FOOTBALL

Liverpool honour late Diogo Jota on what would have been his 29th birthday

Diogo Jota
December 2025

Liverpool marked what would have been Diogo Jota’s 29th birthday with an emotional tribute post, reaffirming their support for his widow Rute, his children and the family of his late brother Andre Silva after the forward’s fatal car accident in July. The club have retired Jota’s number 20 shirt, kept a permanent memorial outside Anfield and committed to honouring the rest of his contract by paying his £140,000 a week wages to his family, while fans continue to sing his song in the twentieth minute of every home match.

Newcastle target Palmeiras utility man Allan Elias as next big-money signing

Allan Elias
December 2025

Newcastle are tracking versatile Palmeiras midfielder Allan Elias, whose €100m release clause and growing influence make him a headline candidate to help the Brazilian club hit a €70m sales target from new transfers in 2026. Palmeiras have already rejected a €20m offer from Zenit and expect bids near at least €32m, while their recent record exports of Endrick, Estevão, Luis Guilherme and Vitor Reis underline Allan as the next major sale, with Newcastle monitoring him for their long term rebuild.

Trent Alexander-Arnold suffers fresh ankle concern after first La Liga assist for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold
December 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold finally recorded his first La Liga assist for Real Madrid with a raking ball that Kylian Mbappe turned into the opener, only to limp off early in the second half with an apparent ankle injury that raises new doubts over his start in Spain. After a sharp attacking display and steadier defending against Nico Williams, Alexander-Arnold went down for treatment and was replaced by Raul Asencio, leaving Xabi Alonso sweating on scans while already missing Dani Carvajal and dealing with criticism from Spanish media who had branded the former Liverpool man clueless after earlier erratic performances and a recent hamstring layoff.

Arsenal’s centre-back crisis deepens as Mosquera joins Saliba and Gabriel on injury list

William Saliba
December 2025

Arsenal extended their outstanding league start with a routine 2-0 victory over Brentford but lost stand in centre-back Cristhian Mosquera to injury before half time, adding another defensive headache on top of existing problems for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, Arteta paired new signings Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, only to see Mosquera forced off with a knock, while the manager later described Saliba’s niggle as a matter of days and Gabriel’s ankle issue as weeks, leaving the title favourites exposed in central defence during a crowded schedule.

Florian Wirtz denied first Liverpool goal by dubious own goal call

Florian Wirtz
December 2025

Liverpool needed a stroke of luck to avoid another damaging league result, drawing level when Florian Wirtz’s mis-hit shot deflected heavily off Nordi Mukiele and beat Robin Roefs, only for the Premier League’s goal accreditation panel to credit it as a Sunderland own goal. After Virgil van Dijk’s error and deflected concession left Liverpool chasing the game, Curtis Jones sparked a rare attacking surge and Wirtz slalomed through the box, but replays showed his effort was heading well wide, inviting more mockery of his output despite him being one of Liverpool’s few bright performers in a flat display.

Dani Olmo injures shoulder in Barcelona comeback win

Dani Olmo
December 2025

Barcelona’s 3-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid was overshadowed when Dani Olmo dislocated his shoulder while drilling in their second goal, crashing awkwardly as he struck from the edge of the box and needing to be substituted shortly after putting his team ahead. Olmo had already won a first half penalty that Robert Lewandowski blazed over before producing the decisive finish, but early assessments suggest he faces around four weeks out, dealing a blow to Barca’s attacking plans during a congested schedule in La Liga and Europe.

Pundit urges shock Raheem Sterling switch to Wrexham

Raheem Sterling
December 2025

Dean Saunders has floated the idea of Raheem Sterling dropping from Chelsea’s bomb squad to join Wrexham, arguing that the winger is still a top player and that the Hollywood backed Championship club could appeal to big names drawn in by the documentary. Speaking to BoyleSports, the ex Wales striker said Sterling’s Chelsea exile is baffling, suggested stars might fancy Wrexham after watching the series, but warned that the Championship is relentless and physical, with constant fixtures that Premier League veterans can struggle to handle.

Son set for emotional Tottenham Stadium farewell

Son Heung-min
December 2025

Tottenham confirmed that club legend Son Heung-min will return to north London for the Champions League tie against Slavia Prague, stepping onto the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch before kick off to address supporters and finally say a formal goodbye after his summer exit. Son, now with Los Angeles FC, said the visit will be emotional after leaving for MLS without a stadium farewell, while the club works to complete a High Road mural he helped design so his legacy is honoured when he walks back out in N17.

Controversial Newcastle penalty sparks north London fury

Newcastle
December 2025

Arsenal and Tottenham fans united in anger after VAR told referee Thomas Bramall to award Newcastle a late penalty against Spurs for Rodrigo Bentancur’s grapple with Dan Burn, which Anthony Gordon converted to give the hosts a brief 2-1 lead. Bramall initially waved play on before VAR intervened, leading to a lengthy monitor review and a changed decision that left both fanbases furious, while Gordon’s goal was later cancelled out by Cristian Romero’s stoppage time equaliser in a frantic finish.

Haaland smashes 100-goal record in City’s 5-4 thriller at Fulham

Erling Haaland
December 2025

Erling Haaland became the fastest player in history to reach 100 Premier League goals, hitting the opener in Manchester City’s wild 5-4 win at Fulham to bring up his century in just 111 matches and end a rare mini-drought in front of goal. After failing to score in three straight games, Haaland rattled the post early before finally converting a Jeremy Doku cut-back in the 17th minute, maintaining his perfect scoring record against Fulham and strengthening a platform from which he could chase the division’s all time marks.