Pep Guardiola has revealed the results of Manchester Cityâs post-Christmas weight checks after issuing a firm warning to his squad not to overindulge during the festive break. With the Citizens closing in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, the Catalan coach confirmed his players returned in top condition ahead of a crucial trip to Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United fans were left in awe at Patrick Dorgu after the youngster scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant volley against Newcastle United. The 21-year-old joined the Red Devils last January but hasn't quite hit the heights many would have hoped at Old Trafford. But he achieved lift-off at United with a terrific strike against the Magpies on Boxing Day.
Ruben Amorim has revealed he still believes Kobbie Mainoo is the "future of Manchester United", despite the 20-year-old's continued struggles for game time under the Portuguese at Old Trafford. Academy graduate Mainoo has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club but Amorim suggested that he intends to keep the midfielder and believes that he still can thrive with the Red Devils.
Emmanuel Adebayor has leapt to Mohamed Salahâs defence after Jamie Carragher criticised the Liverpool forward, branding the punditâs treatment of the Egyptian as "unfair". The former Premier League striker questioned Carragherâs comments and legacy debate, insisting Salahâs achievements and standing in English football demand far greater respect.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".
Mohamed Salahâs future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstarâs agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-oldâs immediate future may lie.
Arne Slot has backed Hugo Ekitike to continue his electric run in front of goal, praising the Liverpool striker for his "hard work" off the pitch and determination to succeed in what is proving to be a fruitful first season in England. Ekitike looks set to have increasing pressure placed on his shoulders following a broken leg suffered by Alexander Isak, but Slot praised the Frenchman for his efforts to get "fitter and fitter".
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up emotionally ahead of the Reds' final match of 2025, admitting the squad are still struggling to process the devastating loss of Diogo Jota. Speaking as captain, the Dutch defender reflected on a year of extreme highs and heartbreaking lows, as the Merseyside giants prepare for an emotional Anfield clash with Wolves.
For the first time in English football history, Saturday 3PM kick-offs could reportedly be broadcast live on domestic television, with the Premier League and the English Football League set to open formal discussions early next year about lifting the long-standing blackout. England is now the only major footballing nation in Europe to maintain the restriction, which prevents live broadcasts between 2.45PM and 5.15PM on Saturdays.
Mikel Arteta has recalled feeling âhacked offâ over Declan Riceâs red card in Arsenalâs draw with Brighton last season - but the head coach is pleased his sideâs disciplinary issues are now behind them ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides. The Gunners are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome the Seagulls to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United legend Louis Saha has urged the Red Devils to sign Morgan Rogers in January. The Red Devils will head into a Premier League fixture without Bruno Fernandes for only the second time in almost six years when they host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, a rarity that has intensified debate around the clubâs creative depth. The Portuguese captain is sidelined with a hamstring injury and his absence is expected to leave a significant hole in Ruben Amorimâs side at a moment when margins at the top end of the table are unforgiving.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move for their former midfielder James Garner as they look to bolster their depleted options in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are weighing up whether to swoop for the Everton man as Ruben Amorim plots a midfield revamp which also includes breakout England star Elliot Anderson.
Arsenal are edging closer to a significant injury lift after Mikel Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz is on the brink of returning to action. The German forward, absent since undergoing knee surgery in August, is now just days away from rejoining the squad, offering renewed depth and flexibility as the Premier League leaders prepare for a demanding festive schedule.
Roman Abramovich has assembled a formidable legal team as a protracted court battle in Jersey continues to block the release of billions of pounds from the sale of Chelsea, funds that were pledged for victims of the war in Ukraine. While the ÂŁ5.3bn dispute over frozen assets on the island remains unresolved, Abramovich is refusing to bow to mounting political pressure to immediately release the money.
Erling Haaland issued a cheeky two-word jibe in the direction of Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager warned his players not to overindulge on Christmas Day. The Norway internationalâs playful response comes after the City head coach delivered his stern ultimatum ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Mason Mount believes "thereâs an opportunity" to still make England's 2026 World Cup squad as the Manchester United midfielder enjoys a resurgence under Ruben Amorim. After years disrupted by injury, inconsistency and a painful separation from Chelsea, the 26-year-old is finally enjoying a sustained run of starts that feels like progress rather than promise.
William Saliba has called on Arsenal to end their trophy drought in style by pushing hard to win an unprecedented quadruple this season. The Gunners are currently well-poised in their pursuit of a first piece of silverware since the 2019-20 season, with the France international insisting he and his team-mates are good enough to claim all four trophies in 2025-26.
City Football Group have brought their association with Mumbai City FC to a close, ending one of the most significant foreign investments in Indian football amid deepening uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League. The CFG-owned network, which also controls Manchester City, has divested its entire shareholding in the Mumbai-based club, returning full ownership to founding partners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
Diogo Jotaâs two sons will accompany the matchday mascots when the late strikerâs former clubs Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet at Anfield on Saturday. The Premier League fixture is the first time the two teams have met since the Portugal international died - alongside his brother Andre Silva - in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora in July.
Ruben Amorim has confirmed there is still âno decisionâ on the futures of Harry Maguire and Casemiro, as Manchester United edge closer to a potentially delicate contract crossroads. Both players are approaching the final months of their current deals, leaving uncertainty hanging over two figures who have revived their form under the Portuguese head coach.
Manchester United will only allow players to leave in the January transfer window if replacements can be found, says head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has delivered the update ahead of the winter market opening on New Yearâs Day, with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee believed to be keen on departing Old Trafford in search of more playing time.
As we head into Christmas, it's time to review the Premier League season so far. Each side has played 17 games out of 38 and we've got a good idea of who will be fighting for what this year. Arsenal boast a two-point lead at the top from Manchester City and a further one from Aston Villa, while Wolves already seem destined for relegation at a Derby-esque pace.
Tottenham sat 14th in the Premier League on Christmas Day. They finished 17th at the end of 2024-25 and have placed inside the top four only once in the 2020s altogether. Yet they are still regarded as one of the Premier League's 'big six' clubs alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.
Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down that path while on the books of Manchester United, having joined the Red Devils from Sporting in 2003. He won the Premier League title at Old Trafford, along with the first of five Champions League crowns and a handful of Ballons dâOr.
Cole Palmer has been advised not to look too far ahead at Chelsea, with Blues legend Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL that the England international has only enjoyed a âtwo-year careerâ. It has been suggested that the talented playmaker could one day attract interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but he has been told to focus on maximising the potential of both himself and his trophy-hungry colleagues at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham fanatic Danny Dyer is being backed to support son-in-law Jarrod Bowen with whatever career choice he makes in upcoming transfer windows. Former Hammers forward Marlon Harewood has been discussing some big decisions with GOAL as Bowen mulls over options that could see him push for a move that would make certain members of his family unhappy.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
