Tag: Premier League

Richards fitness race exposes Palace depth before Spurs showdown

Chris Richards
December 2025

Richards suffered a cut foot that needed stitches against Arsenal and is now battling to be fit for Palace’s meeting with struggling Spurs, in a fixture that caps a landmark year in which Palace overachieved, lifted two trophies and climbed into the top eight. Manager Oliver Glasner expects the defender back early in the new year if Sunday arrives too soon, and without him Palace must rely on squad depth and tactical cohesion to exploit Spurs’ poor league form while preserving the resilience that has defined their 2025 rise.

Spurs captain Romero charged after bad-tempered Liverpool defeat

Cristian Romero
December 2025

Cristian Romero has been charged by the FA following his red card against Liverpool, where he was dismissed for two bookings in a chaotic match that also saw Xavi Simons sent off and Alexander Isak suffer a fractured leg after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. Simons’ studs-down challenge on Virgil van Dijk was upgraded to red by VAR, Liverpool then led through Isak and Hugo Ekitike before Romero collected yellow cards for dissent and a kick at Konate, with Van de Ven later revealing he texted Isak to apologise for the accidental injury.

United target Baleba sets sights on AFCON glory and midfield supremacy

Carlos Baleba
December 2025

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba says he wants to become the best midfielder in the world while helping Cameroon at AFCON, after emerging as an elite Premier League performer and attracting strong but ultimately unsuccessful interest from Manchester United in the last summer window. Signed to replace Moises Caicedo, Baleba impressed across his first two seasons before form dipped amid heavy transfer speculation, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler stressing the emotional impact of United’s interest and urging the 21-year-old to stay grounded, develop in Sussex and build step by step.

Chelsea boosted as Estevao and Delap cleared for Villa test

Chelsea
December 2025

Chelsea receive a major lift as Estevao and Liam Delap are passed fit to face in-form Aston Villa, with Maresca’s side aiming to extend a three-game unbeaten run after wins over Everton and Cardiff and a comeback draw away to Newcastle. With Villa arriving on a ten-game winning streak and sitting third in the table, Maresca can now call on two extra attacking options, increasing flexibility in wide and central roles as Chelsea try to match Villa’s intensity and protect their top four push.

Barcelona cool Guehi pursuit over wage demands

Marc Guehi
December 2025

Barcelona’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has stalled, with reports in Spain claiming the champions have cooled their interest after discovering his wage demands exceed what they are prepared to pay in their current financial position. Guehi, under contract until 2026 and unwilling to extend, is expected to leave Palace after a collapsed Liverpool move last summer, while Barcelona’s need for a left-sided partner to Pau Cubarsi remains, yet Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to view the package as too expensive.

Maresca plays down Chelsea move for Bournemouth star Semenyo

Enzo Maresca
December 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed reports linking his side with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, confirming the club will not pursue a January move despite his impressive Premier League form, as the Blues remain satisfied with their current attacking options ahead of Aston Villa’s visit. Semenyo has eight goals and three assists this league campaign and can be signed for £65 million via a release clause active until January 10, attracting serious interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs while Chelsea choose only to monitor future opportunities.

Van de Ven apologises to Isak after leg-break incident

Micky van de Ven
December 2025

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven revealed he privately apologised to Liverpool striker Alexander Isak after the collision that caused the Swede’s leg fracture during Liverpool’s 2-1 win in London, stressing he never intended harm and only tried to block the shot. Speaking on television, Van de Ven said he texted Isak after the match to say sorry and wish him well, describing the incident as unlucky as the striker’s standing leg became trapped between his own, and adding that Isak appreciated his message.

Chelsea step aside as Semenyo leans toward Man City switch

Antoine Semenyo
December 2025

Antoine Semenyo is now viewed as favouring Manchester City after Chelsea backed away just hours after making an initial enquiry. Bournemouth’s winger has a £65 million release clause that is only live in the opening 10 days of January, sharpening the timeline for a decision among elite Premier League suitors. Confident in their current forward stable, Chelsea will monitor the market into 2026 instead of bidding now, leaving City, Liverpool and Manchester United in a three-way race. City sporting chief Hugo Viana has held direct talks, as Semenyo weighs immediate title prospects against playing time and long-term role.

United weigh Saudi Arabia friendly to fill mid-February gap

Manchester United
December 2025

Fixture rescheduling has opened a large gap in Manchester United’s calendar between league games against West Ham and Everton, reviving plans for a money-spinning friendly in Saudi Arabia. With no European commitments this season, the club see an overseas game as useful financially and for maintaining rhythm. Moving the Everton clash to February 23 leaves almost two weeks free, but final approval depends on FA Cup progress, as a fourth-round tie on February 14 would change the picture. United will wait until after facing Brighton before deciding if travel demands and logistics justify a first-team trip.

Frank defends Van de Ven after Isak leg-break criticism

Micky van de Ven
December 2025

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank moved to defend Micky van de Ven after Arne Slot branded the defender’s tackle on Alexander Isak “reckless”. Isak scored Liverpool’s opener in north London but suffered an ankle injury with a fibula fracture in the same incident. Van de Ven’s attempt to block Florian Wirtz’s through ball left Isak’s leg trapped at an awkward angle, forcing the striker off despite walking without a stretcher. Liverpool later confirmed surgery and a long absence, while Frank argued it was a committed last-ditch challenge rather than malicious play.

1...212223...60Page 22 of 60

POPULAR ARTICLES

© 2026 All Sports · All rights reserved.