FOOTBALL

Arteta vows Arsenal will fight City to the finish after title-race response

Mikel Arteta
December 2025

City briefly went top after a late Cherki winner at Forest, but Arsenal reclaimed first place by edging Brighton 2-1, with Odegaard’s early strike and a Rutter own goal enough despite Gomez pulling one back to set up a nervous finish at the Emirates. Arteta admitted feeling “hacked off” by last season’s home draw with Brighton but praised his side’s resilience despite another unconvincing display. He insisted Arsenal are ready to push City all the way, treating routine-looking games as must-win tests in a title race decided by tiny margins.

Maresca shrugs off Palmer fury after Chelsea collapse against Villa

Cole Palmer
December 2025

Palmer started and helped Chelsea into a first-half lead through Joao Pedro, but was substituted on 72 minutes for Estevao Willian at 1-1, reacting angrily as Villa completed a 2-1 comeback win via an Ollie Watkins brace. Maresca played down Palmer’s visible frustration, praising his work on and off the ball and stressing rotation ahead of another game in 48 hours. Chelsea’s failure to protect their advantage allowed Villa to claim an 11th straight win, deepening scrutiny on the Blues’ late-game management.

Grealish and Walker’s £20k Christmas blow-out ends in London strip club

Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker
December 2025

After Everton’s 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, Grealish travelled to London to meet Walker at Winter Wonderland before a lavish night out that included dinner at Bagatelle and thousands of pounds spent on drinks, ending at Platinum Lace strip club. Grealish’s group reportedly ordered “hundreds” of Jagerbombs at £14 each and ran up a £3,500 club bill before leaving at 4am, then continued drinking back at their hotel. Both players had club-sanctioned time off, with sources insisting Grealish declined lap dances and focused only on late-night drinks.

Lakers star Austin Reaves out at least four weeks with calf strain

Austin Reaves
December 2025

The Lakers have ruled Austin Reaves out for a minimum of four weeks after scans confirmed a strained gastrocnemius muscle in his left calf, an issue that previously cost him three games and now halts a career-best season in which he is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Reaves aggravated the calf after returning from an earlier strain, coming off the bench against Phoenix and then starting on Christmas versus Houston before exiting at halftime with 12 points. With a re-evaluation due late January, the Lakers must cover heavy minutes and playmaking in his absence.

Hornets rookie Knueppel exits with ankle injury in loss to Magic

Kon Knueppel
December 2025

Kon Knueppel left the Hornets’ clash with the Magic due to a right ankle injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, cutting short a promising outing in which the No. 4 overall pick had already scored a team-high 16 points for Charlotte. The rookie, averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists across his first 30 NBA games, had appeared in every contest this season before this setback. Charlotte confirmed his absence for the rest of the night, with further evaluation to determine how long he will be sidelined.

Gerrard turns down ‘perfect’ Rangers return as he waits for right job

Steven Gerrard
December 2025

Steven Gerrard has admitted he rejected what he called the “perfect” chance to return as Rangers manager, choosing instead to step back from frontline coaching after difficult spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq while he reassesses which opportunity truly fits his family and career priorities. Explaining his decision, Gerrard said he is enjoying time with family, part-time TV work and commercial engagements, and has already spoken with several clubs without feeling the right connection. He insists he is under no pressure to rush back, stressing his next move must be carefully chosen.

Kolo Muani insists Spurs squad still fully backs Thomas Frank

Randal Kolo Muani
December 2025

With Tottenham languishing in 14th after an erratic start under Thomas Frank, Kolo Muani has publicly backed his manager, stressing that the squad remains united, communicates well with the staff and is fully committed to working through this demanding period together on and off the pitch. Speaking at a club Christmas event, Kolo Muani described a positive relationship with Frank and his coaches, spoke of strong fan support and emphasised enjoyment around the club. He framed Spurs’ struggles as a shared challenge, insisting belief in the project and dressing-room trust remain intact.

McTominay weighs Premier League return after becoming Napoli’s unexpected superstar

Scott McTominay
December 2025

Since leaving Manchester United for Napoli in 2024, McTominay has transformed into a title-winning talisman, scoring 13 goals in his debut season, lifting Serie A and collecting MVP and Serie A Player of the Year honours, becoming the first Scottish winner of the award. Now 29 and treated “like a god” in Naples, McTominay is reportedly feeling the strain of constant attention and scrutiny. Linked with Spurs, Newcastle and even Barcelona, he is understood to be considering his long-term future, with a potential Premier League return no longer ruled out.

Dorgu volley crowns Man Utd as Premier League’s new set-piece kings

Patrick Dorgu
December 2025

United beat Newcastle 1-0 despite having just a third of possession, as Patrick Dorgu reacted quickest to a half-cleared set piece and lashed home a stunning 15-yard volley. The goal, his first for the club, lifted Amorim’s side up to fifth place. Amorim hailed the win as one of his best at United, praising his players’ willingness to suffer, defend deep and attack every cross. He highlighted Dorgu’s confidence and Ugarte’s revival in a slightly freer role where errors are less costly and risks are encouraged.

Guardiola prefers comfort cushion as City chase leaders Arsenal

Pep Guardiola
December 2025

Pep Guardiola says he would much prefer Manchester City to be comfortably top rather than chasing Arsenal, but insists they remain well placed across competitions, close in the league, strong in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and about to launch their FA Cup campaign. Aiming to avoid a second straight season without a league title, Guardiola urged players not to overindulge at Christmas and highlighted the difficult Forest trip, while also paying tribute to club legend John Robertson, emphasising respect for opponents even amid City’s relentless push for trophies.