FOOTBALL

Wirtz Thought VAR Would Overturn Equaliser as Liverpool Settle for 2-2 at Fulham

Florian Wirtz
January 2026

Florian Wirtz said he was convinced his goal would be ruled offside after a long VAR check in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Fulham. The match swung late when Harrison Reed scored in stoppage time to deny Liverpool victory. Wirtz did not celebrate because he expected an offside call, while commentary later focused on the Premier League’s tolerance band within semi-automated offside, which can allow marginal decisions to stand. Carragher questioned how the goal was given.

Amorim Challenges Sesko Finishing After Leeds Draw as Hojlund Comparison Surfaces

Benjamin Sesko
January 2026

Ruben Amorim told Benjamin Sesko to be more clinical after United’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, describing him as a completely different striker to Rasmus Hojlund. Sesko has only two league goals and missed big chances as United dropped points in the top-four chase. Amorim said Sesko is doing many things right by getting into chances and linking play, but must improve in the final moments. He also highlighted broader attacking contributions and credited Matheus Cunha’s equaliser as part of a collective effort.

Sengun Sprains Right Ankle 1 Minute In as Rockets Also Lose P.J. Washington to Injury

Alperen Sengun
January 2026

Alperen Sengun left Houston’s 110-104 loss to Dallas after spraining his right ankle 1:04 into the game and did not return. Dallas also lost starter P.J. Washington Jr. to a sprained right ankle. Sengun landed awkwardly after a rebound and was helped off, while Houston were already without Steven Adams. Dallas ruled Washington out after the first quarter, with both teams hit early by ankle injuries in the same game.

Strachan Says Alonso and Tuchel Must Protect Bellingham From Criticism

Jude Bellingham
January 2026

Gordon Strachan defended Jude Bellingham and said both Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel need to protect him amid ongoing criticism around his behaviour for England. The midfielder has become a focal point for scrutiny at international level. Strachan echoed Ian Wright’s stance that controversy is being manufactured around Bellingham, and argued leadership from club and country must shield him while keeping standards high. The message is that the noise should not be allowed to define him.

Rice Praises Zubimendi as Arsenal Midfield Partnership Builds

Martin Zubimendi
January 2026

Declan Rice praised Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth, calling him unreal and highlighting how quickly he has adapted. Zubimendi has been an ever-present in league matches and is becoming central to Arsenal’s control. Rice credited Zubimendi’s intelligence, calmness and positioning over physical traits, saying his decision-making makes the team function better. Rice said the pair are building a strong partnership that can anchor Arsenal for the long term.

Sterling Open to Leaving London as Chelsea Exit Talks Grow

Raheem Sterling
January 2026

Raheem Sterling is open to moves beyond London as he looks to leave Chelsea after being left out of domestic and Champions League squads and training away from the first team. West Ham and Fulham remain linked, but staying in the capital is not being treated as a hard requirement. After an underwhelming Arsenal loan and no summer exit, Sterling has been sidelined with other outcasts. Reports now suggest interest is increasing and he will consider any deal that fits his personal and family conditions, not only London options.

Iraola Says Semenyo Still Bournemouth Player and Expected to Face Spurs

Antoine Semenyo
January 2026

Andoni Iraola said Antoine Semenyo is still a Bournemouth player despite reports of an agreed-in-principle move to Manchester City. He expects Semenyo to be available for the next match against Tottenham. Iraola said the club has not been told the deal is completed and will continue selecting Semenyo until that changes. He also criticised refereeing after the Arsenal loss, arguing a key free kick decision was wrong.

Rosenior Plays Down Chelsea Links After Strasbourg Draw with Nice

Liam Rosenior
January 2026

Liam Rosenior said nothing is concrete regarding Chelsea interest after Strasbourg drew 1-1 with Nice. He stated he feels valued at Strasbourg and is focusing on current duties despite ongoing speculation. Rosenior repeated that he does not know what will happen and stressed his connection with players and the club, while Chelsea continue their replacement search with an interim coach in place for immediate fixtures.

Amorim Defends United Substitutions by Pointing to Goals and Shot Volume

Ruben Amorim
January 2026

Ruben Amorim rejected claims he is too conservative, insisting Manchester United are among the most attacking teams in the league. He cited goal output and shot totals while acknowledging defensive improvement is still needed. Amorim said his substitutions are driven by fatigue, matchups, and protecting results, even if fans disagree in the moment. He pointed to United’s chance creation metrics and noted Bruno Fernandes leads the league for chances created despite missing games injured.

Arteta Calls Rice “World Class” After Brace Powers Arsenal Past Bournemouth

Declan Rice
January 2026

Declan Rice scored twice on his return from a knee issue as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. Mikel Arteta praised Rice as world class and highlighted his mentality. After an early mistake put Arsenal under pressure, Rice took control in the second half with two decisive finishes, one from open play and one from a Bukayo Saka cutback. Arteta stressed Rice pushed through fitness concerns to deliver a 96-minute performance.