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Fans from across the footballing world have slammed Erling Haaland after the Manchester City forward fluffed his lines from the penalty spot in a top-of-the-table clash against Liverpool at the Etihad. With the scores level at 0-0 after 13 minutes, the Norwegian goal machine had his tame effort saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, low to the goalkeeper's left.

Haaland blows chance to open scoring

Jeremy Doku earned the penalty for City when, capitalising on a mix-up between Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, he raced onto a ricochet and went through on goal. The tricky Belgian winger then attempted to go around the Georgian in the Liverpool net, but had his trailing foot collide with Liverpool goalkeeper's knee and fell to the floor. The Reds' players were unhappy, but could have little complaints following their own mistake. Fortunately for Mamardashvili, he had a chance to make up for his blunder.

Few would have expected Haaland, who has netted 13 times in 10 Premier League games already this season, to miss the chance to convert a golden opportunity from 12 yards, but his effort was not hit with enough venom to truly test the big shot-stopper. Compared with his record against other Premier League sides, Haaland has had a trickier time in front of goal against Liverpool and it could have felt like it was yet another disappointing day against the Reds for the goal machine.

AdvertisementFans in disbelief at Haaland miss

The fans could not believe Haaland did not open the scoring with the penalty. @boivannie posted on X, saying: "Haaland misses a penalty? Arsenal didn’t score from set pieces yesterday? Is the world ending??"

At times this season, Haaland has felt almost unstoppable, and few sides have managed to contain the forward whose goalscoring ability appears almost alien at times.

With that miss, @the_rishji said: "Finally, he is a human." Meanwhile, @Bagwell_jrr went a bit further, adding: "Haaland has lost his credibility."

@romsmister18 noticed Haaland has been struggling from the spot. "He missed 3 of the last 5. What is happening to him?"

Manchester United fan @OnlyUnitedx saw the funny side of the City man blowing the chance to score. They posted: "Vote Haaland For Miss Penalty Of The Year 2025."

The humour would only last so long though, with Haaland quick to right his earlier wrong.

Normality is resumed shortly after

Haaland would, of course, have the last laugh. City continued to press for the all-important opening goal and 16 minutes later, right-back Matheus Nunes found himself in acres of space down the Liverpool left and was able to curl a cross to the back-post. The Portuguese international found his target, with Haaland towering above Konate to head a stunning, looping header over the stricken Liverpool goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The goal marked Haaland's 31st in 31 games against the Premier League's so-called 'Big Six' and once again demonstrated why you can never write off the giant forward when he is in this kind of form.

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Getty Images SportCity take advantage of weak Liverpool

Despite their disappointing start, City would double their advantage over the Reds on the brink of half-time. Piling the pressure on the visitors with corner after corner, City took one short, working it to Nico Gonzalez, whose low effort was deflected wickedly off of Virgil van Dijk’s right leg and beyond Mamardashvili, who was left diving in the wrong direction.

With a victory, City can close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just four points. The Gunners squandered three points late on against Sunderland on Saturday and will be watching nervously over their shoulder at Pep Guardiola’s side who, with Haaland in imperious form, will be eating up ground with any dropped points.

The international break follows this round of fixtures and City’s momentum will be put on temporary hold. When Guardiola’s team return, they have a tricky trip to St. James’ Park to take on a struggling Newcastle United and will be keeping an eye on the North London Derby as the Gunners host Spurs.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino has returned to Atlanta United as manager on a two-year contract, the club announced Thursday. The 62-year-old reunites with the team where he enjoyed his greatest success, winning the 2018 MLS Cup and being named Coach of the Year. Martino aims to restore Atlanta’s status as a contender after inconsistency since his 2018 departure.

Getty Images SportA familiar face returns

The 62-year-old coach replaces Ronny Deila, whose tenure ended after a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference this season with just 28 points – despite having MLS's third-highest payroll at $28.5 million. Martino will also reconnect with one of his former stars in Miguel Almiron, who also rejoined the team last year after a stint with Newcastle United. 

“I want to thank Arthur and Chris for the opportunity to return to the club and a city where we hold wonderful memories and maintain great relationships,” Martino said in a statement. “This is a different project than my first stint with the club, however, with great ownership and the collaboration of the players, coaching staff and everyone at the club, our objective will always be to form a winning team that makes our fans feel proud and well-represented every time that they go to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA proven winner

Team owner Arthur Blank stressed the move to bring back Martino wasn't about trying to recreate the past and stressed the Argentine manager was hired to build a new foundation with the club. 

“Tata is an exceptional coach who set the standard for excellence within our club,” Blank said. “This is not about recreating the past, but about building a new foundation.” Martino’s career spans over 25 years and includes 11 trophies with clubs and national teams – from Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys to Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico.

Getty Images SportRecent success in Miami

Before returning to Atlanta, Martino managed Inter Miami during the early Lionel Messi era, capturing the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield. His deep understanding of MLS and tactical identity made him the top choice for Atlanta’s front office.

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Getty Images SportRebuilding the five stripes

During Martino’s first stint, Atlanta compiled a record of 42 wins, 20 losses, and 16 draws, setting club marks for points (124), goals (140), and goal difference (+56). Now, with a Designated Player core of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk, and Miguel Almirón, Martino faces the challenge of reviving the Five Stripes’ competitive edge ahead of 2026.

Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard signed off as an FC Seoul player in style as he scored in his last-ever game for the South Korean club before bidding an emotional farewell after two 'fantastic' years. Lingard had confirmed that the AFC Champions League meeting with Melbourne City would mark his final appearance for the side he joined in February 2024.

• Lingard ends FC Seoul stint with a goal

  Lingard has finally bid farewell to the club after two successful years. In his final game for Seoul in their AFC Champions League league stage clash against Melbourne City, the former United attacker scored from Choi Jun's cross in the 31st minute. Takeshi Kanamori, though, equalised for the visitors in the 74th minute as the Australian side snatched a point.

  After the match, Lingard took to social media say his final goodbye to FC Seoul and their supporters, as he wrote: "Farewell @fcseoul it’s been an honour to represent this club. You will always have a place in my heart."

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• Watch the clip

• Lingard announced his departure last week

  Last week, Lingard confirmed his exit through a heartfelt message on social media as he wrote: "After positive discussions with FC Seoul, we have mutually agreed that I will be leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season, with my final game on December 10th. This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been unbelievable — the football, the atmosphere, and the passion around this club have been top-class. The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last 2 years has been truly amazing. Playing football here has been an unforgettable experience and one I will always value. I want to thank FC Seoul, my teammates, the staff, and everyone associated at the club for trusting me and welcoming me from day one. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club."

  The former England international's departure concludes a tenure that brought no trophies but did lift FC Seoul back into competitive relevance. During his debut season, he played a pivotal role in steering the club to a fourth-place finish in the K League, their best finish since 2019, while the most recent campaign ended with the team in sixth. Across 66 matches, Lingard recorded 18 goals and 10 assists.

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• What comes next for Lingard?

  For now, Lingard wants to spend Christmas with his family and enjoy the holiday period before taking the next step in his career. After his farewell game, the 32-year-old told reporters: "It's been a fantastic two years. I want to say 'thank you' to everyone once again. I need a break after a long season. I will spend Christmas with my family. The next chapter, who knows, really."

Manchester United have now moved into pole position in the race for a “sensational” star, and a £30m offer is being prepared.

Ruben Amorim identifies top midfield target

It is becoming increasingly clear that Man United will look to sign a new midfielder in 2026, and Ruben Amorim has now identified Elliot Anderson as his top target, although a deal could be on the expensive side, with a £100m fee being touted.

However, the Red Devils may be forced to move on to alternative, potentially more affordable options, with it recently emerging that the Etihad Stadium is Anderson’s preferred destination.

It would be disappointing to miss out on the Nottingham Forest star, who is now an established England international, having picked up six caps since the start of September.

The 23-year-old is not the only English midfielder of interest to Man United though, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now leading the race for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Spanish club.

Several Premier League clubs have emerged as potential suitors for Gallagher, but United are the frontrunners, and a £30m opening bid is in the works, with the La Liga side willing to sanction a departure for a fee in that ballpark.

With the Englishman not receiving much game time under Diego Simeone, a January move could make sense for all parties, with Man United certainly in need of additional reinforcements in midfield…

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid addition for Man Utd

Despite not being the flashiest of signings, the former Crystal Palace man could be a solid addition for the Red Devils, who need to sign at least one new midfielder, amid the uncertainty surrounding Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo’s future.

It has now been revealed that United could be willing to let Mainoo leave this winter, should they manage to find a replacement, while Casemiro’s future is under review, with the Brazilian’s contract due to expire in the summer.

As such, two new midfielders may be required, and Gallagher could be a good squad player, having been lauded as “sensational” by journalist John Cross.

Man Utd could break club-record transfer fee to sign "amazing" £100m midfielder

Man United could shatter their transfer record to sign a top target.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 2, 2025

The 25-year-old is very experienced in the Premier League, making 136 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League, netting one goal in five appearances this term.

£30m feels like a reasonable fee to pay for the 22-time England international, so it makes sense for Man United to pursue a January move, although Anderson should remain their top target.

Legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been called into Australia’s squad for the T20Is against India with Adam Zampa unavailable for the start of the series due to personal reasons.Zampa’s wife Harriet is expecting their second child. He missed the first ODI in Perth due to travel distances involved before featuring in Adelaide, where he was Player of the Match, and Sydney. He is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in men’s T20Is.Sangha, 23, who plays for Sydney Thunder in the BBL, has seven T20I caps but has not played since 2023. He took 4 for 31 on his debut against South Africa.He took seven wickets in the three one-day matches for Australia A against India A on the recent tour and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup with 10 wickets in four matches for New South Wales.If conditions warrant, Sangha could form a twin spin attack with left-armer Matt Kuhnemann.Australia have various moving parts in their T20I squad with multi-format players at various stages of their Ashes preparation. Josh Hazlewood will drop out after the first two matches in Canberra and Sydney while Sean Abbott will exit after the third game in Hobart.Mahli Beardman, the 20-year Western Australia and Perth Scorchers quick, who has yet to play a first-class match could make his T20I debut later in the series when he joins the squad from the third game onwards.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em entrevista coletiva nesta sexta-feira (22), Danilo comentou sobre assumir o papel de capitão da seleção brasileira.

“Não posso deixar de sorrir quando você fala “capitão da seleção brasileira”, porque existem duas interpretações pra isso né!? Ou você interpreta de uma maneira superficial – Danilo, capitão da Juventus – ou paralelo onde eu me comparo com o Danilo que é lá de Bicas (MG), filho da Zezé – cabeleireira – e do Baiano – caminhoneiro, então isso não é uma coisa natural pra mim. É uma realização de um sonho” explicou o jogador.

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MLB's hot stove cooked up a stunner during the winter meetings on Tuesday, as three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, who was being pursued by both the incumbent Mets and the defending champion Dodgers, chose to leave New York for Los Angeles on a three-year, $69 million contract. The deal set an average annual value record for a relief pitcher.

It was a major coup for the Dodgers, who, despite spending big on two relievers last offseason, never had a reliable closer emerge throughout the regular season.

But it was a big blow to the Mets, who seemingly did everything they could to bring back the talented reliever. New York's offer was reportedly $66 million over three years.

So why didn't Díaz return to Queens if the money was similar between the Mets' and Dodgers' offers?

Díaz miffed by Mets, Dodgers' recruitment aided by brother

Díaz was reportedly unhappy with the Mets' decision to part ways with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, according to Mike Puma of . While manager Carlos Mendoza's status was safe in the aftermath of New York's stunning collapse, Hefner was one of five coaches New York decided to let go in a coaching staff shakeup on Oct. 3. Evidently Díaz, who recorded the three lowest ERA marks and two highest strikeout rates of his career during the six seasons Hefner was with the club, was not pleased to see the coach heading out the door.

Plus, Los Angeles, already a desirable destination with the Dodgers coming off back-to-back World Series titles, had a secret weapon in its free agent recruitment of Díaz: Díaz's brother. Alexis Díaz, an All-Star in 2023, was acquired by Los Angeles in May of 2025 but he struggled to the tune of a 5.00 ERA in nine innings pitched for the Dodgers. Los Angeles in September of 2025 designated Díaz for assignment. But he still spoke glowingly of the Dodgers organization to his brother, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN and Puma.

Prior to Díaz's departure, the Mets signed free agent reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $50 million contract. According to Passan, Díaz was unhappy that Mets brass did not give him a heads up about the signing of Williams. New York president of baseball operations David Stearns, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, couldn't acknowledge the Díaz deal but seemed to indicate that the Williams signing impacted the club's desire to bring back Díaz.

“I'm not going to talk about any specific negotiation," Stearns said. "What I'll say is once you add to a certain part of our team that will change the calculus in how you look at your team in general.”

Arsenal have been almost faultless this season, but on Sunday, their unbeaten run finally came to an end.

Mikel Arteta’s side once again came unstuck at the hands of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and now sit just two points clear of Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

It wasn’t a dreadful showing from the league leaders, but it was a disappointing and potentially worrying one.

Moreover, it was another game in which a particular player flattered to deceive, a player who could end up being Arteta’s worst signing since Fabio Vieira.

What went wrong for Fabio Vieira at Arsenal

Arsenal fans largely remember the summer of 2022 as the window when Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived from Manchester City and helped the team on their first title charge in a generation.

However, that summer also saw the club sign Vieira from Porto for around £34m, and while it was a surprise move, it was an exciting one.

After all, the Portuguese midfielder had just come off a campaign in which he produced 23 goal involvements in 39 games.

Unfortunately, aside from the odd moment of brilliance, the Santa Maria da Feira-born talent failed to make much of a mark during his first season in North London, racking up a tally of just two goals and six assists in 33 first-team appearances.

Things would only get worse the following season, as a combination of injuries, poor form and suspensions limited him to just 16 appearances, in which he scored one goal and provided four assists.

With two disappointing campaigns under his belt in as many years, the 25-year-old was sent back to Porto on loan for 24/25, where he did improve, but only marginally and ended the season with a tally of 11 goal involvements in 42 games.

The Portuguese giants did not want to bring their player back on a permanent deal this year, and so, with few other options, the Gunners agreed to send him on another loan, this time to Hamburg, with an option to buy.

In all, it’s clear that Vieira is a talented player, but it’s equally clear he is not, and never was, good enough to play for Arsenal.

Worryingly, the same might eventually be said about another of Arteta’s signings, someone who could go down as his worst since the Portuguese midfielder lest he improve, and quickly.

Arsenal star in danger of becoming Arteta's worst signing since Vieira

Overall, it would be fair to say that Arsenal’s summer business this year was a success.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The likes of Eberchi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, for example, have all looked good to great so far.

However, there is one signing who has divided opinion more than any other, and is in danger of being labelled a flop if he doesn’t improve: Viktor Gyokeres.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, there is every chance the Swedish international will prove his doubters wrong and become the goalscoring monster Arsenal need him to be.

Unfortunately, there have been few signs of that happening so far this season.

For example, in 17 appearances so far, the former Sporting “powerhouse” forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored just six goals, which is not terrible, but it’s not enough for someone who wants to lead the line for a title-winning side.

Moreover, the game against Villa on Saturday was another one in which he failed to stamp his authority on things.

The 27-year-old came on at half-time, but in his 50 minutes of action, he took just 11 touches, lost the ball six times, completed four passes, failed to take a single shot or create a single big chance.

It was a worrying display, and one that could easily see the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus leapfrog him in the pecking order when they are both fully fit.

Ultimately, while there is time for him to make his mark on this team, Gyokeres has underdelivered for Arsenal so far this year and is in real danger of becoming Arteta’s worst permanent signing since Vieira.

Arsenal hold initial talks to sign £88m Odegaard upgrade who's "Mbappe-like"

The incredible international game-changer would be unreal for Arsenal, but could spell trouble for Martin Odegaard.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

4 days ago

Tottenham Hotspur are now seriously considering a move for an “incredible” manager to replace Thomas Frank, following the 2-1 defeat at home against Fulham on Saturday.

Thomas Frank's future in doubt after another home defeat

Tottenham’s extremely concerning home form continued on Saturday afternoon, with the Cottagers consigning Frank’s side to a third loss in their last four Premier League games, and the lack of creativity, particularly in the first half, will no doubt be of particular concern to the manager.

It was not the first time this season Spurs have struggled from an attacking point of view, having recorded an xG of just 0.07 against Arsenal in the North London derby, the lowest figure of any side in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign.

As such, the pressure is mounting on Frank, who has just one home win to his name in the Premier League this season, with Jamie O’Hara expressing doubts over the Dane after the most recent setback.

As such, ENIC & co have started thinking about potential replacements, and according to a report from Spain, Tottenham are now seriously considering a move for Barcelona legend Xavi, with the board tempted to make a change if results don’t improve by the end of next month.

The 45-year-old is ready to return to management, having been out of work since being sacked by Barcelona back in May 2024, and there is plenty of interest from within the Premier League, with Manchester United also considering him as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.

The north Londoners are yet to make contact with the Spaniard, but they are planning to do so if results don’t improve in the near future, and there are signs he could be an excellent replacement for Frank…

"Incredible" Xavi could be ideal Frank replacement

With O’Hara concerned the Tottenham job may be too big for the 52-year-old, it would make sense to bring in a manager with experience managing at the highest level, and the legendary former midfielder certainly fits the bill in that regard, having led Barcelona to the 2022-23 La Liga title.

Lauded as “incredible” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, the Terrassa-born manager, who prefers to implement an attacking 4-3-3 system, has won eight trophies across his managerial career, while Frank is yet to lift any silverware.

Jamie O'Hara loses it with Xavi Simons after what Tottenham star did in Fulham defeat

The summer signing was one of many underwhelming performers.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2025

As such, Xavi could be an ideal replacement for Frank, who should be on very thin ice, given that recent performances have been way below standard from an attacking point of view.

Shohei Ohtani hit his 100th home run as a member of the Dodgers on Tuesday night, and he did so in emphatic fashion. Not only was it his 100th home run for the organization, but Ohtani's hit in the third inning was the hardest-hit ball of his entire MLB career.

The solo shot to right field left the bat at a jaw-dropping speed of 120 mph, according to Statcast, which could make it not only the Ohtani's hadest home run, but also the hardest hit he's ever recorded.

Pirates rookie pitcher Bubba Chandler found himself with an early "Welcome to the big leagues" moment after Ohtani parked that ball in the seats in a flash. While walking on the mound in anticipating of his next pitch, Chandler looked as if he could barely believe the home run he'd just surrendered to the best player in baseball.

Prior to Tuesday night, Ohtani's hardest hit ever recorded was a 119.2 mph single back in 2024. Now, he's shattered that with a mammoth solo home run that left the yard at an astonishing 120 mph. In the Statcast era, only five other home runs have been hit with an exit velocity of 120 mph or greater, making Ohtani's the sixth fastest recorded in history. Only Oneil Cruz (122.9 mph), Giancarlo Stanton (121.7, 121.3 mph), Ronald Acuña Jr. (121.2 mph) and Aaron Judge (121.1 mph) have had higher exit velocities on home runs.