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Premier League Gameweek 19

Sunday, December 29



Leicester 0-2 Manchester City - FTEverton 0-2 Nottingham Forest - FTCrystal Palace 2-1 Southampton - FTTottenham 2-2 Wolves - FTFulham 2-2 Bournemouth - FTWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool - FT

Monday, December 30

Ipswich vs Chelsea - 7:45pm Aston Villa vs Brighton - 7:45pm Manchester United vs Newcastle - 8pm - live on talkSPORT

Wednesday, January 1

Brentford vs Arsenal - 5:30pm

2 minutes agoBy Jack Cunningham

After three Premier League games out in the cold, Ruben Amorim has drafted Marcus Rashford back into the matchday squad for the game against Newcastle this evening.

The England international was left out of the Manchester derby and hasn't played in the top-flight since, missing defeats to Bournemouth and Wolves.

But with Bruno Fernandes suspended, Rashford could get another chance to impress Amorim.

The 27-year-old has been spotted arriving at Old Trafford ahead of tonight's game, which is live on talkSPORT.

Of course, it remains to be seen if he starts, but he's set to play some part.

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34 minutes agoBy Jack Cunningham

The final Premier League games of 2024 take place this evening, and there are some crackers.

talkSPORT's offering comes from Old Trafford as Manchester United take on resurgent Newcastle.

The Red Devils have lost four of their last five games in the top-flight, while the Toon have won three in a row.

But Eddie Howe's men have an appalling record at Old Trafford, winning just one of their last 39 league visits to the red half of Manchester.

It's all set up for an intriguing game, and we have live commentary.

Adrian Durham will serve as your host, with commentary from Sam Matterface and former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy.

Elsewhere, we have Aston Villa vs Brighton and Ipswich host Chelsea.

Ipswich vs Chelsea - 7:45pmAston Villa vs Brighton - 7:45pm Manchester United vs Newcastle - 8pm - live on talkSPORTCredit: GettyCopied

Today, 15:31By Marc Williams

While Ange Postecoglou was watching his injury-hit Tottenham side drop two more points at home to Wolves on Sunday, it was no coincidence the club’s former transfer guru Fabio Paratici was watching on from the stands.

Paratici was forced to step down as Spurs’ sporting director in March 2023 after being banned from football for 30 months by FIFA for his role in financial irregularities at Juventus.

However, the Italian has continued to advise Spurs on their transfer policy, playing a big part in the signings of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison in particular.

With Postecoglou in desperate need of reinforcements, chairman Daniel Levy is expected to tap in to Paratici’s contacts book.

One player Paratici is already believed to have identified as a potential Spurs target is Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci.

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Today, 14:51By Marc Williams

Wolves are in talks with Lens over a move for Austria defender Kevin Danso, talkSPORT understands.

New manager Vito Pereira has made signing a new centre-back his top priority.

Danso could be available on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy if Wolves stay up.

The 26-year-old, who has 24 caps for Austria, has made 10 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

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Today, 13:47By Marc Williams

talkSPORT’s transfer guru Alex Crook does not think that Ruben Amorim is going to have much money to play around with this January.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United have made a number of controversial cuts in recent months as they attempt to save money and appease PSR rules.

While Amorim’s side are continuing to struggle on the pitch, these cuts will likely mean the new manager has little to spend this winter.

Offering the latest on United’s transfer plans, Crook told talkSPORT: “I think he has to polish what he's got there, and there's not much to polish, I could use stronger terms.

“He's got to get the best out of this group of players.

“There aren't many saleable assets there now.

I know there's been talk of interest from Real Madrid in the Lisandro Martinez - if that interest is genuine, I would expect United to cash in.

“PSR wise - which is why we're seeing all the caps that Ratcliffe is making and why they put all the kits in the club shop at half price on their website just before Christmas and again in the Boxing Day sales - they need to get as much money in the coffers as they can in order to reduce the risk of any PSR punishment.

“So I think United fans who believe that Amorim is going to get a blank check and you just go out and buy who he wants - Viktor Gyokeres for £100million for example - I think they're going to be disappointed.”

Credit: GettyCopied

Today, 13:11By Marc Williams

Chelsea are eyeing both Liam Delap and Evan Ferguson as potential new striker options, talkSPORT understands.

The high-flying Blues are eager to bolster their forward line to ease the goal-scoring burden on Nicolas Jackson.

talkSPORT has been told the Blues retain their long-term interest in Brighton and Republic of Ireland star Ferguson while Stamford Bridge scouts have watched Ipswich ace Delap on numerous occasions this season.

A deal for either player would be difficult to do in January with Brighton continuing to rate Ferguson in the £80m-£100million bracket despite the fact he has only scored one Premier League
goal all season.

Delap is seen as key to Ipswich’s hopes of avoiding relegation while old club Manchester City have a buy-back option from his £20m summer move to Portman Road.

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Today, 12:21By Marc Williams

Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham future is likely to hinge on the outcome of next week’s FA Cup third round trip to Aston Villa, talkSPORT understands.

Lopetegui is back under pressure after Sunday’s 5-0 drubbing at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Despite having ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter waiting in the wings for several weeks, Hammers chairman David Sullivan remains reluctant to sack the Spaniard.

However the next two games, away at champions Manchester City on Saturday and the Villa cup tie are seen by many inside London Stadium as key for Lopetegui.

West Ham finished 9th last season and are languishing in the bottom half of the table having won just six of Lopetegui's 19 league games in charge.

Credit: GettyCopied

Today, 11:53By Joe Brophy

Trent Alexander-Arnold has NOT informed Liverpool that he wants to sign for Real Madrid, talkSPORT's Alex Crook has reaffirmed.

Our chief football correspondent has expanded on talkSPORT's weekend update that contradicts those reports in Spain.

The Reds defender is out of contract in the summer and can speak to clubs overseas as of January ahead of a potential free transfer.

On Saturday, Spanish outlet Marca ran a full front page claiming that Alexander-Arnold has now decided he wants to move to Madrid.

However, talkSPORT understands that these are premature, with negotiations over a new deal at Anfield still ongoing.

Speaking this morning on White & Jordan, Crooky confirmed this stance, saying: "He's not relayed that to his paymasters at Liverpool.

"It's 50/50 at this stage - Liverpool want a decision by the end of January."

Crook expressed his sympathy for the situation left for Liverpool's chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes - both of whom were only tasked with the responsibility in 2024.

He added: "Praise for Arne Slot in how he's been able to navigate this."

Credit: GettyCopied

Today, 11:35By Joe Brophy

Erling Haaland posted a throwback to his Borussia Dortmund days in the 2-0 win against Leicester - and it had nothing to do with his goal.

The Norwegian ended a run of four matches across all competitions without a goal by scoring Man City's second after heading home Savinho’s curling cross from the left.

However, a stunning solo effort saw him almost double the lead inside the first half during a rare display of dribbling.

Haaland has famously been criticised and scrutinised for his lack of involvement in City's build-up since making his move to the Etihad.

He often has the fewest touches of any outfield player during games, living on the last line of a defence and once said: "My job is not to go out on the side and dribble three people and shoot from 25 meters..."

Yet against Leicester, Haaland nearly did just that after receiving the ball with his back-to-goal 30 yards out - skipping away from Boubakary Soumaré before jinking between two defenders only to pull his shot wide of the near post.

One fan wrote: "He got fed up being Peps robot and went back to his Dortmund days", while another agreed, commenting: "This is the haaland from Dortmund.

the talkSPORT presenter said: "Credit to his mentality, he keeps going!"

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Today, 10:56By Joe Brophy

Mohamed Salah has a new Liverpool tradition that Andy Robertson wants in on - unfortunately it's goalscorers only!

The Egyptian has implemented a new social media trend of posing for selfies with teammates who share the scoresheet with him.

Yesterday's emphatic 5-0 win over West Ham duly saw Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Cody Gakpo all pose for a group shot.

Not to feel left out, Salah later attached a picture of himself with Luis Diaz - who was the fifth and final scorer at the London Stadium.

Unfortunately, that has left Robertson - who has yet to score a Premier League goal this term - out in the cold.

The Scot commented on Salah's post: "I'll make a picture one day", alongside two prayer hands emojis.

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Today, 10:18By Joe Brophy

Neal Maupay has sparked outrage by saying he smiles whenever he checks the Everton score - and certainly not the scorer...

The striker, who is on loan at Marseille, netted just once for the Toffees since signing from Brighton in August 2022.

Embarrassingly, if that solitary strike had come this season it would still be enough to put Maupay among the club's top scorers.

As it is, the Frenchman's two Ligue 1 goals are as many as the man third on Everton's current list - Wolves defender Craig Dawson!

In Everton's last nine Premier League games - a quarter of a season - 40 per cent of their goals have been Dawson's own goals.

The 34-year-old Wolves defender put the ball in his own net twice during his side's 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park earlier this month.

That is the only time in which Everton have managed more than two goals in a game this season following their 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Everton have won just 8 league games in 2024 - their fewest in a calendar year since 1997 (also 8).

Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Beto's COMBINED six Premier League goals are less than what Mohamed Salah has managed for Merseyside rivals Liverpool just in December alone!

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Today, 09:46By Joe Brophy

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have no chance of winning the Premier League and 'need help' during the January transfer window.

The Spaniard's 500th game in charge of the champions was a happy one as City finally ended their recent rot with a 2-0 win over Leicester.

Their victory - just their second in their last 10 Premier League games - lifts them up to fifth but they remain 14 points behind Liverpool.

"We are far away from winning the Premier League," Guardiola told Match of the Day.

"We accept there's already no chance of that but we have other things to fight for: FA Cup, top four...

I don’t know how long but he will be out for quite a bit.

“These situations can happen in a season.”

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29th Dec 2024, 19:34By Jack Cunningham

Another day, more records broken by Mohamed Salah.

With a goal and an assist, he became the first player in Premier League history to record an assist and goal in eight separate games.

This saw him surpass Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane, among others.

He also became the quickest player in top-flight history to reach 30 goal contributions (18 matches).

This is a man at the top of his game, and he's leading Liverpool to what would be their second Premier League title.

However, a new contract still isn't close.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: "No, we are far away from that.

"I don't want to say anything and put something in the media… I'm now focused on the team, hopefully, we'll win the Premier League."

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29th Dec 2024, 19:12By Jack Cunningham

There goes the final whistle, and it is job well and truly done for Liverpool.

They move eight points clear of Nottingham Forest at the top of the table, and it was an extremely comfortable win for Arne Slot's side, who thrashed West Ham 5-0.

It was 3-0 at half time thanks to goals from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

In the second half, the Reds added two more as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota wrapped up the victory.

It's hard to see how anyone can stop them being crowned champions.

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29th Dec 2024, 19:00By Jack Cunningham

CAN ANYONE STOP THEM!

Mohamed Salah picks up the ball just inside his half.

He drives at the heart of the West Ham defence, who can't get near him.

Diogo Jota runs into the box and waits for the pass, which arrives.

The Portuguese international opens up his body and curls a lovely shot into the top corner.

This has been a rout!

Credit: GettyCopied

29th Dec 2024, 18:52By Jack Cunningham

Good opportunities at either end!

West Ham substitute Andy Irving picks out Mohammed Kudus in the box with a sublime first-time cross.

The forward flicks a header at goal that smacks the crossbar and rebounds to safety.

Down the other end, Trent Alexander-Arnold lofts a delightful ball through for Mohamed Salah.

He kills it beautifully, but then rifles a wild strike over the bar.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:47By Jack Cunningham

Diogo Jota wins the ball off Aaron Wan-Bissaka and plays a pass into Luis Diaz.

The hosts just about scramble it away as far as Mohamed Salah.

He curls a cross into the box that Alphonse Areola punches away, but Jota plucks it out of the sky with an excellent touch.

He then drives in a strike that is well stopped by the Frenchman in goal.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:36By Jack Cunningham

Yeah, that's the last thing West Ham fans wanted to see as Jarrod Bowen limps off.

The injury came from a pretty robust tackle by Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentine crunched into Bowen from behind and left the England international unable to carry on.

Crysencio Summerville is on.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:34By Jack Cunningham

Ryan Gravenberch is one booking away from a one-match ban and so is Cody Gakpo, so Arne Slot brings them both off.

Diogo Jota and Wataru Endo are the men to replace the Dutch duo.

Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen also needs attention, with Crysencio Summerville starting to get ready on the sidelines.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:30By Jack Cunningham

GAME OVER!

Liverpool patiently work the ball around the West Ham final third.

Ryan Gravenberch plays it into Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He takes aim from 25 yards and smashes a shot at goal that hits Max Kilman's head and flies past Alphonse Areola.

The England international runs over to the Liverpool fans and celebrates in front of them.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:22By Jack Cunningham

We are back underway for the second 45 minutes, and Julen Lopetegui has made two changes.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Fullkrug are on.

Edson Alvarez and Vladimir Coufal are the men to be withdrawn as the home side switch to a back five.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:12By Jack Cunningham

Well, that was so easy for Liverpool, who are in total command at the London Stadium.

The Reds were denied a couple of times by Alphonse Areola, but once Luis Diaz scored, the floodgates opened.

Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have added to the scoreline, and the home side have offered nothing, bar Mohammed Kudus hitting the post.

Arne Slot's side are in total command and will be looking to add a couple more to totally wrap up the match.

Salah has officially been given the assist for Gakpo's goal, which means it's the eight time he's scored and assisted this season.

That is a new Premier League record.

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29th Dec 2024, 18:03By Jack Cunningham

YOU CAN'T KEEP HIM QUIET!

Alexis Mac Allister wins the ball back on the edge of the box.

He feeds Curtis Jones, who works it across to Mohamed Salah.

Salah takes a touch and passes an effort into the near post corner.

That is now the 15th consecutive league game in which he has scored or assisted.

Credit: GettyCopied

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