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      Jack Grealish makes gesture at Aston Villa fans as Man City fall further adrift in Premier League title race

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      JACK GREALISH made a cheeky three-fingered gesture to Aston Villa fans after suffering defeat against his former club.Manchester City’s dismal form continued with a 2-1 defeat in the Midlands on Sunday.Jack Grealish made a three-fingered gesture to Aston Villa fansCredit: GettyThe ace was jeered by home supporters as Man City lost 2-1 on the roadCredit: PAThey have now won just once in their last 12 matches under emotional boss Pep Guardiola.While Grealish has gone 45 games without a goal – spanning the course of 369 games.The England winger used to be a cult hero with Villa supporters, having joined them aged six in 2002.He made his debut aged 18 just 12 years later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Grealish went on to score 32 goals in 213 games for the Midlands side, helping them seal a return to the top flight in 2019.But despite his past heroics, the playmaker was routinely jeered by home fans throughout today’s game.Grealish clashed with several Villa players on the field, most notably right-back Matty Cash.And at the final whistle he was booed even louder by the Brummie crowd.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Grealish was unable to take the jeers in his stride.Instead, he flicked three fingers up at irate supporters in response.Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthdayIt appeared to be a reference to the three Premier League titles he has won with City since joining them from Villa in a £100million deal in 2021.Grealish has played 142 for City and also helped them to the Treble in 2023.But his form has nosedived this season, with teammates also struggling to impress.City have lost six times in the league this season – already more than any other previous campaign Grealish has featured in since joining them.They are nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have TWO games in hand.While Chelsea could go 10 points clear if they beat Everton in tomorrow’s early kick-off. More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Newcastle dominant & West Ham level as City crisis continues with defeat to Villa – updates

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      MATCHWEEK 17 is HEREand there are some blockbuster Premier League ties taking place this weekend.In today’s early kick off, Manchester City suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Aston Villa which now means Pep’s side have one win in their last TWELVE matches!The standout 3pm clash is West Ham’s meeting with Brighton as Julen Lopetegui looks to ease pressure on his managerial situation.But SunSport will also bring you all the goals from the remaining three matches taking place today.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pmFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at the London StadiumThe general vibe at West Ham is that everyone, fans and players, have somewhere better to be.Jarrod Bowen has given it a go at getting West Ham into this one but that is about all there has been to report.Neither side are playing with any real intensity and that is being reflected in the stands where the atmosphere is incredibly flat. Everyone just wants to tick this off and get Christmas underway. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at the London StadiumWest Ham and Brighton should both be utterly ashamed of themselves after that first half.The way both are playing either side could easily be winning this if they bothered to turn up, but neither look capable of much.West Ham are defending well enough but every time they venture forwards the attacking player is largely on their own.And the less said about Niclas Fullkrug’s full debut, the better.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Justin Allen at Portman RoadJACOB MURPHY has been running the show for Newcastle.It was fitting he blasted in a rocket off the underside of the bar for 2-0 because he has been magnificent.Murphy also timed his run to perfection to get on to Fabian Schar’s long pass down the right before teeing up Alexander Isak for the opener after 26 seconds.The right winger has been causing Ipswich no end of problems.And Toon were gifted an early Christmas gift by Ipswich for a third.Keeper Arijanet Muric’s ball out from the back to Jens Cajuste was intercepted by Bruno Guimaroes, who teed up Isak to slot in.Kieran McKenna’s side leak too many goals and until they sort that out can forget any chance of their return to the Premier League lasting more than this season.Ipswich have not won a top-flight game at Portman Road since 2002. They have no chance of winning here today.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-0 BrightonThis is by no means a Premier League classic.Neither side can really find a rhythm in the game but currently that is suiting Lopetegui’s side more.One thing the fans will be pinning their hopes to hear is that things can only get better.Copy linkCopiedHT: Ipswich Town 0-3 NewcastleThis could be a painful watch for the home fans.The Magpies are dominating and looking clincal in front of goal.It is hard to see any result but an away win at Portman Road.Copy linkCopiedHT: Brentford 0-1 Nott’m ForestIt is quite an even game at the Gtech Community Stadium.Forest have taken one of their chances and have something to defend now.Brentford will need to take it up a couple of gears if they want to protect theiir impressive home record.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-3 Newcastle 45+1. Big mistake from Ipswich in defence is punished. Guimaraes plays in Isak and he puts this game to bed.This could be a long afternoon for Ed Sheeran and his Ally Pally hangover.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-0 Brighton45+1. The Hammers have come into this game more now.They have had the better chances in the first-half.Despiite this, we are still all square in the capital.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 0-1 Nott’m Forest38. The deadlock has been broken in West London.Aina is the goalscorer as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side look to consolidate fourth spot in the league.Wood went to shoot and missed the ball completely but it fell to Aina who took his chance well.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-2 Newcastle32. Eddie Howe’s side are in complete control of thi game now.Gordon comes up with the assist this time and Murphy slots home to double the visitors’ lead.It looks a long way back now for the Tractor Boys.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Justin Allen at Portman RoadNewcastle are looking comfortable so far at Portman Road.Fabian Schar played a peach of long pass forward to Jacob Murphy racing down the right.He supplied a superb cross for Alexander Isak to slam home.Assistant Natalie Aspinall did not raise her flag until the goal was scored — adjudging Murphy was offside.But after more than two minutes of checking, VAR reversed the decision and ruled the Toon star onside.And finally the Newcastle players and fans were able to celebrate.Toon should have scored further with Anthony Gordon and Isak missing sitters.But keeper Martin Dubravka had to do well to save from Sam Szmodics after being put one on one by a Conor Chaplin pass.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-1 Newcastle23. Newcastle are dominating the game.They have had 60% possession so far and five shots in the game.Ipswich Town have had a few glimpses on the counter but not really tested Dubravka.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-0 Brighton17. It has been a slow start at the London Stadium.Neither side is creating anything in front of goal.The fans in the capital will be regretting having not gone Christmas shopping this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 0-0 Nott’m Forest5. Forest have dominated possession in the early stages.That will not bother Thomas Frank, they are all about the direct play on the counter.The only two shots of the game so far have both been from the hosts.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-1 Newcastle1. The Magpies break the deadlock after just 26 seconds.Murphy does well setting him free and he makes no mistake in beating Muric to score.It has all gone quiet at Portman Road.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedBrighton starting XI:Brighton will be looking to put some pressure on the sides above them with victory in the capital this afternoon.1. Verbruggen, 34. Veltman, 29. van Hecke, 5. Dunk, 30. Estupinan, 20. Baleba, 27. Wieffer, 8. Gruda, 14. Rutter, 22. Mitoma, 9. PedroCredit: @OfficialBHAFCCopy linkCopiedWest Ham starting XI:Fullkrug leads the line for The Hammers as they look to improve their woeful home form this season.1. Fabianski, 29. Wan-Bissaka, 26. Kilman, 15. Mavropanos, 33. Emerson, 28. Soucek, 19. Soucek, 19. Alvarez, 10. Paqueta, 14. Kudus, 20. Bowen, 11. FullkrugCredit: @WestHamCopy linkCopiedNewcastle starting XI:The big news for The Magpies is that there is no Nick Pope this afternoon, Martin Dubravka deputises.1. Dubravka, 21. Livramento, 5. Schar, 33. Burn, 20. Hall, 8. Tonali, 39. Guimaraes, 28. Willock, 23. Murphy, 14. Isak, 10. GordonCredit: @NUFCCopy linkCopiedIpswich Town starting XI:The Tractor Boys will be hoping to give their fans some festive cheer at Portman Road this afternoon.1. Muric, 2. H. Clarke, 26. O’Shea, 15. Burgess, 3. Davis, 5. Morsy, 12. Cajuste, 7. Burns, 20. Hutchinson, 23. Szmodics, 10. ChaplinCredit: @IpswichTownCopy linkCopiedNott’m Forest starting XI:After his exploits coming off the bench in their last game, Elanga makes the starting line-up for the visit to the capital.26. Sels, 4. Morato, 5. Murillo, 7. Williams, 8. Anderson, 10. Gibbs-White, 11. Wood, 14. Hudson-Odoi, 21. Elanga, 31. Milenkovic, 34. AinaCredit: @NFFCCopy linkCopiedBrentford starting XI: Thomas Frank’s side are looking to keep their impressive home record going against high flying Forest in the capital.1. Flekken, 20. Ajer, 22. Collins, 16. Mee, 23. Lewis-Potter, 6. Norgaard, 27. Janelt, 24. Damsgaard, 7. Schade, 19. Mbuemo, 11. WissaCredit: @BrentfordFCCopy linkCopiedBees favourites to keep home formBrentford have been in exceptional form at the Gtech Community Stadium this campaign and the bookies do not see that changing today.Brentford – 7/5Draw – 5/2Nott’m Forest – 9/5All match odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd facing Harry Maguire dilemma as three European giants able to agree free transfer within days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 – and THREE European giants are interested.Harry Maguire will leave Man Utd a free agent if the club don’t trigger his extensionCredit: PAMaguire’s current terms expire at the end of the season, but United have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026. But should Maguire agree to move to a team abroad next month, that might remove United’s clause.The matter would become complicated legally if the 31-year-old centre-back wants to push through a free transfer.Should United try to activate Maguire’s extension after he has agreed with another team then Fifa could step in to resolve, according to The Athletic. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd three European giants are keeping tabs on United’s most expensive ever defender.Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire, reports The Athletic.Napoli boss Antonio Conte will have seen Maguire up close for a number of years in the Prem and is weighing up bringing him to Serie A.Conte has been hugely impressed with Scott McTominay, who decided to swap Manchester for Naples in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho — who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United — have a history of signing from the Prem.Fred and Sofyan Ambrabat are in their squad. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterFellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too.In England, Ruud van Nistelrooy admired Maguire during their time together at United, and Leicester City offer an emotional pull for him.Maguire spent two years at the King Power Stadium before moving to United for £80million in 2019.That price tag has often made life tough for Maguire at Old Trafford.But after suffering a dip of form he is enjoying a good season when featuring, particularly at Villa Park and against Manchester City.Maguire was solid at the back against Man City last SundayCredit: GettyAfter pocketing Erling Haaland during United’s 2-1 win over rivals City, Maguire said: “All the signs are positive at the moment.”And the chat that I’m having is really positive. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was injured when Ruben Amorim first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes – I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet. “Hopefully, with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months I can play consecutive matches.”Maguire travelled with his teammates but didn’t featureCredit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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      Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by Everton

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      GARY NEVILLE’S brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher has apparently been rejected by Everton.The former Manchester United defender bought a gift for his fellow pundit for the Christmas special of the Stick To Football podcast. Jamie Carragher was presented with a unique Secret Santa giftCredit: YouTubeA brick and photo dedicated to Carragher was organised for the new Everton stadiumCredit: YouTubeGary Neville was evidently delighted with his ideaCredit: YouTubeBut it might not have got through the vetting process.Neville presented Carra with a brown envelope wrapped in green paper around the podcast table. The ex-Liverpool man chuckled as he read the paperwork inside – before turning it around and revealing the witty gift.The first certificate congratulated Carragher on his brick at the new Everton Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt will read: “Jamie Carragher, forever a blue. From Gary.”And a second certificate confirmed a photo of Carragher abseiling at Anfield will go on the fan wall at the new home of Liverpool’s arch rivals. Carragher initially thought it was a joke before Neville reassured his pal the prank was indeed real. The Red Devils legend quipped: “You were a big Everton fan growing up, weren’t you?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Don’t forget your roots.”Carragher, who did support the blue team in Liverpool as a child, replied: “Of course.”Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’But the former centre-back took to his Instagram story to suggest the request from Neville had been turned down.He shared a snap of the personalised tile, complete with the Toffees badge, and added a screenshot of a message sent to him.It said: “Hi Carra, someone at Everton got in touch with me this morning and unfortunately the brick for Everton Way has been rejected.”They’ve dropped this off at mine though… not sure if you still want it.”Carra added the word “unfortunately” with three laughing emojis. Everton are set to move into their stunning £760million ground in time for the start of next season. SunSport revealed the Toffees could recoup part of the money spent on the new stadium by securing a mammoth £220m naming deal with a major company. Carragher grew up a Toffees fan but spent his entire career with LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Aston Villa 2 Man City 1: Champions now have just one win in TWELVE games as Pep facing unprecedented crisis

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      PEP Guardiola gave his players three days off and told them to forget about football at the start of the week.Well Manchester City’s stumbling stars either misheard their manager or have a case of terminal amnesia.Pep Guardiola threw a bottle in frustration as his side lost AGAINCredit: RexJhon Duran broke the deadlock inside 16 minutesCredit: GettyBrilliant Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead with a sublime individual goal in the 65th minuteCredit: GettyRogers was ice-cold on Saturday lunchtimeCredit: GettyBecause they certainly couldn’t remember how to play when they ran out at Villa Park, as a season on the slide plummeted to new depths.Beaten for the NINTH time in the past 12 games – anyone suggesting that two months back would have been led to a room with padded walls – and EIGHT away losses on the trot.The manager who was being hailed almost unanimously as the best on the planet, suddenly now insisting himself that he isn’t good enough.A points tally lower than at any stage in the past 15 years, and a return over the past eight games poorer than the entire Premier League bar equally-bad basement boys Southampton.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNo wonder Guardiola claims that sleeping and eating have become a problem. But not half as much as winning clearly has.Oh and if that wasn’t bad enough, here’s a little salt to tip into the wounds as well…chief destroyer at Villa Park was a man whose footballing days began in a City shirt, too.Morgan Rogers never pulled on a first team shirt before joining the endless list of young talent who were left to carve a career elsewhere. And he ain’t half doing that! Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRogers did plenty of carving against his old employers, that’s for sure. Right through the centre of their defence, generally speaking.’We played like under-15s,’ fumes Bernardo Silva as angry Man City ace admits ‘we deserved’ Man Utd loss For the manner in which he unselfishly teed up Jhon Duran for the dagger-to-the-heart opener and then for the swivel-and-shoot drive for their second.So much for that feet-up break being the inspirational spark you hoped, Pep. City, in fact, could have been trailing inside 20 seconds.Josko Gvardiol’s ball back to keeper Stefan Ortega, in for the crocked Ederson, never threatened to go close to reaching its target.Instead Duran pounced like a dog on a joint of ham and his eyes lit up at the clear path ahead. His sixth goal in six starts was coming up until Ortega did well to push it behind. A close shave for City, then. But being let off the hook once should have shaken them from their slumbers. Well as it happens, it didn’t in the slightest.Lucas Digne whipped over the corner, Ezri Konsa stooped to flick on a header at the near post and Ortega clawed it out from under the frame of his goal.Replays showed the bulk of the ball had already crossed the line but crucially not all of it had. Villa didn’t have long to wait until there was no argument.Although in truth, City could hardly have shown them a more direct route if they’d laid out signs marked “this way to the goal.”All it took was three swift, incisive and smart passes and Ortega was picking the ball out of his net.Youri Tielemans won Man of the Match against CityCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola hugged a distraught Bernardo Silva as they trudged down the tunnel at full-timeCredit: GettyFirst from keeper Emi Martinez to Youri Tielemans, and then with a killer ball through the middle from the Villa midfielder.This time Rogers was the one racing clear. Yet when he could see the whites of the target, he knocked it square to Duran, who swept into a gaping goal.Whether the Colombian would have been quite as happy to tee up his team-mate given a reversal of roles is doubtful. Villa were certainly happy Rodgers handed him a gimme.For all City saw so much more of the ball, it was hard to claim Unai Emery’s side didn’t deserve their lead.Possession counts for little if you do nothing with it and Pep’s boys very rarely did. Villa, though, were a threat every time they went forward.Duran had a second ruled out for a hair’s breadth offside call and Ortega had to produce a get-down-low stop every bit as impressive as his first minute one to deny Rogers.Duran and Rogers ran the show against Pep Guardiola’s sideCredit: GettyAgain, City’s one-time young hopeful didn’t have long to wait until he put the record straight.This time skipper John McGinn was the architect, dancing his way across the champions’ backline, shimmying to his right, stepping to his left and surely about to shoot.Instead, though, he rolled a square pass to Rogers, who let the ball come across him before driving it back into the opposite corner and beyond Ortega.As for City’s moments to remember? Well there was a low drive from Phil Foden in the first half that Martinez did well to push behind.Then there was a typical late-arrival burst into the box from Gvardiol when he couldn’t get above Jack Grealish’s cross and could only flick over the top.Oh, and we mustn’t forget that stoppage time lifeline from Foden when he finally discovered the way back to goal – for the first time this season – to give City hope.Faint, and not for long, as it happens. You never thought it would be anything but. And certainly nothing but a home triumph would have been fair and just.Pep, as ever, faced up in front of the City fans as the home ones taunted him with chants of being sacked in the morning.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven in the midst of this crisis you’d still laugh that off as unthinkable.But the fact it is looming into vision as a faint possibility shows how bad things have become.Phil Foden got a late consolation at the deathCredit: AlamyGuardiola thanked the away support as his side recorded their sixth Prem defeat of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Christmas cracker from Ally McCoist there’ say fans as TNT Sport commentator rinsed for slip-up live on air

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      ALLY McCOIST left fans in stitches after a hilarious slip-up during the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Manchester City.McCoist, 62, was put on punditry duty by Sky Sports during the early kick-off between the two Prem sides at Villa Park.Ally McCoist suffered a blip while covering Aston Villa vs Manchester CityCredit: PAMcCoist described Jhon Duran’s strike for Aston Villa as ‘one of the goals of the day’Credit: GettyAnd Villa opened the scoring after just 16 minutes when Morgan Rogers broke through City’s defence and set up Jhon Duran inside the area where he beat Stefan Ortega.And McCoist left viewers baffled when he described Duran’s strike as “one of the goals of the day”.The audience were left laughing their socks off as that was literally the first and only goal of the day.One fan tweeted: “Christmas cracker from McCoist there, that’s goal of the day right now. Read More on Football”Yeah 1st goal of the early kick off, I make you right Ally.”Another commented: “Ally Mccoist catching himself mid “that’s one of the goals of the day” before realising it’s the early kick-off.”A third wrote: “Ally McCoist has just said that’s one of the goals of the day, at the first goal in the 12:30 kick off…”This fan said: “Ally McCoist on Villa’s goal vs. Man City: ‘That’s one of the goals of the day!’ Most read in Football”It’s literally the only Premier League goal of the day.”And that one stated: “Ally McCoist with a bold claim for goal of the day so far…”Scotland hero John McGinn laughs off ‘Braveheart’ comparison as he overtakes Ally McCoist in goal scorers list Duran added to Man City’s troubles which has seen the reigning Premier League champions lose eight of their last 11 games across all competitions before visiting Villa. More

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      Roy Keane opens up on fight with Man Utd team-mate that was ‘brewing for years’ and admits he left him with black eye

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      ROY KEANE has revealed that he once left ex-teammate Peter Schmeichel with a black eye after a rowdy alcohol induced punch-up.The former Manchester United captain admitted that tensions had “been brewing for years” before the Premier League legends came to blows during a pre-season tour of Asia.Roy Keane has opened up about a punch-up he had with Peter SchmeichelCredit: Sky SportsKeane said tensions had been ‘brewing for yearsCredit: GettySchmeichel was also a key leader in the dressing roomCredit: GettyKeane, 53, took up his regular seat on Stick to Football’s Christmas Special, brought to you by Sky Bet, alongside Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott.The discussion turned to Tyson Fury’s intense preparation ahead of his rematch on Saturday against Oleksandr Usyk.While Neville and Scott admitted they’d never thrown or received a punch in their lives, questions were asked of Keane and Wright.Neville began: “When was the last time you had a fight, was it with Schmeichel in the corridor in Singapore?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA coy Keane admitted: “Yes – he started it! It was self-defence, but yeah it was a proper fight. “There was obviously drink involved and a bit of jetlag. I think Peter had a black eye. But we trained as normal the next day.”Peter took it well. You fight with lads sometimes. “But me and Peter had been brewing for years and there was a bit of tension. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He didn’t apologise, but he said he would have changed things. There was a bit of needle, I was coming back from injury.”The captaincy, we were away in pre-season, there was drinking involved, and a few comments were made.” OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterKeane was in a taxi en route to a zoo with Nicky Butt before they got a phone call to meet the lads in the famous Long Bar in Singapore.He said: “We planned to go as a diversion for a while, but we never made it to the zoo. We stayed there all day and night.”If I had just made it to the zoo, that would have never happened.”Wright’s last punch-up was with Steve Bruce in the tunnel at half-time at Old Trafford after the players had exchanged a few kicks during a game in 1991.He later admitted that Bruce is a “cool guy”, while Carragher has never had a serious ding-dong with a teammate at Liverpool.Earlier, both Keane and Scott raised eyebrows over Fury’s admission that he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris and their seven kids in three months.Carragher pointed to the fact that Fury is sacrificing after losing to Usyk in their undisputed clash in May – his first professional defeat.Ian Wright’s last punch-up was with Steve Bruce in the tunnel at half-time at Old Trafford in 1991Credit: GettyRoy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      Enzo Maresca braced for wave of unsettled Chelsea stars seeking January transfer escape including ex-England ace

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      ENZO MARESCA is braced for a wave of unsettled Chelsea stars knocking on his door next month.Finishing top of the Conference League table means European football can be parked until March.Enzo Maresca knows some Chelsea players may ask for a January transferCredit: GettyBen Chilwell could be on the move after being frozen out by the new bossCredit: PABut it brings with it a dilemma over what to do with his second-string squad struggling for game time.There are also deep-frozen players like Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka for whom the January transfer window offers a chance of escape.Boss Maresca said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave, because they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For each player it’s a different situation.“So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave.“I’m not worried about the next three months. The only thing I can say is that we have many games.“If they do the right things, if they work properly, for sure they’re all going to have a chance to play games. We will try to find a solution.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Next week we have three games. Then in January the FA Cup will start.“Game by game we’re going to try to pick the best 11. The ones that we think are the right ones for that game. And then we’ll see.”Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea futureMaresca has trimmed a squad which totalled 43 at one stage. But while the numbers are down he still has players like £56million Christopher Nkunku — who was pelted with toilet roll by Shamrock fans in Thursday’s European clash — confined to Conference League starts with Premier League appearances limited.To a lesser extent, it is the same with £38.4m forward Joao Felix.They are expensive and ambitious players to have kicking their heels for three months.Chelsea have won eight games in a row — their best run for eight years.They can go top if they win at Everton tomorrow, even if it is just for a few hours until leaders Liverpool face Tottenham.Whatever happens, they are guaranteed to be in the top two at Christmas for the first time since 2016 — when they went on to become champions.They have won the title on all five occasions they have been No 1 at Christmas — and never done it the four times they were second on December 25.Maresca has Felix fit again but is still without midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana with injuries.Crocked skipper Reece James was due to join training for the first time since his latest hamstring setback.Maresca added: “We try to focus on the game, not on the consequence that we can be leaders for a few hours.“The target is always the same; prepare the game to win the game. And then we’ll see.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I think Everton’s stadium is not only tough for Chelsea. I’ve been there many times, it’s tough for any club. But we’re going to see.“If we win, Liverpool have that pressure. It’s more a question for them.”Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have largely been limited to starts in the cupsCredit: GettyChelsea will not play in the Conference League again until MarchCredit: Getty More