Pep Guardiola made a brave call by substituting Erling Haaland during Manchester City's Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
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City boss hooked Haaland before extra-timeFailed to score against Madrid againReplaced by Alvarez WHAT HAPPENED?
The defending champions had to come from behind to level the tie at 4-4 on aggregate but it was Kevin De Bruyne who netted the equaliser at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland struggled to make much of an impact again after blanking in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Haaland is the world's most efficient goal machine but a very limited number of teams have figured out how to silence him on the pitch. Guardiola will undoubtedly be questioned on his decision to bring the 23-year-old off but it may just be a case of introducing fresh legs. Julian Alvarez is no amateur striker himself and has already scored five times in the Champions League this season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Guardiola and City won a historic treble in the 2022-23 campaign, becoming just the second English club to do so. The Spanish head coach also achieved the feat while in charge of Barcelona during the 2008-09 season.
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Haaland has not hit the same heights as last year due to an injury keeping him out for 12 games this season. He has still netted 31 goals in all competitions but remains 21 off his total tally from 2022-23. The Norway international will be hoping to get back on track in the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday.
Play was called off due to bad light with HBL six down and needing 83 for an outright win; an unimpressed Misbah skipped the presentation ceremony
Danyal Rasool09-Dec-2018
Imran Farhat receives the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy•PCB
Habib Bank won their first Quaid-e-Azam trophy since 2010-11 beating defending champions SNGPL in the final. The game ended in a draw, but HBL were awarded the trophy courtesy their first-innings lead. The match looked set for a tight finish, with HBL requiring 83 runs to win with four wickets in hand, but bad light called an end to the proceedings and Misbah-ul-Haq’s SNGPL were forced to relinquish their domestic crown.SNGPL have won the QeA trophy three of the last four years, but were bowled out for 304 in the first innings. Misbah himself was the leading run-scorer, accumulating 91, while four wickets for Abdur Rehman and three for Khurram Shehzad reined SNGPL in. In response, HBl amassed 472, thanks to centuries from Umar Akmal and Abid Ali, who top-scored with 134.SNGPL’s response in the second innings was more forceful, with every batsman reaching double figures. Five of the top six scored at least 40, with Imran Butt’s 95 at the top of the order the highest score as SNGPL declared at 430 for 7. That set HBL 263 for victory, or, more realistically, just under 90 overs to bat out a draw that guaranteed them the title.The early loss of Abid Ali didn’t help, with Bilawal Bhatti removing three of the top five. But Umar Akmal came good again with 52, and SNGPL failed to take the cluster of wickets they needed to effect a collapse. As the light worsened, hopes of Misbah leading his side to yet another win faded. It was, instead, another former player in Imran Farhat who led his side to the domestic crown, while Misbah, unimpressed with umpiring decisions, gave the trophy ceremony a miss.
Manchester United have always produced fantastic players from their esteemed academy, and Kobbie Mainoo is the latest gem to come to the fore.
The 18-year-old made his full debut for the club against Everton on the weekend and was awarded Man of the Match by broadcasters Sky Sports.
United have plenty of promising youngsters coming through the Carrington ranks, but who is most likely to follow in the footsteps of Mainoo as we head into 2024?
Football FanCast has taken a look at the 10 most promising Manchester United prospects who could be lighting up the Premier League in the years to come.
10 Isak Hansen-Aarøen
Norwegian, 19 years old
Isak Hansen-Aarøen was already playing senior football with Tromso in Norway before completing the switch to Old Trafford in September 2020.
The under-21 Norway international has been making noise for United's reserve side from central midfield and is tipped to reach lofty heights.
Erik ten Hag has called up the youngster for first-team training on occasion, which perhaps shows he's not too far away from making his debut.
Jonas Johansen, a sport performance coach for Hansen-Aarøen, believes the Norwegian could be sent on loan to further enhance his development.
“I think 1 or 2 loans is what they're thinking. Then it's up to Isak and his family to consider if that's the smartest thing,” Johansen said.
9 Charlie McNeill
English, 20 years old
United outlaid a reported £675k (potentially rising to £1.4m) on Charlie McNeill in October 2020, having ripped it up for Manchester City's youth teams.
The young centre-forward continued his prolific goalscoring record with United's Under-18s, netting 34 times in 35 outings before moving up to the U21s.
A record of 10 goals in 37 outings ensued with the reserve squad between six months on loan at League Two outfit Newport County last season.
McNeill appeared 20 times for the Exiles, scoring two goals, and is now on loan at League One side Stevenage.
The former City youth forward netted on his debut during a 3-0 away victory against Leyton Orient in September but has only appeared twice since.
According to the Mirror, United plan to recall the promising youngster in January and will then decide his next step thereafter.
8 Mateo Mejía
Colombian, 20 years old
Mateo Mejía joined the esteemed United academy from Real Zaragoza in 2019 as a 16-year-old for a reported fee worth €150,000 (£130k).
The Colombia youth international has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League 2 this term, netting three times whilst laying on four assists across eight outings, and mightn't be too far away from a first-team debut given the exclusion of fellow winger Jadon Sancho and the out-of-form Antony.
Mejía, who typically operates on the right wing, was pictured in first-team training recently ahead of United's Champions League group game away at Galatasaray.
The 6 foot 1 wide player penned a new deal with the club in June.
7 Louis Jackson
Scottish, 18 years old
Louis Jackson was spotted training with the first team ahead of their League Cup clash against Crystal Palace in September, which brought his name to the attention of many hawk-eyed United fans.
The centre-back is highly rated by the club's officials, who handed the teenager his first professional contract in October 2022.
Jackson was just 16 years old when he helped the academy win the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and he has continued to blossom with the reserve side thereafter.
The Scotland youth international also holds the record for the youngest player to ever feature for United's Under-21s.
6 Willy Kambwala
French, 19 years old
Willy Kambwala, a towering and imposing centre-back, joined the Old Trafford club from French second-division outfit Sochaux for a reported fee worth £3.5m in 2020.
The 6 foot 4 defender has trained with the seniors in the past and could be on the cusp of a debut given Lisandro Martínez's injury and Raphaël Varane's potential winter exit.
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Kambwala, who has operated at both centre-half and right-back this term, captained the Under-17 France team as a 16-year-old, which evinces his ability to become a potential future leader for United.
5 Álvaro Fernández
Spanish, 20 years old
Álvaro Fernández was named on the substitutes' bench for United's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest earlier this season but is still awaiting his senior debut.
The Spanish left-back is currently on loan at LaLiga outfit Granada CF, having enjoyed a successful season at Preston North End last term, laying on six assists.
Should his spell in Spain be successful, he may well become a part of Ten Hag's plans, but he'll have fierce competition in the form of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Fernández acclaimed United's Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2022 and picked up Preston's Young Player of the Season Award in 2023.
4 Shola Shoretire
English, 19 years old
Shola Shoretire has already made five senior appearances for United, with his first coming back in February 2021 as a 17-year-old. He became the second-youngest Red to play in the Premier League, with only Angel Gomes appearing at a younger age (16).
The Newcastle-born midfielder endured a difficult six-month loan stint at Bolton Wanderers last term, but manager Ian Evatt believes he'll have a 'really good future'.
Shoretire has put up fabulous numbers for United's U21s this season, scoring six goals whilst providing three assists across 10 outings, and may well be sent on loan in January to further his development.
Shoretire's 23/24 season in numbers
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League 2
7
4
3
EFL Trophy
3
2
0
3 Omari Forson
English, 19 years old
Omari Forson, an England youth international, is highly regarded by United staff and 'there's a feeling he'll be the next academy product to be handed his senior debut', as per the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston.
Railston further claims that Forson is set to pen a new deal and extend his stay at Old Trafford, evincing the club's high hopes for his future.
The left-footed wide player has netted seven times in eight outings for the academy this season and was named on the subs bench for the senior team against FC Copenhagen in November.
Forson's 23/24 season in numbers
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League 2
4
3
1
UEFA Youth League
2
2
1
EFL Trophy
2
2
0
2 Daniel Gore
English, 19 years old
Daniel Gore has one senior appearance for the Red Devils to his name, coming on as a second-half substitute against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup earlier this season, though is still awaiting his full debut.
And many expect the classy midfielder to be the next academy star in line to become a fully-fledged United player, having impressed in pre-season and with the Under-21s.
Gore, who made his England Under-20 debut in October, has captained United in the UEFA Youth League this term, which evinces how well-regarded he is amongst the Old Trafford staff.
X account Olive Footy – a talent identification page – believes the midfielder has an 'innate ability to read the game' and 'execute accurate passes that unlock defences'.
Gore penned a new deal in the summer and appears well-positioned to become a fixture of United's midfield. Though, like all youngsters, he must be nurtured.
1 Joe Hugill
English, 20 years old
Joe Hugill, a former Sunderland youth player, has a fine goal record for United's academy teams and has netted six goals in eight outings in the Premier League 2 this season.
The 6 foot 1 centre-forward hasn't yet made senior debut but was a part of their matchday squad against Everton on the weekend as a substitute, evincing he is on the cusp of an appearance.
X page The Red Devil's DNA said on Hugill's skillset: "Really happy to see Joe Hugill on the bench. That's his first time in the squad. I like his profile. Classic poacher 9 who offers the verticality & movement that [Anthony] Martial lacks.
"Showed his pros in pre-season too. He can give us directness as a super sub if needed today."
As we head into the busy festive period with games coming thick and fast, perhaps Hugill will receive his opportunity, should he continue to bang in the goals for the under-21s.
A first innings half-century from 19-year old Jason Sangha and an all-round performance from Daniel Sams propelled Sydney Thunder to victory over Melbourne Stars in Canberra. In a rain-affected fixture that eventually saw the Stars requiring 90 from eight overs for a win, none of the power hitters from the Melbourne franchise managed to get going, after skillful bowling from Gurinder Sandhu, Chris Green and Sams restricted Stars to just 74.Watson and Buttler set the platform, Zampa turns the screwsAfter being sent in by the visitors, Thunder openers were off to a fast start, with Shane Watson unleashing a characteristic barrage of brutal, balanced cuts and drives, while his partner, Jos Buttler, cut and pulled with equal ferocity. Neither Michael Beer nor Jackson Coleman were any match for them, as they propelled the to 38 from the opening four overs, before Buttler eventually fell to Adam Zampa at the close of Powerplay.Zampa’s first over halted Thunder’s momentum immediately. He ended his first over with 1 for 1 after picking up the dangerous Buttler, floating a slow wrong’un that beat Buttler all ends up. Buttler first advanced, then stopped, and eventually found himself too far away from the ball, reaching for it as spun past his bat, cannoning into the stumps.Stars consolidate before Sangha and Sams pull awayAfter Zampa applied the brake, captain Glenn Maxwell introduced Nepal international Sandeep Lamichhane into the attack. The 19-year old legpsinner started brilliantly, accounting for Watson in his second delivery. Lamichhane tossed one up fractionally outside off, and Watson could only launch it over long on, where it was taken by a leaping Nick Larkin.In the final ball of the over, he zipped another one in, enticing Callum Ferguson to work across the spin to the legside. It gripped, grabbed the leading edge, and popped back to Lamichhane, who took the simplest of catches to finish his opening BBL over with two wickets, conceding only three runs.It brought England Test captain Joe Root to the crease. While his team-mates had struggled to read Lamichhane, Root swept confidently, regularly countering his variations, before capitalising on anything short. He was eventually undone by Zampa after attempting a pre-meditated slog sweep, skying it straight up and into the safe hands of wicketkeeper, Ben Dunk, for 18.He shared a steady partnership of 40 from 29 balls with Sangha, who stood out with the bat. The BBL debutant impressed with his range of scoring, frequently extracting maximum value when the spinners dropped short, heaving the ball over the ropes with striking bat speed.He accelerated when joined by Sams, who also made an immediate impact, muscling two sixes over midwicket early on to set up his innings before finishing with 34 from 21 balls. Sangha hit four sixes and four boundaries himself, eventually making 65 from 36 balls, and in turn becoming the youngest player in BBL history to make a half-century. Thunder ended their innings with an imposing 181 for 5.Weather wreaks havoc, Stars fall shortA significant rain delay had a major effect on the target, and the inexperienced bowling duo of Sam Rainbird and Nathan McAndrew won the opening exchange. Conceding only 14 from the opening two overs, it left Stars with 76 to get from 36 balls, with Travis Dean and Maxwell at the crease. Dean fell to Sams straight away, bringing Marcus Stoinis to the crease. Maxwell couldn’t make his mark on Sams, eventually chipping him to deep midwicket at the end of Sams’ excellent first over. Dwayne Bravo was next, with 70 required off 30 balls.In the next over, Stoinis holed out at long off, Sangha taking a fine catch skirting the rope. Green’s tight bowling in that over pushed the asking rate further.While Bravo was able to pull Sandhu for six early, a succession of slower bouncers did the trick, with Bravo caught on the square leg fence late in the over.From there, neither Evan Gulbis nor Nick Larkin could make an impression on the target, with the asking rate ballooning out to 33 from the final over. Despite a late flurry from Larkin, Thunder prevailed comfortably and deservedly, ultimately managing the wet conditions better than their opponents.
West Ham United are admirers of an exciting young coach should they decide to sack David Moyes, according to a reliable journalist.
West Ham's up and down season continues
The Irons have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won five, drawn two and lost five of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves ninth in the top-flight table heading into the international break.
Following Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, which just about epitomised their campaign, Moyes’ side will have gained some confidence that they are able to go on a positive run of form upon their return to domestic action, but regardless, there have been some questions asked about the manager’s position in the dugout.
According to 90min, David Sullivan is happy for the Scotsman to see out his contract until the end of the season unless a candidate that fits the profile of what he’s looking for was to become available between now and then, but it’s not the first time that chiefs have assessed their options in the market.
The London Stadium outfit have previously been credited with an interest in Feyenoord’s Arne Slot and Lille’s Paulo Fonseca, as per the same report, and they have now set their sights on an alternative who has experience playing in the Premier League.
West Ham chiefs considering Michael Carrick
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Dean Jones revealed that Michael Carrick is of interest to West Ham and admitted that he has the attributes to match what the board are searching for.
“My expectation would be that they look to be forward-thinking. Unless West Ham suddenly find themselves in crisis and need crisis management, that's the only time I could see them going for somebody with huge experience as their next appointment.
“I would expect them though to go for somebody who's younger, more forward-thinking and is more in tune with the way that the game is heading in the next 10 years, rather than how it's been for the last 10 years. That's what I would be thinking. Carrick is a really interesting one, but we have to see which direction his career goes in right now. But he's definitely somebody who is on West Ham's radar.”
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick's record at Middlesbrough
Since being appointed at Middlesbrough, Carrick has won 29, drawn eight and lost 16 of his 53 games in charge, taking a total of 95 points from a possible 159 whilst averaging 1.79 points per match (Transfermarkt – Carrick statistics), so he’s really settled into life at the helm at the Riverside Stadium.
The Wallsend-born coach, who is 42 years of age, was also named last week’s Championship Manager of the Week for successfully beating Leicester City, so he’s proven that he’s capable of overcoming a squad of mostly Premier League players.
Furthermore, Carrick, who is “perfect” at bringing out the best in his stars and developing younger talents, according to journalist Josh Bunting, led the northeast outfit to the second tier playoffs at the end of last season, so for a manager who already knows what it takes to compete and be successful under big pressure, he could be the ideal candidate for West Ham.
The dreaded international break has returned once again, and Arsenal supporters will rue the halt to their team's season after returning to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Previously on the domestic front, the Gunners had fallen to defeat against Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the league after suffering an exit from the Carabao Cup by the hand of West Ham United.
But, by and large, Mikel Arteta's side have carried over the positives from their title charge last year and carried on their pursuit of silver-laden success, having made impressive increments over numerous years under the Spaniard's leadership.
And residing just a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after 12 matches – behind second-placed Liverpool only on goal difference – there is much to be excited for when domestic football returns after the week of international action.
leandro-trossard-bukayo-saka
While fans do get to watch the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Co on duty, there is also the U17 World Cup to get invested in, especially considering the success that several of the prestigious Hale End academy are finding.
Indeed, England U17 decimated North Caledonia 10-0 to secure their biggest-ever victory at the global tournament, ruthlessly picking their opposition apart.
Two Gunners starlets were among the standout performers, with Ethan Nwaneri – the Premier League's youngest-ever player at 15-years-old – coming off the bench in the second half to impress.
It's an exciting time for the Emirates Stadium side, not least because of the incredible rise under Arteta's wing, but with precocious prospects rising to the fore and looking likely to earn opportunities to impress, the recent success could be sustained for many years to come.
Ethan Nwaneri's stats vs North Caledonia
Now aged 16, the versatile midfielder was hailed as a "special" talent by former Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka, and while he has not yet added to his maiden professional appearance the future is undoubtedly bright for this prodigious talent.
This season, he has starred in the Premier League 2 among older players and has plundered four goals and an assist from four matches, with his exploits earning him a call-up for the Young Lions' endeavours on the global stage.
While Nwaneri did not receive a starting berth, he was brought into the action after 62 minutes and produced a goal and assist apiece, complementing his direct return with a 100% pass completion rate, taking 32 touches, making two key passes, completing both of his crosses and winning a tackle, as per Sofascore.
England will be expected to wade deep into the competition, and it is abundantly clear that any success that might be found in the latter stages will likely come with Nwaneri at the heart of it.
The rising star is ticking all of the boxes throughout his formative years so far and it is safe to say that the expectation from Arteta and co will be that he can earn a regular place in the senior set-up in the years to come, with performances such as this one a glowing representation of his pedigree.
He was not the only Arsenal prospect to have caught the eye for England U17s, however, with Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving a starting berth ahead of his club teammate and dazzling with an all-action display from the centre of the engine room.
Lewis Myles-Skelly's stats vs North Caledonia
Lewis-Skelly, aged 17, has also belied his youthful years to feature with the development squad in London this season, posting one goal and two assists from just three starting appearances in the Premier League 2.
Further, he was excellent in the EFL Trophy against League One team Swindon Town back in August as Arsenal won on penalties, having played the full 90 and won seven duels, made two tackles and key passes apiece and taken 60 touches in an energetic display.
Like Nwaneri, such efforts on the domestic scene have issued a call-up for his nation, and while he didn't find the back of the net himself, Lewis-Skelly produced a monstrous performance from the centre.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Stats vs North Caledonia
Statistic
#
Minutes played
62'
Assists
1
Touches
32
Acc. passes
14/20 (70%)
Key passes
3
Dribble attempts
2/3
Ground duels won
6/9 (66%)
Tackles
2
Penalties won
1
*Sourced via Sofascore
Speaking of his efforts on the day, one FIFA agent and talent scout said: "Although it’s against a weak opponent, New Caledonia, Myles Lewis-Skelly looks absolutely brilliant today. Wouldn’t be surprised if he makes his first-team debut with Arsenal sometime during this season."
Lewis-Skelly crucially won more duels than any other player on the pitch, with his three key passes also showcasing his creative ability, and as he develops over the coming years and nurtures his physicality, he could become a force to be reckoned with as he battles with Nwaneri for minutes.
The youth talent's versatility in his craft is something that cannot really be taught, quite simply, he possesses an innate knack for the game and boasts abilities that stretch beyond the constraints of one singular position on the pitch.
He was even described as “unplayable” by Arsenal U18 manager Jack Wilshere for his excellent performance in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester City last season; capable of playing as a left-back the former Gunners star is a firm believer that Lewis-Skelly's career will be one at the heart of the field, dictating player and charging his side's efforts through his all-action, tenacious approach.
England return to action on Tuesday to face Iran in the next match of their campaign in Group C before a mammoth contest against Brazil to close the first stage of the tournament.
Based on the evidence of Lewis-Skelly's first performance, he could be a key cog in Greg Lincoln's side as they seek to work their way toward the pinnacle.
And, of course, Arteta and his Arsenal team will be taking note, with the teenage talent's chances of wedging his way into the first team's plans growing with each passing match. Watch out Nwaneri, the Gunners have a new academy darling on their hands…
Unlike some other English teams in Europe this season, Liverpool have already sealed their fate in the Europa League ahead of Thursday evening's clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Jurgen Klopp's men have already qualified for the knockout phase and will finish top of Group E regardless of the result at the Stade Joseph Marien and with a huge Northwest Derby clash at Anfield against a wounded Manchester United to come on Sunday, Klopp will likely make changes to the starting lineup that faced Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
With that in mind, here is Liverpool's predicted XI for their final Europa League group game, with five potential alterations from the win over the Eagles – amid Klopp's decision to leave the likes of Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold behind for the trip.
1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Due to an injury Alisson sustained in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Caoimhin Kelleher was subsequently handed the reins between the sticks.
The Republic of Ireland international featured twice in the Brazilian's absence in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning both games, although Alisson has since returned from injury and started in goal on Saturday afternoon.
Nevertheless, Kelleher has been in the starting lineup four times in the Europa League this term and, given his Brazilian teammate is set to remain on Merseyside, will likely feature for the Reds in Belgium.
2 LB – Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas
There is a high chance that Kostas Tsimikas will be in Klopp's first eleven by default.
The Greek defender is Liverpool's only available left-back as a result of Andy Robertson suffering from a shoulder injury which he sustained back in October. It's unlikely that the manager will remove Tsimikas from the team given the lack of options in this area.
3 CB – Ibrahima Konate
joe-gomez-ibrahima-konate-liverpool-opinion
Van Dijk started at the back on Saturday against Palace and was Liverpool's best player, according to This Is Anfield – who handed the Dutchman a 9/10 match rating.
However, Klopp will want to keep the 32-year-old fit for Sunday's bout against Man United and thus could bring Ibrahima Konate into the team to get the Frenchman up to scratch, having recently recovered from a hamstring injury.
Konate could start at the back this weekend alongside Van Dijk so Klopp will want his £36m defender match fit, meaning the France international could take the skipper's place in the team for this one.
4 CB – Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah.
20-year-old Jarell Quansah has become a first-team regular at Anfield due to injury woes at the back. However, on Saturday, the youngster gave away a penalty for Palace's goal and was replaced in the 57th minute for Konate, having struggled throughout the game, failing to win a single tackle or ground duel while also coming out on top in merely 33% of his aerial battles.
Nevertheless, with Van Dijk set to be rested, Quansah could keep his place for Liverpool's final match in the Europa League group phase.
5 RB – Joe Gomez
jarell-quansah-joe-gomez-liverpool-opinion
Joe Gomez replaced Wataru Endo at half-time at Selhurst Park last week and the versatile defender had an excellent game, being handed an 8/10 match rating by This Is Anfield.
Gomez had four touches in the opposition's box, created one opportunity and won 67% of his ground duels in just one half of football and may have guaranteed a starting spot against USG on Thursday evening.
6 LCM – Ryan Gravenberch
Loanee Ryan Gravenberch earned one of his five Premier League starts at the weekend against Roy Hodgson's pragmatic side, but failed to make a real impact on the game. The two-time Eredivisie champion only had a 72% pass completion rate and failed to win a single tackle during the match.
However, with such a colossal game to come later in the week, Gravenberch will likely keep his place in the lineup again, particularly since he has started four of Liverpool's five matches in the Europa League this term.
7 DM – Wataru Endo
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
On Saturday, Endo was replaced at half-time by Gomez, with the latter moving to right-back. In turn, Klopp pushed Alexander-Arnold inside to play as Liverpool's deepest-lying midfielder.
The head coach has allowed the academy product to drift into these spaces naturally from his wide position but the tactical change saw Alexander-Arnold feature primarily as a holding midfielder.
Endo was dispossessed twice by Palace and made just four passes into the final third in the first half as the Merseyside club struggled to move the ball forward. Meanwhile, the Englishman created six opportunities which was more than any other player on the pitch and played 14 passes into the attacking third.
That could then mean the Japanese international is replaced this weekend in that midfield pivot, although the summer signing will be spared the axe tomorrow night, with Alexander-Arnold staying at home.
8 RCM – Curtis Jones
wataru-endo-curtis-jones-opinion-liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai didn't have the best performance of his stint at Liverpool on Saturday. The £60m summer signing had 63 touches of the ball but lost possession nine times in total, failing to create a single opportunity whilst having merely one shot at goal.
With 15 minutes remaining, Klopp took the Hungary international off and replaced him with Curtis Jones. Within just over a minute on the pitch, the substitute grabbed the assist for Mohamed Salah's equaliser from a set-piece as the Reds cracked on to pick up all three points.
Furthermore, despite having such little time to get going, Jones won 67% of his ground duels, had two touches in the opposition's box and drew two fouls.
Klopp could look to rest Szoboszlai, who looked jaded at the weekend, by giving Jones a run in the team after his positive impact in the last match.
9 LW – Luis Diaz
jarrod-bowen-luis-diaz-liverpool-opinion
Given Klopp likes to keep his left-back in a deeper position, the left-winger has to hold the width on that side.
Admittedly, Luis Diaz seems to be the only player who can do this in the squad without being drawn inside and congesting the middle of the pitch, hence why he has started 14 matches for Liverpool this season which will likely rise to 15 away at USG.
10 CF – Darwin Nunez
cody-gakpo-darwin-nunez-liverpool-opinion
Against Palace, 0.48 of Liverpool's total 1.25 expected goals came from Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan had two big chances and missed both. Coincidentally, the Reds scored twice once he left the pitch.
However, Klopp will need his number nine in good form ahead of a visit from the Red Devils and will be hoping Nunez can bag a few goals in Belgium to help bolster his goalscoring mood.
The Blues suffered more European heartache against Barcelona on Saturday, but that should not impact their manager's legacy when she goes to the U.S.
Saturday was always going to be emotional for Emma Hayes. After all, Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona was her final game at Stamford Bridge as manager of the Blues, ahead of her becoming the new head coach of the United States women’s national team. That it was the first time the women’s team had sold out the iconic ground was fitting, an achievement representative of the growth under Hayes. But the tears that flowed at full-time were of sadness, not joy, after a result that confirmed that Chelsea and Hayes’ story together will not end with a European title.
During her 12 years in charge, Hayes has helped the club win the lot in the domestic game and they’ve done it multiple times over. Six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cup triumphs and two Continental Cup victories are bolstered by a league title during the WSL’s ‘Spring Series’ and a Community Shield win. The missing piece is the Champions League and a place for it in Chelsea’s trophy cabinet will remain there to fill for whoever has the unenviable task of following Hayes.
The 2-0 defeat at the Bridge to Barca was a huge disappointment, especially after all the great work Chelsea had done to secure an historic 1-0 win in Catalunya only a week earlier, and it capped a really difficult four-week period for Hayes and her team. Less than a month prior, there was talk of a quadruple, however, via a Conti Cup final loss to Arsenal, defeat in the FA Cup semi-finals at the hands of Manchester United and Barcelona’s turnaround in Europe, there is now just one trophy left on the table – the WSL.
Yet, the latest disappointment in what has been an underwhelming end to Hayes’ illustrious tenure should not taint her legacy, as what she has done for this club is much bigger.
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Started from the bottom
When Hayes was first welcomed into this club, there was no major success to talk of on the women’s side. Chelsea’s honours at that point were lower-league titles and County Cups. Though the Blues were a real power in the men’s game, and had just been crowned champions of Europe, there was a lot of work to do in the women’s department – and Hayes was one of the key figures in ensuring that work was done.
“Emma came in and said, 'We are Chelsea. When we take part, we win’. The directors and the owner got completely on board,” Chelsea Women chairman Adrian Jacob told GOAL. "It was at the same time the WSL became more professional. We brought in more players. Everything we asked for from the club, we got, but it was bit by bit. We became good.”
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England's dominant force
Over time, it came together. It wasn’t just about building a good squad, it was about facilities, resources, staff – support in all departments, really. Hayes pushed for it, the club backed her and the results have been seen on the pitch.
For the last four years, Chelsea have been champions of England, all of the last three FA Cup titles have been won by the Blues and when they reached the Women’s Champions League final in 2021, they became the first English side to do so since Arsenal back in 2007. They’ve become the dominant force in the country – and that is not an easy status to maintain, especially when the WSL has become more and more professional, clubs have increased their investment and some have even sprouted up women’s sides that didn’t exist when Hayes first took this job.
Between 2019 and 2023, Chelsea won nine of the 12 major domestic trophies on offer and they reached the final in two of those three competitions that were won by others. To always be there or thereabouts when English women’s football is so competitive at the top deserves huge credit. Chelsea have raised the bar and that’s at least part of the reason why they’ve fallen short in recent weeks, as others have improved massively to chase them down.
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Small fish in a big pond
But while Chelsea’s long-term investment in women’s football has helped them to power ahead in England, their competitors on the continent have been doing the same for as long or even longer. They too have financial backing, all-encompassing support and world-class players who are part of a well-structured project.
To bridge that gap needs experience, and it has taken time for Chelsea to accumulate that. Their first two seasons in Europe saw them run into two-time champion Wolfsburg in the early rounds, which stopped them in the tracks, but then five of their Champions League campaigns since have ended in a semi-final defeat to a former winner, be it Wolfsburg, Lyon or Barcelona.
How different would things be if they could’ve found a way to win the 2021 final? It’s a difficult hypothetical as Barcelona had been Europe’s best team all season, they were much the better team on the day and they deserved to be crowned champions. But since then, they’ve built on that and become even better, especially in their mentality, and that is the next step that Chelsea need to take. They are so close – but have again fallen just short.
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Growing with experience
There is more to it than just experience, of course. It’s about having the right game plan, executing it correctly and taking your chances when they come. But Chelsea’s second-leg defeat to Barca on Saturday did also feel like they were short in the experience column.
“The way we handled the first leg was excellent with the discipline and I think that's what let us down today, our lack of tactical awareness in terms of taking the fouls when we needed to,” Jess Carter, the Blues defender, explained. “We let them dictate the whole way through unfortunately. We've got to get better on the ball. We can't expect to win a Champions League when you give the ball back to Barcelona for 90 minutes, which is exactly what we did today.”
Barca, on the other hand, ground out the win. They weren’t at their best but they stuck to their task and their world-class players produced moments of quality when they were needed. That’s a very good team, but also an experienced one.
Manchester United could be set for some big off-field changes in the near future as they prepare for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to officially purchase his stake in the club and one key appointment is already being lined up.
Man Utd prepare for Sir Jim Ratcliffe…
As we all now know, Manchester United are awaiting the green light for Ratcliffe to complete his investment in the club after a long, drawn-out saga, which also saw Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani in the running to take over the Premier League giants. The INEOS founder is set take a 25% stake in the Red Devils and will play a major part in changing the landscape on and off the field after years of frustration at the much-maligned Glazer family's running of the club.
Reporter shares what he’s heard on Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd future
Will Sir Jim Ratcliffe look to replace the Dutchman?
ByHenry Jackson Dec 17, 2023
Speaking in his Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that it is only a matter of time before Ratcliffe and company take office at Old Trafford, stating to the outlet:
"We are all hearing 1000 reports a day regarding the announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to take over 25% of Manchester United as it is a situation that is always changing because it’s a big deal and lawyers are on it."
"I don’t know the day when it will happen but for sure the situation remains the same: it is only a matter of time, it’s not in danger and it will happen soon. The timing will be important for Man United regarding the business they do in January."
Now, one of Ratcliffe's key targets to recruit in a football operations capacity has become clearer as his minority takeover nears, according to a fresh report.
Man Utd look to appoint top target Dan Ashworth
According to The Sun, Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is Manchester United's number top target to take on a similar role at Old Trafford and the Toon Army are reportedly braced for an official approach once Ratcliffe's incoming investment is officially ratified. The report adds that 'the Red Devils could offer Ashworth a role that could convince him to quit Newcastle barely a year after joining.'
Manchester United's next five fixtures – all competitions
Competition
Opponent
Premier League
West Ham United (A)
Premier League
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
Nottingham Forest (A)
FA Cup
Wigan Athletic (A)
Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur (H)
The report also states that Newcastle have now placed Bournemouth recruitment expert Richard Hughes at the top of their own list as they prepare for all eventualities in what they describe as a boost for Man Utd and by extension Ratcliffe.
Erik ten Hag's recruitment at Old Trafford has been questionable at times over the last couple of years and there could feasibly be scope for clearer lines of communication on that front with the right sort of appointments made, potentially with Ashworth helping in that department.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman will surely be solely focused on the rest of the festive period as he looks to get his faltering side up off the canvas once again, with Ratcliffe and co looking at off-field additions.