After 55 days out, on his second return in the Premier League, the Norwegian scored 2 goals to bring the champions back to the top of the league until Liverpool play against Burnley at 3pm today.
Haaland regains his top spot in the golden boot race going to 16 goals with Salah just 2 goals behind him on 14 despite being injured for 10 games he still holds the top spot in the league and the golden boot race.
The first half was very cagey for the home side no registering a single shot on target despite taking 11 shots. This hasn’t happened since August 2022 at the Etihad stadium. Despite this the game did not end the same and Erling Haaland stepped up and became the goal scorers fans across the world have come to love.
The Etihad has become a fortress in the last 15 months with Manchester City not dropping points since a loss against Brentford on the last game before the 2022 World Cup. A fortress that has become impenetrable in the Premier League this year.
After a purple patch of City losing games and dropping crucial points, they seem to be back to their best form that won them the treble last year. They are back to the top of the league for at least 2 hours until Liverpool vs Burnley concludes.
Despite not starting the game, Kevin De Bruyne managed an assist for Haalands second goal that put the nail in the coffin for the win over a defiant Everton.
They will be hoping for a draw or a loss for the Liverpool game but until then, they will enjoy their place back in the top of the Premier League.
The Manchester City star who saw huge success last season being a vital part of the teams treble winning performances, has reportedly signed a massive deal with global brand Pepsi.
The £100 million man has been known for not just his play on the pitch but also his presence off the pitch. He signed a big deal with high end fashion brand GUCCI in 2023 worth around £10million due to his off the field following and his character.
Jack Grealish has signed a seven-figure deal with Pepsi.
The deal with Pepsi is only said to be worth 7 figures without announcing the amount just yet. The news broke through ‘The Sun’ who were responsible for the release of the Kyle Walker interview, which was highly dramatic throughout Manchester City.
Despite not having much luck getting into the starting lineup this season, his efforts last season have not been forgotten despite not having big assists or goals he created spaces for Erling Haaland to run into and break all records in the Premier League.
With only 7 starts in the Premier League this season, his off field presence is still through the roof with his social media boasting a 9.1 million followers on Instagram alone.
With Phil Foden playing the best season fans have ever seen, it is unlikely to see Grealish back in the starting XI but fans are hopeful for him to make a return not just off of the bench.
They play Everton on the 10th of February however, with Foden scoring a hattrick in his most recent game, Jack might not find a spot in the starting XI.
As South Korea exits the Asian Cup, Tottenham Hotspur eagerly anticipates the return of star captain Son Heung-min. Explore the impact of this swift reintegration and its effect on the team’s next matches
Son Heung-min, star forward for Tottenham Hotspur and captain of the South Korean national team, will soon be making his return to the English club following their surprise elimination from the Asian Cup at the hands of Jordan.
The unexpected 2-0 defeat means that Son will be available for upcoming matches for Spurs, although his exact return date is yet to be determined.
The elimination of South Korea from the Asian Cup was a significant blow, particularly for Son who has been in fantastic form for both club and country.
While the disappointment will be felt deeply, the prospect of Son’s quick return to club level is a silver lining for Spurs fans.
Spurs’ next fixture is against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 10, which will likely come too soon for Son to be included in the squad.
However, the visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers seven days later may provide a realistic opportunity for the 31-year-old forward to rejoin the team.
It is worth noting that the originally scheduled game against Chelsea has been postponed due to the Blues’ involvement in the Carabao Cup final.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has expressed his sentiment, indicating that he would have been content to see Son continue his absence from the club if it meant success for South Korea in the Asian Cup.
Nonetheless, Postecoglou will undoubtedly be pleased to have another crucial member of his team available sooner than expected.
While Son has been Spurs’ top scorer this season with 12 goals in 20 appearances, he has faced tough competition from Richarlison.
The Brazilian forward, who had a relatively quiet season last year, has been in formidable form recently, finding the net ten times this year, including nine goals in his last eight games.
In a surprising turn of events, Jordan managed to secure a historic victory over South Korea, advancing to their first-ever Asian Cup final.
The 2-0 win in the semi-final match has propelled Jordan into unfamiliar territory, setting up a showdown with either Qatar or Iran in the coveted final match of the tournament.
Jordan’s journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, particularly considering their lack of prior success in the competition.
The victory over South Korea has showcased the rising prowess of Jordan’s national team, and their remarkable underdog story has captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
Tottenham fans eagerly await Son’s return, hoping to see the influential captain back on the field as soon as possible.
With the upcoming matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Son’s comeback will be a pivotal moment for the team.
The unexpected turn of events in the Asian Cup has brought about an interesting development in the footballing landscape, and all eyes are now on Jordan as they prepare for their historic final appearance.
Conversely, the return of Son Heung-min to Tottenham Hotspur is eagerly anticipated, with fans and teammates alike eager to see the South Korean star resume his impactful role within the club’s lineup.
After losing both fixtures against Brentford last season, Manchester City traveled to Brentford to try and change their luck against them as they managed to win 3-1.
It was complete dominance throughout the game from Manchester City with their first team all finally fully fit for the game and it showed. They had 10 shots on target in the first half and only got 1 goal from it.
Flekken, who had his doubters since replacing Raya, who has moved onto Arsenal, showed up big time for the home side making a record amount of saves in the first half and still carrying on his performance into the second half.
Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden: “I think he’s playing his best season since we are together… playing in these central positions, unbelievable!” pic.twitter.com/gjzq5KifvF
There were questions on where Phil Foden would fit into this Manchester City side now that Kevin De Bruyne is back. However it seems that he played seemingly alongside him behind the 3 attackers; Bernardo Silva, Haaland and Alvarez.
The treble winners actually went 1-0 down in the first half with a bizarre run from Maupay to make it a 1v1 against Ederson where he managed to easily beat the out of form Brazilian and made it 1-0 to the home side.
Despite going down 1-0, the away side didn’t let up and Phil Foden single handedly inspired a comeback and got a last minute goal in the 47th minute of the first half to go into the break with a weight off their shoulders.
The hattrick was sealed off with a header from a beautiful ball from the fully fit Kevin De Bruyne and a smooth pass from the returning Haaland to make it 3-1 and put the game to bed.
🔵✨ Phil Foden's hat-trick sealed a comeback win against Brentford for Man City! 🤩pic.twitter.com/d7Zu2tembb
The hattrick marks Fodens second hattrick in the Premier League with his first coming against Manchester United last season. He is one hattrick away from equalling Frank Lampard and Eden Hazards hattrick tally in the Premier League at only the age of 24.
This win puts Manchester City into second place and only 2 points off of the top spot with a game in hand to be played against Brentford once again but at the Etihad.
Their next game is against Everton on the 10th of February at the Etihad Stadium.
Discover the intense back-and-forth action as Everton and Tottenham delivered a Premier League showdown filled with late goals and heart-stopping drama, resulting in a hard-fought draw.
In a thrilling game at Goodison Park on Saturday, which ended in a 2-2 draw, Jarrad Branthwaite scored a late equalizer to rescue Everton a vital point against Spurs.
The visitors had dominated much of the game and saw Richarlison’s excellent double put them ahead.
However, Branthwaite’s dramatic late header saw the Toffees grab a point from the brink of defeat against Tottenham.
This draw brings Everton out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while also lifting Tottenham up to fourth in the league standings.
Everton revive late to secure a point as Richarlison returns to haunt former side
Jarrad Branthwaite scored a dramatic equalizer in injury time to salvage a Premier League point for Everton.
Branthwaite’s goal took Everton out of the relegation zone on goal difference, providing relief in a challenging season.
Brazilian striker Richarlison’s double had initially put Tottenham in the lead in their Premier League clash with Everton.
Richarlison’s impressive performance, including a delightful double, marked a highlight in the game.
Tottenham had surged ahead and were just minutes away from securing a crucial sixth win in eight league games, but defensive weaknesses once again saw the lead slip away.
Everton’s manager Sean Dyche expressed relief and positivity about the team’s effort, highlighting the good signs amid challenging circumstances, reinforcing the team’s potential.
Everton’s top scorer, Richarlison, received praise for his performance and marked improvement, providing hopes for further progress.
In a game of high intensity, Brazilian Richarlison was awarded player of the match for his outstanding performance, including a delightful double to lead Tottenham’s attack.
In an incredibly important game for the title race in the premier league, Arsenal seemed to somewhat dominate a seemingly unbreakable fortress ending Liverpool’s 18 game unbeaten streak.
This win takes Arsenal only 2 points behind Liverpool at the top of the league with Manchester City really having the biggest advantage with 2 games in hand being 5 points off the top. If Manchester City beat Brentford tonight, they will go 3 points off the top with a game in hand due to their Club World Cup win.
Stepping up when it mattered most 👏
How would you describe Jorginho's performance against Liverpool in one word? 💬 pic.twitter.com/vzkjCTMTYL
Ex-Chelsea man, Jorginho performed when his team needed him the most leading in so many statistics and commanding the midfield which was filled with world class players.
Liverpool were without their main goal scorer and star player, Mo Salah, due to injury however Arsenal seemed to just completely counteract the tactics that Klopp was pushing forward and trying to win them the game.
It only took 14 minutes for Buakyo Saka to get his name on the scoresheet to the delight of many Arsenal fans across London. It was then doubled by his partner in crime, Martinelli and then topped off by Trossard in extra time.
Arteta didn’t play his usual possession based game however, since Liverpool are accustomed to playing against that with their 5 year long rivalry against Manchester City. And they ended the game with only 42% possession however they demolished in every other match statistic and most importantly the goals ending 3-2 to the home side.
It is Liverpool’s second defeat in TEN premier league months which should be no cause for stress for Liverpool fans since with the depth they have in their squad, they should be able to bounce back from the loss and regain the gap they lost on Sunday.
Virgil van Dijk vowed to bounce back after taking responsibility for the ‘turning point’ in the defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
The captain of the losing team, Virgil Van Dijk has seemingly taken the fall for the loss and shouldered the blame for himself with a message that they will bounce back from this and regain the dominance that they have been showing all season long.
Delve the electrifying Premier League showdown where Tottenham Hotspur staged an exhilarating second-half comeback to triumph over Brentford in a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur pulled off a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Brentford, reclaiming their position in the Premier League top four in an enthralling encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, giving fans an electrifying display of high-octane football.
The match started with an early lead for the visitors, as Neal Maupay’s goal put Brentford in front during the first half, leaving Tottenham trailing at the interval.
Despite the setback, Tottenham’s relentless determination and ferocious comeback marked an impressive turnaround in the second half of the game.
After the break, Tottenham delivered an explosive offensive surge, netting three goals in a span of just eight minutes, with Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, and Richarlison all finding the back of the net.
This whirlwind of goal-scoring dominance enabled Spurs to snatch the lead in thrilling fashion, triggering an electric atmosphere within the stadium.
However, Brentford, displaying remarkable resilience, managed to pull one back through Ivan Toney, ensuring a tense finale as they sought to salvage a result from the match, creating an edge-of-the-seat experience for eager supporters.
Maddison’s Vital Contribution and Defensive Fragilities
The return of James Maddison, who had been sidelined due to injury, proved to be a significant factor in Tottenham’s resurgence.
The midfielder making a key contribution to the team and showcasing the qualities that Spurs fans had sorely missed during his absence.
His presence brought a sense of creativity and incisiveness to their attacking play, injecting a new dimension into their game.
Despite their compelling victory, Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident, with Brentford exploiting their high line and posing a persistent threat throughout the game.
However, in the face of these challenges, Spurs demonstrated resilience, determination, and the ability to secure a vital win.
The game concluded with Spurs maintaining their presence in the top four, signifying an important milestone for the team and reaffirming their competitive spirit as they strive to pursue their lofty ambitions in the Premier League.
This captivating match showcased the audacious spirit and unwavering resolve of both clubs, leaving an indelible mark on the Premier League landscape.
As the dust settled, both teams left the pitch with a clear sense of what separates the good from the great in the top-flight division, setting the stage for a compelling season ahead.
Following Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal, Marcus Rashford asserted, “I don’t want to hear ‘oh, they were so close’ because it doesn’t mean anything. There’s one winner and there’s one loser, and today we lost. We have to find out why and make sure that next time we don’t lose.” Nearly three years later, Rashford’s once-promising career at Manchester United stands at a pivotal juncture. INEOS, known for prompt decision-making, is poised for action. This article delves into Rashford’s journey, evaluating his time at Manchester United and questioning whether there’s still a chance to rejuvenate his career and fulfill his potential. The central question lingers: Is a departure necessary for the resurgence of Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, and their partnership with INEOS?
Early Promise
During the 2015-16 season under Louis Van Gaal’s management, Marcus burst onto the scene at just 18 years old, making an impactful contribution with 12 goals across all competitions. This included a memorable strike in the Premier League against Arsenal and a crucial goal in the Manchester derby at the Etihad, securing victory. His home debut against Arsenal saw him score a double, showcasing early promise. With the right guidance and support, Marcus’s future seemed limitless. In 2016, Louis Van Gaal likened him to the caliber of Patrick Kluivert, Thomas Müller, Xavi Hernández, and Andrés Iniesta, emphasizing Rashford’s immense potential. However, with Jose Mourinho taking the reins after Van Gaal’s departure, Marcus continued to shine. In a critical away game against Hull City, he scored a late winner, propelling Manchester United to the top of the league. Playing alongside his idol Wayne Rooney and the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović, Rashford had the ideal mentors to guide his progress. Over the next two seasons with Mourinho, Marcus netted a combined 24 goals in all competitions, a commendable feat for a player still under 21 and in the developmental stages of his career. The future looked promising.
In his third season, despite the tumultuous period marked by Jose Mourinho’s sacking and Manchester United’s underperformance, Marcus Rashford continued to evolve. Ole Gunnar Solskjær took charge and repositioned him as a central number 9, reigniting Rashford’s impact on the pitch. That season, he netted 13 goals across all competitions, a commendable tally. However, the demanding expectations of both Manchester United fans and pundits lingered, urging him to elevate his game further. Possessing the essential qualities of a top striker—pace, power, skill, desire, and hunger—Rashford showcased immense potential. Yet, there were noticeable areas in his gameplay that required refinement through coaching.
— Paul 𝕏 Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll2) July 16, 2020
Solskjær’s Inconsistency and Lack of Identity
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s appointment as the full-time manager was solidified after the remarkable away victory against PSG, a match where the young Marcus stepped up, scoring a crucial penalty to propel Manchester United into the quarterfinals. This triumph was anticipated to herald a new era of dominance, with the emergence of youthful talents like Rashford, Martial, and Greenwood forming a formidable front three. However, over five years on, each player has grappled with personal and footballing challenges. The absence of a cohesive structure and forward-thinking management at the club has hindered their collective progression. Ole’s tenure marked inconsistency and a lack of identity. At this stage, Marcus was already one of the experienced members of the team, being at the club for over 5 years and making a handful of appearances.
Mourinho’s Continued Evaluation
After Rashford’s poor showing, Mourinho’s comments from 2019 have resurfaced. Back then, Mourinho gave his views that Rashford is not suited to play as the center striker for United. While working as a pundit for Sky Sports, he said: “He is young but he is experienced. One thing is you are young, and you do not have enough minutes, one thing is you are young and you never play, another is you are young, and you play since you are 18. At 21 years old, he has had more matches in the Premier League, in the national team, in the World Cup, in the Euros, in the Champions League and the Europa League, than some players who are 24, 25. For me, the points are not his age; the points are his qualities.” Mourinho continued: “For me, he is potentially a very good player, he is a very good player in some models of play, he is a very good player in some positions. As a target man or as a No.9, I don’t think he has these 30 goals which a top striker has. For me, who can’t get better as a No.9. For me, he can get better and better playing the way they did today – playing from the left side. But, playing as the target man in matches for Manchester United [he needs to be] dominant and playing against defensive teams, against low blocks, I think it is difficult for him.” This was back in 2019. Now, in 2024, five years on, the same questions arise.
The point is, though Rashford should not take all the responsibility for this. Manchester United has had a weak, inconsistent, and lack of strategy on and off the pitch ever since Alex Ferguson retired back in 2013. Rashford has been part of the group that has sadly been victims of constant managerial changes and a lack of identity. Rashford, alongside Sanchez, Depay, Martial, Sancho, Pogba, Maguire, Lukaku, and many more players with high potential and market value, has produced nothing short of mediocrity.
So What Now?
After reports surfaced early Friday morning that Rashford would be out of training due to illness, it’s now understood, as reported by various sources, that Rashford had been out in a nightclub late on Thursday night. Manchester United released a statement after their Newport game in the FA Cup, which they won 2-4, and Rashford was absent after Ten Hag disclosed it as an ‘internal matter’. Though many weren’t satisfied for this just to be an ‘internal matter.’ For a player that earns £375,000, his actions are not justifying that at the moment, regardless of the performances put in this season so far, which have been way below par.
It remains to be seen what the next pathway is for Marcus Rashford and whether he has a future at the club. At 26 years old with over 260 appearances at the club, now being one of the senior players, questions will rightfully be put if he’s part of the next era at Manchester United under INEOS.
Announced by Pep Guardiola today, Manchester City will have a full squad to face off against City Legend, Vincent Kompanys side on Wednesday.
It has been over 55 days since Erling Haaland has appeared on the team sheet for Manchester City and fans have been begging for the return of the record breaker. After the return of Kevin De Bruyne, fans were elated and only a week later they receive the gift of Erling Haaland back into the squad.
The last game Haaland appeared in was the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa where they only managed 2 shots on target against them which is the lowest of any game that Pep Guardiola has been in charge of in his managerial career.
With the return of Haaland, he must be hoping to get clear of Mo Salah in the leading scorers in the Premier League with both of them scoring 14 goals for their respective clubs this year.
Another player who has returned is Manuel Akanji who has been crucial for the defence of the champions since he joined the club last year from Borussia Dortmund.
He is also joined by the return of John Stones and Ederson in defence with both of them returning from injuries picked up from bad tackles after a late offside flag was put up. Ederson was left with a hole in his leg and John Stones picked up an ankle injury however neither are too serious as they are available for the blues tomorrow.
This will be the first time in the 2023/24 season where Pep Guardiola can field his first team side without injuries and suspensions stopping him. With the return of De Bruyne and Haaland, fans can expect goals to come from this game with each of them being the reason why the goal tally was so high last year.
Explore the latest twists and turns of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s transfer saga, as he stays put at Tottenham Hotspur, adding a layer of speculation and intense debate among fans and pundits alike, shaping the league’s narrative.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, the Danish midfielder admired for his contribution to Tottenham Hotspur, has made a clear and resolute choice to extend his stay with the club after the recent loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
He foregoed opportunities from other teams in the winter transfer window.
Højbjerg’s unwavering decision to remain with Tottenham comes as a testament to his dedication and commitment to helping the team, as confirmed by his lawyer,Lars Halgreen.
Amidst various speculations and inquiries from other clubs, including Lyon, Højbjerg has stood firm in his focus on supporting the team, the coaches, and fulfilling his ambitions for Tottenham and Denmark.
🚨After new talks this morning, Pierre-Emile #Højbjerg has decided to stay at @SpursOfficial in winter! He rejected all offers.
📍His lawyer Lars Halgreen told me now:
„Despite rumors and noise the player always kept focus on helping the team, coaches and Tottenham. The… pic.twitter.com/vGJ6jT7u7G
Højbjerg, who demonstrated a steadfast approach to playing under the management of Ange Postecoglou, has displayed his determination to remain in the Tottenham setup.
His lawyer, Halgreen, identified Højbjerg as a formidable character and dedicated player whose main focus is to assist Tottenham in finishing the season strongly, while also working to thrive and evolve as a player.
With rare but impactful appearances this season, Højbjerg is intent on continuing to elevate his performance, making significant contributions whenever called upon, despite not yet registering any goal involvements.
While some express frustrations over Højbjerg’s resistance to departing the club, others have acknowledged and supported his reservations about potential moves to teams that do not match his aspirations.
Fans have been keen to express their sentiments, ranging from exasperation to understanding, in response to Højbjerg’s rebuff of Lyon’s offers.
Apprehensions and debates among supporters are rife, stemming from the uncertainty that surrounds the developments in Højbjerg’s decision-making about his future.
It is evident that the uncertainty surrounding Højbjerg’s situation has divided fans, provoking heated discussions about his intentions and loyalty to the club.
Notably, some fans remain empathetic, recognizing that his refusal to join a team like Lyon, who are currently in a relegation battle, might be a testament to his ambition for competitive engagements.
Regardless of the differing opinions and reactions among fans, it is apparent that Højbjerg’s commitment to staying with Tottenham has stood out as a topic of keen interest and speculation among supporters, emphasizing the impact and significance of his decision within the club and the Premier League.
Power Pitches 