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CHELSEA remain top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.But there were worrying scenes from the terraces early in the contest with the match suspended for 35 minutes while a supporter was given CPR.
In the Merseyside derby, Jurgen Klopp’s side showed no mercy on out-of-form Everton as Liverpool romped to a 4-1 victory over their big rivals.
And the agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but the star striker is said to ‘very happy’ in Brazil.

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RIVAL-NO
Brazilian icon Rivaldo believes Lionel Messi was a deserved winner for this year’s hotly debated Ballon d’Or.
Messi beat Robert Lewandowski to the award by just 33 points, and ex-Barcelona man Rivaldo reckons both would have been worthy winners, as would Karim Benzema.
Speaking to betfair, Rivaldo said: “He [Messi] deserved the award based on his performances for Argentina as they won the Copa America – a trophy they have coveted for many years – and he was the best player of the tournament.
“There will always be arguments about the Ballon D’or, as there are so many voters from all over the world and there is so much footballing talent around.
“I could have made the case for Karim Benzema, along with Lewandowski and Messi, but in the end the award must go to one player.
“It’s possible the Argentinian’s amazing career also had some influence on those voters who were wavering.”
‘FOREVER GRATEFUL’
Wigan striker Charlie Wyke has revealed Latics boss Leam Richardson saved his life after he had a cardiac arrest during training.
The forward, 28, was rushed to hospital on November 25 after he collapsed and has credited his boss’ quick reactions for ‘saving his life’.#
Wyke told Wigan’s website: “First and foremost, I just want to stress my sincere appreciation to the club’s medical staff and the NHS staff who have cared for me after I was taken into hospital last week.
“In particular, I would like to mention Dr. Rob Cooper from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for everything he has done for me over the last week or so.
“I feel it’s important to tell my story to our supporters and to the wider public, because my life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life.
“As you are aware, I collapsed during training on Monday.
“I suffered a cardiac arrest and required CPR, and I am told it was only the quick response of the gaffer to initiate the resuscitation process and then the continuation from the Doc that saved my life.
“I will be forever grateful that due to their actions – and those of my team-mates and other staff – I am here to talk to about the experience.”
Read more HERE.

WELCOME RETURN
Christian Eriksen is back in training with one of his former clubs, six months after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The 29-year-old was suspended from playing for Inter in Serie A by the Italian medical authority because the life-saving device fitted to his heart is not allowed in the league.
Now the former Tottenham man is in training with Danish outfit and one of his former sides Odense Boldklub.
A spokesperson for the club told Reuters: “Eriksen reached out to us, and he is now training by himself.
“It’s natural for him since he played here in his youth and lives around the corner. We are very happy to be able to provide training facilities for him.”
The playmaker is targeting a sensational return to the game in 2022, and has stepped up his rehabilitation by training with his former side.

PLAN B
Antonio Conte is grooming Steven Bergwijn to be Harry Kane’s short-term understudy as a striker at Spurs.
Even though the Dutchman has scored just four goals in 40 Premier League appearances – and three of those were in his first three home games.
But new Tottenham boss Conte believes Bergwijn could be the man to get them through their chronic striker shortage during this busy festive period.
Tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Brentford kicks off Spurs’ run of NINE matches in under a month before the transfer window reopens on January 1 – Conte can bring in some much-needed reinforcements.
The Italian is well aware Harry Kane is and has long been the club’s only out and out striker.
Previous Spurs managers Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo have opted to play Son Heung-min as a No9 when Kane has been unavailable.

MEDAL OF HORROR
Winning the Premier League is no easy task.
It takes the right manager, a strong mix of players, hard work, dedication, skill…
No wonder that picking up a winners’ medal in the top-flight is among the most impressive feats in football.
For every superstar champion there’s a backup player in dreamland, clutching the trophy with a medal around their neck.
In tribute to them, here’s an XI of those Premier League winners you can be forgiven for having forgotten down the years.

FA CHARGE
FA chiefs are braced for a stinging rebuke over their part in the Euro 2020 Final carnage.
Wembley bosses, under pressure from the Government, appointed Baroness Casey to investigate the shameful scenes that were witnessed before the game with Italy on July 11.
And the results of the four-month probe will be published on Friday morning with Baroness Casey due to explain her findings.
England were ordered to play their next home Nations League tie – in June – behind closed doors with Uefa also fining the FA £84,500.
But the punishment did not close the matter down with the Casey investigation continuing in the background.
The FA was under pressure to pinpoint the precise reasons for the anarchic scenes which including the families of England squad members being injured by ticketless thugs inside the stadium.
PERFECT PEP
Man City’s win against Aston Villa on Wednesday night bought up 150 Premier League victories for Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola becomes the fastest manager to achieve the landmark, doing so in just 204 Prem games.
Of the remaining 54 matches he’s lost 29 and drawn 25 – a 74 percent win rate.
He has Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva to thank for his 150th three points, with the Portuguese duo netting in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa.
And according to Manchester City’s official website, he’s comfortably the quickest to reach the achievement.

UM DINGER
Barcelona fans have not been shy in showing their ill feeling towards Samuel Umtiti by JUMPING in front of the defender’s car.
As the French World Cup winner left Barcelona training a group of fans stood in the way of his sleek Lamborghini, with one even jumping up on to the bonnet.
The defender accelerated away before stopping, getting out of the car and marching towards the fans that had gathered.
And he reportedly said: “Come here. Do you pay for the car? Why do you mess around? Do you know what respect is,” according to Football Espana.
Fans are unhappy with the defender after he refused to leave in the summer.
The Barca faithful BOOED him during a 3-0 pre-season victory against Juventus after he stubbornly declined an exit.
Umtiti has not played a single minute of football for Barcelona this campaign and continues to be linked with an exit from the club.

GREEN LIGHT
Ralf Rangnick has been granted his work permit to officially take charge of Manchester United – but he won’t be in the dug-out for tonight’s clash with Arsenal.
The German, 63, was finally confirmed as the new interim manager of the Red Devils earlier this week.
He will perform that role until the end of the season before then beginning work as a consultant for the club.
SunSport revealed today that Rangnick has arrived in the UK and will be allowed into the Old Trafford stands providing he continues to test negative for Covid.
But he needed a work permit to take up his post as interim manager of United.
Due to his lack of recent coaching experience, Rangnick had to go before an FA panel to obtain the necessary visa to work in the Premier League.
Read more HERE.
CAV AT IT
Edinson Cavani reportedly ‘wants’ a move to Barcelona at the end of the season.
His current Manchester United deal expires in the summer, and he has ambitions of playing in La Liga before calling time on his career.
The Uruguay international believes he still has two years left at the top level, and wants to link up with Xavi at Barcelona according to The Times.
Cavani joined the Red Devils in 2020 and signed a one-year extension in the summer.
But he seems unlikely to put pen-to-paper on another extension at Old Trafford with a move to Barcelona on the cards.
And with cash-strapped Barca targeting low-cost transfers, the free signing of Cavani is an attractive prospect.

BOU RADLEY
Former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna has spoken of how injuries ruined Abou Diaby’s career.
The ex-midfielder was tipped to be the next Patrick Vieira, only for injuries to cruelly rob him of the chance to become a Gunners legend.
Diaby, 35, suffered a serious ankle injury against Sunderland in May 2006, before then picking up further knocks to his knee, thigh and groin.
He was limited to just 180 appearances from his nine-year stay in North London, with the player forced to hang up his boots aged 32.
Discussing the towering central midfielder, Sagna told SunSport: “Abou was amazing.
“Fearless with a huge amount of talent but his injury finished it off because he dislocated his ankle.
“Then after that he was compensating from somewhere else, and he never managed to get back to what he was. He became fragile. An unlucky player but he was brilliant.”
SAUL SHOCKER
Thomas Tuchel has admitted he ‘doesn’t know’ what’s next for Saul Niguez after another shocking Chelsea showing.
The deadline day loan signing was gifted a rare appearance against Watford with Jorginho out injured, but was hooked at half time by Tuchel.
Tuchel said: “I don’t know where he goes from this performance but he was on a yellow card so we had two options.
“We could have taken Marcos [Alonso] off who also had a yellow card and try Saul as a wing-back.
“I had this in my mind before the game, if something happened to Marcos.
“But I thought maybe it was not the right match to try things with new positions so it was [subbing] him to change the shape a little bit and have Thiago on the pitch with his organising.
“Having Trevoh [Chalobah] on the number six who is more physical – unfortunately Trevoh injured himself and we ended up with Ruben on the single six. But it was a tactical decision.”

SPURRED ON
Yaya Toure is spending time at Tottenham’s academy as he works his way towards earning his coaching badges.
The Manchester City great has previously coached in Russia, but is now back in the UK and in the process of earning his UEFA A-Licence.
Toure, 38, lives in Hampstead and wanted to find a club close to home to work with, according to the Evening Standard.
After an induction on Wednesday the former Ivory Coast midfielder will spend a couple of days a week working with Spurs’ youth prospects at their Enfield training ground.
The three-time Premier League winner is reportedly open to a more formal role with the club though should he be offered one.
He will not be involved with Antonio Conte and the Tottenham first team who train in a separate part of the training ground.
Instead he will link up with academy manager Dean Rastrick and head of youth coaching Chris Powell.

FAN FURY
Seamus Coleman and several other Everton fans were confronted by an angry pitch invader after they were hammered at home by Liverpool.
The Blues had a night to forget as Jurgen Klopp’s side ran riot at Goodison Park and beat their Merseyside rivals 4-1.
That result piled even more pressure on Toffees boss Rafa Benitez with many supporters leaving early as their team crumbled away on the pitch.
However, seconds after the full-time whistle, one individual who did stay decided to dart past stewards and get onto the grass himself to make his feelings known.
Midfielder Anthony Gordon, 20, came face-to-face with the male before Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure came over to their young team-mate.
The man continued to vent his fury at the players for several seconds as other supporters also attempted to encroach on the pitch as stewards eventually managed to restore order.

GIFT OF THE GAB
The agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but journalist Jorge Nicola has seemingly put those rumours to bed after speaking to Gabigol’s agent Junior Pedroso.
Pedroso said: “Only us from 4ComM and Gabriel’s father can speak on behalf of the athlete. And there is absolutely nothing with Premier League or any other league at the moment.
“He is focused solely on playing for Flamengo, because he is very happy at the club.”
ROO BEAUTY
Chelsea are competing with some of Europe’s top clubs to land Copenhagen wonderkid Roony Bardghji, according to reports.
The Swedish winger, 16, is on the Blues’ radar after already breaking into his side’s first-team.
But Thomas Tuchel’s men will have stiff competition.
According to reporter Ekrem Konur, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax are also interested in signing Bardghji.
The wing wizard began the season playing for Copenhagen’s Under-19 side.
But after four goals in nine appearances, he was promoted to the first-team.

PEP TALK
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League after his stunning goal against Aston Villa.
The Portuguese maestro put his side 2-0 up at Villa Park with a sumptuous volley on the stroke of half-time.
Asked if his attacking midfielder is among the league’s best performers, he purred: “The best. When we made 98 points two or three years ago, he was the best, too. Take the videos and you will see.
“It was an incredible finish. The goal was good, it was quick. To beat them was an incredible step for us.
“The performance, 90 minutes, it was exceptional, the way we start the game. Villa have everything and the way we behaved today was really really good.
“Villa are a top side with an incredible players and the manager on the touchline.”
PROGRESS
Man Utd have announced the make-up of their Fans Advisory Board in the wake of protests at Old Trafford last season.
There are seven fan representatives in the group which will be co-chaired by barrister and lifelong United fans Christopher Saad and the club’s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold.
The group was set up to ensure better fan representation with major decisions made by the club.
The attempt to breakaway into a European Super League caused mass protests last season which saw the club’s home game with Liverpool last May postponed.
Two members of the already established Fans’ Forum, Ian Stirling and Rick McGagh, have been appointed to the board along with Manchester United Supporters Trust Chair Jonathan Deitch and it’s Chief Executive Duncan Drasdo.
The other fan places will be taken by Deborah Henry, Chair of the Manchester United Women’s Supporters’ Club, and communications consultant Oli Winton.
Dave Pennington, a retired senior civil servant and another MUST board member has been named as special advisor to the co-Chairs.
OVERNIGHT ROUND-UP
Michael Carrick will take charge of Manchester United for a third huge game in a row tonight as new interim boss Ralf Rangnick waits for his visa issues to be resolved.
Cristiano Ronaldo is tipped for a recall as ninth-placed United host on-fire Arsenal, while Tottenham entertain Brentford in this evening’s other match.Prem top three Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all won away last night.
Mason Mount hit the opener and teed up sub  Hakim Ziyech ‘s  winner as Chelsea beat Watford 2-1 in a game halted for 32 minutes by a medical emergency in the crowd.
Ruben Dias and a sensational volley from Bernardo Silva sealed Steven Gerrard’s first defeat as Aston Villa boss as City also triumphed 2-1.
And Mo Salah’s double led Liverpool’s 4-1 win to continue Everton’s slump with Rafa Benitez’s first Merseyside loss on the Toffees’ side.
Elsewhere, Neal Maupay’s spectacular late overhead kick rescued a 1-1 draw for ten-man Brighton at West Ham.
Leicester twice came from behind in a 2-2 stalemate at Southampton.
And Burnley stopped Wolves moving fifth with a stubborn 0-0 draw at Molineux.
Off the pitch, Barcelona are reportedly ready to swoop for Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
And it’s claimed the Blues could target FIVE defenders – Jules Kounde, Attila Szalai, Marquinhos, Niklas Sule and Pau Torres.
CONTE: MY TOUGHEST JOB
Antonio Conte says managing Tottenham is the biggest challenge of his career.
The Italian insists Spurs are having to start again as the team they have now is at a “medium level”.
Conte and his players are still reeling from last Thursday’s embarrassing Europa Conference League loss away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.

The former Chelsea boss took over at Tottenham last month but he has warned he will not be able to turn the North Londoners around overnight.
Ahead of Spurs Premier League clash at home to Brentford tonight, he said: “This is a big challenge for me.
“This is a big challenge for the club. And this is a big challenge for the players. For everybody.
“The club, in the last years, has been slipping.
“If I compare Tottenham to when I was in Chelsea, Tottenham were very very competitive, a really really strong team.
Conte and his players are still reeling from last Thursday’s embarrassing Europa Conference League loss away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.
The former Chelsea boss took over at Tottenham last month but he has warned he will not be able to turn the North Londoners around overnight.
Ahead of Spurs Premier League clash at home to Brentford tonight, he said: “This is a big challenge for me.
“This is a big challenge for the club. And this is a big challenge for the players. For everybody.
“The club, in the last years, has been slipping.
“If I compare Tottenham to when I was in Chelsea, Tottenham were very very competitive, a really really strong team.”
ASTON VILLA 1 MAN CITY 2
Bernardo Silva sealed Steven Gerrard’s first defeat as Villa boss with a sensational volley as City stayed a point clear of third-placed Liverpool with their fourth successive victory.
Ruben Dias curled City’s stylish opener before Silva sidefooted Gabriel Jesus’ dropping cross high into the net on 43 minutes.
Ollie Watkins replied deftly soon after the break but defeat left Villa 13th.
WATFORD 1 CHELSEA 2
Mason Mount hit the opener and set up the winner as leaders Chelsea stayed a point clear of Man City in a game delayed by 32 minutes by a medical emergency in the crowd.
England midfielder Mount rounded off a sweet move just before the half-hour mark – after the players had resumed action.
Emmanuel Dennis fired a deflected equaliser after Ruben Loftus-Cheek lost the ball.
But Mount teed up sub Hakim Ziyech to seal Chelsea’s victory on 72 minutes.
EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 4
Mo Salah’s double spearheaded Liverpool’s convincing win as Everton’s slump continued in Rafa Benitez’s first Merseyside derby on the Blue side.
Jordan Henderson and Salah’s angled effort put the third-placed Reds’ 2-0 up inside 19 minutes.
Demarai Gray cut the deficit on 38 minutes but Salah punished a Seamus Coleman mistake midway through the second period and Diogo Jota bagged Liverpool’s fourth.
SOUTHAMPTON 2 LEICESTER 2
Jonny Evans and James Maddison bagged Leicester’s two equalisers in this entertaining Prem draw.
Jan Bednarek snapped up the Saints’ third-minute opener as they edged the first half.
Evans’ follow-up shot made it 1-1 on 22 minutes but Che Adams headed Southampton back in front from Nathan Redmond’s centre.
Maddison drilled a clinical equaliser soon after the break, before Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy almost won it for the Foxes.
WOLVES 0 BURNLEY 0
Burnley’s dogged defending stopped Wolves going fifth.
Ft-again winger Adama Traore, in his first game since October 23, fired against the Clarets’ bar.
And Nick Pope tipped a Traore shot wide in Wolves’ only second-half effort on target as third-bottom Burnley made it five draws from their past seven matches.
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CHELSEA remain top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.But there were worrying scenes from the terraces early in the contest with the match suspended for 35 minutes while a supporter was given CPR.
In the Merseyside derby, Jurgen Klopp’s side showed no mercy on out-of-form Everton as Liverpool romped to a 4-1 victory over their big rivals.
And the agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but the star striker is said to ‘very happy’ in Brazil.

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CONTE: MY TOUGHEST JOB
Antonio Conte says managing Tottenham is the biggest challenge of his career.
The Italian insists Spurs are having to start again as the team they have now is at a “medium level”.
Conte and his players are still reeling from last Thursday’s embarrassing Europa Conference League loss away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.

The former Chelsea boss took over at Tottenham last month but he has warned he will not be able to turn the North Londoners around overnight.
Ahead of Spurs Premier League clash at home to Brentford tonight, he said: “This is a big challenge for me.
“This is a big challenge for the club. And this is a big challenge for the players. For everybody.
“The club, in the last years, has been slipping.
“If I compare Tottenham to when I was in Chelsea, Tottenham were very very competitive, a really really strong team.
Conte and his players are still reeling from last Thursday’s embarrassing Europa Conference League loss away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.
The former Chelsea boss took over at Tottenham last month but he has warned he will not be able to turn the North Londoners around overnight.
Ahead of Spurs Premier League clash at home to Brentford tonight, he said: “This is a big challenge for me.
“This is a big challenge for the club. And this is a big challenge for the players. For everybody.
“The club, in the last years, has been slipping.
“If I compare Tottenham to when I was in Chelsea, Tottenham were very very competitive, a really really strong team.”
ASTON VILLA 1 MAN CITY 2
Bernardo Silva sealed Steven Gerrard’s first defeat as Villa boss with a sensational volley as City stayed a point clear of third-placed Liverpool with their fourth successive victory.
Ruben Dias curled City’s stylish opener before Silva sidefooted Gabriel Jesus’ dropping cross high into the net on 43 minutes.
Ollie Watkins replied deftly soon after the break but defeat left Villa 13th.
WATFORD 1 CHELSEA 2
Mason Mount hit the opener and set up the winner as leaders Chelsea stayed a point clear of Man City in a game delayed by 32 minutes by a medical emergency in the crowd.
England midfielder Mount rounded off a sweet move just before the half-hour mark – after the players had resumed action.
Emmanuel Dennis fired a deflected equaliser after Ruben Loftus-Cheek lost the ball.
But Mount teed up sub Hakim Ziyech to seal Chelsea’s victory on 72 minutes.
EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 4
Mo Salah’s double spearheaded Liverpool’s convincing win as Everton’s slump continued in Rafa Benitez’s first Merseyside derby on the Blue side.
Jordan Henderson and Salah’s angled effort put the third-placed Reds’ 2-0 up inside 19 minutes.
Demarai Gray cut the deficit on 38 minutes but Salah punished a Seamus Coleman mistake midway through the second period and Diogo Jota bagged Liverpool’s fourth.
SOUTHAMPTON 2 LEICESTER 2
Jonny Evans and James Maddison bagged Leicester’s two equalisers in this entertaining Prem draw.
Jan Bednarek snapped up the Saints’ third-minute opener as they edged the first half.
Evans’ follow-up shot made it 1-1 on 22 minutes but Che Adams headed Southampton back in front from Nathan Redmond’s centre.
Maddison drilled a clinical equaliser soon after the break, before Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy almost won it for the Foxes.
WOLVES 0 BURNLEY 0
Burnley’s dogged defending stopped Wolves going fifth.
Ft-again winger Adama Traore, in his first game since October 23, fired against the Clarets’ bar.
And Nick Pope tipped a Traore shot wide in Wolves’ only second-half effort on target as third-bottom Burnley made it five draws from their past seven matches.
WEST HAM 1 BRIGHTON 1
Neal Maupay’s brilliant 89th minute overhead kick rescued ten-man Brighton.
Tomas Soucek headed West Ham’s fifth-minute opener from Pablo Fornals’ inswinging corner.
And Brighton were a man short when they snatched their late Premier League point-saver as Adam Lallana had gone off injured after their three substitutions.
FAN MEDICAL EMERGENCY HOLDS UP SAINTS’ GAME
The second-half of Southampton’s clash with Leicester was delayed due to a ‘medical emergency’ in the stands.
Saints led 2-1 at St Mary’s when both sides went in for their break.
Southampton vs Leicester second half delayed after ‘medical emergency’ in stands
But with the teams moments away from coming out to restart the match, a fan suffered a medical emergency in the stands.
Amazon commentators initially claimed a fan had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Medics rushed to the stricken supporter’s side.
And players from both teams waited in the tunnel to discover the person’s condition, with Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel looking particularly worried after seeing Denmark pal Christian Eriksen collapse at the Euros.
After ten minutes, Amazon then revealed the fan had NOT suffered a cardiac arrest.
However, they had collapsed in the stands, prompting the emergency.
After initial treatment, the supporter was put on a stretcher by medical staff.
And they were wheeled out of stands and onto the concourse for further support.
The game between Southampton and Leicester was then able to resume, with a total delay of just over ten minutes.
The incident came after Watford’s clash against Chelsea was stopped after 12 minutes when a fan suffered a cardiac arrest at Vicarage Road.
SILVESTRE DEFENDS UTD STARS’ USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Mikael Silvestre laughs when he is told that Manchester United players are currently being criticised for their presence on social media.
The ex-Red Devils defender is reminded of a time when he felt the wrath of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson for his own online mishaps.

Frenchman Silvestre explained: “I was one of the first players in the Premier League to have a website, in the early 2000s.
“In France, it was very trendy so I thought it would be cool to have one. I would have an interview on the phone after the game and it was published there in French on my website.
“But an English paper picked it up and I remember my quotes were used as a headline the day after the game and the boss was like: ‘You have to stop it’ and I did!
“I was being very honest about the team’s performance and that was the headline: ‘Silvestre said the team didn’t do well’ and the gaffer was mad.
“He said: ‘I’m in charge of the communication – you play football!’”
WOLVES FAN BLOODIED BY MATCH BALL
A female Wolves supporter was left with blood pouring down her face after being smashed in the face by the ball.
And a young boy was left in tears at the unfortunate incident during the Premier League clash at home to Burnley.

In the 27th minute, the visitors forced a corner with the teams tied at 0-0.
The ball was swung in, but headed clear from danger by Wolves defender Max Kilman.
But it was far from comfortable for the lady sat behind the goal as the ball pinged into her face.
Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet managed to fire another corner in that was punched clear by Wolves keeper Sa.
But seconds later Sa and striker Raul Jimenez furiously waved on the emergency team to attend to the fan.
Amazon Prime cameras captured her picking up a pair of glasses from the floor and holding tissue to her bloody nose.
A young lad next to her was sat on his seat in floods of tears as the game was paused.
Fans around the woman burst into applause as the emergency teams attended to her.
WATFORD GAME HALTED AS FAN COLLAPSES
Watford vs Chelsea was paused after 12 minutes as doctors rushed to deal with a medical emergency in the crowd as a supporter collapsed and required CPR.
Hornets ace Adam Masina had been down receiving treatment for an injury, when Marcos Alonso alerted Chelsea medical staff to an incident in the Graham Taylor Stand.
Blues medics sprinted across the pitch and entered the field of play.
After two minutes, referee David Coote informed both managers that the match would be paused as doctors dealt with the emergency.
Players are said to be waiting in the tunnel for the matter to be resolved.
The fan has been stabilised and is being taken to the hospital which is situated next to the ground.
UTD ANNOUNCE BOARD MEMBERS
Manchester United have announced the make-up of their Fans Advisory Board in the wake of protests at Old Trafford last season, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
There are seven fans representatives in the group which will be co-chaired by barrister and lifelong United fans Christopher Saad and the club’s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold.
The group was set up to ensure better fan representation with major decisions made by the club.
The attempt to breakaway into a European Super League caused a mass protests last season which saw the club’s home game with Liverpool last May postponed.
‘DONNY’S LIKE HENRIK’
Manchester United staff compared Donny van De Beek to Henrik Mkhitaryan during his early struggles at the club, according to reports.
The Dutchman, 24, has struggled for game time since his move to Old Trafford.

He has made just four Premier League starts since the beginning of last season, despite scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace.
And after struggling initially, staff at United were reminded of another expensive flop, Mkhitaryan, according to ESPN.
There were also fears he would struggle to adapt to the workload and intensity of the Premier League, which is why he was initially selected for Champions League matches only.
Mkhitaryan, like van de Beek, arrived for a significant fee of £26million in 2016 and quickly fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
He had to settle for substitute appearances in his first three games but when his big chance came in a start against Manchester City, he wasted it.
A minor injury followed and Mourinho soon lost faith in his marquee signing and Mkhitaryan had to wait until December for his next start.
LEW’S A CLASSY LOSER
Robert Lewandowski was reportedly told he would not be winning the Ballon d’Or days before the event but turned up anyway.
The Bayern Munich star, 33, came second to Lionel Messi, who won the award for a seventh time.

Lewandowski lost out by just 33 points with Chelsea star Jorginho rounding off the top three.
France Football inform the winner of the award beforehand and according to Bild Lewandowski knew he would not be collecting the coveted prize three days before Monday’s ceremony.
But he still turned up, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, and came away with the striker of the year award instead.
Many felt his omission for the Ballon d’Or was harsh, particularly after he was a favourite to land the 2020 title.
His agent Pini Zahavi felt Messi winning was unfair, saying: “Big congratulations to Messi. An impressive player and an eternal legend of football.
“But the Ballon d’Or 2021 is not his. Not this time. The Golden Ball belongs to Robert Lewandowski.
“He wasn’t robbed, but he’s the man who deserves it. No wonder that many hundreds of millions of fans find the result difficult to believe at the prestigious football event.
“Monday should have ended with Robert celebrating his first Ballon d’Or.”
BARBOSA IN PREM LINK
The agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but journalist Jorge Nicola has seemingly put those rumours to bed after speaking to Gabigol’s agent Junior Pedroso.
Pedroso said: “Only us from 4ComM and Gabriel’s father can speak on behalf of the athlete. And there is absolutely nothing with Premier League or any other league at the moment.
“He is focused solely on playing for Flamengo, because he is very happy at the club.”
CARRICK NOT SPOKEN TO RALF YET
Michael Carrick revealed he is yet to speak to incoming Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick, 63, has been confirmed as manager but is awaiting a work permit to take over the reins.
Michael Carrick yet to speak to incoming interim Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick
That means Carrick will be in the dug out once more against Arsenal.
And asked whether he has communicated with the incoming boss, Carrick replied: “No, because of the process and work permit, we haven’t been able to.
“So we’ve carried on, it’s worked well the last two games and hopefully will tomorrow.
“I haven’t really got anything to update you on, other than the work permit process is ongoing as we speak and I’m in this position, as I was for Villarreal and Chelsea, getting the boys ready for the game tomorrow night.”
Rumours of the pair working together to select the team against Chelsea arose after Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped.
Gary Neville suggested Rangnick would have influenced the starting eleven, with the pace of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in attack indicating a pressing style.
HE AZ TO GO
Barcelona are reportedly ready to swoop for Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spaniard has not featured in the Premier League since mid-October, mainly because of James’ excellent form down Chelsea’s right side.

And while SunSport exclusively revealed he is relishing the battle with Reece James for the right-back spot, he is yet to agree a new contract with the Londoners.
Mundo Deportivo reports that while Chelsea are confident of agreeing a new deal with the player, Barca are ‘keen try and sign him’,
And according to ESPN, Barca are keeping a keen eye on how contract talks progress between the Blues and club captain Azpilicueta.
The 32-year-old’s current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season.
If a new deal has not been agreed before January 1 the Spaniard is free to begin talks with foreign clubs regarding a pre-contract agreement.
The Blues though are thought to be keen to tie him down to a new deal and extend his stay at the club with talks currently ongoing between Blues chiefs and Azpilicueta’s representatives.
ZLATAN CURSE FEAR
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lifted the lid on his explosive bust-up with ex-Inter ace Romelu Lukaku earlier this year.
The pair squared up to each other at the San Siro in January during the fiery derby, with the Swedish centre-forward taunting the Chelsea ace over his mum’s ‘voodoo’ rituals.

He was seen and heard shouting at Lukaku: “Go do your voodoo s***, go do your voodoo s***, little donkey.”
Hitting back, the Belgium international responded: “‘F*** you and your wife, you little b****. You want to speak about my mother?”
Inter won the derby in the Coppa Italia quarter-final 2-1, with Lukaku and Ibrahimovic both on the score sheet, with the latter sent off in the second half.
The ex-Barcelona man then picked up an injury following the fixture, leading him to believe he was cursed, as he asked his religious friends to pray for him.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Ibrahimovic, 40, has opened up on how the confrontation with his former Manchester United team-mate materialised.
He said: “He first argued with [Alessio] Romagnoli, then with [Alexis] Saelemaekers.
“I intervened to defend my team-mates and Lukaku attacked me on a personal level. I was shocked. We even were team-mates at Manchester United.
“Lukaku has a great ego, he thinks he’s a champion and he’s really strong.
“But I grew up in the Malmo ghetto, and when someone comes under me with his head down, I put him in his place.”
AG-GRO IF REDS BEAT EVERTON
Ex-Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the atmosphere could turn ‘toxic’ at Goodison Park if the Toffees are beaten by Liverpool tonight.
Rafa Benitez’s side are winless in their last seven games, with pressure beginning to mount on the former Reds boss.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “I didn’t think it would work [for Benitez at Everton]. The first five or six games they were getting great results and, yes, the Everton fans were OK with it.
“But I knew, once they had some bad results, the Everton fans would turn because of the success he had at Liverpool.
“They’re going to use that as an excuse to turn against him.
“If they lose, and lose badly, at Goodison Park, it’s going to be toxic.”
MESSI’S STILL THE DADDY
Lionel Messi’s dad has hit back at those who claim his son did not deserve to win the Ballon d’Or.
The 34-year-old Argentine claimed the award for a record-extending SEVENTH time on Monday night following his Copa America glory with the national team in the summer and another stellar individual season for Barcelona.

Messi netted 38 times in 44 games for the Catalan giants and then led the Argentina national team to their first major trophy in 28 years.
But some felt the iconic footballer did not deserve the award and that it should have gone to Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski instead.
The Polish talisman missed out on the 2020 award after the coronavirus pandemic led to the ceremony being cancelled.
He was hoping to secure it in 2021 following a sensational season saw him net 48 goals in 40 games.
But he was forced to settle for second place behind Messi and ahead of Jorginho, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
The likes of Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo came out against awarding Messi the gong.
The Argentine’s dad Jorge Messi responded with an Instagram picture of his son holding the Ballon d’Or alongside a caption which translated as: “Bla, bla, bla…continue.”
UTD STAFF FEARED VDB WOULD FLOP
Manchester United staff compared Donny van De Beek to Henrik Mkhitaryan during his early struggles at the club, according to reports.
The Dutchman, 24, has struggled for game time since his move to Old Trafford.

He has made just four Premier League starts since the beginning of last season, despite scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace.
And after struggling initially, staff at United were reminded of another expensive flop, Mkhitaryan, according to ESPN.
There were also fears he would struggle to adapt to the workload and intensity of the Premier League, which is why he was initially selected for Champions League matches only.
Mkhitaryan, like van de Beek, arrived for a significant fee of £26million in 2016 and quickly fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
He had to settle for substitute appearances in his first three games but when his big chance came in a start against Manchester City, he wasted it.
A minor injury followed and Mourinho soon lost faith in his marquee signing and Mkhitaryan had to wait until December for his next start.
ROMERO OUT FOR YEAR
Antonio Conte has confirmed Cristian Romero’s injury is serious and the star will not play for Tottenham again in 2021.
On-loan Atalanta defender Romero injured his hamstring playing for Argentina against Brazil in the last international break.

And scans have proved Spurs boss Conte’s worst fears.
He said: “The news is not positive. It’s not good. The injury is serious and it will be a long time before we see him again. Surely next year.
“We will check on his injury week by week but it is serious.
“Now he is trying to recover but he needs time to recover. He’s an important player for us.”
Conte broke the news at his press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash at home to Brentford on Thursday.
Asked if ‘next year’ meant next season, Conte said: “No, maybe January or February next year.”
5 DEFENDERS CHELSEA COULD TARGET
Chelsea are still sweating over the future of Antonio Rudiger.
The German, 28, is yet to sign a new deal and has attracted attention from Europe’s elite, most notably Real Madrid.

Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Thiago Silva, 37, and Andreas Christensen, 25, are also defenders Chelsea face losing for nothing unless contract extensions are agreed.
The Blues are said to be prepared to offer all four new deals, but it will not stop them from scouting out alternatives.
Here, SunSport runs down five centre-back options for Chelsea.
JULES KOUNDEATTILA SZALAIMARQUINHOSNIKLAS SULEPAU TORRES
HERE’S OUR FULL RUNDOWN ON THE BLUES’ POSSIBLE TARGETS
GUNNERS LINKED TO DEJAN
Arsenal are targeting a move for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski in the January window.
And contact has already been made between the club and representatives of the Sweden international.
However, Tottenham are also said to be keen on a deal for the 21-year-old.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has told Sky Sports: “Arsenal want him.
“The first contacts with the agents (have been made). Juventus bought him for £30 million plus bonuses. So, it depends on how much Arsenal want to invest on this player.
“But, I know that the first contacts have been made by the parties.”
BELE TOLLS FOR OUSMANE FUTURE
Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been given 15 days by Barcelona to make a decision on his future.
The winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are keen for Dembele to extend his current deal, as is the player himself.
But the Frenchman’s agent is said to have rejected a number of offers, insisting on a ‘Ballon d’Or’ salary for his 20-year-old client.
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CHELSEA boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed Andreas Christensen has been dropped from his starting XI because of his ongoing contract stand-off with the club. The Dane has twice agreed a deal with the Blues only to back out and renegotiate, leaving Chelsea chiefs frustrated.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly preparing a mega-bid for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic and Jurgen Klopp is keen on brining Aaron Ramsey to Liverpool.
The German sees Ramsey as the perfect player to bolster his midfield.

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5 DEFENDERS CHELSEA COULD TARGET
Chelsea are still sweating over the future of Antonio Rudiger.
The German, 28, is yet to sign a new deal and has attracted attention from Europe’s elite, most notably Real Madrid.

Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Thiago Silva, 37, and Andreas Christensen, 25, are also defenders Chelsea face losing for nothing unless contract extensions are agreed.
The Blues are said to be prepared to offer all four new deals, but it will not stop them from scouting out alternatives.
Here, SunSport runs down five centre-back options for Chelsea.
JULES KOUNDEATTILA SZALAIMARQUINHOSNIKLAS SULEPAU TORRES
HERE’S OUR FULL RUNDOWN ON THE BLUES’ POSSIBLE TARGETS
GUNNERS LINKED TO DEJAN
Arsenal are targeting a move for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski in the January window.
And contact has already been made between the club and representatives of the Sweden international.
However, Tottenham are also said to be keen on a deal for the 21-year-old.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has told Sky Sports: “Arsenal want him.
“The first contacts with the agents (have been made). Juventus bought him for £30 million plus bonuses. So, it depends on how much Arsenal want to invest on this player.
“But, I know that the first contacts have been made by the parties.”
BELE TOLLS FOR OUSMANE FUTURE
Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been given 15 days by Barcelona to make a decision on his future.
The winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are keen for Dembele to extend his current deal, as is the player himself.
But the Frenchman’s agent is said to have rejected a number of offers, insisting on a ‘Ballon d’Or’ salary for his 20-year-old client.
‘TOXIC’
Ex-Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the atmosphere could turn ‘toxic’ at Goodison Park if the Toffees are beaten by Liverpool tonight.
Rafa Benitez’s side are winless in their last seven games, with pressure beginning to mount on the former Reds boss.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “I didn’t think it would work [for Benitez at Everton]. The first five or six games they were getting great results and, yes, the Everton fans were OK with it.
“But I knew, once they had some bad results, the Everton fans would turn because of the success he had at Liverpool.
“They’re going to use that as an excuse to turn against him.
“If they lose, and lose badly, at Goodison Park, it’s going to be toxic.”
CONTE ON LO CELSO
It’s better news for Tottenham fans on Giovanni Lo Celso.
The midfielder has also been out with a knock that he picked up on international duty.
But Conte confirmed: “The situation with Gio [Lo Celso] is much better than Romero.
“My expectation is to see him the day after we play Brentford. He has started to work, Gio is another player we need to exploit, he is a good player.”
FEELING BLUE
Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park this evening to take on bitter rivals Liverpool.
The Toffees won 2-0 in their last Prem game against Liverpool, which ended a 20-game winless run against them in the league.
Rafa Benitez’s side have not won back-to-back league Merseyside derbies since beating them in both meetings in the 1984-85 campaign.
And his team go into the clash on a horrid run of form, not winning any of their last SEVEN outings.
Credit: Getty
CRIS-IS
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has confirmed Cristian Romero is set to be out of action until the New Year with a hamstring injury.
Conte revealed it would be January or February until the summer signing returns to full fitness.
Ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Brentford, Conte said: “The news is not positive. It’s not good.
“The injury is serious and it will be a long time before we see him again. Surely next year.
“We will check on his injury week by week but it is serious.
“Now he is trying to recover but he needs time to recover. He’s an important player for us.”
Credit: Getty
EYES ON ARIBO
Crystal Palace are one of a number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in a deal for Rangers star Joe Aribo.
The 12-cap Nigeria international is into the final 18 months of his contract with the Gers, with a number of Premier League clubs on red alert.
According to the Mail Online, Watford and Brentford have joined the race for the versatile 25-year-old.
And the Scottish giants may be forced into a cut-price sale to avoid losing the ex-Charlton man on a free transfer.
Credit: Willie Vass
ERL OF MANCHESTER
Ralf Rangnick will ‘try to convince’ Erling Haaland to sign for Manchester United.
According to Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk, Rangnick will try to use his existing relationship with the star striker to lure him to Old Trafford.
Rangnick signed Haaland for RB Leipzig while he was director of football at the Austrian club.
And the 63-year-old could try and repeat the feat once again, although this time round he will have to trigger Haaland’s £64million release clause at Borussia Dortmund.
The interim United boss is said to be close to Erling’s father Alf-Inge, who also acts as his agent alongside Mino Raiola.
Credit: Getty
LUK AT THAT
Manchester United are one of a number of Prem teams reportedly plotting a free transfer swoop for Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.
According to El Nacional, the Red Devils are keen to add the 36-year-old to their midfield ranks.
The Croatian international is out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season and able to begin negotiations with English clubs from January 1.
Newcastle have also been linked with the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, with Spurs also said to be keen on bringing their former player back to North London.
Credit: Getty
TCH OF CLASS
Chelsea have been given a boost in their quest to sign Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni after Juventus reportedly pulled out of the race.
Thomas Tuchel is understood to be a huge admirer of the ex-Bordeuax man, as he looks to lure him to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Tchouameni, who is tied down at Monaco until 2024, has also been claimed to be on the radar of Juventus and Real Madrid.
But according to Calciomercato, the Old Lady have decided against securing his services to give the Blues an easier run at landing him.
They state that the Serie A side have deemed him as too expensive, with the club only open to signing him on loan, while Monaco will only allow him to move on a permanent deal.
As a result, Juve will now look to bring in other targets – notably Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Credit: Reuters
BREAKING
Young Boys have been given special permission to travel and play Manchester United without quarantining.
The Champions League clash faced being moved from Old Trafford because of the Omicron strain.
Restrictions have been placed on arrivals into Switzerland from Britain as a result of the new variant, which means Young Boys feared needing to quarantine when re-entering the country.
But now the Swiss side have confirmed they been given an exemption which will allow them to play in Manchester without quarantining afterwards.
They posted on Twitter: “YB has received a special permit from the Canton of Bern for the away games in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Youth League.
“This means that players and staff do not have to be in ten-day quarantine after their return journey.”
DAVID VS GOLIATH
Arsenal and Liverpool target Jonathan David could be allowed to leave Lille for just £30million in the summer.
According to L’Equipe, the 21-year-old Canadian is eager to secure a move away at the end of the campaign.
And the cash-strapped French club may be forced to sell David for lower than he’s worth in order to secure funds.
David has scored 10 goals in 15 Ligue 1 games this campaign, attracting interest from the Premier League.
His form could lead to a bidding war between the Gunners and Liverpool in the summer, to the delight of Lille bosses.
Credit: AFP
‘PERFECT PLACE’
Manchester United and Liverpool target Jude Bellingham has quietened speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League by referring to Borussia Dortmund as the ‘perfect place’.
He said in the documentary, ‘JB22 – Dortmund’s high flyer’, via Bulinews : “I’ve never been part of a team that suits me so well.
Bellingham added on playing in front of fans: “It feels so good.
“There is no better club in the world when it comes to bringing out young players and developing them for the next level. I want to develop here and give something back by winning titles and games.“Dortmund is the perfect place to learn your craft and learn about the game.”

FAN CHANT BLAST
Leeds have slammed the “unacceptable” homophobic chants by supporters towards Crystal Palace’s Conor Gallagher on Tuesday.
Gallagher was subjected to taunts of ‘Chelsea rent boy’ by a group of fans during Leeds’ 1-0 win.
Whites skipper Liam Cooper was wearing a Rainbow Laces armband, with other emblems on show across Elland Road.
And the club said: “We are aware of a homophobic chant directed at a Crystal Palace player and we want to be very clear that this is unacceptable.
“We will continue to work closely with Marching Out Together and all of our supporter groups to ensure that we do everything within our power to eradicate homophobia and any other form of discrimination from our football club.”
ZIY’S THE ONE
Barcelona remain in talks with Chelsea over the potential transfers of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner – but allegedly have a preferred choice.
And Spanish publication SPORT have claimed they are keen to add both of the Blues forwards to their ranks.
Each individual is also said to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp.
However, Barcelona would prefer to bring in Ziyech next month should they only be able to complete one deal.
The Morocco ace only joined Chelsea from Ajax in the summer of 2020, along with Werner, but he is struggling for regular action under boss Thomas Tuchel.
The 28-year-old has been restricted to just 13 appearances this campaign and has only found the net twice.
HAMMER TIME
The prospect of West Ham making a January move for Jesse Lingard has increased after David Moyes admitted he needs to strengthen his attacking options.
Said Benrahma will miss most of January on Africa Cup of Nations duty to up the pressure on the London club’s limited options going forward.
And Moyes has said: “Maybe we can add to the front line in some way possible which might give us other alternatives as well.
“Said can play a couple of roles, he plays as a ten or off the left and we can decide on the day how we use him.
“I think you have to buy the right players then you might need players who need time to settle in.
“So of course we’d like to strengthen and of course, we want you to keep improving and challenge the teams at the top.”

STANDING HIS GROUND
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has defended his comments that players would prefer to play for a London club for a lower weekly wage than what would be offered at Newcastle.
Agbonlahor has come under criticism for his words, but speaking on talkSPORT has insisted he sticks by them.
He said: “Let’s be honest, even Brentford, Watford, teams that are around Newcastle [in the league] at the moment, players aren’t going to go to Watford for the same money that they’ll go to Newcastle for.
“They’re going to choose Watford before Newcastle. I’ve had 10, 15 ex-players who have said ‘you’re spot on Gabby’. You say it how it is and it’s the truth and let’s be honest, it’s the truth.
“I’m sure Newcastle is an amazing city to live in and an amazing place but some players are going to want the lifestyle.
“Not every player, some aren’t bothered by that, but some are going to want the lifestyle of London and want to be closer to London. I stand by my words 100-per-cent.”
LEIPZIG RAID
RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku is the latest name to be linked with Manchester United.
Ralf Rangnick could raid his former club in order to bring some familiar faces to Old Trafford.
According to German outlet SportBild, the 24-year-old is Rangnick’s latest target.
Nkunku has been in stellar form this campaign, scoring 13 goals in all competitions so far.
That includes a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
He’s already proven he can done it against United’s fiercest rivals, and he may get the chance to do it again in a Red Devils shirt.
Credit: Getty
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES
And here’s a reminder of those games coming up tonight.

Everton vs Liverpool (8.15pm)
Watford vs Chelsea (7.30pm)
Aston Villa vs Manchester City (8.15pm)
Southampton vs Leicester (7.30pm)
West Ham vs Brighton (7.30pm)
Wolves vs Burnley (7.30pm0

AS IT STANDS
Here’s a look at the live Premier League table ahead of tonight’s six fixtures.
Remember last night Newcastle and Norwich drew 1-1, and Leeds beat Crystal Palace 1-0.
It means Eddie Howe’s side are still yet to win a Premier League game this campaign.
Chelsea meanwhile maintain a slender one point lead at the summit of the table, and will be looking to extend that after tonight’s trip to Watford.

TIMO TO OLD TRAFFORD?
Timo Werner has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United.
According to German outlet SportBild, incoming boss Ralf Rangnick has pencilled in his countryman as a ‘candidate’ to join the club.
Rangnick signed Werner for RB Leipzig in 2016 and banged in the goals under his stewardship – netting 95 times in 159 games to be exact.
The Germany international however has not brought that form with him to Stamford Bridge.
But Rangnick could reportedly make a move for the striker in a bid to get him back firing.

CONTRACT STAND OFF
Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been given 15 days by Barcelona to make a decision on his future.
The winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are keen for Dembele to extend his current deal, as is the player himself.
But the Frenchman’s agent is said to have rejected a number of offers, insisting on a ‘Ballon d’Or’ salary for his 20-year-old client.
Credit: Reuters
JUST THE TWENTY GOALS
Ellen White went from centurion to record-breaker as England demolished Latvia in a 20-0 drubbing in Doncaster.  
A fifth-minute screamer was among the efforts that saw the forward write her name into the history books as the Lionesses notched up their highest-scoring international win ever.
White’s second strike saw her register her 47th senior England goal, breaking the record of 46 set by Kelly Smith.
And the result – which included EIGHT first-half goals and FOUR hat-tricks – saw Sarina Wiegman’s aces make it six wins from six World Cup qualifiers.
Credit: PA
PLENTY OF SUITORS
Fabrice Muamba believes Kalvin Phillips could leave boyhood club Leeds next summer, and will have plenty of clubs chasing after him.
Muamba has praised the England star for his range of passing, but doesn’t believe he scores enough goals.
Speaking on his Twitch channel, Muamba said: “Listen, Phillips will get a lot of offers come the transfer window, maybe not in January, but in summer a lot of teams will be after him because he’s a good footballer and he can pass the ball very well.
“I see him going somewhere like Manchester United or City, I don’t think he’ll go to Chelsea, but maybe he could go to Arsenal or maybe Tottenham.
“It depends which manager wants to take him, he’s a good box to box player, but he doesn’t score enough in his position.”
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LIONEL MESSI has won an unprecedented seventh Ballon d’Or.The Argentine edged out Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea’s Jorginho, who came third.
Messi’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not attend the ceremony, finished down in sixth place.
That marks the first time the Portugal captain has finished outside the top three since 2010.
Barcelona’s Pedri wasn announced as winner of the Kopa Trophy, honouring the world’s best young player, and Lewandowski won the new Striker of the Year award.
Meanwhile Alexia Petellas of Barcelona won the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d’or top 10

LIONEL MESSI
Robert Lewandowski
Jorginho
Karim Benzema
N’Golo Kante
Cristiano Ronaldo
Mo Salah
Kevin de Bruyne
Kylian Mbappe
Gianluigi Donnarumma

Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
VLA LA LAND
Tottenham are reportedly preparing a mega-January bid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
TuttoMercato claims Antonio Conte has identified the 21-year-old Serb as Harry Kane’s ‘successor’.
Vlahovic is a reported target for both Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 6ft 3in hitman is valued at £70million and has scored 13 times in all competitions this season.

RED GESTURE
Manchester United have given fans permission to hold up an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer banner at their match against Arsenal on Thursday.
Supporters are said to have approached the club about the touching gesture and Old Trafford chiefs have approved.
The enormous banner will be held aloft in the Stretford End, according to ESPN.
Arsenal’s visit is United’s first home match since the Norwegian club legend was let go.
And it is also their first game since Ralf Rangnick was confirmed as temporary boss.
Solskjaer, 48, was relieved of his duties after the Red Devils’ 4-1 defeat at Watford.

NO 1 TO NO 2
Lionel Messi missed Paris Saint-Germain training on Tuesday with nasty diarrhoea and vomit-inducing bug gastroenteritis.
It came after the Argentine legend scooped his record seventh Ballon d’Or at the swanky ceremony on Monday night.
PSG wrote on their website on Tuesday: “Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes missed out on training today due to symptoms of gastroenteritis.
“A point will be made tomorrow morning.”
Messi scooped consecutive Golden Balls having picked up the gong in 2019 – the last time it was awarded.

‘HAS TO TAKE HIS CHANCE’
Former Manchester United player Jonathan Greening backs Bruno Fernandes to return to his best form.
He admitted the Portuguese has lost his spark and suggested Donny van de Beek could potentially take his place if he does not improve his goal and assist output.
Speaking to MyBettingSites, he said: It’s a strange one with Bruno Fernandes. His energy and enthusiasm is still there but he’s just lacking that final creative ball. He’s missing the target a lot and hitting the ball over the bar as well, but he is still registering a few assists.
“His goals and assists over the last couple of seasons, since he’s been at United, has earned him a bit of leeway to stay in the team but if this dry run of games without a goal continues, it might be time to take him out the side.
“But given his recent history with all the goals and assists he’s got, which is phenomenal, then he deserves to stay in the team.
“Donny van de Beek has been really unlucky. He came in from Ajax and everyone was expecting really big things, including me.
“He’s a very clever footballer and he can dictate the pace of the game, put tackles in and score goals but he just hasn’t had the minutes.
“Now’s his chance to impress the new manager. He [van de Beek] must show him [Rangnick] between now and the end of the season that he deserves his spot in the team. A
“And when he does get his chance, at a club like United, he has to take it. If he gets one, two, or three games in the team, he needs to show that he deserves it.”
TOR BLIMEY!
Manchester City star Ferran Torres has reportedly agreed a ‘long-term contract’ with Barcelona.
Torres, 21, is only 18 months into a five-year deal at City having moved from Valencia.
But according to Sport1, the 21-year-old is poised to end his time at the Etihad.
Respected journalist Patrick Berger states that Torres ‘wants to leave Manchester City in winter’ and that the ‘clubs are still negotiating’ the transfer fee.
Berger also adds that City boss Pep Guardiola has ‘agreed’ to let the attacker leave.
GREAL CLOSE
Manchester United nearly sealed a deal for Jack Grealish 12 months before his historic £100million transfer to Manchester City.
The transfer made him the most expensive Premier League signing of all time, but things could have been very different for the England star.
Grealish, 26, has revealed that OIe Gunnar Solskjaer was keen to sign him in the summer of 2020.
A move never materialised, but he signed a new deal at Aston Villa with a £100m release clause off the back of Manchester United’s interest.
Grealish told the Telegraph: “I was really close to going, but nothing happened in the end.
“We played United in a pre-season game on Saturday and I wasn’t supposed to play in a cup game at Burton.
“But after the United game I said to [Christian] Purslow and my agent [David Manasseh]‘if I’m not leaving, I’ll sign my new contract’.
“I went in with my dog on Tuesday morning, signed the deal, and played later that day.
“We all agreed on the clause and if any team hit that, it’s a win-win because it means I’ve had an unbelievable season and Villa got £100million.”
MAUR HOPE
Paris Saint-Germain were willing to allow Mauricio Pochettino become the new Manchester United manager – but only if two conditions were met, according to Telefoot.
While Pochettino was linked with the job, United instead confirmed Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager on Monday, with the German taking over until the end of the season following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It is understood that Pochettino is one of the favourites being considered for the position on a permanent basis next summer.
And according to Telefoot, PSG would have let Poch leave if United stumped up £17million to buy him out of his current contract – which runs until June 2023.
Once that was met, the Argentine would have been given the green light to leave once a deal was in place to secure Zinedine Zidane as his replacement.
‘NATURAL LEADER’
Gary Pallister revealed he is a big fan of Harry Maguire and thinks he and Raphael Varane could form a strong partnership at the back.
He believes the England star is a natural leader and backs the defender to overcome his recent mistakes.
Speaking to Compare.bet, Pallister said: “I think he’s been terrific for United since he’s arrived.
“I think he’s a natural leader in that dressing room and a natural captain…I think Harry is a really good centre half and it’s just a shame the Varane partnership hasn’t had the chance to bear fruit in terms of playing a number of games together. That would’ve been the first choice pairing of centre backs.”
“It’s been uncharacteristic for him – he has made a few mistakes, the same with Luke Shaw and he was our player of the year last year, in fantastic form. You look at the Euros and wonder if that’s had an impact.”
“They’ve both been in good form but until the last few weeks when it all went pear-shaped.
“The side looked devoid of confidence and belief, and everybody seems dragged down by it. I would have no worries about those two in the future.”
JOR DROPPING 
Jorginho rounded off an incredible year by finishing third in the Ballon d’Or award rankings last night.
The Chelsea star even ranked higher than Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe who ended up in sixth and ninth place respectively.
But it wasn’t always glitz and glamour for the Brazilian-born Italian who started his career in Italy with Hellas Veronas being paid a measly £17-a-week wage to live on while living in a monastery with six other youngsters, reported Goal.
His first cheque was so tight that even buying a happy meal was off the cards as it was too expensive.
Jorginho who was 15 at the time, previously recalled to Players Tribune: “I’d go to the main square in Verona and buy a milkshake at McDonald’s.
“It cost one euro. Fries? Burger? Forget it, man! Happy Meals were for the rich kids.”

WORKING IT OUT
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick will have to face an FA-appointed independent panel to get a work permit for his new job.
Because he has not had enough managerial jobs over the last five years, he does not meet the criteria from the Home Office by default.
So, according to The Telegraph, the 63-year-old’s case will be heard by a panel who will have to fast-track the application.
Rangnick has held various director-type roles in the past five years, his latest with Russian side Locomotiv Moscow.

CAT CALL
Barcelona are reportedly eager to bring out-of-favour Manchester United forward Anthony Martial to Camp Nou.
Mundo Deportivo report Barca’s football director Mateu Alemany and CEO Ferran Reverter made an enquiry about the Frenchman during a recent business trip to Manchester, meaning Martial’s largely disappointing spell at Old Trafford could end soon.
The 25-year-old has struggled for game time this season after only making nine appearances across all competitions, and scoring once in a 1-1 draw with Everton in October.
Xavi is also a fan of Martial, and he may head to Catalonia as soon as January, with a loan deal mooted.
KYL JOYS
Paris Saint-Germain prevented Real Madrid from making a sneaky transfer approach for Kylian Mbappe during last night’s Ballon d’Or awards.
Sporting director Leonardo and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi watched the 22-year-old all night in order to guard against a conversation with anyone from Madrid.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe did bump into Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno at the star-studded event.
But with Leonardo and Al-Khelaifi around, the pair merely exchanged pleasantries.
Mbappe’s infatuation with playing for Real Madrid has never been a secret.
And with his contract set to expire, Madrid president Florentino Perez may soon secure his man.

NO MESSIAH
Micah Richards has blasted fans and pundits for ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ to hail Ralf Rangnick as ‘the messiah’ and believes there has been a ‘massive overreaction’ to the German’s arrival at Manchester United.
Richards has been left baffled by the hype and hysteria surrounding the appointment given the lack of silverware on Rangnick’s CV.
He told BBC Five Live: “You know why I’m groaning? I’ll tell you why I’m groaning!
“Everyone’s making out like Rangnick is some sort of messiah like he’s come to this country and he’s got five league titles and a Champions League!
“It’s a massive, massive overreaction.
“I’m just talking about everyone jumping on the bandwagon like he’s the messiah.”
PRIME VIEWING
Premier League fans have the chance to feast on all of the midweek action as every one of the 10 Matchweek 14 fixtures are available to view live with Prime Video.
The battle at the bottom of the league between Newcastle United and Norwich City on Tuesday. The massive Merseyside derby on Wednesday. The classic Manchester United v Arsenal clash on Thursday.
These are the lead fixtures of the round but you can watch all the goals from across the three days on your TV, mobile device or even games console.
SER FOR SALE
Arsenal showed an interest in signing Sergino Dest over the summer – and Barcelona are now making him available for transfer.
That’s according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, who have been discussing players that can leave the Camp Nou.
Barca want to bring in Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres and may look to engineer a part-exchange deal.
And Dest is listed as one of the players Barcelona are making available.
GUNNER LEAVE?
West Ham and Arsenal are part of a five-way battle to bring Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa to the Premier League, according to 90min.
Barbosa reportedly wants to return to Europe in January and would prefer to play in the Premier League.
Fortunately for the 25-year-old, he has several suitors who may be willing to offer him such a platform.
Long-term admirers West Ham are among a number of Premier League clubs considering a bid, while Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa and soon to be big spending Newcastle are also in the hunt for his signature.
USE YOUR ED
Edu has admitted that he wants to bring Arsene Wenger ‘closer’ to Arsenal once more.
The Frenchman has kept away from the Gunners after leaving in 2018 following 22 years at the helm.
The Brazilian, 43, wrote in his programme notes: “It was great to see Arsene Wenger the other day at the screening for his new documentary.
“We had a good conversation, and I said to him that he cannot realise how important he is for my career.
“I told him I would like to see him a bit closer to the club and to myself as well in the future. That would be a real, real pleasure and special for everyone here.
“I also told him I was so proud to see myself in his film – it brought back lots of great memories about that Invincibles team!”

TUCH EASY
Chelsea have become even stronger favourites to become Club World Champions for the first time after the tournament draw in Zurich.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues will face a semi-final against Asian champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia or the winners of the preliminary tie between Auckland City and Al Jazeera of the UAE.
They are then on course for a showdown with Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras of Brazil in the Final, although the South Americans first have to get past Mexico’s Monterrey or Egypt’s African champs Al Ahly.
It represents the easiest possible route for the Stamford Bridge outfit after months of uncertainty.
Chelsea had been due to travel to Japan for the tournament this month.
But Covid issues forced the planned hosts to give up the tournament and it was only in October that Fifa confirmed the matches will now be played in the UAE in February.
TRAOR OF DUTY
Liverpool target Adama Traore could be on the move for as little as £20million with Wolves reportedly slashing his asking price.
The Spanish winger was eyed up by Jurgen Klopp in the summer, but the Reds decided against bringing the 25-year-old to Anfield.
According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit were seeking a fee in the region of £50million.
But with Traore, who is tied down at Molineux until 2023, without a goal or assist from his 14 games this season, Wolves are claimed to have lowered their demands.
The news outlet states that his price tag has dropped to £20m ahead of the winter transfer window.
And they even state that Brino Lage’s side could be prepared to part ways with the ex-Barcelona forward for as low as £18m.
News of his drop in value is said to have put Liverpool on red alert as they weigh up an offer for the eight-cap Spain international.
ACROSS TO CRIS
Cristiano Ronaldo’s family are planning a huge get-together in Manchester this Christmas.
The Old Trafford striker’s Brazil-based sister Katia Aveiro revealed they are organising a festive season reunion in a question and answer social media session with fans.
When asked what she’d be doing for Christmas, the singer-turned-influencer, who ended up in hospital after going down with Covid earlier this year, said: “If this mad world and the variants all over the place let me, it will be in Manchester God willing.”
Katia is expected to travel from her home in southern Brazil with her husband and two children.
Her siblings Hugo and Elma and their mum Dolores will make the journey from the family’s native Madeira.
It is not yet known if they will be joined by relatives of Cristiano’s partner Georgina Rodriguez.
The 27-year-old is pregnant with twins and her sister Ivana is also expecting her first child with her painter and sculptor partner Carlos Garcia.

NAB NAT
West Ham are reportedly plotting a move for Liverpool outcast Nathaniel Phillips after the long-term injury to Angelo Ogbonna.
The Hammers are sat fourth heading into the busy Christmas period.
And according to Football Insider, Phillips is one of the names being mentioned to come in and replace the injured Ogbonna to sustain a Champions League push.
The 24-year-old has slipped to fifth choice at Liverpool despite having a solid season last term in the absence of the injured Virgil van Dijk.
Jurgen Klopp’s aerial ‘monster’ has only managed 45 minutes on the pitch this season and it came in the League Cup win over Preston North End.
The report states that an offer of around £12million should be enough to tempt Liverpool to sell.

SEVEN HEAVEN
Lionel Messi and his three sons Mateo, Thiago and Ciro turned up to Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony wearing matching suits.
The 34-year-old won his seventh Ballon d’Or, pipping Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski to the prestigious award.
He was presented with the trophy by long-time friend Luis Suarez, and was treated to a video of congratulations messages by his children, Suarez and Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero.
His children, all wearing black suits, white shoes and a bow tie, clapped and danced as their dad reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

YOU WAT?
Ben Foster has denied he missed Watford’s defeat at Leicester because he was injured playing outfield in a charity match.
Some Hornets fans were angered by suggestions the former England keeper, who had starred in the win over Manchester United, had been forced out of the trip to the King Power by a groin problem sustained in a game for Hashtag United.
Foster, who has strong links with the Basildon-based side founded by YouTuber Spencer Owen, did take part in the 24-hour charity fund-raising game, including a stint on the pitch.
Claudio Ranieri was forced to use Austrian back-up Daniel Bachmann, who endured an afternoon to forget as the Hornets were stung 4-2.
But Foster responded to the rumours by posting: “Hi guys just to clear this up, unfortunately I injured my groin in training on the Thursday before the Leicester city game.
“Hopefully nothing too major!
“It certainly had nothing to do with my 15 minute cameo in a charity kickabout earlier in the week. Hope to be back soon.”
SOL CRUSHING
Ralf Rangnick has more than doubled his wages by moving to Manchester United, reports claim.
The German, 63, quit Lokomotiv Moscow to join the Red Devils.
Rangnick had agreed a three-year deal with the Russian club in July, reportedly worth £3.8million-a-year.
But according to the Daily Star, he has upgraded that to £8m-a-year with Man United.
This makes him better paid than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at Old Trafford.
BROZ BUY
Mega rich Newcastle bosses are reportedly ready to open their wallets and offer ‘crazy money’ in order to convince Marcelo Brozovic to join the club.
The 29-year-old Inter midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and is also a target for Manchester United.
The Tynesiders, according to The Athletic, are willing to offer mouth-watering figures in a bid to land the Croatian international when negotiations can begin on January 1.
But with Newcastle yet to win a league game this campaign and currently rooted to the bottom of the table, Brozovic is unlikely to be willing to agree terms in January.
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that Brozovic was being targeted by Toon chiefs as a statement signing in the summer.

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LIONEL MESSI has won an unprecedented seventh Ballon d’Or.The Argentine edged out Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea’s Jorginho, who came third.
Messi’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not attend the ceremony, finished down in sixth place.
That marks the first time the Portugal captain has finished outside the top three since 2010.
Barcelona’s Pedri wasn announced as winner of the Kopa Trophy, honouring the world’s best young player, and Lewandowski won the new Striker of the Year award.
Meanwhile Alexia Petellas of Barcelona won the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d’or top 10

LIONEL MESSI
Robert Lewandowski
Jorginho
Karim Benzema
N’Golo Kante
Cristiano Ronaldo
Mo Salah
Kevin de Bruyne
Kylian Mbappe
Gianluigi Donnarumma

Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
EXCLUSIVE BY DAN CUTTS
Man City have stepped up their efforts to extend Riyad Mahrez’s contract.
The Algerian winger, 30, has around a year-and-a-half left on his £160,000-a-week deal.
Mahrez is happy in Manchester, and is keen to stay after getting engaged during the summer.
Pep Guardiola want to get fresh terms in place before Mahrez jets off to Cameroon to play for champions Algeria at the African Cup of Nations.
If a new contract cannot be agreed, a shock exit next summer could be on the cards with PSG keen.

CLOSE CALL
Lionel Messi beat Robert Lewandowski to the Ballon d’Or by just 33 points.
Full details of votes show Messi picked up 613 points to Lewandowski’s 580.
The votes are taken from national team captains, managers and nominated journalists.
However, it’s still more than Messi beat Virgil van Dijk with in 2019, with the Argentina ace squeezing past the Dutch defender by just seven points.
However, spare a thought for Alfredo Di Stefano and Kevin Keegan, who missed out by just three points in 1956 and 1972 respectively.
NINTCHDBPICT000696957717Credit: EPA
LEO KING
Why exactly did Messi win this year’s trophy?
Well, Barcelona may have had an awful year.
But Messi still scored 28 goals in 2021 for the Catalans.
Messi, who has netted four strikes for new club PSG, also hit the target eight times with Argentina this year – making for a grand total of 40 goals.
And the legendary striker also led his country to Copa America glory – his first-ever international honour.
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
KYL-ER BLOW
Kylian Mbappe looked furious after finishing NINTH in the 2021 Ballon d’Or vote.
For the PSG ace, it was his LOWEST-EVER finish since first cracking the list in 2017.
That year, he took seventh after bursting onto the scene with Monaco, before finishing fourth in 2018.
The PSG striker came sixth in 2019, while the 2020 Ballon d’Or ceremony was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WHAT’S GONE RON?
He couldn’t make Man Utd’s starting XI against Chelsea on Sunday.
And tonight Cristiano Ronaldo finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with rival Messi scooping his seventh trophy.
It was the first time since 2010 that Ronnie failed to make the top three.
And after snubbing the awards ceremony in Paris, Ronaldo blasted the editor of France Football – the Ballon d’Or organisers – for ‘lies’ said in the build-up.
Credit: Getty
‘LEW WAS ROBBED’
Fans have been venting their frustration on Twitter after seeing Lewandowski miss out on the Ballon d’Or.
A tweet read: “Daylight robbery. I think Lewandowski should have won that award.”
One said: “I’m a fan of Messi, but this year he didn’t deserve the Ballon d’Or. Lewandowski did so much more for this trophy.”
Another post read: “Lewandowski absolutely robbed in plain day light.”
Another user wrote: “I wonder what Lewandowski must do to win the Ballon d’Or – Walk on water????”
Credit: Reuters
HERE’S TO LEW
Messi also sensationally claimed runner-up Lewandowski should have been handed the award.
The Pole was a dead cert to win it last year, but the event was scrapped due to Covid.
Messi added: “It is a huge honour to fight with Robert [Lewandowski]. 
“Last year you were the winner and I think France Football should give it to you.”
Credit: Reuters
Credit: AFP
MESSI REACTS
The 2021 Ballon d’Or winner has spoken!
Messi, who was handed his award by close pal Luis Suarez, beamed: “It is incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought that it was my last year and now I am here again. I am very happy, very excited and wanting to fight for new challenges.
“I do not know how long I have left but I hope it will be a long time. I want to thank my teammates from Barcelona and PSG, and especially the Argentina team. 
“I won this award and I had the feeling that I was missing something and this year I was able to achieve it.
“A large part of this trophy is because of what we did in the Copa America, so thanks to my teammates, this is also yours. My wife, my children, my father, my mother are here.”
Credit: Reuters
Credit: Reuters
AWARDS RECAP

Best Youngster: PEDRI (Barcelona, Spain)
Best Goalkeeper: GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA (PSG, Italy)
Best Striker: ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI (Bayern Munich, Poland)
Best Club: CHELSEA FC (England)
Women’s Ballon d’Or: ALEXIA PUTELLAS (Barcelona, Spain)
Ballon d’Or: LIONEL MESSI (PSG, Argentina)

STILL GOT IT
Another superb evening for the one and only Messi.
New club, new country, but some things never change…
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
SIMPLY THE BEST
He might be 34 years old but Messi shows no sign of slowing down.
The legendary forward has now added another Ballon d’Or to his collection.
Credit: AFP
Credit: Reuters
BALLON D’OR TOP TEN

1st – Lionel Messi (PSG)

2nd – Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

3rd – Jorginho (Chelsea)

4th – Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

5th – N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)

6th – Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)

7th – Mo Salah (Liverpool)

8th – Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

9th – Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

10th – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

AND THE WINNER IS
PSG and Argentina superstar LIONEL MESSI is the official 2021 Ballon d’Or winner!
Messi pipped Bayern Munich and Germany striker ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI to the top prize.
It is Messi’s seventh Ballon d’Or win, putting him two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo.
NUMBER DON
Gianluigi Donnarumma is officially the world’s top goalkeeper.
The ace was presented with his Yachine Trophy award by host Didier Drogba.
Credit: AP
CLUB OF THE YEAR
European champions Chelsea have been crowned Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony after having 11 players nominated.
Thomas Tuchel famously led his team to the Champions League just months after taking charge.
Meanwhile, Chelsea Women won yet another league title and were finalists in the Women’s Champions League.
BALLON D’OR COUNTDOWN
Chelsea and France star N’GOLO KANTE has finished 5th this year.
International teammate and Real Madrid striker KARIM BENZEMA ends up in 4th spot.
And Chelsea and Italy playmaker JORGINHO takes home 3rd.
That leaves just Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski!
TOP PRIZE
Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas took home the top women’s prize at tonight’s ceremony.
She was joined on stage by her mother and sister in heartwarming scenes.
And PSG ace Kylian Mbappe presented Putellas with her deserved award.
Credit: AFP
Credit: Reuters
YACHINE TROPHY – FINAL STANDS

1st: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

2nd: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

3rd: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

4th: Ederson (Man City)

5th: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

6th: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)

7th: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester)

8th: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

9th: Keylor Navas (PSG)

10th: Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)

YACHINE WINNER
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been awarded the Yachine Trophy for Best Goalkeeper.
The PSG ace was Player of the Tournament as he led Italy to Euro 2020 glory.
Donnarumma also helped AC Milan return to the Champions League before sealing a free transfer to the French capital.
BALLON D’OR COUNTDOWN
Man City and Belgium star KEVIN DE BRUYNE has finished 8th in the rankings.
In 7th is Liverpool and Egypt ace MO SALAH.
And Man Utd’s Portuguese striker CRISTIANO RONALDO takes 6th.
WOMEN’S WINNER
Spain and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas has been crowned the 2021 Women’s Ballon d’Or winner.
She saw off teammate Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea’s Australian ace Sam Kerr to take the top prize.
Arsenal’s Vivienne Miedema came 4th, with Dutch star Lieke Martens 5th.
EYES ON PRIZE
Pedri and Robert Lewandowski are tonight’s winners so far.
And the race for the top prize is heating up, with more names set to be announced shortly.
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
BALLON D’OR COUNTDOWN
The next two names on the Ballon d’Or list have been revealed.
PSG and Italy goalkeeper GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA has finished in 10th.
While PSG teammate and France star KYLIAN MBAPPE has taken 9th place.
STRIKE FORCE
Robert Lewandowski has won the inaugural Best Striker award.
The Bayern Munich star broke Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record with 41 goals last season.
This term, Lewandowski has 25 goals in 20 matches across all club competitions.
And he has also netted 11 times in 12 games for Poland this year, making for an incredible 60 goals in 2021.
KOPA TROPHY – FINAL STANDINGS

1st: Pedri (Barcelona)

2nd: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

3rd: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

4th: Nuno Mendes (PSG)

5th: Mason Greenwood (Man Utd)

6th: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

7th: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

8th: Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)

Joint-9th: Jeremy Doku (Stade Rennais) & Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)

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