Live Blogs

BOURNEMOUTH host Fulham this afternoon – and they’ll be hoping to pick up three more Premier League points.Dominic Solanke’s hot streak in front of goal continued as the Cherries forward bagged a hat-trick against ten-man Nottingham Forest.
While Fulham lost their second successive league fixture at the hands of new boys Burnley.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
Follow ALL the action from Vitality Stadium with our live blog below… More

NOW it really is getting serious for out-of-sorts Newcastle.Losing away from home is one thing but when a side who’ve never previously picked up a Premier League point against the Magpies breach their St James’ Park fortress, the alarm bells are ringing loudly
Chris Wood celebrates with Anthony ElangaCredit: Alamy
Wood was back to haunt his former clubCredit: PA
Eddie Howe’s job may not be in peril but the stats are wracking up against him after the worst home display since he arrived over two years ago.
This was Newcastle’s sixth defeat in seven games, their third in a row and it;s Liverpool away next.
The star was ex-Toon striker Chris Wood, a striker deemed surplus to requirements by the Saudi-rich club on their supposedly inexorable climb towards the top of the football summit.
Wood scored a memorable hat-trick for Forest who came from a goal down to win for only the second time since September 2.
Their last victory in a top flight game on Tyneside was in 1988 when Brian Clough ran the show.
Now they’re up and running under Nuno Espirito Santo and while he still has plenty of work to do, this was Clough-esque in terms of upsetting the applecart.
It’s been a wretched December for Newcastle, Out of the Champions League, out of the Carabao Cup and now looking down and out.
And don’t bank on a return ticket to Europe. Momentum is going only one way right now.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
After Alexander Isak scored from the penalty spot, Wood equalised in the 45th minute, then struck in the 54th and 60th minutes.
Three in quarter of an hour compared to four in more than a year as a Newcastle striker.
Forest’s last appearance at St James’ Park was in August last year on their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
How things have changed for them in the 17 months since though his was perhaps their finest hour over the period.
Not only are they under new management, their side is virtually unrecognisable from that balmy afternoon with Moussa Niakhate the lone survivor.
With such a bloated squad at his disposal, the new coach admits it may take him some to time to find his best starting XI.
He clearly wasn’t too impressed during the 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth, making six changes for his first away game in charge.
This eyecatching result will surely give him more appetising food for thought.
Despite their dreadful form, a rotten record against Newcastle and that raft of changes, Forest made a bright start and grew in confidence as the match wore on.
Newcastle forced a corner inside the opening 20 seconds but it was the visitors who had the first chance of the game in the third minute.
Teenager Lewis Miley was caught dawdling on the edge of his own area and Morgan Gibbs-White seized on the loose ball only to drag his shot inches wide.
Forest had already survived one VAR check when Isak went down inside the box but were not so fortunate in the 22nd minute when Ola Aina sent the Swede tumbling.
Isak stepped up to convert from 12 yards for his tenth goal of the season and first in six games.
The Magpies began to turn the screw. Set up by Miley, Anthony Gordon was only denied by a courageous, full-length block from Gonzalo Montiel.
And after wriggling his way towards goal, Isak’s shot from a narrow angle was pushed over the bar by Matt Turner.
But Forest were always looking to release Anthony Elanga and the former Manchester United man proved a constant menace, testing Martin Dubravka with one effort and firing another into the sidenetting.
And it was Elanga who created the equaliser for Wood in first half-injury time with the Kiwi scoring for the second successive game.
Forest always carried a threat on the counter, none more so than when Gibson-White had the Toon defence backpedalling as he burst upfield.
He played in Elanga whose pull-back was tapped into an empty net by Wood.
Newcastle almost hit back immediately but Isak headed straight at Turner before Hudson-Odoi sprang an attack only to shoot tamely at Dubravka.
It was Elanga who had Forest’s first shot on target in the second half when he seized on some hesitant Toon defending to bring another save out of the Slovakian keeper.
The Geordies looked a bag of nerves on the restart and they were made to pay when Wood struck again in the 54th minute.
Dan Burn had struggled throughout and he will want to forget the move which led to the Forest goal.
After failing to cut out Elanga’s delivery, the beanpole defender was then turned inside out by Wood who then deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Dubravka.
Burn was hooked moments later along with the equally ineffective Miguel Almiron but by now, Newcastle were a shambles.
And when – with Kieron Trippier playing him onside – Wood latched on to Murillos’s long ball before rounding Dubravka, it was game over.
Miley and Isak went close in the last half an hour but a Toon comeback never looked likely.
See how ALL the action from St James’ Park unfolded in our live blog below… More

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S £1.3bn takeover of Manchester United has FINALLY been announced.The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos group will control the footballing operations, and he has already promised huge investment for Old Trafford.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

Supporters Trust Sceptical
Manchester United’s Supporters Trust have issued a statement on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of shares in the club, which they have reacted to with scepticism.
It read: “During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our Club.
“When the so-called Strategic Review was announced nearly a year ago, it finally appeared that the sale of the club was on the horizon, potentially bringing the new investment and new direction MUFC so clearly needs.
“Against that backdrop, fans have very mixed feelings today. We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumoured 25%.
“We note the statements that he and his team will control sporting activities, yet puzzle how any organisation can put its very core business in the hands of a minority shareholder, and how that meaningfully works in practice.
“It is now incumbent on the Club’s owners and management to properly explain how this new structure will work, where the new investment will be directed and how it will benefit the team on the field.
“As the Supporters Trust, we expect to have discussions with the Club management and the INEOS team in the near future to understand their plans, and to put to them the very many questions fans have today.
“Today might – just might – be a step forward for Manchester United after some very difficult years.
“But with the Glazers still in charge, people should understand that United fans will remain sceptical and wait for the proof in the pudding.”
Credit: Alamy
Osimhen hope
Victor Osimhen’s agent has refused to rule out a summer exit for his client, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Roberto Calenda said: “Look, last summer many offers arrived, even monstrous ones.
“But De Laurentiis wanted to keep Victor, and we made ourselves available.
“If there had been the desire to leave, we would have said so. And instead, we worked, and a lot, only upon renewal.
“And next summer, it will be the same: we will talk to De Laurentiis and see together what to do.”
Glazers in the money
The Glazer family are reportedly pocketing close to a three-quarters of a BILLION pounds for the sale of their B shares.
The American magnates officially offloaded 25 per cent of their shares to Britain’s richest man this week.
And figures from the sale have revealed the fan-loathed family have banked £717,131,000 for parting ways with the shares.
Ratcliffe’s decision on Ten Hag
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club.
The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford is on a knife-edge due to a string of poor results this season.
It’s understood Ratcliffe is contemplating axing the former Ajax man if results don’t improve.
But Give Me Sport claims Britain’s richest man won’t make a decision on Ten Hag’s future until the end of the season.
Untrustworthy stars
Gary Neville has singled out has claimed Manchester United stars can’t be trusted to perform consistently.
He said on his Sky Sports podcast: “It doesn’t surprise me.
“I didn’t get carried away when they played against Liverpool because I thought Liverpool were below par.
“United were relatively poor in possession.
“But they showed resilience and you always have to respect a draw at Anfield.
“Now, what we see from this team, and I don’t just mean under his manager, is pretty much the same. You can’t trust them.
“They will let you down when they give you a glimmer of hope that they might be on track, they go lose a game they shouldn’t.
“They have Aston Villa on Boxing Day but could lose against NottinghamForest four days later.”
Ratcliffe’s message
In case you missed it, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued a heartfelt message to Manchester United fans following his acquisition of 25 per cent of the club.
He said: “Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.
“As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the club.
“Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
“We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion”.
“We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward”.
Credit: PA
Neville slams club
Gary Neville has ripped into Manchester following the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of shares.
 He tweeted: “Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end.
The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organisation would even think about it.
“Anyway, all the very best to Jim Ratcliffe and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s changes
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning some changes following his 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United.
Ratcliffe has been previously linked with Paul Mitchell, whom he wanted to take over as sporting director at United.
CEO of INEOS Sport Jean Claude Blanc is under consideration to become chief executive and cycling legend Dave Brailsford will also have a key role at United.
According to Sky Sports, manager Erik ten Hag is not under immediate threat but results must improve quickly.
Fan reaction
The Old Trafford faithful were rejoicing the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of shares in the the club.
One Man Utd fan said: “A new era, let’s hope the future brings better days!”
Another said: “We are winning Treble next season!”
And another chimed in: “Christmas has come early! WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!”
One remarked: “Finally! We move… I see a bright future now.”
Another joked: “This is the best statement of statements in history of statements.”
What’s next for Man Utd?
Manchester United need the Premier League to approve Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover.
Ratcliffe is taking over 25 per cent of United following a £1.2billion deal.
The deal is now expected to be finalised by the Premier League next.
This process is expected to take between six and eight weeks.
Credit: Reuters
What Ratcliffe’s takeover means
Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased 25 per cent of Manchester United for around £1.2billion.
This deal gives Ratcliffe control of football operations and a say in the commercial side controlled by the Glazers.
Sir Jim will be in charge of the men’s and women’s team along with the academy.
Following the acquisition, United are not expected to be very busy in the January transfer window.
All about Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United has been completed.
Ratcliffe has splashed about £1.25billion to acquire that stake from United.
The INEOS chairman is Britain’s richest man and worth a whopping £15billion.
The 71-year-old is a lifelong Red Devils fan and previously tried to take over Chelsea. last year.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe statement
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, is determined to bring the club back to the top of the world.
As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the Club.
Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion. We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward.
Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Glazers speak out
Manchester United executive Co-Chairmen and Directors Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer welcomed Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
We are delighted to have agreed this deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
As part of the strategic review we announced in November 2022, we committed to look at a variety of alternatives to help enhance Manchester United, with a focus on delivering success for our men’s, women’s and Academy teams.
Sir Jim and INEOS bring a wealth of commercial experience as well as significant financial commitment into the Club.
And, through INEOS Sport, Manchester United will have access to seasoned high-performance professionals, experienced in creating and leading elite teams from both inside and outside the game.
Manchester United has talented people right across the Club and our desire is to always improve at every level to help bring our great fans more success in the future.The Glazers
Credit: AFP
Man Utd statement
Manchester United issued the following statement after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover:
Manchester United plc announced today that it has entered into an agreement under which Chairman of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will acquire 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class B shares and up to 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class A shares and provide an additional $300 million intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
As part of the transaction, INEOS has accepted a request by the Board to be delegated responsibility for the management of the Club’s football operations. This will include all aspects of the men’s and women’s football operations and Academies, alongside two seats on the Manchester United PLC board and the Manchester United Football Club boards.
The joint ambition is to create a world-class football operation building on the Club’s many existing strengths, including the successful off-pitch performance that it continues to enjoy.Manchester United
Detailed Sir Jim deal
Here’s what the deal between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United involves:

Acquisition of 25 per cent of the Class B shares held by the Glazer family
Offer to acquire up to 25 per cent of all Class A shares
The Glazer family and Class A shareholders will receive the same price of $33 (£26) per share
Further investment of $300million (£236m) in the Club
INEOS delegated responsibility for management of football operations
Completion of this deal is subject to receiving all necessary regulatory approvals including from the Premier League

Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover confirmed
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally completed his 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United.
Ratcliffe has completed a deal worth about £1.25billion with the Glazers.
Sir Jim is now expected to be in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.
This poses as the dawn of a new era for the Red Devils! More

CHRISTMAS has come early for Wolves as they have handed Chelsea their fourth consecutive away defeat this season.Goals from Lemina and Doherty turned out to be enough for the hosts to seal all three points at Molineux.
But Christopher Nkunku Premier League debut goal made it a nervy ending for the hosts.

RESULT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Live stream: NOW TV
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Wolves XI: Sa; Kilman, Dawson, Toti; Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Hwang; Cunha
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Ugochukwu, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Jackson; Broja.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
Things go from bad to worse for Poch
Chelsea have now lost more Premier League games in 2023 than any other side in the top-flight.
Despite spending over £1bn on transfers, The Blues have now lost 19 games in this calendar year.
Mauricio Pochettino looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders at the full time whistle.
Credit: Reuters
Festive fun for Wolves’ fans
Gary O’Neil’s side now move to eleventh in the table and are level on points with Chelsea.
Beating The Blues today will give them confidence that they can continue to make Molineux a fortress.
Having beaten Tottenham and Man City here this season, it is not proving happy hunting ground for the big sides.
Credit: Getty
FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Mario Lemina put in a man of the match performance for Wolves.
He scored the opening goal to give them belief that they could win this game against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The Gabonese playmaker covered so much ground for Gary O’Neil’s side and was pivotal to this win.

FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Wolves looked like a different team in the second half.
They caused the visitors all sorts of problems defensively and carved out some really good chances.
When Chelsea pulled a goal back they will have concerned but they knuckled down and held on for the win.

FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
The referee brings the game to a close.
Wolves have got another big scalp at Molineux.
It will be a happy Christmas for Gary O’Neil and his team.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+10. Chelsea will be without Palmer and Sterling in their next game.
The yellow cards they have both picked up today will see them suspended.
Bueno is penalised for a foul on Madueke out wide.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+8. Suddenly it is a nervy atmosphere at Molineux.
They thought the game was done and dusted when they scored their second goal.
Thanks to Nkunku, it all hangs in the balance now.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+6. This game may not be completely over.
Madueke crosses into the box and Nkunku has a free header.
It’s a good finish by their new player as he heads into the bottom corner.
Goal – Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Wolves 2-0 Chelsea
90+4. Wolves manage to double their lead.
Bueno crosses the ball and Badiashile fails to clear his lines.
Doherty is first onto it and side foots it into the net.
Credit: PA
Goal – Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
90+2. Sterling tries to work a crossing opportunity but is closed out.
He plays it to Mudueke who cuts onto his left foot and shoots.
The ball is always going away from the far post.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
90. O’Neil will feel his side have done enough to deserve this win.
They need to stay tight and get numbers behind the ball to frustrate Chelsea.
What he would give for another goal right now.
We are going to have eleven minutes added.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
88. There is going to be a lot of added time in this game.
Dawson’s injury took a long time to clear up.
Chelsea scored in added time against Newcastle, they will be hoping they can do so again.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
86. The hosts could do with another goal to kill this off.
Wolves are managing to do enough to keep Chelsea out but the threat is constantly there.
Doherty and Bueno come on for Cunha and Ait-Nouri.
Gary O’Neil looking to get some fresh legs on.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
84. Jose Sa looks to release the ball early.
He gets his kick all wrong or Wolves were clean through.
Fine margins at this level.
Credit: PA
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
82. Wolves are camped out in their own final third.
They just cannot get the ball clear, the visitors regain possession and come piling forward again.
Doyle has a shot from outside the box, on a rare counter attack, but Petrovic makes a decent save.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
80. Chelsea bring on Badiashile, Mudueke and Maatsen.
They replace Colwill, Gusto and Jackson.
Pochettino is looking to try and mix it up to find this goal.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
78. When Chelsea come forward it leaves them open to the counter attack from Wolves.
Sterling tries to cut the ball back from the byline but it is behind all the attackers and Wolves half clear.
Pochettino’s side are dominating possession now.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
76. Doyle comes on for Sarabia.
Gallagher is penalised for a foul on Hwang.
The Chelsea skipper needs to be careful, he has already been booked.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
74. Time is starting to run out for Pochettino’s side.
They need to try and get a goal to try and go on to win this game.
As it stands, it is Wolves whose game it is to lose.
Credit: PA
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
72. Chelsea are starting to turn the screw now.
The additions of Mudryk and Nkunku has given them more options.
Wolves are defending deep, looking to get numbers behind the ball.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
70. Bueno comes on for Dawson in defence.
He will be a big loss to this Wolves team.
The veteran defender leads by example in this team.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
68. Play is held up as Dawson is treated.
He is not going to be able to continue.
O’Neil gets more instructions to his team.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
66. Nkunku lays it off to Palmer with the hosts stretched.
He finds Sterling and as he shoots, Dawson slides in to challenge.
Dawson deflects it over the bar but seems to have injured himself in the process. More