyle Walker posts heartbreaking tribute to 'best mate' and popular agent Dominic Yarwood

staronline@reachplc.com (Jacque Talbot) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:46:51 GMT

Kyle Walker has shared a heartbreaking message on social media after a body was found by Greater Manchester Police in the hunt for missing football agent Dominic Yarwood

The Football News Show: Will the Premier League's Christmas fixtures get cancelled?

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:45:51 GMT

With nine Premier League games postponed over the past week because of Covid-19, The Football News Show looks at how the Christmas fixture list could be affected.

Jack Wilshere admits he would snub Man City for Arsenal after Mikel Arteta comments

staronline@reachplc.com (Patrick Austen-Hardy) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:58:49 GMT

Jack Wilshere proved he is still a Gunner through and through when he confidently said he would rather play under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal than Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Daniel Sturridge posts hilarious Covid-19 vaccine song to Instagram from quarantine hotel in Perth

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:04:19 GMT

Sturridge, 32, is currently isolating for two weeks in a Perth hotel after an unnamed player at his new club Perth Glory tested positive for Covid-19, leaving him 'fuming and devastated'.

Pep Guardiola shows inconclusive Covid result days after Barcelona trip to see Aguero

staronline@reachplc.com (Dan Burnham) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:54:00 GMT

Pep Guardiola returned an inconclusive Covid-19 test after travelling back from Barcelona, causing Manchester City to cancel their pre-match press conference for their trip to Newcastle

Pep Guardiola cancels his Man City press conference after an 'inconclusive' Covid test

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:00:06 GMT

The 50-year-old is undergoing a second test but will not face the media today ahead of Sunday's trip to Newcastle United. Guardiola travelled to Barcelona earlier this week.

Thomas Tuchel blames injuries on City and Liverpool getting ahead of Chelsea

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:19:38 GMT

After a recent spate of faltering results, including defeat to West Ham and a European draw with Zenit St Petersburg, Chelsea came unstuck on Thursday night and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Everton.

HOW OMICRON COVID OUTBREAKS HAVE THE PREMIER LEAGUE ON EDGE

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:15:49 GMT

Increasing numbers of fixtures in England's Premier League have been called off due to widespread cases among many clubs, with the Omicron coronavirus variant taking hold.

Man City's Ferran Torres 'is Barcelona's No 1 target for the January window'

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 06:34:07 GMT

Torres moved to City, the Premier League champions from Valencia for just £21million in the summer of 2020 and has impressed with his clinical finishing and all-round attacking play.

Manchester City WILL win the Premier League this season, insist Joe Cole and Jermaine Jenas

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:34:57 GMT

Manchester City kept pace at the top of the league with a 7-0 hammering of Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening, before Liverpool closed the gap again by beating Newcastle.

Premier League: Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea suffered a 'freak result' after Everton snatched a draw

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:28:06 GMT

The Blues spurned a glut of gilt-edged opportunities to slip four points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League title race, and have now picked up just 12 points in seven top-flight matches.

Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold overjoyed with Newcastle thunderbolt that sealed 3-1 victory

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 23:36:32 GMT

Liverpool came from behind to beat Newcastle at Anfield on Thursday night. And Trent Alexander-Arnold put the icing on the cake with a sensational long-range effort.

Chelsea 1-1 Everton: Toffees stun the Blues as Jarrad Branthwaite cancels out Mason Mount opener

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:45:45 GMT

ADRIAN KAJUMBA: If this is one of the final Premier League games played for a while, it is one Everton, and less likely hero Jarrad Branthwaite will be more than happy to have the time to dwell on.

Jurgen Klopp insists Newcastle do NOT have the edge over Liverpool

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:43:21 GMT

Liverpool are heavy favourites to beat the Magpies at Anfield, having won their last seven games in all competitions and a win tonight will move them within one point of league leaders Man City.

Africa Cup of Nations: Premier League clubs believe tournament WILL be postponed

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 15:27:49 GMT

TOM COLLOMOSSE: The competition, due to take place in Cameroon from January 9-February 6, would mean a number of top-flight players leaving their clubs to join up with their national teams.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa admits he is not unsackable with club 16th in Premier League

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:35:23 GMT

The Whites boss retains a godlike status among fans at Elland Road for how he has turned the club around since his arrival in 2018. But Bielsa is well aware he is not immune from getting the sack.

Covid-19 outbreaks in sport: Several football and rugby games have been postponed

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:02:54 GMT

Four Premier League matches in a week are called off because of new Covid-19 outbreaks, with rugby games at the weekend also postponed.

Lionel Messi pays tribute to Sergio Aguero following the Manchester City legend's retirement

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 11:31:27 GMT

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero won gold at the 2008 Olympics together under Sergio Batista, reached the 2014 World Cup final and won last summer's Copa America.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta 'promises Xavi TWO new signings in January'

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:24:56 GMT

The cash-strapped Catalans - who are saddled by debts exceeding £1billion - are in desperate need of new signings after their worst start to a season in 34 years.

Fleetwood Town eye Manchester City-style global network after buying clubs in Dubai and South Africa

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:46 GMT

Fleetwood Town have purchased two teams in United Arab Emirates and Africa. The club, 19th in League One, are looking to replicate Manchester City's global network of clubs.

Analysis: How 'phenomenon' Kevin de Bruyne helped Manchester City thrash Leeds

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:04:50 GMT

Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Dion Dublin discuss Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne's performance against Leeds United after a dominant 7-0 win.

Kevin De Bruyne is still recovering from being 'kicked in the face, kicked in the ankle' and Covid

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:42:32 GMT

De Bruyne has been eased back into action by Pep Guardiola after missing three matches while self-isolating. The midfielder played his first full 90 minutes on Tuesday night.

Leeds keeper Illan Meslier let in seven against Man City in front of Manchester United scouts

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:50:37 GMT

Manchester United have identified the 21-year-old as the best young keeper in the country and sent Coton to the Etihad as City recorded 31 efforts on Leeds' goal in a 7-0 victory.

Kevin De Bruyne admits his body is still recovering from Covid-19 and injuries

Jamie Jackson — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:30:27 GMT

‘I do two or three sprints and feel it,’ Belgian says
Midfielder was dominant in 7-0 win over Leeds

Kevin De Bruyne has described how a difficult few months has featured being “kicked in the face, kicked in the ankle” and then contracting Covid, though the midfielder hopes he is finding his best form after two goals in Manchester City’s 7-0 win over Leeds on Tuesday.

The face injury De Bruyne referenced occurred in May’s Champions League final defeat by Chelsea when he clashed with Antonio Rüdiger and the Belgian damaged ankle ligaments at Euro 2020. These problems hampered his pre-season and the 30-year-old contracted Covid in November.

Sergio Aguero was more transformative than any other Man City player to have pulled on a shirt

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:00:46 GMT

There was a banner draped at the Etihad Stadium one sunny afternoon last May, as tears and champagne flowed in equal measure. 'Thank you, Sergio. You changed our lives.'

Man City: Kevin De Bruyne is back in form and it's ominous for Chelsea and Liverpool

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:00:52 GMT

The goals and assists will surely flow from here and the midfielder's revival coincides with a hectic time of the season that could easily see City steal a march.

Sergio Aguero: The Football News Show discusses his Manchester City legacy

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:29:28 GMT

Harry Winters from City Xtra talks about Sergio Aguero's Manchester City legacy on The Football News Show following his retirement from football on Wednesday.

Five goals against Newcastle and THAT QPR strike... Sergio Aguero's top ten career moments

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:29:03 GMT

Sergio Aguero has waved goodbye to football and to recognise one of the Premier League's best ever No 10s, here are Aguero's top ten moments from his entire - and glittering - career...

Premier League agrees new Covid measures to stem outbreaks at clubs

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:45:09 GMT

Premier League players and club staff will need to take a lateral flow test every day in order to get into training grounds to try to stem the rise of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Sergio Aguero: Barcelona striker announces retirement from football

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:38:40 GMT

Barcelona and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero announces he is retiring from football to protect his health.

Sergio Agüero proud of stellar career and content now is his time to live | Jamie Jackson

Jamie Jackson — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:00:16 GMT

Striker’s blockbuster title-winning goal for Manchester City stands out but 18 years among the elite tells the fuller story

For Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo an enforced retirement because of a heart condition provoked tears on Wednesday, but friends of the 33-year-old say he has also come to feel serene that a stellar 18-year career is over.

The former Barcelona forward is understood over recent days to have been zen-like in his take on his playing days ending, telling associates that “things happen in life and it is time to live”. Away from the strictures of the athlete’s diet Agüero can embrace his love of asado, the Argentine barbecue that grills choice cuts of steak, chorizo, chicken and other meat, and attend more concerts of his friend Maluma, a Colombian musician.

Tearful Sergio Agüero announces retirement from football – video

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:28:50 GMT

Barcelona striker Sergio Agüero announced his immediate retirement on Wednesday for health reasons.

The 33-year-old underwent heart tests after leaving the field, holding his chest, during Barcelona's match against Alavés on 30 October.

His condition has since been evaluated, and a tearful Agüero said at a press conference that he had decided to stop playing.

Agüero only joined Barcelona last summer, ending a 10-year stint at Manchester City, during which he won the Premier League five times.

‘A very difficult moment’: tearful Sergio Agüero confirms retirement

Sergio Aguero: Man City fans pay tribute to retiring 'legend'

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:41:04 GMT

For Manchester City fans, the striker provided the greatest moment in Premier League history.

Sergio Aguero: Barcelona's former Man City striker retires

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:37:54 GMT

Sergio Aguero announces his retirement from football within six months of joining Barcelona from Manchester City.

Sergio Aguero: Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid post tributes as striker retires

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:31:16 GMT

The Barcelona striker broke down in tears as he confirmed the news at a press conference convened at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. And it didn't take long for the tributes to roll in.

Manchester City: Fans make fun of Ruben Dias' desperate defending to stop a cross against Leeds

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:56:45 GMT

Fans on social media have mocked Ruben Dias' bizarre bit of defending after the Portuguese star was seen 'glitching out' in Man City's 7-0 win over Leeds on Tuesday.

Barcelona's Sergio Aguero breaks down and announces his retirement aged 33 after heart problems

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:30:05 GMT

PETE JENSON IN SPAIN: Sergio Aguero sobbed uncontrollably as he admitted he had been forced to retire by a heart condition, at the camp Nou on Wednesday.

Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool are locked in a Premier League title race... who comes out on top?

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 09:29:56 GMT

At present, it's Pep Guardiola's defending champions who have hit the front. Liverpool. in second place, have Chelsea hot on their heels and just a point behind.

Sergio Aguero: Spanish papers praise Barcelona striker who is set to announce retirement

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:16:55 GMT

The 33-year-old, who only signed from Manchester City back in the summer, was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after experiencing chest pains during his first start for Barcelona on October 30.

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa blasts 7-0 defeat at Manchester City as their 'WORST performance'

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:49:58 GMT

Marcelo Bielsa didn't hold back after watching his Leeds United side mauled by Manchester City lambasting it as their 'worst' display in his tenure at the club.

Joleon Lescott lauds Kevin De Bruyne and says Man City star 'did not miss a beat' in Leeds thrashing

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:39:51 GMT

The 30-year-old Belgium international netted twice as Pep Guardiola's men ran out 7-0 winners to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Manchester City: Pep Guardiola hails Kevin De Bruyne for getting back to his best in 7-0 Leeds win

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:03:01 GMT

Kevin De Bruyne scored twice in Manchester City's 7-0 demolition of Leeds on Tuesday night. And Pep Guardiola believes the Belgian is slowly finding his feet after a tough start to the campaign.

Owen Hargreaves lauds 'unbelievable' Man City and claims hammering of Leeds 'wasn't a fair fight'

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:18:34 GMT

The reigning Premier League champions went four points clear at the top of the table after hammering Marcelo Bielsa's men 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa takes blame for hammering by Manchester City

Jamie Jackson at the Etihad Stadium — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:17:25 GMT

Bielsa: ‘What I proposed was not good enough’
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola praises side’s patience

Marcelo Bielsa offered no excuses for Leeds’s 7-0 humiliation by Manchester City, their joint heaviest defeat in the club’s 102-year history, the manager admitting this was the “worst result” of his four years in charge.

The defeat leaves Leeds with 16 points after 17 games and, adjusting to three points for a win, only in 1930‑31 have they had fewer at this stage of any league campaign (14).

Joe Gelhardt has been criminally underused as Leeds need his spark to reignite their season

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:32:31 GMT

DAVID COVERDALE AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Fans have been crying out to see more of Gelhardt, who scored with his first touch at Chelsea and also earned a match-saving penalty against Wolves.

Newcastle and Manchester City may take LEGAL action over new commercial deal rules

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:30:33 GMT

The tighter rules are a direct response to the Saudi-funded takeover of Newcastle in October, when the Premier League also introduced a temporary ban on any new related-party deals.

Manchester City 7-0 Leeds United: Premier League – as it happened

Scott Murray — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:24:22 GMT

Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated a rout as the champions pulled four points clear at the top

Leeds get the party started ... but only after everyone takes the knee. Warm appreciative applause. There’s no room for racism.

The coda to pre-match na-na-na-fest Hey Jude finally fades out, at which point the teams emerge from the tunnel on a mild Mancunian evening. Manchester City are in their sky blue shirts, while Leeds wear second-choice dark blue. Bielsa and Guardiola warmly embrace. We’ll be off in a minute or two. “Most clubs and countries reached peak-kit design classic around the late 60s/early-mid 70s, and most of the kits since have been a bit like scribbling on the Mona Lisa,” writes Julian Menz. “Those kits were iconic design statements. Yes, I have a life, but I can still watch the 1974 World Cup Final for the strips alone (and the hair of course).” Preach on, brother. Julian can speak for me.

Kevin De Bruyne calls the shots in Manchester City’s 7-0 rout of Leeds

Jamie Jackson at the Etihad Stadium — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:03:56 GMT

Manchester City are taking flight precisely when required. This seventh consecutive Premier League victory stretched their lead at the top to four points – Liverpool have played a game fewer – and took Pep Guardiola past the 500 goal mark: 502 to be exact in a record time of 207 games.

If City were rampant, Leeds were humiliated and it is a puzzle that their lauded manager, Marcelo Bielsa, can oversee such an easy-to-pick‑off unit.

Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League apart from Mo Salah, insists Owen Hargreaves

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:31:13 GMT

The Manchester City star has scored seven goals in 15 top-flight appearances so far this season in a stunning start to the campaign for him and Pep Guardiola's table toppers.

Man City 7-0 Leeds: Rampant champions score SEVEN as star man Kevin De Bruyne nets twice

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:30:17 GMT

JACK GAUGHAN AT THE ETIHAD: No manager has ever hit 500 Premier League goals quicker than Pep Guardiola, who reached that landmark in 207 games on Tuesday night.

Man City poised to beat Liverpool league wins record having eclipsed Chelsea and Man United sides

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:16:43 GMT

If City beat Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, they will rack up their 33rd league win of the calendar year. That will equal a Liverpool record that has stood for 40 years.

Wolves could miss out on huge cash windfall from potential sale of Rayan Ait-Nouri

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:25:54 GMT

Ait-Nouri has earned rave reviews for his displays so far this season and is attracting interest from across Europe with PSG and Barcelona among the clubs credited with an interest.

Premier League: Things to look out for in midweek action as Man City are set for ANOTHER record

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:13:50 GMT

Sportsmail previews the things to look out for in the Premier League midweek action as the top three all host sides in the bottom nine and Romelu Lukaku faces former side Everton.

Premier League POWER RANKINGS: Conor Gallagher makes the top 10, and is there a new leader?

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:07:17 GMT

Each week throughout the 2021-22 season, Sportsmail will bring you a Power Rankings table, listing the top 10 hottest players in the Premier League.

Champions League: John Terry claims Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the favourites

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:06:28 GMT

John Terry believes the leading Premier League trio are favourites to win the Champions League following the bungled draw for the last-16 on Monday.

West Ham tracking the progress of New York City striker Valentin Castellanos

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 23:26:55 GMT

The Argentine scored as New York City beat Portland Timbers on penalties to lift the MLS Cup last weekend, taking his tally for the season to 23 goals across all competitions.

Champions League: UEFA's serious suits fail to see the funny side after draw screw-up

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:34:35 GMT

DANIEL MATTHEWS: Brows were furiously furrowed come take two and a rudimentary error required the kind of cover-up usually reserved for festive gatherings in No 10 (allegedly).

Champions League: Chris Sutton's guide to the draw as he backs Manchester United to beat Atletico

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:30:46 GMT

CHRIS SUTTON: Man Utd went from facing Messi, Neymar and Mbappe to facing Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez. We'd hope to see a much-improved United by the time they face Atletico.

Pep Guardiola laughs off credit for Raheem Sterling’s return to form

Jamie Jackson — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:30:30 GMT

Manager says player only returned to starting XI by chance
City can extend lead at top when they host Leeds on Tuesday

Pep Guardiola believes it is “ridiculous” that any credit for Raheem Sterling’s resurgent Manchester City form should go to the manager for dropping him.

Sterling’s winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Wolves was his 100th Premier League goal and a fifth in the 27-year-old’s last eight games. Yet Guardiola dismissed the notion this was due to the forward being left out during the closing phase of last season and the start of this one. “I would like to say yes for my ego and for a better contract for the next seasons,” he said. “I am sorry – that is the most ridiculous thing; all this credit is for the player.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City 'will have to suffer' in order to beat 'special' Leeds team

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:25:37 GMT

The Premier League leaders host Marcelo Bielsa's side at the Etihad on Tuesday night, in a must-win game as the race for the title already begins to take shape.

Nicolas Otamendi 'robbed and assaulted at his home'

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:55:33 GMT

Four attackers are alleged to have assaulted former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi at his home, placed a belt around his neck before taking money and watches.

Manchester United to face Atlético not PSG after Champions League redraw

Andy Hunter — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:32:24 GMT

United had been set to face PSG but errors forced redraw
Liverpool get Inter not Salzburg as Chelsea land Lille again

Uefa was forced to redraw the last 16 of the Champions League after an error-strewn first attempt that wrongly pitted Manchester United against Villarreal, excluded them from a possible tie with Atlético Madrid and paired them with Paris Saint-Germain before Ralf Rangnick’s side landed Atlético at the second attempt.

European football’s governing body blamed the “software of an external service provider” for an embarrassing episode that involved the first draw being declared void almost an hour and three-quarters after it started.

Champions League last-16 draw: Manchester United and PSG matched up in bungled first draw

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:33:04 GMT

A number of mistakes during the first draw at 11am this morning forced UEFA to take unprecedented steps, with the whole round of ties to be done again at 2pm.

Champions League last-16 re-draw RESULT: Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City learn fate

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:00:06 GMT

At the second time of asking, the Champions League last-16 draw has taken place. Man United play Atletico Madrid, Liverpool face Inter Milan, Chelsea play Lille and Man City take on Sporting.

Champions League last-16 draw: Who could Chelsea, Man City, Manchester United and Liverpool face?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:18:02 GMT

Here's everything you need to know for the Champions League last-16 draw including date, time and TV channel, plus who the Premier League sides can face in the next stage.

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Guardian sport — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 08:15:08 GMT

Chelsea still lack rivals’ cutting edge, Youri Tielemans makes welcome return and Jack Grealish has lost his sparkle

Mikel Arteta has had his fill when it comes to off-pitch issues at Arsenal, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has given him another. We only know one side of the story but the manager’s position is that Aubameyang returned late from a trip abroad and, not for the first time, violated one or more of his “non-negotiables”. Arteta was already grappling with his captain’s dwindling goal output to the extent that Aubameyang was benched at Everton last Monday. Now he must consider whether dropping him from the squad that convincingly beat Southampton is sufficient punishment. Arsenal’s inconsistent young team need better leadership from their senior players, a theme yet to be consigned to history despite Arteta’s efforts, and there must be huge question marks over the 32-year-old’s status as captain now. Nick Ames

Match report: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton

Match report: Brentford 2-1 Watford

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger deserves to be in contention for Footballer of the Year

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:58:47 GMT

Rudiger defends with intensity and aggression. He gets close, enjoys contact, disturbs strikers, while at the other end, one touch and he is over, looking for a foul inside the penalty area.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva has lit up the season so far... now he's dreaming of European glory

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:31:09 GMT

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY CAROLINE DE MORAES AND SIMON HART: City insiders say the same about Bernardo - a bright and chatty player with a gift for languages and a love of a joke.

Why Ederson is No 1 for importance at Man City after he kept his 100th clean sheet for the club

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:30:46 GMT

It makes sense that Ederson's back-to-back Golden Glove awards owe something to the fact that he plays in a team that gives up few chances. He has only had to make 21 saves this term.

FIGHT NIGHT: Emotions boil over as penalties keep Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool in title race

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 22:39:30 GMT

One of the tightest Premier League title races ever reached boiling point on Sunday as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all scraped narrow wins from controversial penalties.

Victor Lindelof forced off during Man United's win over Norwich with breathing issues

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 20:30:47 GMT

Victor Lindelof was forced off during Manchester United 's win over Norwich with apparent breathing issues. However, manager Ralf Rangnick has revealed the defender is 'ok'.

Wolves boss Bruno Lage dismisses Pep Guardiola's criticism of his side

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 18:38:00 GMT

Guardiola claimed Wolves hadn't tried to play football during their 1-0 defeat at The Etihad but Lage retorted: 'I respect him, one of the greatest managers in history, but I don't really care.'

Chelsea beat 3-2 Leeds as Jorginho scores 94th minute penalty

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 16:58:27 GMT

ROB DRAPER AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Jorginho scored two second half penalties as Chelsea beat Leeds 3-2 to remain two points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Barcelona 'hold crisis talks after woeful Champions League campaign'

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:40:16 GMT

The fallout of Barcelona's embarrassing exit out of the Champions League on Wednesday night has continued with the club's heirachy having reportedly held a meeting as a result the following day.

Transfer news: The latest reaction as the summer window ends

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:06:18 GMT

Follow Sportsmail's live transfer blog as we take you through the latest updates, negotiations, rumours and done deals with the summer transfer window in full flow.