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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned Liverpool that their eight-point advantage will be tricky to maintain for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Arne Slot’s side have made an excellent start to the Premier League campaign, winning 10 of their 12 games so far. Liverpool are already eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City and nine in front of Arsenal, who are fourth in the table but level with third-placed Chelsea on 22 points. Liverpool will extend their advantage this weekend if they beat City at Anfield on Sunday, although Slot has already warned his squad about Arsenal’s title collapse in March 2023 when Arteta’s side let an eight-point lead slip in their race with City.

‘And to sustain it for ten months is extremely difficult. Everything has to go your way.

‘And sadly, when you think that you have it, one day, plop, it collapses. And it can be through a result, it can be through injuries, it can be from other kinds of decisions. And it can happen in any moment. And we have to be ready for that.

‘But again, it’s something that we don’t control. What we can control is what we can do and do that our very best.’

Asked if he feels whether Arsenal are in the best position to catch up with Liverpool, Arteta replied: ‘I really believe in my team, yes.’

When asked if he had doubts over Manchester City’s quality, Arteta said: ‘No, because even with those injuries, they deserve to win every game. It’s simple.

‘You look at all the stats and everything that they do, they are always better than the opposition. They deserve to win the games. This is football. They deserve it. You don’t win it, okay, it’s for a reason.’

Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are interested in signing United States international Malik Tillman, according to a new report. Per a report from Sky Sport in Germany, the three English sides are all interested in signing the midfielder. The PSV star is a hugely versatile presence who can play in defensive midfield, attacking midfield and on the left wing.

This season, Tillman has scored eight goals and registered four assists in 19 games, including a brace as his side fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this week. Tillman is valued at up to €40 million (£33m/$42m), the report adds, and has a release clause to a similar value that will be activated this summer.

The 22-year-old was born in Germany but is a USMNT international with 17 caps. He has previously played for the likes of Rangers and Bayern Munich, but has now found his niche in Netherlands.

After their win over Brest in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona are set to return to La Liga action on Saturday as they face UD Las Palmas at the Estadi de Montjuïc.

Hansi Flick will be keen to get the full three points from this game as his team has been unable to do so in the last two league matches, and the Blaugranes’ margin at the top of the table has reduced to 4 points now, with Real Madrid having a game in hand.

After the game against Brest, the team will be in better morale for this game. Furthermore, Flick’s chances of getting a good result from this game will be improved as some previously injured players are also going to return for this game.

One such player can be Lamine Yamal, as Fabrizio Romano reports that the Barcelona head coach revealed in his press conference ahead of this game that the youngster is ‘back and ready to play’ on Saturday:
“Lamine Yamal is back and he’s ready to play… We haven’t decided yet if he will start, but he will play. That’s the plan.”

Lamine’s return will be a significant boost for FC Barcelona, as the team has sorely missed the €150m-rated winger whenever he has been absent in La Liga.

So far this season, the three matches in which Barcelona has dropped points in La Liga — against Osasuna, Real Sociedad, and Celta Vigo — have all been games in which the La Masia graduate was either absent due to injury or not included in the starting lineup by coach Hansi Flick.

In the case of the Osasuna match, Lamine did feature, but Flick chose to rest him and did not start him in the game.
Although he might not be able to start just yet, Yamal’s return for this game will still be important as he can still come on later in the game, and allow Flick to rest one of his other key forwards, most likely Raphinha who has also been playing a lot of minutes this season.

Ajax lost for the first time in the UEFA Europa League main phase on Thursday in their away fixture against Real Sociedad. Takefuso Kubo made the difference for the Spanish side with a goal and an assist as the home side won 2-0. The Amsterdammers are still in the top eight despite the loss, which would guarantee a spot in the last 16 and ensure that they skip the playoff round. Francesco Farioli made two changes to the team that beat PEC Zwolle 2-0 on Sunday in the Eredivisie. Kian Fitz-Jim and Chuba Akpom were brought into the side to replace Kenneth Taylor, who is suspended, and Davy Klaassen, who is not eligible to play in European competitions.

Ajax should have taken the lead in the 10th minute. A poor pass from Luka Sucic was intercepted by Fitz-Jim before he was pushed off the ball. But this led to a golden chance for Brian Brobbey, who only had to get the shot on target. But as has often been the case for Brobbey this season, the striker missed the target with the attempt, hitting the post. But Sociedad also missed a huge opportunity to break the deadlock minutes before halftime when Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal spun in the box before missing the target from inside the six-yard box with a toe-poked effort.

Ajax hit the post for the second time in the match on the hour mark. Fitz-Jim’s shot from outside the 16-yard box struck the woodwork. Sociedad took the lead in the 66th minute. Kubo was played in down the wing before he put in an inch-perfect cross for Ander Barrenetxea, who could not miss making it 1-0.

The young Japanese winger decided the match in the 85th minute following up his assist with a goal. He cut inside before his low curled effort was deflected into the far corner past Remko Pasveer. Ajax will be hoping to bounce back from this defeat when they travel to NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie on Sunday. The Amsterdammers are currently in the third spot with a seven-point deficit on league leaders PSV.

Manchester United took on Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday night, looking to give Ruben Amorim a win on his Old Trafford debut. Andre Onana lined up in nets as usual with the back three consisting of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and the returning Lisandro Martinez, who recovered from injury this week.

Tyrell Malacia made his first appearance since May 2023 and Antony was also deployed at right wing back. Manuel Ugarte was partnered by Bruno Fernandes in the centre of the park and the front three consisted of Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Red Devils got the Amorim era off to the perfect start, scoring after two minutes against Ipswich Town and the same occurred tonight when Alejandro Garnacho fired the home side in front in even faster fashion, just before the minute mark. Sadly for United, they could not build on the lead just like they failed to do so on Sunday evening. Two quick fire goals from the visitors silenced Old Trafford and once again presented the huge issues that Amorim has been tasked to fix.

On the one hand, he is clearly getting through to the players to fly out of the traps and slow starts were often a hallmark of the Erik ten Hag era. On the other hand though, it highlights the immense mental frailty that exists in the United dressing room and will take weeks, if not months, to weed out entirely. To be fair to Amorim, he took a gamble and rotated by playing Tyrell Malacia and Antony in the wingback roles and offered rotation that many fans have been begging for.

It is safe to say that United’s squad does not scream out that it is suitable for the 3-4-3 formation as both players struggled to fulfil their roles. Malacia tried hard and his performance must be judged in the context that he was being asked to play his first game in well over a year in an unfamiliar role. He got up and down the pitch and took up some nice positions in attack but he was easily outpaced and outfought for the visitor’s second goal and highlighted the problems United have.

Antony struggled to make any real impact in attack or defence and nobody would seriously suggest he is the long term solution. The Red Devils have been linked to blockbuster moves for Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez lately and it is almost impossible to quantify the upgrade either of these players would bring to the wingback role.

The Dane was left out of Amorim’s first starting line up against the Tractor Boys at the weekend but was given the chance to prove himself on Thursday night. Hojlund’s Old Trafford career has been the definition of a rollercoaster with numerous ups and downs.

Tonight was a roaring success as he ferociously closed down the Bodo/Glimt keeper and won the ball for Garnacho to tap into an empty net. He worked hard with his usual lack of service but turned on the style when he was provided with some. A great touch and volleyed finish brought United level just before half-time and will remind Amorim what he is capable of. He didn’t need long either in the second half as he showed predatory instinct to prod home from close range.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked to Amorim’s former striker at Sporting Lisbon, Viktor Gyokeres, but Hojlund will hope he will have enough chances to prove to the Portuguese coach that he can be the man to lead United’s line for the foreseeable future.

The second half saw United aim to hit the Norwegians over the top and time and time again they got in behind the visitors. Unfortunately, Alejandro Garnacho spurned two fantastic opportunities after being well set up by Hojlund and Amad Diallo. Marcus Rashford was also well played in by Mazraoui but once again blazed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

The Red Devils have been very slack in front of goal this season and this is something that Amorim will be desperate to work on as the season wears on.

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong could be offered a shock route out of the club in 2025.

De Jong has finally worked his way back to full fitness, after a miserable series of injury setbacks in the last 12 months, which had placed his La Blaugrana career in danger

The former Ajax playmaker has been eased back into action in recent weeks, alongside a recall to the Netherlands squad, for November’s two UEFA Nations League games.

However, rumours persist over the club’s long-term plan for him, with the 27-year-old out of contract in Catalonia in 2026.

Recent reports indicate Barcelona have now withdrawn their offer to extend his contract and they will now look to sell him next summer.

With that plan placing him inside the final year of his deal, interested clubs will be angling for a cut-price deal, and reports from Fichajes.net claim Liverpool are monitoring him.

Arne Slot is rumoured to be keen on working with his fellow Dutchman at Anfield, with his skillset matching the new tactical philosophy at the club, in a midfield unit with international teammate Ryan Gravenberch

Frank Lampard has been appointed as manager of Championship side Coventry City, the club confirmed on Thursday.

Lampard, who has signed a 2 ½ year deal, replaces Mark Robins, who was sacked on Nov. 7 after their seventh loss in 14 league games.

Robins first managed Coventry between 2012-2013. He returned to the club in 2017, guiding them to two promotions as they rose from League Two to the Championship.

They came close to winning promotion to the Premier League, losing the 2023 playoff final to Luton Town on penalties. Robins then led Coventry back to Wembley last season as they reached the FA Cup semifinal, losing again on penalties, this time to Manchester United.
Lampard’s appointment comes with the club in 17th position in the table, 10 points off the playoff places.

“I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as head Ccoach. Frank cut his teeth in the Championship and knows what is needed in this League to be successful,” Coventry owner Doug King said.
The Chelsea legend last coached in 2023 as interim boss of his former club, which he also managed full time between 2019-2021.

He began his coaching career at Derby County in 2018, with a stint at Premier League side Everton in 2022-2023.

Liverpool are the only team with a perfect record in this season’s Champions League after beating title-holders Real Madrid 2-0 in their heavyweight clash on Wednesday, with last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund among the night’s other winners. The showdown at Anfield saw Real attempting to extend a run of eight games unbeaten against Liverpool.

However, Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders were too strong, with Alexis MacAllister putting them ahead early in the second half.

Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating night and squandered a chance to equalise for Madrid after an hour when his penalty was saved.

Mohamed Salah then missed from the spot at the other end but substitute Cody Gakpo headed in Liverpool’s second goal on 76 minutes.

They are the sole side with five wins from five in this new-look Champions League, and are now guaranteed to advance at least to the knockout phase play-offs in February.

“You know how special it is to play against a club that won this Champions League so many times, are the reigning champions and were a pain in the ass for Liverpool many times as well,” said Slot.

Real have lost three of their five matches and with six points they are currently 24th, the very last qualifying spot for the knockout phase.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had words of comfort for their star French striker, saying: “This is a difficult moment for Mbappe. We will support him and give him love.”
Inter Milan sit second on 13 points, followed by Barcelona and Dortmund each on 12, with the Germans winning 3-0 against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

A great goal by English youngster Jamie Gittens gave Dortmund a first-half lead, before Ramy Bensebaini headed in on 56 minutes and substitute Serhou Guirassy sealed the win late on.

William Saliba thinks team-mate Martin Odegaard is “top three” in the world in his position with the Arsenal squad “happy to have him back” after injury.

The Norway international missed two months of club football earlier this season after picking up an injury on international duty with his country.

Odegaard didn’t play for Arsenal between their 1-1 draw against Brighton on August 31 and the Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League on November 6.
The Arsenal midfielder’s absence coincided with the Gunners dropping down the Premier League table to fourth as Mikel Arteta’s side picked up one point from matches against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Arsenal appeared to be back to their brilliant best over the past couple of matches with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League backed up by a 5-1 victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League.

Saliba told Arsenal’s official website: “I think we had two or three weeks before the international break when it was really tough, but now, we get back and we play two really good games.
“But it’s not enough, we have to keep going like this and we have a big game on Saturday.

“But it’s good, it’s good for the confidence that we won today and let’s keep going like this.

“The coach always told us to believe because we are a really good team. We had some bad times, but now better times are coming so we have to stick together and keep going like that.”

midfielder’s injury, Saliba added: “I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the world and we are so happy to have him back. We are better with him so I hope he won’t get injured again. Of course, we have to enjoy playing with him. We can see since he’s back we are better.

“He’s top three [in the world]. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I think top three. I love this guy.

“He worked hard at the training ground so I’m not surprised that he came back like this but of course, it’s not easy when you haven’t played for four weeks to come back at this level. I’m not in shock, he’s a top professional.”

On making his 100th appearance for Arsenal, Saliba responded: “I’m very proud. I hope I will have more games with this amazing club.
“I have to keep going but of course 100 games here is amazing.”

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski converted a first-half penalty kick to become the third player to score 100 goals in the Champions League, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Lewandowski calmly sent a low shot into the net from the penalty spot in the 10th minute to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead against Brest on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT). The striker trails the 129 goals of Messi and the 141 of Ronaldo, according to UEFA. Lewandowski needed 125 games to reach his milestone – two more games than Messi and 12 fewer than Ronaldo.

It was Lewandowski’s sixth Champions League goal this season, and he added his seventh in the 92nd minute of Barcelona’s 3-0 win. This is the ninth season in which the Poland striker has scored six or more Champions League goals. The 36-year-old Lewandowski is having a standout campaign, having now scored 22 goals for Barcelona in 19 appearances.

The latest Liverpool news as Man City were pegged back by the Dutch side in a 3-3 draw ahead of the weekend’s Premier League meeting. Liverpool’s Premier League title rivals Manchester City had a night to forget in a dramatic end to their Champions League clash against Feyenoord, as their winless run continued.

Going into the game, Pep Guardiola’s men were looking to bounce back from five defeats in a row in all competitions. The latest was a shock 4-0 home defeat against Tottenham at the weekend. Things looked to have turned around when Man City hosted Feyernoord. Two goals from Erling Haaland and another from Ilkay Gundogan gave them a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 53rd minute.

They held that advantage until the 75th minute when Anis Hadj-Moussa pulled a goal back for the Dutch team. Things got more nervy for City when Santiago Gomez scored another to make it 3-2 with eight minutes left to play. The comeback was complete for Feyenoord in the 89th minute with David Hancko sparking scenes in the away end with his goal. The draw means that City are now winless in six games, going into the weekend’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

In the closing stages of the match, while Feyenoord were seeing the draw out, the away fans sang Liverpool’s iconic song ‘you’ll never walk alone’ in support of their team. While the song is associated with Liverpool is is also sang by Feyenoord fans on a regular basis.

Videos also show the travelling fans showing appreciation for their former now Liverpool manager Arne Slot, with chants of ‘Arne Slot La La La’. The Dutchman left the Eredivisie club to manage Liverpool in the summer.

The trio caused Pep Guardiola’s side numerous problems and all played their part in an impressive 2-0 win. But that didn’t happen often enough and, despite boasting such huge names in their forward line, it never brought PSG Champions League success.

The Galacticos are now gone, with PSG having this summer pursued a new identity based around youth and utilising their own academy rather than buying expensive superstars. But, despite that, the wait for a maiden Champions League win is under threat of being extended for another season. They have won only one of their four games in the competition this term and face a daunting task of trying to record their second win at Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

Mbappe left PSG in the summer to join Real Madrid, marking the end of the era of the Galacticos.

The French side have long dominated their domestic league but even having an array of star-studded talent in their team did not bring success in Europe.

That in part was down to Messi, Neymar and Mbappe not always being available to play together and, when they were, it didn’t click as often as hoped.

The club are now hoping a change in identity will bring them the success in Europe that has eluded them.

That change has been to focus on youth and, in their season opener against Le Havre, they started three teenagers – Ibrahim Mbaye, 16, Warren Zaire-Emery, 18, and Yoram Zague, 18 – and only two players over 25. In the league it is 22-year-old Bradley Barcola who has stepped up in Mbappe’s absence, with the forward having scored 10 goals in 12 games to sit top of the scoring charts.

He has yet to carry that form into the Champions League, however, with no goals in his four European appearances this term. Mbappe is undoubtedly a huge loss to PSG in terms of goals, having scored 256 of them in 308 appearances across all competitions in his six years at the club. France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said earlier this season that without Mbappe PSG have lost a bit of “magic” but they now have more stability.

There is still plenty of time for results to improve for PSG in Europe and for them to do enough to progress beyond the League phase of the Champions League.

For that to happen, however, they need to start finishing the chances they create but their remaining fixtures will give them hope of doing what is required. After Bayern Munich on Tuesday they have away trips to RB Salzburg and Stuttgart and a home game against an out-of-sorts Manchester City.

They have five points to make up from those remaining fixtures to have a chance of finishing in the top eight, but if they fail to manage that then finishing between ninth and 24th will send them into a two-legged play-off to secure a place in the knockouts.