Chris Burton

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has launched into a furious tirade against Premier League match officials and VAR, claiming “they don’t want us to win”. The Ballon d’Or winner cut a frustrated figure, alongside his manager Pep Guardiola, after seeing the Blues drop more precious points in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham - with one particularly big decision going against the visitors in north London.

Arsenal are reported to have asked about a stunning deadline day deal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Gunners have lost Mikel Merino to an untimely injury, with Mikel Arteta eager to ensure that he is not left short on options in an ongoing Premier League title bid. Italy international Tonali would be another proven addition to the ranks at Emirates Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo could refuse to play for Al-Nassr in their next Saudi Pro League fixture, according to reports in his native Portugal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be cutting a frustrated figure in the Middle East. With that in mind, the evergreen 40-year-old is considering ruling himself out of contention for selection in a derby date with Al-Riyadh.

Jamie Carragher has performed a dramatic U-turn in his assessment of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and invited the experienced Brazil international to shame his punditry skills. Back in 2024, Liverpool legend Carragher claimed that “football had left” Casemiro and he was destined to end up in MLS or the Saudi Pro League. The South American has enjoyed an impressive upturn in form this season.

Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to have Marcus Rashford back at Manchester United next season if he stays on as Red Devils boss, but Barcelona hold the most important trump card in any transfer battle. The Liga giants took the England international forward on loan ahead of the current campaign and boast a purchase option that can be triggered in the summer of 2026.

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has jokingly declared that he is prepared to “kill” club colleague Christian Pulisic if Mexico cross paths with the USMNT on 2026 World Cup duty. The pair have struck up quite the bond at San Siro, as they regularly watch NFL action together, but friendship will be put to one side if they lock horns in the international arena.

Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal for Tottenham as they battled back from two goals down to level matters against Manchester City. The England international striker was responsible for digging Spurs out of a hole in that contest, with his second effort of the game seeing the ball flicked home despite it dropping behind him.

Manchester United hero Benjamin Sesko, fresh from netting a dramatic winner in a five-goal thriller with Fulham, admits that Michael Carrick has improved work rate in the Red Devils ranks - allowing an impressive run of results to be enjoyed. United edged out Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford and have now taken maximum points from three games under their interim head coach.

Mohamed Salah has taken a Premier League record off Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and Arsenal great Thierry Henry, with the Egyptian superstar further highlighting his value to the Liverpool cause following a testing time at Anfield. Salah teed up one of the Reds’ four goals as they recovered from falling behind on home soil to see off Newcastle.

Noni Madueke has been awarded an Olimpico goal that has brought his 12-month drought in the Premier League to a close. The Arsenal winger was a threat throughout the Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Leeds at Elland Road, having only been drafted into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI following an unfortunate injury to Bukayo Saka. He forced a first-half goal direct from a corner.

Enigmatic Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has seen his behaviour criticised again, with supposed “arrogance” on the Argentine’s part being called out by an international goalkeeping rival. Uruguayan shot-stopper Sergio Rochet does not “like the way” a fellow South American is - despite the World Cup winner being considered “phenomenal” at his job.

Jude Bellingham has suffered a serious injury scare during England’s countdown to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder was left clutching at his hamstring during a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. He was clearly in some pain, after crumpling to the turf, and has handed untimely fitness concerns to Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa and Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

Declan Rice has set a “legacy” challenge for his team-mates at Arsenal, with the Gunners’ class of 2025-26 continuing to chase down major honours on multiple fronts. In the Premier League, they are seeking to become the first side since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 to deliver a top-flight title to north London. Rice is determined to become an immortal in that department.

Ivan Toney has explained why he followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League, with the England World Cup hopeful netting more goals in that division this season than Portuguese GOAT CR7. Toney has also delivered a bold statement regarding the standard of competition in the Middle East and that which he previously graced in the Premier League.

Jamie Carragher has sought to defend Raheem Sterling from any criticism, following his release by Chelsea, with the England international considered to be seriously “underrated”. The Premier League title-winning former Manchester City star is now looking for a new challenge at 31, with a former teammate hoping that a “fitting finale” can be found.

Lionel Messi is considered to already be acting like Inter Miami’s owner, with former MLS star Bacary Sagna telling GOAL of why the Argentine icon has found the perfect home at this stage of his career. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to enjoy success on the field in the United States, while also enhancing his global brand away from the pitch.

Mykhailo Mudryk is being prevented from doing his day job at the moment, with a suspension being served at Chelsea due to alleged doping violations, but he is keeping himself amused away from the football field. The Ukrainian winger has indulged in some playful flirting with American actor and social media star Jordyn Jones, with a possible romance on the cards there.

Maya Jama and Ruben Dias are said to have been left “devastated” after seeing their Cheshire mansion broken into while they were away on Love Island and Manchester City duty. It is claimed that a “number of items” were stolen from the property during a break-in on January 28. A police investigation has been opened, with the hope being that culprits can be found.