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    Man City charged LATEST: Club could face expulsion or RELEGATION after being charged with over 100 financial breaches

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    PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester City could be EXPELLED from top-flight English football after their breach of 100 financial rules allegations.Other possible punishments include a points deduction for the reigning champions, transfer bans, spending limits and even the stripping of previous titles.
    The investigation into the club’s dealings has lasted for four years.
    And now the Premier League have published their findings on their website – and it does not make good reading for the Etihad club, although at this stage they have been charged but not found guilty.
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    City ‘punishment’ revealed
    Manchester City could reportedly only be. handed a “small points” deduction, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
    He said on Sky Sports: “The overall sense is that most people expect this to end up with Manchester City to receive a small points deduction as punishment for the charges they face from the Premier League.”
    This would be significantly less serious than some of the punishments that have been reported.
    City could follow Juve
    The history and present struggles of Juventus may put a further dampener on the mood of Manchester City fans.
    City have pledged to fight the Premier League financial charges that threaten the future of the club. But Italian giants Juventus were also determined to fight their corner amid the 2006 “calciopoli” scandal and this term’s “capital gains” investigation which brought them a 15-point Serie A deduction.
    Since that penalty was imposed last month, the Old Lady dropped five points out of six.
    Juventus have appealed but Max Allegri’s seemingly shell-shocked side  have now found themselves well adrift of the final Champions League place.
    This is just the latest financial scandal to affect the Turin outfit, with the most serious seeing them relegated to Serie B 17 years ago.
    Juve were among the clubs sanctioned over the scandal which saw club chiefs interfering in refereeing appointments — although there was no evidence of match-fixing.
    But the Serie A winners received the heaviest punishment — with relegation and a nine-point penalty for the following season.
    Coach Fabio Capello and stars including Zlatan Ibrahimovic quit the club. Juve, who were stripped of their 2005 and 2006 titles, did not win Serie A again until 2011-12.
    Premier League slammed
    Spain’s football chief Javier Tebas has accused Premier League bosses of dragging their heels over ­Manchester City’s alleged financial irregularities.
    The LaLiga president has regularly claimed City only pay lip service to Uefa’s financial rules — and accused the Etihad club of  “breaching the economic controls”.
    But while the Spaniard welcomed the decision by Prem bosses to levy allegations of 115 rule breaches against City, he suggested it has come far too late.
    Tebas said: “On May 9, 2017, we denounced the financial fair play breaches by Manchester City and PSG at the Soccerex convention in Manchester.
    “It is incredible it has taken the Premier League years to find it out.
    “We denounce many more such cases. Will it take as many years for them, too?”
    Tebas’ comments will only serve to further alienate Prem chiefs. Just last week, he accused our clubs of “cheating” financially.
    Tebas said then: “The British market is a doped market. Most of the clubs are economically doped.
    “It is a competition that has lost billions of pounds. This is financed with contributions from  patrons — in this case large American investors — who finance at a loss.”
    Haaland ‘not the first’
    Erling Haaland would not be the first member of his family to play for Manchester City in the second tier.
    The reigning champions face the prospect of going back to the Championship if Premier League charges against them stick.
    Striker Haaland, 22, will know his father Alfie played in the division in his final games for City in 2001.
    The midfielder had a decent record too — he made three sub appearances, with City winning two and drawing another one.
    He watched from the sidelines injured for much of the campaign as Kevin Keegan’s side won the division with 99 points.
    But Erling’s favourite competition is the Champions League – so the Championship may not appeal.
    Credit: Alamy
    Wenger has ‘no sympathy’
    Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has admitted he has no sympathy for Manchester City amid the club’s charges for rule breaches.
    When asked about the Citizens, the Frenchman joked no because they “bought all my players”.
    He continued to say on Hayters TV: “I think this is a deep question, sport is to win by respecting the rules.
    “We celebrate the best as long as they respect the rules. Rules exist and you have to respect them.”
    Credit: Getty
    Recap on today
    Here is a brief summary of what has been said about Manchester City’s charges today.

    Manchester City are “confident in their position” regarding the rule breaches they have been charged with.
    Newcastle have reportedly made it part of their strategy to avoid facing the same charges are Manchester City, according to reports.
    Manchester City have reportedly hired one of Boris Johnson’s “partygate” lawyers to help defend the club against charges from the Premier League.
    Pep Guardiola has become the second most likely Premier League manager to leave his job following the charges brought upon the club.
    Manchester City are reportedly still set to press ahead with their planned transfer business despite the charges of rule breaches hanging over their heads.

    City are ‘confident’ on charges
    Manchester City are “confident in their position” regarding the rule breaches they have been charged with.
    BBC journalist Mike Minay said: “It’s understood City were not given advance warning of the statement but are confident in their position (including those issues time-barred from UEFA) and believed to have provided this to PL some time ago.”
    Credit: Reuters
    Magpies looking to avoid City breaches
    Newcastle have reportedly made it part of their strategy to avoid facing the same charges are Manchester City, according to reports.
    Football Insider have said that the newly Saudi-owned side want to avoid charges being brought against them.
    Richard Busby – CEO of BDS Sponsorship, said: “With regards to City specifically, I don’t know a great deal besides the extensive information that is already in the public domain.
    “What I do know is that, privately, Newcastle particularly are well aware of it. I know from some of their comments that they don’t want to get into this situation.
    “Newcastle are being very sensible and saying: ‘We don’t want to go down this route’.”
    Big guns called
    Manchester City have reportedly hired one of Boris Johnson’s “partygate” lawyers to help defend the club against charges from the Premier League.
    The Lawyer report that City are now drafting in the biggest names from the legal professional to help defend their case.
    Respected lawyer Lord Pannick KC has been hired by the club as they look to clear their name.
    He has previously advised Boris Johnson over allegations that he partied in Downing Street during lockdown.
    Lord Pannick is widely believed to be one of the best barristers of his generation and is now set to be involved in what will likely be an extraordinary legal battle.
    It is also likely to be costly for club as Lord Pannick could reportedly be paid £80,000 a day, or £400,000 a week, should the case come to trial and he was to be working full-time.
    This wage would equal what star player Kevin De Bruyne is paid by the club.
    Ten Hag refuses City comment
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to comment on the current issues amid charges of rule breaches.
    When asked about the cross-city rival’s situation, he remained focused on his own team.
    He said: “It’s about the match of the Roses.
    “It’s definitely a big game in this part of England, it’s a big game for us. We know we have Manchester City and Liverpool, but for our fans this means so much.
    “Our players are aware of that and know what to do.
    “I’m really happy with the process at home.
    “It’s great to have that connection at Old Trafford, but when we play away a lot of fans are following us.”
    Pep exit odds slashed
    Pep Guardiola has become the second most likely Premier League manager to leave his job following the charges brought upon the club.
    He is now only behind Southampton’s under fire boss Nathan Jones in the odds of William Hill.
    William Hill Spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “In an almost unprecedented set of events, we’ve been forced to dramatically shorten our price for Pep Guardiola to be the next Premier League manager to leave their post.
    “Our odds of 9/2 for the Spaniard to leave seem almost inconceivable given his previous price of 100/1 on Monday morning.
    “That makes the four-time Premier League winner the second favourite to depart their post, with under-fire Southampton boss, Nathan Jones, still the 2/5 frontrunner.”
    Transfer business ‘as usual’
    Manchester City are reportedly still set to press ahead with their planned transfer business despite the charges of rule breaches hanging over their heads.
    The club have been linked with stars such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and James Maddison to revitalise their squad.
    And The Athletic have suggested that the club will press ahead with their moves this summer.
    Credit: Getty
    City ‘expect’ Pep exit
    Manchester City are reportedly expecting Pep Guardiola to leave the club before the final decision over the rule breaches is made.
    The Athletic has suggested that his contract – which runs to 2025 – might not be long enough to see him through what could be a long saga.
    The Spaniard has previously suggested he would quite the club if he thinks he has been lied to.
    He said: “I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here.
    “I will be out and I will not be your friend any more.
    “I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one and I defend the club because of that’.”
    Currently, the club has adopted a ‘business as usual’ approach and are not expecting the manager to walk yet.
    War cry
    Man City will throw EVERYTHING they have to beat the Premier League and destroy the financial charges that threaten their top flight status.
    City chiefs are determined to ensure victory in what has become a fight for survival with Prem bosses after they were charged with 115 breaches of League rules.
    SunSport revealed that Prem rivals want City booted out of the top flight if the charges are proved.
    But that means the Etihad outfit will fight the process all the way, which could even mean going to the High Court or even the SUPREME Court – the highest legal platform in England – if required.
    And just as in their victory over Uefa after the Champions League ban three years ago, City will unleash an army of lawyers to defeat the Prem legal team and put the charges to bed for good.
    City remain furious at the timing of Monday’s charge drop, which took place during a telephone conversation between the League club chief executive Ferran Soriano.

    City slickers
    Man City are at risk of being relegated from the Premier League if found guilty of alleged financial breaches.
    The club has been accused of more than one hundred breaches between 2009-2018.
    They face possible punishments including a points deduction, transfer bans, spending limits and and stripping of previous titles.
    Another potential punishment is expulsion from the league, meaning relegation and a drop into the Championship.
    City have been in the top flight since the 2002-03 season, having won the Championship in 2002 with an impressive 99 points.
    That team included Erling Haaland’s dad Alfe-Inge, though he was a bit-part player with the likes of Stuart Pearce, Shaun Goater, and Shaun Wright-Phillips firing the Citizens to the Prem.

    Feeling blue
    City insist they would be “vindicated” in a defiant statement – but Premier League clubs want blood and a swift verdict AND punishment before the end of the season.
    One club chief said: “If these charges are proven there must be proper punishment – and the only fitting one is for them to be relegated.
    “We’re talking about a decade of alleged abuses and want the Premier League to do the right thing.”
    Should they be found guilty, the ramifications could be catastrophic for City – and even Pep Guardiola.

    Pep talk
    Pep Guardiola was pictured sitting on a drinks cooler box as he watched his players in action, seemingly deep in touch.
    On the pitches, his players got on with their drills, less than 24 hours after the defeat to Tottenham in North London.
    Guardiola had complained about the “exhausting” trip to the capital – but clearly had little sympathy for his stars following the loss.
    It seems those who did not start the match – such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Kalvin Phillips – were called in and put through their paces.

    Pool drained
    Liverpool are rock-bottom of the Premier League table… for results gained in 2023.
    And quite incredibly, it’s former strugglers Nottingham Forest who lead the way after a stunning turnaround under Steve Cooper.
    Liverpool have picked up just one point in four games this year.
    Despite signing Cody Gakpo, the Reds have been unable to strike up a winning formula on the field.
    And following their 3-0 hammering at Wolves, Jurgen Klopp’s men boast an awful goal difference of minus eight.
    But up the other end of the table, Forest are flying high thanks to their brilliant January.
    Last year’s play-off winners started the season poorly and were tipped by many for an immediate relegation.
    However, no side has picked up more points in 2023 than Forest, who also boast several clean sheets in the process.
    Next up are Brighton and Brentford, who have each gained an impressive 10 points after flying starts to the new year.
    Man Utd and Aston Villa have also reached that strong tally, albeit by playing an extra game.
    Man City and Spurs then fellow closely just one point behind.
    But Tottenham’s total of nine seems less impressive considering they have played six times since the turn of the year – the joint-most of any side.
    Interestingly, league leaders Arsenal are next with just seven points after dropping points to Newcastle and Everton.

    Peeved Pep
    Pep Guardiola had a face of thunder when he was seen for the first time since the news of City’s alleged financial breaches broke.
    The Premier League released the findings of their four-year investigation yesterday morning.
    Guardiola then put the bombshell, unprecedented allegations aside to prepare for Sunday’s home clash with Aston Villa.

    ‘Transparent’
    Yaya Toure’s former agent Dimitri Seluk has DENIED getting secret payments from Manchester City amid a number of charges levelled at the club.
    City are facing more than 100 allegations of breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
    Among the reported charges are allegations that Seluk received secret payments from Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group during his ex-client’s time at the club.
    However, Seluk told the Daily Mail: “No, everything was transparent, there was nothing on the back side.
    “I am interested to see what happens as this was a surprise.
    “Yaya, of course, paid everything – tax and everything. It was all transparent.”

    Numbers game
    The two sides battling it out to win the Premier League title both lost this weekend.
    Arsenal were hit by the famous new-manager bounce as Sean Dyche’s Everton took a deserved 1-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday.
    On Sunday, though, Manchester City missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the table to two points by suffering the same scoreline at Tottenham.
    But how does that impact how the season is predicted to finish?
    Mikel Arteta will breathe a sigh of relief as his side are still expected to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 come the end of May.
    The number-crunching BETSiE is convinced the defeat at Everton is just a blip – and the Gunners will march on to lift the trophy.
    The Betting Expert supercomputer simulated the remainder of the season a whopping 100,000 times, taking into account results so far this season, pre-season expectations and xG for and against for all 20 clubs.
    And the results churned out will make happy reading for Arsenal fans.
    The figures project the Gunners to end the season with 27.1 wins, 5.6 draws and 5.3 defeats – with a grand total of 86.9 points.
    And that would see Arteta’s men finish exactly seven clear of rivals Manchester City on 79.9 – with 24.5 wins, 6.5 draws and 7.1 defeats.

    Out of sight
    Man City could be EXPELLED from the Premier League after being charged with alleged breaches of financial rules.
    In theory if City were kicked out of the league, all of their results this season could be wiped off the board.
    Dover Athletic saw their results expunged in the 2020-21 National League campaign when they failed to see out the season, meaning the remaining teams officially played 42 games instead of 44.
    Should that be replicated, the seven sides to pick up points against City this campaign would see those results taken away.
    A number of punishments for City are possible – from a slap on the wrist and a fine to enforced relegation or even expulsion from the Prem.
    And a Prem table if City were expelled today, with all of their results wiped, leaves Arsenal ELEVEN points clear at the top.

    City break their silence
    An independent commission will now hear the charges levelled against the Premier League champion.
    City released a statement on Monday insisting they are confident of not having breached any rules.
    It read: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
    “The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.
    “As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
    Credit: Getty
    Not Gunner believe this
    An Arsenal member will chair the independent commission into Manchester City following their alleged breaches of financial rules.
    The reigning champions have been charged by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches between 2009 and 2018.
    City are now facing a potential points deduction, while other punishments could include transfer bans, spending limits and even having their previous titles stripped.
    At this stage City have been charged but not found guilty.
    The man set to be investigating their off the field conduct is Arsenal member Murray Rosen KC.
    According to BBC, Rosen has been appointed as the chair of the independent commission looking into City’s wrongdoings.

    Ji-nius
    Ex-Man City defender Sun Jihai is now a businessman and talk show host worth £20MILLION.
    The ex-China international, 45, spent six years in the blue half of Manchester between 2002 and 2008.
    He played 130 times for City, helping them return to the top flight during his first six months at the club.
    He also made history at Man City by becoming the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League.
    Jihai went on to spend a season with Sheffield United in the Championship as City sold him following their 2008 takeover.
    He enjoyed seven more years playing back in China, accumulating 80 caps for his country, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2016.
    But he has arguably had more success since retiring from football.
    Jihai co-founded a sports data company, HaiQui Sports [HQ], in the year he retired from the game.

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      Flamengo 2 Al-Hilal 3 LIVE RESULT: Saudi side sink 10-men Brazilian champs and book historic Club World Cup final spot

      by

      AL-HILAL made history tonight by becoming the FIRST Saudi Arabian side to qualify for a Club World Cup final after beating Flamengo in Morocco.Salem Al-Dawsari’s two penalties and Luciano Vietto’s sublime strike were enough to see the Saudi giants book their spot in Saturday’s final.
      Meaning that Al-Hilal are set to face the winners of Real Madrid and Al Ahly.

      RESULT: Flamengo 2-3 Al-Hilal
      Live stream: FIFA Plus
      Flamengo XI: Santos, Matheuzinho, David Luiz, Leo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas, Thiago Maia, Gerson, E. Ribeiro, De Arrascaeta, Gabi, Pedro.
      Al-Hilal XI: Al Muaiouf, Abdulhamid, Hyun-Soo Jang, Al-Boleahi, Aldawsari, Carrillo, Cuellar, Al Dawsari, Vietto, Ighalo, Moussa

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from us!
      Thank you so much for joining us for this game, it was a cracker as we expected.
      Join us again tomorrow at the same time for coverage of Real Madrid against Al-Ahly.
      The winner of that one will face off against Al-Hilal in the final!
      Man of the match
      The SunSport Man of the match today goes to Al-Dawsari.
      The winger, who opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia against Argentina in the World Cup, scored two penalties to give his side the lead.
      He put in an all-round brilliant showing, and made the likes of David Luiz look like amatuer defenders at times.
      Al-Dawsari took the prestigious SunSport MOTM award homeCredit: Getty
      History makers!
      Al-Hilal are the first Saudi Arabian team in history to reach a Club World Cup final!
      Another Saudi Arabian success story in football as of late, as they go on to face either Al-Ahly or Real Madrid in the final.
      Two penalties converted by Al-Dawsari, followed by a beautiful Luciano Vietto finish made sure that they would make history tonight, in what was a truly brilliant game of football.
      Twice Flamengo had hope of being back in it, but it wasn’t their night despite two goals from striker Pedro.
      Congratulations to Al-Hilal, and commiserations to Flamengo, the wait for a Brazilian Club World Cup champion goes on…
      Al-Hilal are the first Saudi side to make a Club World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      FT. Flamengo 2-3 Al-Hilal
      Full time here in the Club World Cup semi-final, and Al-Hilal have won it by three goals to two!
      90+6. Flamengo 2-3 Al-Hilal
      A cross comes in from Matheuzinho, but it is caught by the Al-Hilal goalkeeper.
      Flamengo will be wondering what could have been if it wasn’t for that VAR intervention…
      90+4. Flamengo 2-3 Al-Hilal
      Could we have a great escape on our hands, as Flamengo with 10 men need just one goal to be level in this game.
      Just two minutes left if they are going to find a goal…
      90+2. Flamengo 2-3 Al-Hilal
      Hold on, it’s not over yet! Pedro gets his second of the night, and Flamengo are just one goal behind!
      90. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      There will be six minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
      90. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      It takes more than a boot to the face to keep David Luiz down, the Brazilian is back to his feet and charging forwards.
      88. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      Vietto comes off for Al-Hilal, and the Saudi side have a corner.
      The corner comes in, and a bicycle kick is attempted by Moussa Marega, the attempt seems to catch David Luiz in the face, and the Brazilian stays down…
      86. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      Al-Hilal have been so impressive tonight, everything they have done has been so professional and well done.
      The way they are seeing this game out and running it on the counter attack is also brilliant.
      They will be no easy feat in the final for whoever they face…
      82. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      Another familiar face entering the field…
      Arturo Vidal, previously of Juventus and Bayern Munich is on for Thiago Maia.
      80. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      The Flamengo fans are unhappy that Al-Hilal are running the clock down a bit by passing the ball around the back, which sees a high press come from the Flamengo players.
      78. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      A big clearance comes in from David Luiz, who may just be a bad luck charm in the Club World Cup it seems.
      Twice he has been on the team favoured to win, and as it stands, twice he has lost…
      75. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      Al-Hilal are 15 minutes away from becoming the first Saudi Arabian club to be in a Club World Cup final.
      The last time an Asian side reached the final was in 2016.
      Tomorrow they will find out their fate when Real Madrid face of against Al Ahly…
      72. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      It looked as though the chance might be gone when Vietto received the ball in the box with David Luiz in front of him.
      He takes the ball down, and smashes it off the cross bar and into the back of the net.
      Great finish.
      70. Flamengo 1-3 Al-Hilal
      What a finish that is from Luciano Vietto!
      The ex-Fulham and Valencia man hammers home, the Argentine against the Brazilians!
      70. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      Everton Ribeiro is off, and he is replaced by Everton.
      Like for like, I suppose…
      68. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      Moussa Marega drives powerfully at the Flamengo defence, which they do not like one bit.
      It doesn’t lead to a goal, but great running from the target man.
      66. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      Khalifa Al-Dawsari is off now after his poor spell in the game, perhaps fresh legs to sure up the defence is just what they needed.
      64. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      Yellow card for Khalifa Al-Dawsari, the same player who missed a sitter just a moment ago.
      A poor individual spell…
      62. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      This game seems as though it is starting to open up for both teams, with opportunities seeming to come a bit more frequently now.
      60. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      So close to a third for Al-Hilal!A lovely run from Moussa Marega leads to him playing the ball across the box.
      Unfortunately it is the centre-half in the middle of the box and he blazes the shot wide.
      The offside flag goes up anyway.
      58. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      A first change for Al-Hilal, and it is a Brazilian coming on for the Saudi side.
      Michael comes on in place of Odion Ighalo.
      56. Flamengo 1-2 Al-Hilal
      Lovely football again from Flamengo, as Everton Ribiero and Gabriel combine fluidly before the ball falls to Pedro.
      Pedro looks for the man in the middle, but he goes to ground to no avail.
      Pulgar, the substitute, is booked.
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      Tottenham 1-0 Man City LIVE RESULT: Harry Kane breaks goal RECORD as Spurs pick up crucial win – latest

      by

      HARRY KANE broke the Tottenham all-time goals RECORD as Spurs beat Man City 1-0.Kane rolled home goal No 267 to hand Spurs three crucial points in their Champions League ambitions.
      While City’s defeat means Arsenal still lead at the top of the Premier league by five points.

      Kick-off time: 4:30pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Royal, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Kulusevski, Kane, Son
      Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Silva, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Conte’s Spurs back on track
      Following their victory over Man City this evening, Tottenham find themselves only a point behind fourth-placed Newcastle.
      They travel to Leicester in their next Premier League fixture before welcoming West Ham and Chelsea to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for London derbies.
      Harry Kane and co also have a little trip to Milan for a Champions League tie at the San Siro Stadium.
      Spurs’ fans will be bouncing after today’s result, feeling the club have got their season back on the right path.
      City needing to bounce back
      After missing out on the chance to close the gap between them and Arsenal, it is important that Man City get back to winning ways.
      The next five games could shape the rest of their season, with a trip to The Emirates thrown in the mix.
      Pep Guardiola’s side also have the distraction of a Champions League ‘Round of 16′ to contend with unlike Mikel Arteta’s table-toppers.

      Questions asked of Guardiola’s champions
      With the absence of the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne in the heart of their midfield today, the defending champions of the Premier League were left wanting in North London.
      As was seen by the performance of Hojbjerg, it was easy for Tottenham to get in and amongst them.
      When they did have the ball, they lacked the creative flair of the Belgian which must ask questions of City moving forward.
      City defence left wanting
      Rodri will need to accept the responsibility for the Tottenham goal today but the entire back line were culpable for lethargic play at the back.
      There was more of a hunger from Tottenham, wanting to hassle and hound them to win the ball back.
      Lewis was robbed of the ball after Rodri’s pass put him in trouble and Harry Kane was to punish them for it.
      City felled by hurri-Kane
      He’s one of their own, his goal was the difference between the sides today.
      Harry Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer today with his 200th Premier League goal today.
      It is quite fitting that his strike was enough to grab all three points in front of his own fans.
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Alamy
      Tottenham thankful to great Dane
      Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was awarded the man of the match award today after a solid performance in the middle of the park.
      He dominated the City midfield, constantly breaking up play and winning the ball back for Spurs.
      The Danish midfielder fully deserved his award.

      FT: Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      Harry Kane’s 200th Premier League goal has taken the spoils against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
      They had to work hard to hold onto their one-goal lead, Antonio Conte will have ruptured some stitches celebrating that one somewhere in Italy.
      Huge win for Tottenham.

      FT: Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      The stadium erupts as the referee blows his whistle.
      Tottenham have got revenge for their defeat at The Etihad a few weeks ago.
      Man City miss the chance to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      90+5. Spurs’ fans start whistling to remind the referee of the time.
      Man City push forward for one last time as De Bruyne crosses towards Grealish on the back post.
      He loses the ball and fouls Royal, to a huge cheer from the home faithful.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      90+4. City keep launching crosses into the box.
      There is no one on the end of them though.
      It’s floated into the back post and both Lloris and Rodri go down.
      City claim for another penalty, nothing doing from VAR.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      90+2. Tottenham are camped out in their own half now.
      City are desperate to find a goal.
      A huge cheer from the home fans as Hojbjerg is fouled.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      90. De Bruyne’s free kick goes no further than the head of Hojbjerg.
      After he makes sure the ball is clear he falls to the ground knowing the game will have to be stopped as it is a head injury.
      The dark arts of the game right there.
      We are going to have five additional minutes here.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      88. Spurs will have to see this game through with ten men now.
      Grealish sold Romero and as the defender dangled his leg out, the Man City winger goes down.
      Kulusevski comes off for Sanchez.
      Credit: AFP
      Red card – Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      86. We are getting close to last chance saloon time for the visitors.
      Pep Guardiola’s side are starting to get desperate now.
      Frustration is spilling over into aggression towards the official.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City – Ederson yellow card
      84. As a cross comes in from Sessegnon, Lewis scrambles the ball behind for a corner.
      City are furious that he was tripped by Kulusevski as they surround the referee.
      The replay shows they were right but Ederson is still shown a yellow card for getting up in the official’s face.
      Bissouma comes on for Son, while Gundogan replaces Silva.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      82. Grealish does well to steal the ball from Spurs.
      He feeds it towards Alvarez with one touch but the Argentinian wasn’t even looking for it.
      The former Villa man tells him what he thinks of that.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      80. Perisic comes off for Sessegnon.
      Some fresh legs for Tottenham to try and defend this lead.
      Huge ten minutes for City’s defence of their Premier League crown ahead now.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      78. Tottenham break and find themselves with a three on three situation with the City defence.
      Son tries a shot which Ederson gets down to his right to save.
      Kane retrieves the ball and finds Hojbjerg but he drags his shot wide of the post.
      Credit: Getty
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City – Perisic yellow card
      76. Some tired legs are having to put in big challenges now.
      Man City are screaming for yet another penalty.
      Every time a Tottenham player goes near the ball, City want a penalty for handball.
      They are starting to get desperate now.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      74. It is all Man City at the moment.
      Perisic this time getting the block in to stop the cross.
      De Bruyne jogs over to take another corner.
      Rodri heads the cross harmlessly over the bar.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      72. Grealish is causing Tottenham more problems in this half, looking to run at their back four.
      He collides with Romero, who stays down on the ground.
      It could be a case where he stayed down to prevent a further yellow card there.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      70. This is end to end stuff now.
      This time Kane tries to find the far corner but drags it well wide.
      Spurs immediately win the ball back and Harry Kane drives through the defence but Ederson manages to smother his shot.
      Credit: Getty
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      68. City are looking to shoot whenever the chance presents itself now.
      Alavrez this time unleashes a shot, narrowly missing the far post.
      Close.
      Tottenham 1-0 Man City
      66. Perisic is fed the ball from Son on the left.
      Kane is looking for the cross on the back post but the cross evades him.
      Poor from Perisic there, big chance for Tottenham.
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      Tottenham vs Man City LIVE: Haaland and Alvarez START, Conte not on touchline for crucial clash – stream, TV, latest

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      TOTTENHAM are facing Man City in a HUGE Premier League clash this afternoon.Just a fortnight ago, Spurs stormed to a shock 2-0 lead away before Pep Guardiola’s side completed an incredible comeback.
      And now, City can go to just TWO points behind league leaders Arsenal with a win.

      Kick-off time: 4:30pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Royal, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Kulusevski, Kane, Son
      Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Silva, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland

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      Who is Spurs assistant Cristian Stellini?
      Born April 27, 1975, Cristian Stellini is Antonio Conte’s assistant manager and a former professional footballer.
      Conte’s right hand man was raised in Italy and spent his teenage years playing for Novara and Spal before making the switch to Serie C2 outfit Ternana in October 1996.
      Stellini inspired Ternana to Serie B promotion two years after signing for the club, and by 2002, the Italian coach was making his Serie A debut for Como against Empoli.
      However, Cristian announced himself to the world when he signed for Juventus in 2003 but unfortunately, a serious leg injury only saw him feature twice before being sold to Genoa.
      Credit: Getty
      Haaland arriving
      He doesn’t look too fazed by the occasion does he?
      Erling Haaland is at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he looks to add to his 25 Prem goals already this season.
      Credit: Getty
      What this match means
      This match this afternoon is nothing short of MASSIVE for both teams.
      City can go just two points behind Prem leaders Arsenal with a win.
      While Spurs can go a point behind fourth-placed Newcastle in the battle for Champions League spots if they secure the victory.
      Man City team to face Spurs
      Erling Haaland AND Julian Alvarez to deal with for Spurs this afternoon.
      Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Silva, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland

      Tottenham team to face Man City
      Pedro Porro is only the bench today.
      Harry Kane leading the line with him needing just one goal to become Spurs all-time record scorer.
      Spurs XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Royal, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Kulusevski, Kane, Son

      Team news IMMINENT
      We’ll be brining you all the team news as the drop over the next couple of minutes.
      Will Pedro Porro be making his Spurs debut?
      Spurs needing change of approach
      Tottenham’s assistant manager was asked what they have learned from their recent defeat to Man City to take into today’s game:
      “We will try, for sure. It was a perfect first half at City. We had 12 minutes in the second half where we conceded three goals, but, we had a chance for 3-2, Ivan Perisic hit the bar, we were unlucky.
      “It was a game where we fought to win. They are Manchester City, so you have to be well prepared for this game, and we feel we can do for 90 minutes what we did in the first half.”
      Touchline vacancy for Tottenham
      Tottenham will be without Antonio Conte today as he recovers from a gall bladder operation, with the coach reportedly still in Italy.
      That will mean his assistant, Cristian Stellini, looking to steer the side to victory today.
      It remains to be seen how much of an effect that will have on the side.
      Credit: Getty
      Welcome to Tottenham vs Man City
      Tottenham welcome Man City to North London today seeking revenge for their defeat in a six-goal thriller at The Etihad just two weeks ago.
      The hosts have some key injury boosts ahead of the game as Richarlison has recovered from an abductor issue and Lucas Moura is set to return after struggling with a tendon injury.
      Pape Sarr remains a doubt with a hip issue which could prompt Stellini to hand ex-Man City academy player Pedro Porro a debut after his stop/start move from Sporting Lisbon was finally confirmed on deadline day after an initial collapse of the move.
      Porro’s arrival prompted Djed Spence’s loan move to French side Rennes and the contract termination of Matt Doherty who has since signed for Atletico Madrid.
      Harry Kane will return to the starting line-up after being rested in the FA Cup win against Preston as he goes in search of a goal which will see him overtake Jimmy Greaves’ scoring record for Spurs as the England man hits 200 Premier League goals.
      Man City were involved in one of the most surprising moves on deadline day as Joao Cancelo completed a loan move to Bayern Munich after he is alleged to have fallen out with Pep Guardiola.
      After losing his first team place to Rico Lewis, his departure will no doubt see the 18-year-old slot into the full-back position once again after John Stones limped off with a thigh issue in the cup win over Arsenal.
      Phil Foden missed that game completely due to a foot issue and it remains to be seen if he will be involved today.
      Guardiola has since confirmed that Stones will be out for several weeks but he hopes Foden will have a part to play today.
      The Spaniard may rotate his side once again with Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte and Julian Alvarez all set for recalls, while Riyad Mahrez will be looking to build on his record of seven goals and four assists against Spurs, his best record against any team.
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      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Bruno Fernandes slots home penalty to give Red Devils lead – stream, TV channel

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      MANCHESTER UNITED take on Crystal Palace today in the Premier League as they look to keep up their unbeaten run at home.And new boy Marcel Sabitzer is on the bench for Erik Ten Hag’s side, with Fred taking up a place in midfield.

      Start time: 3pm BST
      TV/Live stream: Not televised in the UK
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Weghorst
      Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Clyne, Richards, Guehi, Mitchell, Doucoure, Hughes, Schlupp, Olise, Ayew, ERdouard

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      Kick-off – Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      46. The second half at Old Trafford is underway courtesy of the game’s only goalscorer, Bruno Fernandes.
      The Manchester United captain kicks us off as United go about looking to cement a 13th straight home win.
      First half facts and figures
      It’s been a first period dominated by the home side, but Crystal Palace’s two attempts both came in the final six minutes of the half.

      Half-time – Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      Andre Marriner calls time on an intriguing first 45 minutes.
      Manchester United lead but, for all their dominance, only by one.
      Bruno Fernandes’ early penalty, awarded by VAR after a handball from Will Hughes is the difference.
      The Red Devils were electric for the opening half hour, but Palace grew into the game in the final ten minutes.
      There’s still plenty of life in this contest.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace – Mitchell yellow card
      45+2. On the stroke of half-time, Tyrick Mitchell finally finds himself in the book for a late lunge on Antony.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      45. The fourth official signals two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
      And remarkably, Manchester United will be happy to see it arrive.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      43. The Eagles are growing in confidence here as half-time approaches.
      Schlupp finally finds some room in the United half and turn towards goal, letting fly from 25 yards effort.
      The Ghanaian’s attempt skids off the turf and bounces awkwardly in front of De Gea, who does very well in the end to turn the ball away to safety.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      41. While the Wan-Bissaka and Antony partnership is blossoming going forward, it is raising questions from a defensive perspective.
      Olise and Mitchell are enjoying themselves on the rare occasions that they get to break, and that’s mainly because the United right-back is often left isolated by his teammate.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      40. Out of nowhere, a chance for Crystal Palace!
      Olise swings out a corner from the left, and Richards arrives unmarked to connect with a header.
      It’s a slightly mistimed leap from the defender, who ends up getting under the ball to send his effort high and wide of goal from five yards out.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      38. New United signing Marcel Sabitzer is also warming-up along the touchline, and is given a warm welcome by the home fans.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      36. When you think of Manchester United midfielders bursting forward into the penalty area, you think of Paul Scholes, Bryan Robson, Bobby Charlton… and Fred.
      Somehow, the Brazilian is the furthest player forward as Weghorst cuts a clever cross back from the byline, instinctively firing wide of the near post.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      34. Olise manages to find himself in possession and in the penalty area.
      The former Reading man finds himself without options though, and is eventually forced into going back to Mitchell.
      The left-back loops a cross in, but it’s easily claimed by De Gea.
      At the moment, Palace are short of a threat in attack with Edouard not seeing much of the ball.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      32. Casemiro gives it some Antony in the penalty area with a back-heeled flick through the legs of Clyne.
      Credit to the Palace right-back, however, who quickly recovers to nudge the ball behind for a corner.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      30. Half hour gone at Old Trafford, and it’s fair to say that this has been one-way traffic.
      The hosts have registered eight attempts at goal, Palace have yet to have one.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      28. One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon so far is reserved for substitute Jadon Sancho, who is out warming up for the first time.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      27. A Rashford effort from a tight angle is comfortably pushed away by Guaita.
      The opportunity comes after United win the ball back high up the pitch with Fernandes setting the forward off into the area with a smart pass.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      25. The Palace players are working hard to get themselves back into this one, but their mild attacking threat is only coming about via set-pieces.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      23. Patient build-up from United on this occasion eventually sees the ball chipped up for Weghorst.
      The United striker is snuffed out by relentless pressure from Richards and Guehi.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      21. Shaw and Rashford execute a smart one-two that leaves the left-back bursting through the middle.
      Doucoure eventually gets a foot in to turn it behind for a corner, but the United onslaught shows no sign of letting up.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      20. Mitchell catches Casemiro with a heavy challenge on the near touchline, and is fortunate to escape a booking.
      The Palace left-back, normally such a cool customer, is beginning to make a habit of some rashly-timed tackles.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      19. Rashford bursts through to reach Shaw’s pass, only to find he had set off too soon. Offside.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      18. A cleverly-worked free-kick from Olise threatens to play Schlupp in behind the United defence, but Varane quickly gets back to cover and cut out.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      16. Good stuff from Mitchell, who breaks forward and skips back inside Antony.
      Bad stuff from Mitchell, who immediately falls flat on his face after impressively doing the aforementioned hard work.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      15. The game has been played firmly in Palace’s half ever since those opening two minutes.
      Just as they did on Wednesday, full-backs Wan-Bissaka and Shaw are getting themselves very high up the field.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      13. Weghost! Fine save by Guaita!
      The towering striker almost doubles United’s lead with a looping header from the corner, only to find Palace’s goalkeeper in fine form with a fingertip save.
      Man Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
      12. United continue to press forward.
      Antony and Wan-Bissaka’s relationship on the right is beginning to blossom too, and the pair combine to win a corner.
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      Everton 1 Arsenal 0 LIVE: Tarkowski header seals HUGE win as Sean Dyche STUNS Gunners at Goodison – updates

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      ARSENAL have LOST for the first time since September in the Premier League as Everton ran out 1-0 winners at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche’s first game couldn’t have gone better as James Tarkowski headed home late for the Toffees.

      Start time: 12.30pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 1
      Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko, Gana, Onana, Doucoure, McNeil, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Xhaka, Odeagaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

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      Thank you for joining
      Thanks for joining our coverage of Everton’s massive victory over Arsenal.
      James Tarkowski’s header gave Sean Dyche the perfect start to his career at Goodison Park and lift the Toffees out of the relegation zone.
      Arsenal however will now be hoping Tottenham can do them a favour when they face Manchester City tomorrow.
      Worrying stat for Mikel
      Mikel Arteta is the first Arsenal manager to lose three consecutive away games against Everton.
      3 – Mikel Arteta has lost all three of his away matches against Everton in his managerial career. Indeed, Arteta is the first Arsenal manager to lose three consecutive Premier League away games against the Toffees. Stunted. pic.twitter.com/1Trt88NLhY— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 4, 2023

      Wright on the game
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright has heaped praise on Everton’s win.
      He tweeted: “Everton deserve that. We have to learn from it and move on. Top of the league, everyone is going to be up for playing us.
      “Half chances key in these type of games. Lots for the team to take away from that defeat.
      “We go again boys! Give Sean Dyche his flowers.”
      Dyche on beating top of the table
      He said: “It gives us a platform to move forward, the performance was key for me today.
      “To get a win against top of the league – they are going great – and we managed to press the game pretty well.
      “We have some good footballers here.”
      Dyche’s reaction
      He told BT Sport: “I think everything they demanded, it is about the players as well.
      “Very honest during the week about their assessment of where they were.
      “They took a lot on this week and we condensed a lot of work into them this week.
      “As I said the minimum requirement is maximum effort and they did that today.”
      He added: “I make it clear, it is not that they weren’t (wearing the badge with honour) it just needed shining up a bit.
      “It just got a bit softened, I am not knocking what they did under the last manager, but they need to give everything.”
      Keown on Dyche
      He added: “Dyche deserves a huge amount of credit because it is about detail, it about messages to the players and then it is about applying that.
      “That comes from the message from the manager.”
      Ferdinand on Dyche bounce
      He told BT Sport: “Dyche can’t let this be a new manager bounce, he can’t allow this to be a quick honeymoon period, just because he has come in and brought new ideas and everyone is on a clean slate.
      “This has to be now the benchmark.
      “Every team in the country will find it had to come here with the atmosphere like that.”
      Are Arsenal missing Jesus?
      One fan tweeted: “Games like today emphasise why we desperately need Gabriel Jesus back.
      “When things were tight earlier in the season he would create something out of nothing. He’s our spark.
      “Nketiah, as good as he’s been recently, is several levels below and stifles Martinelli’s impact on games.”
      A second added: “We are virtually playing with 10 men, Nketiah only pops up 3 minutes-a-game.”
      Keown on Arsenal
      He added: “A bit of detail cost Arsenal, they did not turn up today.”
      More on Everton
      Rachel Brown-Finnis told BT Sport: “It was such a united performance from each unit from goalkeeper to defence to the midfield.
      “It all happened today, they were very organised and disciplined, and that is hard to do, given what has preceded today.
      “Sean Dyche and his staff should take so much credit for their application of the basics that were on show today.”
      Tarkowski on goal
      He added: “I have waited a while and to be fair I should be getting more.
      “But it was a great time to do it and great place to do it.
      “Back to work on Monday and we crack on again.”
      McNeil on result
      McNeil said: “We are a good team and we know Arsenal are a good team as well.
      “We had the better chances, and luckily Tarky managed to score the winner.”
      More from Tarkowski
      He added: “Hopefully this is the turning point for the season.
      “There is a lot of talent in there and we have to get out and crack-on to next week.”
      Tarkowski on the crowd
      The goalscoring defender told BT Sports: “What an atmosphere.
      “Fair play to the fans it has been tough times, we bought into the management straight away, we performed excellently and now we need to continue that.”
      Ferdinand on Everton
      Rio Ferdinand has praised the hosts after their winning performance against Arsenal.
      He told BT Sports: “Frank Lampard will be sitting at home wondering where was this during his last few weeks in charge of the club.
      “But you have to give Sean Dyche and his coaching staff the credit.
      “These fans and this place, the atmosphere they created was phenomenal today.
      “But the players had to start that with their performance. This is all down to hard work and graft.”
      How it stands
      The win has lifted Everton out of the relegation zone and to 17th place.
      Arsenal however remain five points ahead of second placed Manchester City, though that lead could be cut to two points.
      FT: Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      96. David Coote blows the whistle for full time.
      A massive win for Everton and a slip from the Premier League leaders.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      96. Everton win a freekick in their half, they are in touching distance.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      94. A scuffle is breaking out after a coming together between Zinchencko and Maupay.
      The French striker brought the Gunner down off the ball. Both have been booked for their parts.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      92. Trossard gives away a free kick to relieve the pressure on the hosts.
      The winger had given the ball away on two occasions there.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      91. The ball is fired to the top of the box to Zinchecko.
      The Ukrainian fires a first time shot over the bar.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      91. Arsenal corner.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      90. Big cheer from the home crowd as Onana wins a throw-in deep into the Arsenal half.
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      89. There will be six minutes added.
      Can Everton hold on to an important win? or can Arsenal find an equaliser?
      Everton 1-0 Arsenal
      88. Arsenal win a corner after Gueye blocks a cross.
      The Gunners failed to put in a dangerous delivery and the Toffees clear.
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      Chelsea 0 Fulham 0 LIVE RESULT: Enzo Fernandez impresses days after his record £107m move in derby draw

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ played the full 90 minutes as Chelsea drew 0-0 with rivals Fulham.Chelsea spent a staggering £259.1million in the summer before shelling out a further £329.9m in January – including the British record £107m move for Fernandez from Benfica.

      Result:Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Fernandez, Gallagher, Ziyech, Mount, Mudryk, Havertz
      Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Palhinha, Reed, Pereira, Decordova-Reid, Willian, Mitrovic

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      Thanks for joining me!
      A result that will feel almost like a win for the away side and a loss for the home team.
      The expectation around this new-look Chelsea team was at fever-pitch heading into this game, especially when the news filtered out that both Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez were involved from the start.  
      But in the end there were familiar failings for Graham Potter’s team as they struggled to create clear goalscoring opportunities at the business end of the pitch – an issue that his Brighton team struggled to overcome.
      It was interesting that Potter felt he had to hook Mudryk at half time, replacing him with fellow new boy Noni Madueke as he looked for his team to threaten Fulham more in the final third.  
      Fofana missed an almost open goal that would have earned all three points for Chelsea so perhaps we shouldn’t be too harsh on the manager when his players squander chances like that.
      Fulham though, were well organised and definitely earned the point that they’ll take back with them from Stamford Bridge.  
      The Cottagers are used to being the inferior team in West London but now they are taking the game to their richer, more historically successful rivals.
      Next up for Chelsea is another London derby, this time against David Moyes’ West Ham – neither manager will want to be on the losing side in that one.
      Fulham’s next assignment in the Premier League is a home fixture against Nottingham Forest.
      Until then, all that’s left for me to say is thanks for joining me tonight and I’ll speak to you next time!
      Marco Silva
      The Fulham boss has been speaking to the media in the aftermath of tongiht’s game.
      We knew it’d be a tough game but to have four points from [a possible] six against Chelsea is fantastic for us. Marco Silva Sky Sports
      Enzo Fernandez
      Chelsea’s new record signing looked great in the first half but perhaps tailed off in the second period.

      Pressure on Potter
      The Chelsea boss is not enjoying himself at the moment.
      Graham Potter has struggled to knit his team together since he took over in September and just when it seemed he needed a little continuity his bosses give him more than £300 million worth of new players.
      While that doesn’t necessarily sound like a handicap, it certainly gives him a political headache, who to play, who to leave out.
      You feel he won’t have too much time left to try and bolt all of these new players onto his team.
      Match stats
      So much attacking talent on the pitch and nobody able to make the breakthrough.

      Full Time: Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      It ends all square at Stamford Bridge.

      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90+5, Carlos Vinicius what are you doing?
      The Fulham striker tries to dribble the ball out of his own penalty area and gets quickly dispossessed.
      Chelsea work the ball wide to Raheem Sterling who curls a shot towards the top corner but Leno is equal to it.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90+5, Chelsea have a late corner.
      Chilwell to take…
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90+4, One final change for Fulham as Andreas Pereira limps towards the touchline.
      Kurzawa is coming on to take his place.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90+4, Wilson is shown a yellow card for a cynical foul on Raheem Sterling.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90+2, Fulham haven’t given the Chelsea players any time to get their head up whenever they’re in possession.
      Marco Silva’s team are working so hard to ensure they leave here with at least a point.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      90, Two changes for Marco Silva’s men as Carlos Vinicius and Tom Cairney come on for the remaining minutes.
      Reed and Mitrovic are removed from the action.
      The fourth official holds up his board to show that we’re going to have five minutes of additional time added on here.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      89, Chelsea are all over the place defensively here.
      Fulham players have so much space whenever they receieve the ball between Chelsea’s midfield and defence.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      87, Three minutes of normal time remaining for either one of these teams to find a late goal that would surely seal all three points.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      87, Thiago Silva is class.
      That’s all I have to say really.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      85, Marco Silva has been shown a yellow card by referee Stuart Attwell.
      Not sure what he did to deserve it but the Fulham boss doesn’t look happy about it.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      84, Big cheers from the Chelsea fans as Ben Chilwell comes onto the pitch.
      Cucurella is the man to make way.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      83, Tete and Sterling have a little wrestle in the corner.
      Sterling eventually barges the Fulham man over and the referee blows for a foul.
      That was all a bit strange.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      80, Ream blocks Fofana’s effort off the line!
      Leno makes a poor decision to come off his line, Fofana effortlessly rounds him, cuts inside Diop and has the goal at his mercy.
      All he has to do is knock it beyond Ream’s reach but he’s too casual with his finish and the chance is wasted.

      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      78, There’s been plenty of huffing and puffing from the Chelsea players in this second half but they’ve not really looked like scoring.
      They’ve struggled to find the back of the net with any sort of regularity this season, hence their mid-table position.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      75, Chelsea also make a change of their own as Fofana takes Mason Mount’s place.
      Can he be the man to find a late winner for his new side?
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      75, Couple of changes for Fulham.
      De Cordova-Reid and Willian are replaced by Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon.
      Willian is applauded off the pitch by both sets of fans, so that’s nice isn’t it?
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      72, So close to a Fernandez screamer!
      The ball rolls kindly for the Argentinean to strike from around 35 yards out but his effort just bends wide of the post.

      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      70, Mitrovic almost catches Kepa out with a lob from the halfway line!
      The Chelsea goalkeeper just gets back in time to claim the ball from under his own crossbar.
      That would’ve been crazy.
      Chelsea 0 – 0 Fulham
      68, Harrison Reed looks to be stretching out his hamstring.
      He’s been very good for Fulham tonight.
      You know, I used to play with Harrison Reed – really nice lad – could easily have made it as a professional cricketer if he’d wanted to.
      Always bizarre to see him playing at this level in the Premier League.
      Anyway, back to the game.
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      Al Fateh 2-2 Al-Nassr LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo scores last-minute PENALTY to open up Al-Nassr account – latest

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is back in action today for Al-Nassr as they face Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.The ex-Manchester United star has scored a last-minute PENALTY to open up his Al-Nassr account in style.

      Start time: 3pm
      TV/Live stream: Shahid

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from us
      That’s all from us at SunSport for coverage of Al Fateh vs Al Nassr, a game which saw Ronaldo score his first goal for the Saudi club.
      Stay with us for coverage of the Premier League tonight, as Chelsea and their new signings kick-off against Fulham at 8pm.
      Thank you as always for reading, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
      Up next for Al Nassr
      Now that Ronaldo is off the mark for Al Nassr, we are taking a look at their next four fixtures in the RSL.
      Up next they have Al-Wehda, followed by Al-Taawoun, Damac, and Al-Batin.
      Now that he is off the mark, you can be sure to expect a few more Ronaldo goals in that time.
      Frantic added-time
      It was a mental added time in this game, starting when Al Nassr got a penalty in the 90th minute.
      From that moment it was Ronaldo getting his first goal for the club, followed by a mental red card for Anderson Talisca.
      It was a horror tackle from the Brazilian, who raked his studs down the back of an Al Fateh midfielder.
      If this is the type of football and chaos that goes on in the RSL, then count me in as a frequent viewer!
      Man of the match
      A constant threat in the game, man of the match for me goes not to Cristiano Ronaldo, but to Cristian Tello.
      The ex-Barcelona winger was sensational today, especially when scoring the first goal of the game.
      He scored a volley from the edge of the box, which was an absolute beauty, and continued to cause problems for Al Nassr throughout the game.
      Who was your man of the match?

      Ronaldo gets his goal
      Well, it took long enough didn’t it?
      The truth is, he could have had a hat-trick.
      His first chance was actually put into the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside by the officials.
      He then had an easy chance to smash the ball home, but he fired it over the bar from close range.
      Just before half-time, he thought he had given his side the lead, but was denied by the crossbar.
      However, after being kept quiet for the majority of the second half, he finally got his moment.
      A penalty in the dying moments of the game meant it was time for Ronaldo to step up, and he converted it calmly down the middle.
      Ronaldo ran it back to clutch time once more.
      FT. Al Fateh 2-2 Al Nassr
      That’s all she wrote, the referee calls the second half to a close, after TEN minutes of added time.
      90+6. Al Fateh 2-2 Al Nassr
      A red card for Anderson Talisca!
      After a VAR review, Anderson Talisca receives a red card for a bad tackle, that makes things far more difficult for Al Nassr going forwards.
      90+4. Al Fateh 2-2 Al Nassr
      There is a VAR review going on here for a potential red card for Anderson Talisca!He was late in a tackle and appeared to stamp onto the back on the Al Fateh midfielder.
      90+2. Al Fateh 2-2 Al Nassr
      RONALDO SCORES!
      At the death he has saved his side!
      Ronaldo dispatches the penalty down the middle and it is 2-2!
      90. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      PENALTY!
      There is a penalty at the death for Al Nassr.
      As the free kick was crossed into the box, Masharipov got in front of it and tried to flick it towards goal.
      He was then hacked down inside the box and it is a chance for Ronaldo to score from the spot.
      88. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      A free-kick for Al Nassr wide on the right side here, after a late challenge.
      After the cross from Konan, Ronaldo knocked a player to the floor, who went down holding his face.
      Ronaldo then grabbed him and forced him back to his feet.
      Both players shown a yellow card.
      86. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      So close to an equaliser for Al Nassr!
      The ball came in from Konan towards Talisca on the volley, and it was almost the same linkup as the first goal!
      Talisca struck the volley on target, but it was saved really well by the keeper.
      It stays at 2-1!
      84. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Almost a third for Al Fateh!The ball goes into the middle for Al Khulaif, but the striker can’t quite turn it home!
      82. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Al Fateh have defended really well in this game so far.
      You have to give immense credit to their defensive players and structure in this one.
      Ronaldo hasn’t really had a sniff in the second half.
      80. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Al Fateh almost have another chance to score, but they are stopped in their tracks by the offside flag.
      Ronaldo goes into the back of an Al Fateh player, without any bad intent, but he goes down injured and looks like he will now be taken off.
      77. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Luiz Gustavo hoists a ball into the middle for Cristiano Ronaldo , but the Portuguese striker can’t get his head to it.
      Al Fateh escape once more, and will look to see this game out now…
      74. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Petros looks to start a counter attack for Al Fateh, but is stopped in his tracks by Luiz Gustavo.
      Clever from Petros to break the game up for his side.
      72. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Luiz Gustavo commits a foul in the attacking half, and Al Fateh have a chance to make a substitute.
      It is goal scorer Cristian Tello who is being replaced, he scored a smashing volley in the first half to open the scoring, and the ex-Barcelona and Real Betis winger has been brilliant in the game so far.
      70. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo looks to break through down the left side of the pitch, but a great tackle comes in on him and the ball goes out for a throw.
      Can he serve up some magic in this game to level the scoring?
      66. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Al Nassr are chasing the game now, and Al Fateh are looking in their stride.
      Al Fateh charge away on the counter attack, but Al Khulaif’s shot is saved by the keeper.
      64. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Gustavo drives forward for Al Nassr, who now need to find two goals if they are going to take home all three points in this one.
      Bendebka is given a yellow card for the foul.
      62. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      What a finish that was from Sofiane Bendebka!A cross came in from deep on the left hand side, towards Bendebka.
      He proceeded to peel off of the defender perfectly and execute a side-foot volley past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net!
      58. Al Fateh 2-1 Al Nassr
      Another stunner!What a finish that is from Bendebka!
      58. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      The free-kick is crossed in really well and Ronaldo is there at the back post for the header!
      Unfortunately it takes a flick off of the player just in front of him, and he is denied another chance to get his first Al Nassr goal.
      56. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo gets down the right hand side before being bought down.
      Al Nassr have a free kick wide on the right hand side of the pitch, which they will look to swing into the middle for Ronaldo.
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    • 238 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      Al Fateh vs Al-Nassr LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo hits the BAR in Saudi clash – stream, kick-off time, latest updates

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is back in action today for Al-Nassr as they face Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.The ex-Manchester United star has yet to score in the league, so he’ll be hoping he can open his account today.

      Start time: 3pm
      TV/Live stream: Shahid

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      48. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      It’s hard to ignore the fact that this game is perfectly poised right now for a Cristiano Ronaldo hero story.
      An early cross goes in towards him, and Al Nassr win a corner.
      46. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      Al Nassr get us back underway for the second half!
      HT. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      The referee calls the first half to a close.
      It wasn’t meant to be in the first half for Ronaldo, and he walks off looking incredibly frustrated.
      The truth is, he could have had a hat-trick.
      His first chance was actually put into the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside by the officials.
      He then had an easy chance to smash the ball home, but he fired it over the bar from close range.
      Just before half-time, he thought he had given his side the lead, but was denied by the crossbar.
      45+2. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo hits the bar!
      He is so close to giving them the lead!
      The ball goes into the middle, and all he needs to do is keep it low and hard.
      He goes high and the ball cannons off the crossbar and over.
      45. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      There will be three added minutes.
      43. Al Fateh 1-1 Al Nassr
      Talisca levels the scoring!
      It’s a great cross into the middle from Konan, and swept home by the Brazilian!
      40. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Some good footwork from Ronaldo on the edge of the box, but he can’t quite get a cross into the box for his teammates.
      37. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Al Fateh will be happy if they can keep this at 1-0 going into half-time.
      It remains to be seen if Cristiano Ronaldo can change that scoreline before the 45 minute mark.
      34. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo misses a sitter!
      Great work from Talisca who forces the keeper into a save onto the post.
      It comes off the post and rolls right into the path of Ronaldo who just has to guide it into the net.
      He can’t do it.
      Ronaldo fires the rebound over the bar, howler.
      32. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Close for Al Fateh as Cristian Tello gets a shot off from the edge of the box, blocked by the defender.
      29. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      A good spell in the game for Al Fateh, as they control possession for a moment.
      They look good down the left hand side, and dangerous whenever Cristian Tello gets on the ball.
      26. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Plenty of free kicks in this one.
      This time it is for Al Fateh on the edge of the box following a clumsy challenge from Luiz Gustavo.
      The free kick is close!But just off target…
      24. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo SCORES!
      Oh wait…
      Ruled out for offside.
      22. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Free kick for Al Nassr from a wide position this time, it is going to be swung in towards Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Cleared well by Al Fateh.
      20. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Anderson Talisca wins a free kick from about 40 yards out, which Ronaldo steps up to strike.
      It hits the wall.
      17. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo is shoved over on the edge of the box, but the referee is not convinced it is a foul.
      Al Fateh look to break on the counter attack, and they win a corner for their efforts.
      14. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      Cristian Tello one, Cristiano Ronaldo nil.
      It is an absolute beauty from the ex-Barcelona winger.
      A cross went into the box from the right hand side, it was parried out by the keeper before Tello met it on the volley on the edge of the box and smashed it into the net.
      What a goal.
      12. Al Fateh 1-0 Al Nassr
      What a goal! It is a SCREAMER from Cristian Tello!
      10. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo has been let down there, he is in open space in the middle of the box, waiting for the cross to come in for a tap in.
      Ultimately it is a poor cross, and he doesn’t get the chance to open the scoring.
      8. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Ronaldo is looking in the mood today, he looks dangerous whenever he gets on the ball.
      You feel as always with him, that he just needs one chance.
      6. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Al Nassr are holding the possession so far in this one, and are in control at the moment.
      Ronaldo picks up the ball and offloads it to Luiz Gustavo, but the Brazilian fires a shot well over from 35 yards out.
      4. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Anderson Talisca gets down the left hand side for Al-Nassr and looks to deliver a cross with his left foot.
      It goes well over the bar and out for a goal kick…
      2. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Almost an early chance for Ronaldo, as a through ball goes through to the Portuguese striker but he is judged to be offside by the officials.
      0. Al Fateh 0-0 Al Nassr
      Al Fateh get us underway in this one!
      Here we go…
      Five minute warning
      We have just five minutes until kick-off in this one.
      Sit back, relax, and settle in with SunSport for full coverage of Al Fateh vs Al Nassr, as we hope to see Cristiano Ronaldo score his first league goal…
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