Author: Grace Johnson

Ruben Amorim usually demands control, possession, and attacking intent from Manchester United. Against Newcastle, he chose pragmatism over flair. United secured a 1-0 Premier League victory through discipline and resilience. The performance lacked elegance but delivered crucial points at Old Trafford. A long-standing tactic finally altered Amorim rarely compromises on his tactical approach. Earlier this season, he joked nobody could force him to change. After 13 months in charge, he finally adapted. For the first time under his management, United started with a back four. The adjustment prioritised stability over attacking dominance. From kickoff, structure replaced possession. United endure under…

Stadium and training future still unclear Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says the club’s stadium and training ground plans remain “in limbo.” He adds there is a “99.9% chance” he will not oversee them. The club continues to explore expanding St James’ Park or building a new stadium elsewhere in Newcastle. CEO David Hopkinson admits the team will play at the current ground “for many years.” Work continues to nearly double the footprint of the Benton training ground. However, the club hierarchy recognises that a new, state-of-the-art facility will eventually be necessary due to the site’s limitations. Infrastructure remains…

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo delivered a calm finish to give reigning champions Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Marrakech. The Elephants aimed to become the first team since Egypt in 2010 to retain the Afcon title. They missed several chances in the first half against Mozambique, who rank 102nd in Fifa standings, 60 places below them. Amad struck four minutes after the restart, exploiting static defending to meet Franck Kessie’s knockdown. He sent a low, precise shot between Sunderland defender Reinildo’s legs, giving goalkeeper Ernan no chance.…

Kepa Arrizabalaga became the hero as he saved the decisive penalty from Maxence Lacroix, helping Arsenal win a dramatic shootout. The victory secures the Gunners a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in a match filled with tension until the final whistle. Late own goal gives Arsenal hope Arsenal believed they had sealed the win when Lacroix scored an own goal in the 80th minute. The Palace defender accidentally bundled the ball into his own net while attempting to clear after an Arsenal corner. The strike seemed to hand Arsenal the victory, but the drama was far from over. Crystal…

Isak undergoes successful surgery Liverpool confirmed that Alexander Isak fractured his left leg and has undergone surgery. The Sweden striker suffered an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. The club has not given a recovery timetable yet but expects him to miss several months. Isak came off the bench to score against Tottenham on Saturday. Shortly after scoring, he was injured following a challenge from Micky van de Ven. He could not continue and left the pitch with visible discomfort, supported by medical staff. The 26-year-old signed for a Premier League record £125 million in the summer. He has…

Rooney praises Rice after Arsenal victory Former England striker Wayne Rooney hailed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as a “future captain” of the national team. Rooney watched the 26-year-old drive the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Everton. The former England captain, who led the team from 2014 to 2017, attended the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium to witness Mikel Arteta’s side secure the hard-fought victory. Rice has earned 72 senior caps and has worn the England armband twice in Harry Kane’s absence. He led the team in a 2-2 draw with Belgium…

Liverpool clung on for a wild victory against nine-man Tottenham after a match filled with injuries, red cards, and late drama. Alexander Isak scored off the bench but left the pitch injured as the Reds edged a turbulent contest in north London. Isak broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a composed finish after entering at half-time. The forward suffered an injury as he struck the ball and could not celebrate. Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead 10 minutes later to put the visitors in control. Tottenham substitute Richarlison pulled a goal back late on and sparked a tense finish.…

Pep Guardiola insists he still wants to continue at Manchester City but acknowledges the club must plan for his eventual successor. City have reportedly begun identifying candidates to take over, amid lingering uncertainty about whether Guardiola will stay beyond next season. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, previously Guardiola’s assistant at City, dismissed claims linking him to the role as pure speculation. In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract running until the end of 2026-27. Speaking on Friday, he said he was happy at the club and focused on results. “When the chapter ends, the club will choose the best person to…

After heated debates over player availability and tournament timing, attention now shifts to the pitch. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday. On the surface, the biggest questions surround the host nation’s attempt to extend their world-record run of 18 consecutive wins and claim only their second title, and whether Mohamed Salah can finally lift the trophy with Egypt. The 33-year-old forward has dominated headlines since 6 December, when he claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus.” After returning from the bench at Anfield last Saturday, Salah now focuses on his fifth attempt…

Paris St-Germain defeated Brazilian champions Flamengo on penalties to win the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four spot-kicks and secured PSG’s sixth trophy of the year. The Champions League holders matched last year’s achievement by Real Madrid, who lifted the inaugural edition. The tournament brings together six continental champions, while the European champions advance directly to the final. Kvaratskhelia strikes before Flamengo respond Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead seven minutes before half-time at the Ali Stadium. The Georgian forward finished calmly at the back post after meeting Desire Doue’s low cross. Flamengo responded after the…