The results of the Liverpool vs Brighton provided a confident message by the team of Arne Slot when Mohamed Salah led a leading FA Cup victory at Anfield to secure a spot in the fifth round. It was also unbeaten in a 3-0 victory with a goal and an assist, Salah being the focal point in what has turned into a concerning streak of results, as Brighton remains unsuccessful in their fight. First, Liverpool needed to absorb a spirited opening of Brighton. The side of fabian Hurzeler started well but they attempted to move the ball confidently and there was some kind of silence seen among home crowd. But notwithstanding initial success, Brighton never capitalized. Alisson Becker made major saves, including the denial of Diego Gomez, but Lewis Dunk wastes a presentable opportunity at the break. In a slow manner Liverpool began forcing their rhythm. This was broken in the 42nd, when Curtis Jones, who has been right-back in his first start of the season since January, ghosted into the box to receive a delivery of Milos Kerkez, and direct the ball beyond Jason Steele. It was a reward to the increased mastery of Liverpool and a defeat to the feeble self-esteem of Brighton. Nevertheless, the pivotal moment of Liverpool vs Brighton was after the break. Within the 56 th minute, a wide group movement doubled the lead. Virgil van Dijk started the attack by a perfect pass to Cody Gakpo who intelligently passed the ball to Salah. The Egyptian dribbled Dominik Szoboszlai, who cannonaded his 10 th goal of the season with a single beautiful touch. The subversiveness of that move bore the mark of a keenness which has so far been unsuccessful in varying performances by Liverpool. The choice of Slot to play a powerful line up was a pointer of how the FA Cup was supposed to be important in involved circumstances where the ambition to win the Champions League was under more stern tests. Liverpool actually closed the match after ten minutes. Salah set off on a sensational run that was matched by him being thrown over in the penalty area by Pascal Gross. The 33-year-old came forward and fired his spot-kick in the top corner to make it his seventh goal of the season and almost certainly his biggest performance since the Africa Cup of Nations. Another defensive improvement was witnessed in Liverpool vs Brighton. The Reds picked up the second clean sheet in a row, as Alisson dominated his territory and the services of the central defensive duo of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate began the movement. The patterns of the attacking by Brighton were waning with a lack of belief. This was the moment of frustration which 17-year old Rio Ngumoha experienced when his attempt to score using a curled ball went to the net only to be disqualified as being in an offside position. Having no VAR active until the fifth round, replay only indicated that he was unlucky, and was deprived of a memorable moment of the FA Cup. The trend was known to Brighton. Poor decision making and defensive mistakes sabotaged competitive spells. Hurzeler and his side have only just two of their last 15 games. Not even a training week at the St George park after a loss in the league could stop the downward trend. There does not seem to be much confidence and a visit to Brentford is on the cards and there is mounting pressure. At last, Liverpool vs Brighton gave some confidence to the hosts. The energy of Szoboszlai, the accruing strength of Kerkez and the fresh acuity of Salah worked together to bring about a purposeful performance. It is yet to be seen that there is a complete resurgence, but there are clear indicators of improvement. In the case of Liverpool the FA Cup will be a tangible source of silver. They can continue to maintain this defensive solidity and attacking fluency and their campaign may yet bear productive fruits. In the case of Brighton, there are solutions which need to be addressed immediately so that a challenging season does not go too wayward. Player Rating D. Szoboszlai 8.47 M. Kerkez 8.10 C. Jones 8.02 Mohamed Salah 7.98 Alisson Becker 7.73 V. van Dijk 7.49 I. Konaté 7.38 A. Mac Allister 7.33 F. Wirtz 7.32 R. Ngumoha 7.31 C. Gakpo 7.02 F. Chiesa 7.01 J. Gomez 6.88 H. Ekitiké 6.82 T. Nyoni 6.72 C. Ramsay 6.67   Follow the social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Nottingham Forest sack Dyche after just 114 days in charge, plunging the club into fresh uncertainty as they hover dangerously above the Premier League relegation zone. The decision follows a goalless draw at home to bottom-placed Wolves and means Forest are now searching for their fourth permanent manager of a chaotic season. With 12 matches remaining and only three points separating them from the drop, the timing underscores the growing panic at the City Ground. First, the context makes the move even more dramatic. Sean Dyche, appointed in October on a contract running until 2027, was brought in to stabilise a side sitting 18th after one win in eight games. He replaced Ange Postecoglou, who himself lasted only 39 days following the early-season dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo. Forest’s campaign has spiralled from European ambition to relegation anxiety in the space of months. Dyche’s tenure began with a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth. However, he quickly steadied the ship, guiding Forest to four wins and a draw in the next seven matches to lift them out of the bottom three. At one stage, seven wins from his first 12 games suggested the experienced former Burnley boss had restored structure and resilience. If results since his appointment were isolated, Forest would sit mid-table. However, momentum faded. A four-match losing streak exposed lingering frailties, and although a subsequent unbeaten run  including a gritty win at West Ham and a draw against Arsenal hinted at recovery, the broader picture deteriorated. Forest have managed just two wins in their past 10 league games, and their FA Cup exit to Wrexham further eroded confidence among supporters and ownership alike. Category Record Matches Played 18 Wins 6 Draws 4 Losses 8 Goals Scored 20 Goals Conceded 23 Points 22 League Position 3 points above relegation zone Time in Charge 114 days The Wolves draw proved decisive. Forest registered 35 attempts on goal without scoring  the highest tally in any match Dyche has managed across 351 games — yet failed to secure victory. Owner Evangelos Marinakis was visibly frustrated throughout the contest. Post-match, Dyche acknowledged the volatility of modern football, admitting that if the owner chose change, “that’s the reality of it.” Statistically, Forest’s season underlines the instability. They have played 18 league matches under Dyche, winning six, drawing four and losing eight. Goals scored stand at 20, with 23 conceded, yielding 22 points. Those numbers reflect a side neither collapsing nor convincing — stuck in precarious mid-relegation form. Forest’s wider campaign adds further complexity. They finished 13th in the Europa League group stage, securing progression to the knockout rounds and setting up a tie against Fenerbahce. Yet domestic cup exits  first to Swansea in the EFL Cup and then to Wrexham in the FA Cup  compounded frustration. After finishing seventh last season and spending heavily in the transfer market, expectations were far higher than a relegation scrap. The managerial churn has become the defining feature of Forest’s year. Nuno’s fallout with ownership, Postecoglou’s stylistic mismatch, and now Dyche’s dismissal point toward deeper structural turbulence. Former players and pundits expressed disbelief at the decision. Alan Shearer publicly backed Dyche’s experience in relegation battles, while Danny Murphy argued few managers were better equipped for such a fight. Finally, the bigger concern is what comes next. Changing managers four times in a single Premier League season would mark unprecedented instability. With Leeds and West Ham improving below them, Forest cannot afford prolonged transition. The dressing room must adapt again, and quickly. Nottingham Forest sack Dyche in pursuit of immediate results, but whether this gamble prevents relegation or accelerates decline remains uncertain. With European fixtures looming and survival at stake, the club faces a defining final stretch. Stability, rather than another dramatic reset, may yet prove the missing ingredient. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Chelsea vs Leeds United became a frustrating night at Stamford Bridge as the blues squandered an imposing two goal lead and lost a golden chance of beating into the top four of the premier league. What appeared to have been a conventional win under Liam Rosenior soon were transformed to a perilous 2-2 draw, revealing the same defensive lapses and new doubts about whether or not Chelsea was capable of handling games. First, Chelsea herself seemed to be on top of the world. Joao Pedro gave the goal with a dinked shot over Karl Darlow following a through pass by Cole Palmer, continuing the style of yet another seemingly confident performance at home. The hosts enjoyed the advantage in the area of possession and speed, determining the speed and Leeds was unable to pose a significant threat in any form of attack. Then Palmer increased the points gained due to the penalty position because Joao Pedro was fumbled over awkwardly by Jaka Bijol and the Stamford Bridge began to celebrate. At that point, Leeds United vs Chelsea, the match seemed resolved. Leeds had not yet even received a single shot on target and Chelsea were passing the ball with coolness. The margins in football however started reversing the tide. Tidiness started to creep in, the electricity imparted by the opening hour of Chelsea started to dissipate slowly. The wrongly timed attempt of Moises Cacedo on Jayden Bogle gave Leeds a chance. Lukas Nmecha put the resultant penalty home with a conviction and all of a sudden hope plasma flowed through the visitors. What was a restrained Chelsea performance was turned into a nerved affair. The equaliser, however, was quite self-imposed. The ball flying above the top should have been easily caught and cleared, but the indecisive and confused reaction of Josh Acheampong, Malo Gusto and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez enabled chaos to ensue. The ball bounced about in a very dangerous position and then dropped happily into the hands of Noah Okafor who was calmly tapping into a vacant net. Within several minutes the match Chelsea vs Leeds United changed its fate to domination to disaster. The frustration of Rosenior was also seen following the match. His admiration about the quality of football in the spells notwithstanding, he confessed that he found himself losing track after the 90 minutes are over. Failures by the team to seal games have become a new norm even in the otherwise promising tenure of the new management of Chelsea. Chelsea through the setback still had chances towards the end of the game. Joao Pedro was punching the crossbar with a great header, and, in the extra time, Palmer was in an opportunity to re-take lead. The England forward somehow burnt a close proximity through demand at point-blank range after practiced neat build-up play, between Pedro Neto and Caicedo. An error that totted up the evening it was control without conviction at the critical moment. In the meantime, Leeds should be praised in terms of their resilience in the game of Chelsea vs Leeds United. The team led by Daniel Farke had very much revoked an offensive drive throughout the game, and they did not like to lose. The tactical brilliance did not form the foundation of their comeback but instead perseverance and belief. This is a gritty point that Farke has transformed Leeds into a competitive outfit in the Premier League. The outcome makes Chelsea remain in the fifth place, not to be able to use the missed points of rivals. To a side that wants to achieve their goals of acquiring qualification to the Champions League, this is the season that is characterized by such moments. Leeds, however top Tottenham into 15th and are six points above the relegation area, which gives them more strength in their quest to survive. Lastly, the margin between Elite and Elite as seen in the match between Chelsea vs Leeds United. Chelsea was fluent in attack and technically superior, but their lead was negated by defensive lapses. Unless Rosenior and his men are serious of the idea of returning to champions leagues, they need to be consistent throughout the match and not only in the dominating spells. The ability is there, but what it is lacking is game management. Now, Chelsea will have to swiftly get back on their feet. As important matches loom, maintaining defensive discipline and withstanding focus may be the distinction between qualifying to Europe and one more season of what-ifs. Team Player Rating Chelsea Cole Palmer 5.50 Chelsea Joao Pedro 5.43 Chelsea Andrey Santos 4.79 Chelsea Estevao 4.77 Chelsea Pedro Neto 4.64 Chelsea Enzo Fernandez 4.55 Chelsea Marc Cucurella 4.52 Chelsea Robert Sanchez 4.44 Chelsea Trevoh Chalobah 4.41 Chelsea Moises Caicedo 4.19 Chelsea Josh Acheampong 4.15 Chelsea Malo Gusto 4.15 Chelsea Jorrel Hato 4.14 Chelsea Wesley Fofana 4.07 Chelsea Liam Delap 3.77 Leeds United Noah Okafor 7.82   Follow the social media channels : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

The Liverpool Late Goals Problem has been so slowly consuming their season as a season of good things spoilt has become the bane of their season and the home of late regrets instead of fortresses. What used to make Liverpool feared, that they could complete so well, has actually become their weakness, and they can find the solutions at least to the period. At the start of the campaign there was a flow of optimism through Kirkby. The walls of the training ground had images of dramatic later winners as a reminder of faith, persistence and forward impetus. The late opener from Federico Chiesa when basing Bournemouth, the stoppage-time goal by Mohamed Salah and the thunderous free-kick of Dominik Szoboszlai were a symbol of a team that did not fade. Those were, however the only flashes of success that were breaking through the crust, and which would grow larger as the season wore on. To begin with, the warning information appeared in the language one understood. This was seen in the other games when the control was lost in the late stages, and Virgil van Dijk called Liverpool as being sloppy. That word repeated several times not only spoken by the captain but by teammates who felt that it was the same pattern. The concentration declined beyond the one hour mark, discipline declined in the tactics as well as in the energy levels during matches when Liverpool should have been battling comfortably. Nevertheless, it is caused by more than just concentration. Arne Slot came into office with one speech in mind: to modernize or revamp physical output in Liverpool without causing burnouts among the players. The length of training sessions increased, but were less vigorous, work loads were customised and the pressuring nature of Jurgen Klopp was scaled back. The strategy proved to be flawless last season, resulting in a title with less than five injuries. This season however the situation has changed. The tactical approach of Liverpool was to first play numbers forward in order to destroy low blocks and this created open space during transition. The opponents adapted fast and they made use of direct play, long balls and counter-attacks. The relentless physical attributes of the premier league revealed the weakness of Liverpool and they had to undergo rapid successive sprints and duels which became draining towards the end of matches. The margin of error diminished as the number of injuries grew. The bench was no longer a source of good game-changers and exhaustion became a physical manifestation instead of being something hypothetical. Liverpool was not a team that had the legs and the composure to seal matches in crucial times. Manchester City had the capacity to bring dangerous attack elements at the end, but Slot was often restrained, with little choice than to make a reactive replacement instead of a proactive one. Reaching its most destructive stage, the Liverpool late goals problem occurred at the point where outcomes started to reverse. Liverpool was once the artisans of injury-time drama but instead they are the architecture a bad side of history. The team has already yielded more injury time victorsies in this season than any other team in a single season in the premier league. Games which ended up in a celebration are now ending up in disbelief. Alisson, one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the modern day, has not been spared by the trend. Mistakes that previously would have been singled out situations are now make-or-buy situations and this adds to the story that Liverpool is incapable of holding on. According to Van Dijk himself, every late goal is different, yet the result is always identical lost points. The damage is determined to be harsh statistically. No other side has lost more points through goals scored in the last ten minutes than Liverpool. The mere loss of points would put them squarely on the top 4 conversation. On the contrary, they are outside it, powerless and pursuing; not making their own. Lastly, there is the psychological change which is arguably the most worrisome. The previous setback made Slot admit that he is almost getting used to conceding late goals. Such a confession highlights the difficulty in the future. There comes the seasons of good or bad habits, and the habit of Liverpool has turned against it. The irony is stark. None of the clubs that have ever existed in the history of the Premier League has been riding on the winners at the late hours as Liverpool does. But now, the very minutes are treachery on them. Photos on the walls of the training ground are no longer growing, they got replaced by frustration and questions without answers. Most problematic aspects of the Liverpool late goals issue are not necessarily a matter of fitness, tactics or injuries. The crash of the three is the collision which is multiplied by hunches and history. It must be soon, scored, however, till Liverpool in case they are to save their season, it must be today, since in this league the moment is everything. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

It is like the phrase Eddie Howe under pressure currently clings to St James Park giving all the effect of an uncomfortable burden with each missed chance and each subsequent failure. What had started as a night of belief and noise turned into frustration and boos, just like Newcastle United was not able to turn the tide into points and lost to a crippling 2-3 to Brentford. The theme that had everything to do with under pressure was Eddie Howe, who clearly turned to a late penalty in order to draw a 2-2 match. The scream of the audience was like a turning point. The players of Newcastle jumped to the restart with the urgency painted all over their body language, Sandro Tonali took the ball as we know, and Guimaraes rushed forward his team. There was a moment when it seemed that St James Park was soon to be the scene of one of those legendary comebacks which have characterized the tenure of Howe. But faith was soon destroyed in infidelity. Foremost, the conclusion weaknesses of defense by Newcastle were again manifested. Within minutes of the goal having been drawn, bad organisation and slowness meant that Dango Ouattara could hit Brentford to her silence, proving that all the ills befalling the Magpies have been the same. Before the equaliser had resolved, Newcastle were after us again, their morale shaken and their organization disorganised. That was a conclusion to the reasons why the Eddie Howe under pressure is no longer an issue limited to the phone-ins or social media. When the final whistle was blown frustration erupted. There was booing and one of the supporters even stormed to and challenged the dugout demanding answers. Newcastle are currently 12 th in the premier league which is a big contrast of where they used to be just a short time back. To win eight games out of all competitions are the bitter pills and Howe himself did little to spread the blame. Instead, he leaned into it. Howe was admittedly not doing his job well enough at the moment, and he looked downbeat. By his own admission, Eddie Howe under pressure is not concerned with external noise but rather the in-house standards. He talked about the excessive pressure he puts on himself and his athletes, and a result is not performing as it should. His sincerity was effective and it marked the gravity of the decline of Newcastle. However, context matters. Howe has suffered black periods. At the time of his arrival in 2021, Newcastle were reeling in relegation and initial performance was dismal. They nearly even humiliated FC out of the FA Cup to Cambridge United. Back then patience paid off. Howe not only turned the club around but also turned it into a museum, under his leadership the club regained its position in the world; the club lost trophies for decades but Howe also brought the much anticipated Champions League football. That history is the reason why Eddie Howe under pressure is not a crisis on the inside yet. Older players are also grouping. The player who was bypassed in all three Brentford goals was Kieran Trippier and he was categorical in his defence to the manager. He has owned up to his errors with no one hinting that the responsibility should fall on the door of Howe. The oneness is also one of the most powerful assets of the manager when performance declines. However, the enrollments are frightening. The number of points being lost by Newcastle at the winning positions has been more than any other team in the Premier League this season. They have only three away wins in every competition and have also lost three of their last four at home. They are too near the relegation zone as well as too far to the top five. In that regard, Eddie Howe under pressure is something that cannot be avoided but is clearly speculative. Out of the field, the structure of the club goes on preaching long-term vision. David Hopkinson, the chief executive, has tripled the plans of having the largest rewards by 2030, and harmony on the inside is high. The fact that it is a transitional period with the problems of injuries, weariness and pressures of European football is accepted. However, patience will run out and it will happen when performances present identical failures. At last the burden is on solutions. Howe has addressed the topics of honesty, self-reflection, and returning to the best levels. He knows time is not infinite. Eddie Howe when rushing will only continue to do so until Newcastle must exude defensive resilience, game management, and belief that runs beyond a few minutes. Finally, the article under consideration Eddie Howe under pressure is a decent evaluation of the existing situation at Newcastle, yet it is not deemed yet. Credit is still being given to him based on his track record backing by his players and the trust of the institutions. The next will determine whether this will be remembered as a downturn or the era of even greater reckoning. The appeal is obvious Newcastle needs to act fast, as you can no longer believe without actions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

Manchester United 4 in a row was the headline at Old Trafford as the Michael Carrick led side kept up their unrealistic rise with a calm win in over Tottenham, a game that also saw quality football, tactical excellence and a decisive red card that left the whole balance gone in favour of United. Since the very first words spoken, Manchester United appeared more relaxed, more organized and more assured than a Spurs team who already had an inferiority complex due to a bad streak of performances. On the one hand, the control of the middle line was created by United, where the tempo was set by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo and Tottenham had to make rushed decisions. There was a sense of faith and not apprehension inside Old Trafford and this was a significant change to months of uncertainty at the beginning of the season. At this point the breakthrough came in the 38 th minute and this was a goal which underscored the rising influence of Carrick. The creativity of a corner cut helped the ball cut back in an unsafe position and find Fernandes and Mainoo passing each other eventually giving the ball back to the young striker. Bryan Mbeumo put a brilliant finish applying the ball to pass into the helpless goalkeeper and then setting Old Trafford into euphoria. It was not merely an objective, but the signs of readiness and confidence, which are symptoms of a team that is starting to believe in itself once again. Nevertheless, the turning point of the match came prior to the half-time and turned the situation decisively in favour of the United. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who is already facing a reputation-draining accusation in the eyes of the public with his remarks on the hierarchy in his club, threw himself into a challenge on Casemiro recklessly. The Brazilian was caught by the tackle above the ankle and referee Michael Oliver had the only option of issuing a straight red card. The cry of protest by Spurs was short and half-forced and the fact soon settled down upon them: their leader had thrown them out on their own once again. In their line, with numerical superiority, the mature and not the reckless playing was characteristic of the case with United after the break. Nevertheless, it was not a match that was grounded on mere time keeping. As Carrick encouraged his team they did not give up and persisted with attacking, retaining the ball and still with exploitation of the defensive confusion by Tottenham. The trembling, yet strong Casemiro held the middle ground with apparent shyness, and the coolness of Mainoo, who control through the narrowest openings, matched his youth. To their credit, Tottenham tried to remain compact and hope to get some moments on the counter, yet their work was getting harder and harder. At last, the decisive second goal came late in the play when Diogo Dalot provided an inswinging cross on the right side of the field which was dangerous. Fernandes executed the play to perfection and chipped the ball into the far post to seal the game as well as the fourth victory of the league championship by Manchester United. To Carrick, three points are not a big deal relating to Manchester United 4 on the trot. It was a fourth consecutive win of the league in a commanding style with balance and cohesiveness, which had been missing to a large extent during the season. Standing chants were indicative of an increasing confidence behind the interim manager, whose more relaxed approach to leadership and ability to well comprehend the culture of the club is permeating among fans. In the meantime, the ills of Tottenham keep on increasing. The second red card of the season that Romero received begs a very important question of his temper and ability to be captain at a time where the team is already strained by the number of injuries. These are seven games without victory in the Premier League, where the Spurs have earned only four points, and now the risk of dropping into the relegation debate is quite high, which would have been inconceivable a few months ago. To former players and pundits, Romero did not take long to be castigated in terms of his behaviour being representative of the greater fail of Tottenham lack of discipline and composure. The loss of a captain in four matches including a more important north London derby will only worsen their situation. This, together with the possibility of lacking critical defenders, implies that the future of Tottenham is not very promising unless some radical changes are implemented. Lastly, the wider story is that of Manchester United. Four consecutive wins have seen them securely inside the top-four discussion and confidence is back with both the players and the fans. Football is a good thing, is good, but it is deliberate, coherent and more effective. This course of action can soon turn into something more meaningful, should this trend persist and eventually Manchester United 4 in a row may become more than that as the season enters its defining parts. Old Trafford is smiling once more, and United led by Carrick is providing its fans with the real cause to believe that lighter times might, perhaps, be coming back. Player ratings table Player Team Rating Bruno Fernandes Manchester United 8.31 Bryan Mbeumo Manchester United 7.97 Casemiro Manchester United 7.77 Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United 7.76 Diogo Dalot Manchester United 7.14 Cristian Romero Tottenham 5.20 Destiny Udogie Tottenham 6.10   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Pep Guardiola Jokes About Man City Net Spend signified a rogue yet sharp press conference moment as Pep Guardiola employed humour and hard figures to challenge the established story of the spending power at Manchester City. Although City topped the January transfer window in gross outlay once again, Guardiola was now eager to point out that, in the long-term, the financial model of the club appears much more dignified than critics often presume. Guardiola Man City net spend joke was a consideration by the City manager of how his team has fared over the last five years in relation to net spend compared to the rest of the premier league as the manager stated through anger that his club has had to make do with just a 7th place position in net spend over the last five years. With a smiling face, Guardiola replied that he was somewhat sad and upset that the City had not spent more in total, and joked that he would have preferred them to be first on the list, instead of the sixth among the competitors. The irony was masterfully used at just the right time because it was used to point to a larger aspect regarding how City conduct transfers in the market. On one hand, Guardiola was not hesitant to glorify the sporting structure of the club. He attributed this to the current outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain and his successor Hugo, Viana, for keeping the balance between recruitment and sales. The January spree of City that saw the arrival of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi at a combined fee of about PS84m is the same track that the club had followed the previous year and spent nearly PS180m in the process. But Guardiola emphasised that such headline figures often give only half the story. The Rationale behind Guardiola Man City net spend joke was based upon the Transfermarkt data stating that City have made around PS550m in player sales in the past five years. This income has gone a long way to countercurb their spending with their net spend being approximately PS396m. Where the financial fair play and sustainability regulations are a subject to review at any given time, Guardiola stated than such are not views but facts. He even joked that it is the six clubs above City on the net spend rankings, which should, according to that logic, be the ones take the preeminence in domestic and European trophies. But the remarks of Guardiola were not merely sarcastic. They were indicative of a larger fact concerning the development of Manchester City. Although this club indeed did spend way much money in the initial years of his leadership, recent seasons have been characterized by a change towards making smarter decisions when it comes to managing the squads. The only deal that city have ever hit the PS100m mark was when Jack Grealish was signed back in 2022 and the club has been concentrating on developing talent and selling them at the right time. The joke about Guardiola Man City net spend is yet another joke that highlighted the success of the club in commercising on its success academy. Since 2020 City have realized over PS250m as a result of academy graduates alone, a figure that supports the argument that player development has become an essential part of their model. The exits of high profile players like Julian Alvarez joining Atletiko Madrid in 2024 at 81.5m and the 50m sale of Raheem sterling to Chelsea enhanced the balance sheet of City. In the meantime, Guardiola admitted that the previous season could be described as something strange in the perspective of City. The club was not able to achieve a major trophy, which is a rare occurrence since they have captured six out of nine Premier League titles. However, he appeared to be calm about the whole situation, which suggests that one of the key drivers behind the continued success of City has been its financial efficiency and not profligacy. Guardiola says that it is not the one that spends the most but how they use it in a clever manner. Lastly, Guardiola Man City net spend joke was a little humiliation at the footballing community at large. The way Guardiola has presented the figures to someone was inviting people to challenge the lax notion of City buying success. The light element of his sound hardly concealed the fact that his message was no more about transfer splurges than it was about sustainability, and sales, and long-term planning. With the Premier League discussing the amount of money allocated, and the fairness of finances, the words of Guardiola might well be echoed worldwide outside of Manchester. To the City fans the lesson is now evident their club is competitive not due to it spending the much money, but because it spends, sells and plans more efficiently than most. Club Net Spend (£m) Manchester United 675 Arsenal 663 Chelsea 651 Tottenham 574 Newcastle 424 Liverpool 420 Manchester City 396   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Fulham reject Everton approach for Harry Wilson because the London club have made a firm line in the transfer race in January in one of the most influential midfielders in their squad and which indicated to them that their project under Marco Silva was not only to the rest of the season but also long term. Fulham turn down Everton deal on Harry Wilson at a time when transparency in the contracts, leader-ship, and more importantly squad-based continuity has gained greater significance in the premier league. Everton approached the 28-year old Wales international last week with hopes of taking the advantage of the fact that Wilson is contractually out of contract at season end. But, Fulham, who have no view to dilute their squad midway through a campaign which before long retains a considerable ambition, speedily brushed aside that interest. To begin with, the rejection is an indication of short-term priorities of Fulham. Although Wilson has a contractual matter, the club is still adamant that they are not selling Wilson in January. The internal position of the squad stability being more important than any short-term financial or strategic aspects has been reinforced by head coach Marco Silva saying there is no possibility of Wilson leaving the club during the winter window. To a Fulham team that have been attempting to cement their existence in the Premier League, and who may be interested in challenging to finish as high in their standing as possible, losing a creative pivot would be an intolerable risk. The situation is however quite multi-layered and not so straight forward. Wilson has several months to run on the contract at the expiry of the summer thus Fulham risks losing him without a new contract. Discussions on extension were being made all season and as disclosed above talks are frozen at present. This is because of two reasons external transfer interest and internal uncertainty. Everton is not the only team that tries to do so and the camp of Wilson understands that his profile and experience combined with productivity make him a desirable target of various teams playing in the Premier League. One reason as to why Fulham has turned down an approach of the Everton based on Harry Wilson is due to the value the midfielder brings to the pitch. Wilson has become one of the most consistent workers in the club since he came first on loan with Liverpool in July 2021. In 173 matches in all competitions, he has assisted and scored a total of 34 and 43 goals and this fact helps to emphasis not only his creativity but his end product. Regardless of whether it is in more conservative wide attacking positions or in more central attacking positions, Wilson has played the key role of bringing Fulham the attacking rhythm, providing intelligence between the lines, set piece delivery and creating the ability to impact big moments. In the meantime, the fact that Wilson is sought after by Everton is a testimonial to his position in the league. The Merseyside club are seeking to bring experience, calm and creativity to their middle ground especially as they keep struggling to sail through an era of financial limit and smartness in recruiting. The existence of player of such caliber as Wilson offered on free transfer in summer is an attractive offer. That situation gives a reason as to why the Fulham was always prone to pressure by the rivals even though a deal in January may have never been within the realms of reality. The other major determinant that will make things difficult is the own future of Marco Silva. Similar to Wilson, Silva is a free agent after the season and his case is actively pursued by teams both in the country and other local ones. It is known that Wilson would rather see more action of what is planned by Silva before he can commit himself to a new deal. The player coach relationship has been good with Wilson getting a specific role and being trusted by his coach, Silva. Any doubt about leadership is naturally creative towards a decision-making of a player in the long run. On the side of Fulham, this forms a fine balancing act. They need to maintain their short-term competitive interests, on the one hand, which is to retain Wilson at Craven Cottage till the end of the season. On the other, they know that the more they put off the clarity of contracts the higher the chances that he will lose out altogether. Nevertheless, Fulham have optimism that by staying at the same environment and showing interest on the field, the club will go a notch higher in negotiation as the season continues. Lastly, Fulham turn down the offer of Everton Harry Wilson because it is a statement of interest, but not a defiance. It is indicative of a club that is going to seize its story, rebuff reactive decision-making, and concentrate more on the footballing goals than the transfer-market clatter. In the case of Wilson, the next few months will be critical because he has to consider being loyal, taking an opportunity and being stable. The case of Fulham is that they need to turn their firm position to a long-term guarantee that one of the vital figures will stay on their future and not an opportunity missed. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Benjamin Sesko Winner at the end of the 90 minutes (stoppage time) served to characterize a night of anarchy, controversy and faith at Old Trafford with Manchester United defeating Fulham 3-2 in a chaotic relation showstopper of a Premier League match at Old Trafford to make it three in a row under the care of Michael Carrick. Against a backdrop of back and forth in the final moments, one of the old tricks once more came back to United, as Sesko delivered a moment of decisive action in sending the home fans into the ecstasy, and catapulting the club into the top four. Benjamin Sesko stoppage-time goal was virtually unavoidable when it was announced that the game had nine minutes of added time but not many would have guessed that the game would get to where it did so quickly. And at first glance United looked so dominant. Thereafter, Fulham warned of stealing the outcome. Sesko calmly and ultimately put the situation in perspective, however and it was worthy of the raising he was giving to his side of the world that he brought it all to a close in a way that was finished and elegant and full of composure. United started with control and perseverance as they determined pace and drove Fulham back. Casemiro, who is becoming stronger as a player in the midfield, introduced the ambiance with his placement and game comprehension. Prior to the period, the pressure of United prevailed in the dramatic sense. The spot was marked by a referee John Brooks at first after Matheus Cunha was fouled by Jorge Cuenca, but VAR reversed it when the replay showed that the point of contact was slightly outside the area. But the drubbing stopped Fulham but briefly. Bruno Fernandes swung the resultant free-kick out to the far post and Casemiro rose higher than his opponent, to head home giving United a justifiable lead. Following the break, it seemed that United has made the stranglehold tighter. Casemiro became provider, in the Fulham defence putting a pass on the head of Cunha, who smashed his finish past a goalkeeper with conviction. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was that of an easy night out at 2-0 and the presence of a relaxing Carrick on the touch line was at best a sign of a manager who was gaining confidence with each week. But the game could not be followed according to a simple script. Persevering and organized, Fulham rejuvenated and VAR was a centre of interest once more. One of the goals by the visiting team was disallowed by a long check which caused frustration among the players and fans and was considered by visible anger of the manager of the team, Marco Silva. It brought that feeling of injustice that appeared to energise the visitors. Fulham was given a chance by Raul Jimenez, five minutes to go. Once Harry Maguire had fallened him, the striker was so long with his penalty that he kept delaying his run-up to the extent that he broke the ball into the roof of the net. This objective added faith to Fulham and stress to Old Trafford. The mood changed when the nine minutes of injury time were shown. Fulham took advantage and it seemed Kevin had done a spectacular comeback by flying a shot to a top corner. Before long, United lost its two-goal lead and the specters of failure of the past were looming large. However, this United team portrayed a new frame of mind by Carrick. Benjamin Sesko stoppage-time winner came as a message of strong will and clarity during crisis. Towards the end of added time, Bruno Fernandes sent a pass to Sesko in a measured ball. The forward took possession of the ball and, spotting there no opposition, turned sharply in the goal and as Fulham defenders were slow in closing him down, threw a fierce shot at the top corner. It was a goal to take winning any game not to mention that it was an emotionally charged game. It was a party that was loud, both in the stadium and the bleachers. Playing Old Trafford favourite Carrick, experiencing the adulation of the approving fans took the plunge into the accolades. This was amazing since Ruben Amorim, in his capacity as a manager in United, had managed to win three consecutive matches in 36 games in the Premier League. Carrick has achieved it in only three, the statistic that is used to emphasize the influence of his initial tenure. Other than the Headline moment, there were other outstanding performances. Casemiro was the best with a goal and assist and dictating the middlefield fights. Cunha was full of dynamism and straight forwardness and on occasions, Fernandes remained decisive with his creativity in critical situations. Sesko, in his turn, showed the composure and professional advantage which United have not shown in recent years. To Fulham the loss was sadistic. They can take pride in their resilience and ability to upsurge, and it will be through faults in the defense and timestamps that Silva will regret. There are also questions raised about the transfer policy of the club and recent transfers are still getting used to the beds and it seems to me that stalling in business will cost them in the European race. Lastly, the general lesson of this visit cannot be missed. Benjamin Sesko stoppage-time goal was not a simple goal, in itself, but a representation of momentum, faith and recovered identity. In the case of Manchester United, it became another move in the right direction with Michael Carrick. It was a bitter lesson to Fulham of how fine the margins are. And to the Premier League it was the second reason to remember that, where the clock continues to keep ticking at Old Trafford, drama will never be at a great distance. 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Hugo Ekitike turned into the plot of the story at Anfield, the French shooting a venous message of what Newcastle United lost, which made Liverpool win by four goals and in the process the first time since 2026 they won the match in the Premier League. It was one evening that Ekitike transformed the aggravated to a jubilation on the part of the home team as Newcastle traveled home to contemplate a commonplace feeling of regret. Hugo Ekitike Liverpool Newcastle had already been a protracted transfer speculation before it could ever headline as a winner. Newcastle pursued the forward on three transfer windows, and considered him the man who would take their project to the next level. Rather, Liverpool triumphed in the summer race last year and at the lively Anfield, Ekitike had his previous suitors pay the price. First, he showed composure. Then, he showed ruthlessness. And last but certainly not the least, he demonstrated why he is regarded by Liverpool as the backbone of their future on attack. It was not a good beginning of the evening at Liverpool. Newcastle came out with a lot of confidence and clarity and Anthony Gordon shut down the crowd with the amazing opener. Slitting to the inside and bringing it to the finish with belief Gordon was dreaming briefly that Newcastle would win their long awaited league victory at Anfield, that they have not done since 1994. Temporarily, the tactical trick of Eddie Howe seemed to be inspired as Gordon was in the lead line and Liverpool could not gain control. The energy in elite football is however short lived and Liverpool retaliated with quickness and force. Hugo Ekitike Liverpool Newcastle came to the fore right after half-time and the game was changed in two ray of destruction. First, Florian Wirtz ran past a group of defenders and his strong control created a small path. His cut-back caught Ekitike who scored first score at the near post as instinctively as a striker with confidence. When Newcastle barely even had time to draw a gun, the second stroke fell. Milos Kerkez broke down the left and threw a low pass to the stride of Ekitike. The Frenchman pulled into the box, had his spine on it, and shot below Nick Pope. Liverpool were ahead in an instant, Anfield was shaking and Newcastle were flailing. The inevitable that usually characterizes Liverpool back at home was back. Since the retreat, Newcastle tried to regain his footing. Alisson was summoned to block Harvey Barnes and he had previously hit the woodwork in the previous half. Yet, the pattern was clear. Liverpool were smarter, faster, and significantly more business-like. Even without managing to score Mohamed Salah, who was already influential rolled an intelligent pass into the position of Wirtz, who took his time sweeping home the third goal to practically end the game. The last night chapter was very emotional. Ibrahima Konate became the first player to score a fourth goal after Pope made a rare mistake in his first match back to the club following a period of compassionate leave to mourn the death of his father. The stands were also celebrating with a roar of support when he shed tears at Culmeier of celebrating the win and it underlined the extent to which the win was important to Liverpool following a five-game league winless streak. The post match discussion was also framed by Hugo Ekitike Liverpool Newcastle. Without the wounded Alexander Isak, Ekitike was in the lead and took away the limelight. He had been described by Eddie Howe prior to the kick-off as a huge talent who moves intelligently and has the capability to score with both feet. Those lines were prophetic. Ekitike not only did the job but he also gave Liverpool the quality of leadership and edge that Liverpool have been used to with their best strikers. His influence keeps on increasing statistically. Erling Haaland has scored more goals in all matches of a Premier League team since he first appeared in the Liverpool team in August. The latter is the reason behind the standing ovation he got when replacing him and has to do with why the recruitment department of Liverpool went to great lengths to seal a deal with him. This was a sobering night to Newcastle. The strategy was good and the opening of Gordon giving the impression of belief. Defensive lapses were however expensive. Ekitike was beaten by too many players the first time, the second time his positioning was poor and therefore he was left unprotected, on the third occasion Wirtz was not marked and the fourth mistake by Pope was the icing of a bitter cake. These are the along withs that determine success and failure on the top level. Lastly, the outcome places Liverpool back on their feet and with hope on Arne Slot, whereas Newcastle fall to 10 th and the long-awaited victory at Anfield. The larger lesson is unambiguous. Hugo Ekitike Liverpool Newcastle is not even a transfer what-if anymore, but it is a decisive fact. Liverpool have their super striker Newcastle their disappointments and the premier league another super star taking fun in the limelight. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

There are hardly any Dominic Calvert-Lewin comeback stories of the same intimate and difficult nature as this one. Calvert-Lewin has used just under a year back to regain his career at Leeds United after walking out of Everton in a cloud of uncertainty, frustration due to injuries and a lack of confidence, Calvert-Lewin has become, in fact, more than he was before, which is to be a goalscorer, and he is showing confidence as well. What used to look like a gamble to Leeds has in no short time time turned into one of the most intriguing revival stories in English football, and the striker is now making a case to get back onto possible England and even 2026 World Cup conversations. Risk and doubt have heralded Dominic Calvert-Lewin comeback. The striker left the club as a free agent nine years after joining the Mersey-side club in the summer of 2005, with the burden of an injury-ravaged final season which resulted in three goals in his final season. This was a record that surprised the whole league by a 28-year old forward. But Leeds, in the hands of Daniel Farke, found where other hesitans would have found loitering. His last six matches bearing seven goals have already earned him that confession and have transformed scepticism into admiration almost overnight. To begin with, the environment was changed decisively. Calvert-Lewin confessed that leaving Everton was like writing an end of his life other than a decision concerning football. Instead, he was now a senior professional in the Goodison Park where he had become since becoming a teenager, and a reset was unavoidable due to the stagnation of injuries. Leeds was his new beginning and upon the initial meeting with Farke, the striker felt no misalignment. The clarity, empathy and long-term perspective of the manager were the reassurance Calvert-Lewin required at a point in his career where he was weak. The renewal has not, however, been only tactical and physical. It has been highly psychological. Such belief of Farke was central and Calvert-Lewin explained the way the German coach built a balance between the tactical needs and the care. He said that human affiliation enabled him to assimilate orders, have faith to the process and pay attention to performance as opposed to dread. That emotional poise has paid off as confidence within the penalty-area in a league that is characterized by a high degree of fine margins. Dominic Calvert-Lewin comeback is impressive, statistically. He has scored nine goals already in the Premier League, surpassing a number of high profiled players who have joined the club at a big transfer fee. More to the point, he is approaching his career-high of 16 goals of the 2020 season. That campaign now appears an outlier, though his present physique hints at it being his real standard in competition, when he was in shape, at ease, and confidence. But this revival cannot be deemed out of place without the misfortune of the precedence. Calvert-Lewin is not afraid of mentioning that injuries halted his progress at Everton. Rather, he has placed those years in a context as being formative. In a season and period when a top level striker is supposed to provide 20 goals a season, he admits how impractical that speculation can be in the premier league. Harm caused rhythm disruption, confidence and continuity, yet resilience was made. The fact that he insisted on keeping on a positive mind mind even when lean times were in his life now forms the foundation of his career success at Leeds. That strength was put to the test again during the summer before signing with Leeds. It was the first time in his career that Calvert-Lewin realized life as a free agent. Although one of the most convenient aspects of the system was the fact that no transfer fee was required, the situation was even less comfortable. Decisions in clubs took longer, since it could afford doing so. It required humility and patience as 40-50 million transactions were being done and his own future was unknown. Most significantly, he did not allow ego to dictate against belief because he believed that a good opportunity would present itself sooner or later. At last, that opinion is growing outside club football. The Dominic Calvert-Lewin comeback has opened back the England contention, which seemed far far away just several months ago. Although he did not play in the national team since 2021 in a row, he did not give up the thought of rejoining. He is honest regarding silent time in past summer as he is restlessly pushing his daughter into a swing and still unemployed, but remains certain that his tale is unfinished. Everything can change, he thinks, with momentum, timing and circumstance. The next matches of England with Uruguay and Japan are significant, and Thomas Tuchel is ready to determine his team to the 2026 world championship. Calvert-Lewin is a realistic author, as he realizes how competition among the English forwards is high and the matches yet to be won. Still, the ambition is clear. Wearing England shirt on the world-largest stage in football would be the ultimate experience to him. To sum up, Dominic Calvert-Lewin comeback is not just as far as a advisory of goals or tables of forms. It is a lesson on how faith, patience and the right place can turn around a career that had appeared to be dying. In the middle of the current season, his story is inspirational and cautionary: not putting money on a proven striker too soon is an expensive lesson. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Fulham sign Oscar Bobb that serves as a statement about the increasing ambitions and long term strategising of the club, finalising the 27 million deal to have the Manchester City winger Oscar Bobb to join the Craven Cottage move. This 22-year-old Norwegian international has signed a five and half year deal which has bound his future with the project of Marco Silva at the time when Fulham are struggling to become a stable European player and not a mid-table hard-survivor. Fulham takes Oscar Bobb at a crucial stage in his career path. Having continued to work his way through the esteemed academy in Manchester City and having enjoyed a lot of first-team exposure during the time he was working under Pep Guardiola, Bobb began to run out of chances in a team environment that was churned with attackers. This switch gives him an opportunity to have a fresh start, earn more regular minutes and take on more responsibility within a system that is structured to achieve the maximum out of him. To begin with, the financial and structural specifics of the transaction explain why such a move is appropriate to all parties. In addition to 27 million going to Manchester City, which is a considerable payoff considering the drop in the pecking order of a local player, there will be a 20% sell-on clause and the same rights on any future bids. Such safety net indicates that City still believe in Bobb and is a sentinence on past renderings that they have been able to exploit particularly their option to re-sign James Trafford. In the case of Fulham, the cost would be an investment in youth, and a gamble based on one aspect of upside and another of resale value than a one year gamble. Nevertheless, the financial aspect is not the only thing that makes the move desirable. It was revealed by Bobb himself that the discussions with both Marco Silva and international team-mate Sander Berge were decisive. The winger talked fondly of how concise the vision of the manager was and of the non-toxic nature of the atmosphere surrounding the squad, hinting that Fulham were taking Oscar Bobb as more than a squad member, and someone who would be actively involved. Bearing in mind that Berge is a familiar face within the Norway set-up establishment further helped in the process and strengthened the feeling that Bobb was entering a favourable set-up. Fulham, as a footballing team, is recruiting Oscar Bobb to fill a given need. An in-form team, Silva have only lost once in the past seven in their premier league encounters and they have succeeded in improving their positions up to the seventh position. However, there has been a feeling that they could be even better by bringing about a lot of creativity and uncertainty in broad spaces. The profile of Bobb suits that need perfectly well. At ease on either side, technically safe, and smart in bundles, he presents another aspect to the Fulham assault. In total, Bobb made 47 senior appearances in his life at Manchester City, with three goals and four assists in all the competitions. Those figures might seem small, but they should be considered in the context. Opportunities were frequently given in very disjointed bursts, and the rivalry in regard to positions increased still more by the coming of Antoine Semenyo in January. Guardiola himself admitted to the scenario, and he frankly admitted that Bobb was contemplating an exit to find more regular playing. The present journey of Bobb was also influenced by injuries. He has nearly missed the whole of the previous season, in which he had been injured in training, and the blow thatHyundai needed to get the ball rolling had been stopped. The 34-year-old has not scored in season and has seen 15 appearances in total with the last one in December, when he was carried off prematurely against Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Fulham indeed take Oscar Bobb because they understand these problems, but also believe that one clean run of fitness, regular starts can be the open door to the possibility that once made him one of the most highly rated academy graduates of City. The stock of Bobb is high internationally. He has already made six caps to Norway this year and helped in their entry to the next world cup. A club resurrection with Berge would also improve upon his position even to the national team, especially with Norway seeking to establish unity before a major event. Lastly, this sale is very telling of the future of Fulham under Silva. The club can no longer be satisfied with just surviving in the premier league. Rather, they are playing the pedigree, potential and motivated players who have the potential to develop with the team. Fulham contracts Oscar Bobb as one of their statements and a planned tactic towards future advancement. Finally, Fulham denies the cost of ambition and makes Oscar Bobb a balanced deal. To Bobb, it is a chance to come out of the shadow of City and shape his career according to his own parameters. To Fulham it is a step forward towards creating a team that will contend with the hierarchy that has been present within the league. Within the next few months, we will be able to see how transformative such partnership can be. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Trubin miracle will live to be talked about in Lisbon decades not only because it scored out Real Madrid but also because it was everything dramatic, improbable and theatrical about football under Jose Mourinho. It was their keeper Anatoly Trubin who in an evening when Benfica were left hanging by the thread provided its goalkeeper with a moment, shook Europe and gave Mourinho a new first, long in his illustrious career, in the period of his writing. Trubin miracle was acted in the harshest conditions. At the Estadio da Luz, Benfica were trailing Real Madrid 3-2 into deep into the second half of the stoppage time, but that was still not enough. They were also going out of the competition trailing behind on goal difference because the league-phase permutations were very complicated. As matches ended at the same time throughout Europe, there was chaos. Then there was one, last free-kick, one, last roll of dice, and Mourinho mustered up the daringest appeal of the eighty-four games by sending his goalkeeper forward. To start with there is the pressure of the moment which is important to understand. Real Madrid, European champions 15 times are experts in the late drama. Meanwhile, Benfica had already taken a beating in the process of the champions league campaign, defeated their opening four matches in the league and looking like a dead and buried a few weeks prior. They must not accept their fate meekly, however as Mourinho sides do so often. Trubin anticipated the ball just in time when the free-kick was played into his box. Rising above defenders with complete confidence the Ukrainian headed in the net. Pandemonium followed. Players ran in every direction, crowds jumped and Trubin topped the entire situation with a knee slide which immediately became the Benfica lore. It was pure football drama. Nevertheless, what was even more astonishing about the Trubin miracle itself is that the goalie himself admitted that he did not actually know what Benfica needed until the last minutes before the goal. At first, he had been attempting to kill time because the 3-2 lead was sufficient. The truth sank in when teammates wildly were pointing forward in a frenzied manner. One more goal was required. One more act of belief. Trubin later stated that, at first he did not understand. “Then I saw everyone pointing. We needed one more goal. I just ran.” Trubin aged 24 years and he never scored in his career provided the climax of the Benfica season. To Mourinho, there was a heavy personal attachment to the night. Making a comeback to Benfica in this season was welcomed with scepticism. Not everyone was sure that the 63-year-old man is still in his prime and is managing by memory and not momentum. The image has been uneven within the domestic. Benfica have done everything to win the league and is yet undefeated but only the 10th place behind Porto. Porto cup do away, early European cup first response contributed to the pressure. Nevertheless, Mourinho had faith in Trubin as few managers can rely on a goalkeeper. That trust was not blind. It was only a few weeks before that Trubin had satellite in the domestic cup against Porto almost scoring in stoppage time before being conveniently blocked. That rehearsal mattered. Mourinho remembered it. Mourinho said afterward he knew he could do it. There was also the last action at Porto, where he was present. This execution was perfect, and the repercussions of this case were epic. Benfica shot up the champions league sporting play-offs, with Marseille being the losers. Last but not least the broader story further supports the Trubin miracle. It is not an easy task to beat Real Madrid, though it was in every way like a movie to beat the former club of Madrid coach Mourinho and to see his former student, Alvaro Arbeloa, sitting on the opposite bench. Even Pep Guardiola acknowledged that he was puzzled when Trubin ran off but it became clear the genius of the gamble at a later stage. Benfica may now play Real Madrid once more or will pull Inter Milan, which is another club that is so ingrained in the legacy of Mourinho. In any case, one would hardly disapprove additional drama. Mourinho survives in confusion, faith and irrational situations. Finally, the Trubin miracle was not just the goal at the very last moment. It has been a message concerning bravery, faith and magic of football in Jose Mourinho. In the case of Benfica, it was maintaining a dream in Europe. In the case of Trubin, it brought about immortality. And to Mourinho, it was a reminder that at this point in his career, he still can write nights which seem impossible, until they come true. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

The talks about the Harry Kane Bayern contract extension have officially started and this is another important step in the incredible evolution of the striker since he started playing in Germany. Conversely, Bayern Munich have further confirmed that negotiations to renew the deal with the England captain are being done, a fact that highlights the long-term planning of the club and the consequent increased sense of home that Kane has acquired in Munich due to a very productive campaign in the city which has already yielded trophies. First, Bayern sporting director, Max Eberl confirmed this by saying that talks are still going on but that no time limit has been stipulated. At one event at Bundesliga in Frankfurt, Eberl emphasized the fact that as much as the process is underway, it is being conducted amicably and in a strategic manner. The Sporting project of Bayern, with head coach Vincent Kompany, will continue to keep Kane at its core, having agreed to a four-year deal in August 2023 worth an initial EUR100 million to leave Tottenham Hotspur and join Bayern. Kane has been transformative since he joined the German champions. Nevertheless, the importance of these negotiations goes deeper than mean figures. With 126 goals and 30 assists in all competitions, the 32 years old has been exceptional in his 126 appearances, which only is among prophecy of great signings in the history of the Bundesliga. More to the point, he has eventually won the first big trophy of his career when Bayern won the 2024-25 Bundesliga championship and multiple years of his own disappointment could be left behind, even though he could shine individually. In the background, the season that Kane is currently enjoying has only solidified the value to him. He has already scored 34 goals in 30 matches in Bayern, which consists of 21 goals in 19 Bundesliga matches. That number has put him on a sure path of overtaking the long-standing record of the 41 goals in a single Bundesliga season of Robert Lewandowski, a record that was initially perceived as impossible to surpass. Every performance has reinforced the will of Bayern to make his future stronger than the initial contract period. Nonetheless, the contract negotiation is not a performance driven one. Since quitting the Premier League Kane himself has alluded to a change of thinking. In October, the striker confessed that previously returning to England was a very serious desire but that he no longer feels the same desire. It has been largely affected by settling down to work and life in Munich, both work-wise and personally. His family has easily assimilated and Kane has adopted the culture, language and expectation that comes along with playing in one of the most demanding clubs in Europe. That has been reflected in the hierarchy at Bayern. Jan-Christian Dreesen Chief executive stressed that this ability of Kane in the off-pitch is as important as what he can on the pitch. Dreesen explained that the club does not have any urge to hurry with negotiations because it is sure that the team member and an institution established a base on trust and mutual respect. That pragmatic attitude depicts the overall ethos of Bayern in terms of stability, in particular with regard to cornerstone players. As a sports point of view, renewing the contract of Kane would provide some continuity in a period when Bayern is redefining under the management of Kompany. The ex Manchester City defender has managed a more forceful high-intensity approach with Kane playing as a merciless goalscorer and an engine of creativity. His dropping, associative, and goal-scoring capabilities in the penalty area have been the key to the local supremacy and good performance of Bayern in Europe. In fact, it is also Kane who has ensured that Bayern has been ranked second in the Champions League group stage table with 1 game left, a feat that has made the club serious competitors as the merge into the knockout. His experience as a leader, especially on high pressure fixtures, has also brought some sense of maturity to a youthful yet experienced squad. Lastly, the current negotiations of Harry Kane Bayern contract extension represent not a typical renewal. They are a crossroad between a club that wants to have a prolonged European success and a player that has achieved fulfillment, trophies, and renewed ambition leaving his comfort zone. They will either have to get the deal sealed in the time when the message seems clear enough: Bayern regard Kane not as a short-term fix, but as a figure of their current and immediate future. With the ongoing negotiations, fans sit back and know that an agreement to have Kane sign a long-term contract would determine the future of domination of Bayern Munich in the next several years. At least, in the short-term, the patience is paying off, and everything indicates that both parties are preparing to build on existing partnership that has already broken several records. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Ferrari SF-26 shakedown was the first significant on-track move of Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 program, and although Charles Leclerc was not ready to jump to conclusions, his initial opinion was optimistic albeit rather tentative at the time of the initial run of the car in Fiorano. The Monegasque driver described the day as encouraging, mostly due to the fact that the new challenger was able to complete its shakedown making no serious problems, something that is very necessary at this early phase of the development. Raw performance is not the point but first impressions do count when it comes to Formula 1. After the formal presentation of the SF-26 Leclerc and newly obtained team-mate Lewis Hamilton alternated in driving the shakedown phase on Friday, January 23. Also, this session was intended as a validation of systems, sensors and reliability and in that regard Ferrari was ticking the most significant boxes. Leclerc acknowledged that the day was full of that old excitement that he has always felt at the first turn of a wheel by a new car. But he was fast to remind that not to set his legs too high. The situation in Fiorano was not the best and the air was continuously teemed with fog, and various areas of wet asphalt prevented any significant testing. This meant that any debate on competitiveness was wilfully shelved. The most remarkable fact as regarded by Leclerc was the lack of big issues. Even in the current Formula 1 where cars are becoming more complicated and smaller in size, a brief trouble potential shakedown is an encouraging indication. The fact that Ferrari had real-life sensors enabled the engineers to get some very crucial information that they could use to determine whether the numbers were what they were doing months of simulating and work in the factories. This is however, not the end of the process that Leclerc made it clear that the Ferrari SF-26 shakedown was just the start of a very long process. The test drive of a car can be deceptive especially when there are varying degrees of grip. He said that at the low temperatures, when there is a lot of fog and the road had been somehow damp, he could not push the car hard enough to get a feel of its real balance or possibilities. Any real verdict he proposed, must await until more representative conditions of running. Nevertheless, the emotional meaning of the day was too strong. Fiorano, the personal test circuit of Ferrari, has always provided an added atmosphere that cannot be found in any other venue. With the SF-26 moving on the circuit first, Tifosi came out in large numbers and this provided the backdrop that made the players remember the responsibility that goes with the red. To Leclerc that support increased the feeling that this was not just another technical exercise. At the backstage, the shakedown was the result of several months of hard work. The technical staff of Ferrari have been operating under a cloud of the 2026 regulation cycle and the alteration of power units and chassis philosophy gave the design of the SF-26. The main task at Fiorano was to see that the car acted as per the expectation and all systems interrelating with each other worked as expected before more demanding running commenced. At last, we pass on to the next step of the preparation of Ferrari. The Fiorano outing will be an entry point into the private testing in Barcelona where the SF- 26 will undergo more extensive running and have more programmes. It will be there, and not some careful shakedown, that Ferrari will begin to realize whether the underpinnings of the car are substantial enough to bridge the difference to the front. Ferrari concluded the 2025 season at position four in the Constructors Championship having totaled 398 points which was less than what was expected of such a team. The SF-26 is not just a new car though, it is an indication that Ferrari was also making a statement that they are still a car that can consistently compete in the title. Although the initial feedback supplied by Leclerc is carefully calculated, the mid-cyclic Ferrari SF-26 shakedown offers a solid ground on which the aforementioned aspirations might actually start to form. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s  

The Manchester United Transformation had no longer been a theory or a hopeful point of discussion on Sunday night at the Emirates Stadium. It was something tangible, visible and it well shocked Arsenal, it shook their title bid, it declared that United, under Michael Carrick, are started all over again finding clarity, belief, and confidence at the very point when it matters the most in the Premier League. Arsenal had appeared to be a control team weeks on end. Home, where they had the ball and possession and the movement at all times, they had stifled opposition and tallied points at leisure. But on facing a revitalised Manchester United that composure sank on the pressure and showed weaknesses which had hitherto been largely concealed. The win of United was not rush-and grab or even a case of chance; it was based on organisation, smart risk taking and the fact that finally players work in positions that are strengths and not limiting roles. Arsenal began as anticipated and changed the pace, keeping United deep. Once they scored 1-0, the crowd in Emirates had a feeling that it was going to be another ordinary night. Instead, United acted purposely and was able to fold instead of folding. Their press became sharper, their passing lanes bolder and most importantly their older players have come out. The back line was authoritatively led by Harry Maguire who won duels and facilitated transitions. Endowed with a role that stressed on his experience instead of his legs, Casemiro read the game brilliantly and slowed down the rhythm of Arsenal whenever it was about to speed up. Nevertheless, the actual difference was further ahead. Bruno Fernandes was brought back in a key creative position and played with freedom and wit. His dribbling in between the lines interrupted the set up of Arsenal and pushed their midfield to take awkward choices. Full forward Bryan Mbeumo was playing the game with great tenacity and composed himself to take the ball, providing United with an outlet that Trumpet players needed to pause and attack back. This attitude of defence solidity in conjunction to attacking steadfastness has become the feature of the Manchester United undercarriage under Carrick. As soon as United got even, the confidence rushed through the side. By comparison, Arsenal started becoming indecisive. The passes were lost, the defensive spacing was stretched and the serenity which has been characteristic of their season was lost. Following the restart, United also grabbed the advantage again, and the fantastic goal of Dorgu changed the whole balance of the game. Since then, the reaction of Arsenal was not quite cohesive. The situation was due to the fact that Mikel Arteta chose to make several substitutes at once, which ruins the rhythm of his team and gives United more control over the game. Though later on Arsenal on its part equalised the situation, the inevitability was on the side of the visitors. United was calm, restrained and threatening on the break. Their form never failed even at the end of pressure. The crucial goal by Matheus Cunha did not seem that shocking, but it was a reward to a team who believed in what it was doing. Last but not least, the outcome poses the challenging questions to Arsenal. It was not just a defeat, but a showing in which their legendarily good control failed them. Possibly pressure, expectation, and the burden of a title race all came into play, when it came to decision-making. Although it was their first home loss of this year, how it happened (desperate, rash and emotional) is indicative of a weakness that foes will probe to capitalize on. The implication is also far-reaching in the case of Manchester United. The Manchester United make over is not about the single seasons against the best competitors; it is about a consistent character reprimanding. Players do not feel out of place, roles are defined and the team does not play divided. Carrick has made the game simpler, relied on experience and given individuals the capability to play in a group setup. This is not an overnight acquisition of title contender status to United and it does restore credibility. It gives an indication of a platform around which consistency can be established and it reinstates faith with the followers who had become tired of false dawns. In the case of Arsenal, the loss can be the wake-up call as it should help them realize that titles are not gained over control, but through perseverance when the control is lost. Broadly speaking, this game can be remembered as the turning point in the wider context of the Premier League week because this game uncovered the realities on both sides not necessarily related to the points difference itself, but life has taught the lessons during this game. Manchester United is evolving, and the Arsenal, the first time in their history, appeared to be humanity in the limelight. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Forest transfer spending is now one of the most discussed issues of the Premier League season and that 180m spent by Nottingham Forest in the summer has failed to bear fruit in the field. The thirteen new signings promised growth and consolidation upon their arrival following the spectacular seventh-placed finish in the previous season yet, Forest are 17th in the table, two points above relegation zone, and undecided on what to do in Europe. What seemed to be a step forward is now a struggle to stand ground. To begin with, the unfiltered statistics are a cause of concern. Forest had spent heavily on the team, led by global sporting director Edu, with 11 permanent senior acquisitions and two of the highest-profile loans. The 37.5m transfer of Omari Hutchinson at 37.5m was a new club record with other high-profile signings including James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz coming to the club with a good reputation. However, the magnitude of transfer expenditure on Forest has not been effective though. The newcomers have only three having played over 10 Premier League games with some hardly playing at all. Nevertheless, the situation surrounding such figures is important. The instability has influenced the season of Forest, and the club has had Sean Dyche, as the third manager following the exit of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou. There are continuous shifting of tactical strategy, coaching personnel and demands and hence, new players always find it hard to adapt. Dyche himself acknowledged that in combining a hefty mixture of signings to a variety of competitions it was never going to be a smooth ride. But there is only so much waiting and the frustration of Dyche has been evident. The questionable mentality of his fringe players was brought up by the manager after a 1-0 Europa League loss in Braga that saw Forest to have to win a play-off to make it to the last 16. He has a number of times urged the patients not in regular Premier League starting XI to history their chances. This was followed by similar criticism after the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to Wrexham with Dyke speaking of the performance as a badge-deserving performance. On the other hand, individual cases show inequity in Forest transfer spending returns. The most successful addition would be Igor Jesus who was signed by PS10m by Botafogo. His work rate and physical presence have been beneficial especially when Chris Wood is injured but the fact that he has only scored one league goal in his entire time with the club is indicative of the poor overall performance of the team in the attacking feature. After Nuno left Hutchinson out of the European squad, it has only been recently that he has started earning any kind of trust, and he made his first start in the Premier League in December. On the contrary, there have been high profile signings who have not settled. Manchester City has sold James McAtee to others who have made only one league appearance at nearly PS30m. Winger, Dilane Bakwa has been on the field just three times and PS26m striker Arnaud Kalimuendo has been put on loan to Frankfurt only after nine substitute appearances. The short tenure by goalkeeper John Victor in the side was cut short after a dismal five game run that was inflicted by an expensive error at Aston Villa. Lastly, the very recruitment policy by Forest has also been open to criticism. Younger players were focused on by Edu as an investment in the future, and this vision and immediacy were at odds with one another. It is said that former manager Nuno favored known Premier league formations, like Adama Traore, over Hutchinson. Factor in Mega transfers such as that of Anthony Elanga PS55m to Newcastle and Danilo 21m to Botafogo and the Forest team has changed a lot within no more than a few weeks. Finally, it is not yet clear whether Forest transfer spending has offered value on money in terms of result or league position but it might be still too soon to write of the project as a failure. It has been a combination of injuries, turnover of managers and the difficulty in trying to incorporate so many new faces. It is survival this season and once Forest manages to survive this season, the real verdict of such signings can be determined later. As it currently is the club is at a cross road, stability, clarity and patience is required so that this expensive rebuild does not turn out to be the beginning of a far downward-spiraling. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Spurs Andy Robertson transfer talks have escalated with Tottenham Hotspur intensifying their search on experience and leadership and initiating talks with Liverpool on a possible deal to acquire Scotland international left-back Andy Robertson. As the January window influences further squad plans prior to a vital second half of the season, the attention that Tottenham is showing demonstrates both a short-term pragmatic choice and a long-term outlook, albeit no deal is even half-done. The news of a move to Spurs by Andy Robertson is highly timed in the career of the defender. Robertson, 31, is nearly finishing his contract at Anfield now and in an interview with a publication, openly confessed that he is still not sure what to do next. Having been one of the most reliable left-backs to represent the premier league, this role in Liverpool has faded in this season. He 3 has made only four league appearances and has become significantly less popular in the pecking order than new coach Arne Slot behind the summer signing of Milos Kerkez. To a football player who is still Scotland captain and has dreams of playing a vital role in the next world cup, playing football is a priority. On the one hand, the step should seem unexpected to Tottenham. The options of Thomas Frank in the position of left-back are not few. Destiny Udogie has also come back and is still the favored manager at the manager Djed Spence is versatile in either wing and a young Brazilian entry player that has just joined in a 13m deal. However, context matters. A rising number of injuries are plaguing Spurs and have also highlighted the shortage of experienced players in a very young team. The only player in the available list aged 30 and older, is Joao Palhinha and this means that some of the most experienced players in the club are currently out. But this is where Robertson can be seen as more attractive. The Andy Robertson transfer discussions are not focused on ensuring that a position is covered but rather leadership is displayed. After 363 Liverpool appearances, Robertson has claimed all the available awards in the club level including two Premier League titles and the Champions League since he joined Liverpool in 2017 at a PS8m transfer fee. His background in title races, European knockout football and dressing-room leadership would be priceless to a Tottenham team that is yet to fully develop strategies of handling stressful events. On the part of Liverpool things are very fragile. Arne Slot has been keen to openly honor Robertson over his professionalism and influence terming him as important to the club regardless of his decreased minutes. Slot has also pointed out how Robertson has dealt with the loss of his automatic starting position which is a personality testament to the defender. Selling him part way through the season would cause Liverpool to be left without any other senior left back than Kerkez, unless Kostas Tsimikas was recalled on loan at Roma. The latter consideration can make negotiations more complicated, especially when Liverpool are not out of competitions. In the meantime, Robertson has his own reasons at the heart of Spurs Andy Robertson transfer negotiations. How peripheral his role has become was reflected by his most recent appearance which was as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Burnley on January 17. As the international tournaments are near, the defender does not want to spend a long time on the bench. A transfer to Tottenham would provide him with a better chance at securing consistent game time particularly with the injuries Ben Davies sustained to his ankle that prevented him playing season end and the heavy workload of the Spurs loyalty. Lastly, these discussions will be determined on financial and strategic grounds as they make or break into a deal. This being the case with Robertson regarding his contract, Liverpool may lose him without compensation during the summer, thus giving him a motive to be sold at the appropriate price. In the case of Tottenham, acquiring a player of the caliber of Robertson would signal a change to having mature players in a team that has proven ineffective strategies in major matches due to their inflexibility. Although middle reinforcements are still the priority, the club still seems to understand that the leadership issue cannot be addressed in the tactical sense all the time. Summarising, Spurs Andy Robertson transfer deal presents a meet of the demands and an opportune moment. Tottenham are in need of experience and power, Robertson desires football and understanding, and Liverpool needs to determine which is more important, sentiment or squad balance. Regardless of the move being realised or not, the deliberations alone emphasise the Premier League on how expensive Robertson is to the league. In the case of Spurs, it might be a statement signing; in the case of Robertson, possibly a swan song at the highest level where his impact is still felt. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Chelsea Champions League Win over Pafos kept the European campaign of the Blues alive but only after a frustrating and tense evening at Stamford Bridge where patience, composure and belief were put to the test. Chelsea debuted in the champions league and ultimately received a snowball drive through a late diving head by Moises Caicedo, which earned them crucial three points that would keep them alive in the competition to avoid play-off round and still achieve the top eight spots. It was clear that it was going to be quite challenging as the opening whistle was the cue. Any defeat would have been considered as a big blow to Chelsea especially since their dream of evading the play-off round was at stake. To start with, the reality in the field did not reflect the disparity in fame or the value of the squad between the two teams. As they were making their first appearance in the champions league, Pafos held deep, were disciplined and long spilled the time of the Chelsea. The first indicators came during the first 20 minutes. Enzo Fernandez believed that he scored the first goal when he headed it in following a close-range strike but the goal was disallowed after the referee decided he pushed off defender Derrick Luckassen during the move. Cheers were led by the home crowd with the decision and were the beginning of a frustrating night. Nevertheless, even prior to this event, Chelsea had been informed about the threat of their opposition. The subsequent services of the pafos were cut short by a rapid counter-stroke by Jaja who bashed the post after the ball had ricoched off the hand of Reece James in the penalty-box, and he received numerous appeals to allow an imaginary spot-kick, which was unanimously rejected. During the first half, the possession of Chelsea persisted, but did not have a tempo and incision. They could take such a long time to die that Pafos was free to hold his positions and lines of defense on the defensive lines with a sense of security. Jorrel Hato just missed the tie, before the interval, but was blocked out at point-blank distance by Jay Gorter that made possibly the finest reflex save to preserve the scores at a draw. But the feeling of impending inevitability that somehow one day Chelsea would be successful did not completely manifest itself. Rather, Stamford Bridge succumbed to some anxiety at the beginning of a second half as in the earlier pattern. Liam Rosenior, who was in charge of his fourth match since his appointment and his first in the champions league, made an effort to add vigor by bringing on a teenage winger Estevao Willian at half time. The boy jumped the crowd at once, and drove an opening salvo, half a shot all the way, which landed too near to be caught. Nonetheless, the time passed and the superiority of Chelsea did not translate into the goals. Pafos was well organised and took in the pressure soaking, making appearances in the counter and moments to think and guess, and Chelsea looked ponderous and predictable in the last third. The game was becoming like a typical European banana-skin. Eventually, after 77 minutes the breach came. The corner of Pedro Neto led to uproar in the Pafos box, flicking out a substitute Nany Dimata, and falling at the feet of Moises Caicedo. The PS115 million midfielder was the fastest to react and he took a step forward to send home the ball in point-blank range that caused massive celebrations in the stadium. it was hardly a graceful moment, though it was firm. There, however, Chelsea handled the final phases in a professional manner such that nothing came at the end to ruin the night. But the performance left things to be desired even in triumph. This huge disparity between the values of the two squads, which are PS1 billion and PS26.2 million respectively in the case of Chelsea and Pafos, did not translate to a difference on the field. One of the oldest teams in the match the Cypriot champions managed their strategy well without luck not to score at least a point. The end was more important to Rosenior than the means. The number one priority is not going through the play-offs of the Champions League, and by making it to the top eight, Chelsea would save two more knockout games in February. The additional time to breathe would be priceless to a coach who has just begun his term in office, as he will have more time to execute and build the squad on the training ground. In the future, the difficulty is increased. When it comes to the last day of the match the chelseas will most probably have to get their result in Napoli, which is not an encouraging prospect considering Antonio Conte and his players are also in need of winning the match. Rosenior was, though, adamant he is not intimidated by the task but pointed out that it is necessary to focus first on domestic duties before refocusing on Europe once more. To sum up, the Chelsea Champions League victory over Pafos keeps the campaign going but is a reminder that during this stage, reputation cannot be assured of anything. Chelsea went away with three points, managed to escape the risk of being embarrassed once, and have a second chance. And the test will be the actual one, however, in Naples where advancement will require more assertive effort, such as may well be expected of their visions. 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Michael Carrick Manchester United caretaker reign could scarcely have started any more emphatically than Old Trafford regained its larynx and the Manchester City title window was well shattered. Second-half finishes by Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a much-needed 2-0 triumph to United on a vibrating derby afternoon that provoked jubilations amongst the crowd and reduced Pep Guardiola to all-time lows of the season. In the pre-kick-off phase, one could realize that this was not similar. The fans of United, players and employees were urgent and believing in the arrival of Carrick, and that desirability did not decrease. To begin with, City have received a premonition when an attempt by Bernando Silva, created in close range during the flick-on of Erling Haaland, has been disallowed by the offside rule within the first six minutes. It was one such moment that slightly stunned the crowd but appeared to give United a better focus as well. Nevertheless, the overall performance of the first half continued, and it was the standout performance of the visitors who played to the goal of the City of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian made a spectacular series of saved, repelling Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Mbeumo when United sliced through the City midfield again and again with speed and deliberately. The interventions by Donnarumma kept City afloat in a half where Guardiola side could not get control, in spite of spells of possession. United had no moments of anxiety. Early in the game, Diogo Dalot got away with what many perhaps considered a red card due to a high challenge on Jeremy Doku. Referee Anthony Taylor and the fourth official Craig Pawson chose not to impose harsh punishment, a move that blackened the face of City, however ending up playing a crucial role. After conducting themselves above that flash point, United found themselves in a groove that showed the vulnerability of City in transition. The hosts did not relent and even though City did threaten occasionally, a Silva pass was headed wide and a Max Alleyne shot was brilliantly repelled by Senne Lammens, their efforts were never as sharp as what is normally attributed to Guardiola teams. Haaland, again, stood alone and only scored one goal in seven games. At last, however, after an hour, the breakthrough of United had come. Bruno Fernandes, the embodiment of what Carrick talked of when focusing on leadership and composure, provided the impetus on the counter-attack and passed Mbeumo at the left. Being back at Old Trafford after the Africa Cup of Nations business, the Cameroonian did not exhibit any rustiness and his finish past Donnarumma was a send-down-balloon to the fans assembled at Old Trafford. sitting in the stands, Sir Alex Ferguson stood and applauded a moment which seemed symbolic in the resurgence of belief at United. United were not happy, however, to defend a narrow margin. They attacked once again eleven minutes later. Rico Lewis was taken by the surprise when Matheus Cunha played a sharp cut-back and Dorgu responded the fastest to stab home and increased the lead given to the team, and this indicated the superiority of United. Even at that time the Carrick side persisted and had three more goals disallowed as offside and Diallo hit the post towards the end of the match. City, on the other hand, never had an appearance of being able to make a comeback. Guardiola was a frustrated figure in the dugout, as Haaland was sarcastically signaled by the United fans when he was later replaced with 10 minutes to go. The Old Trafford applause was all praise, not only of a win, but of a relief, after months of confusion. United were determined at the rear. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both deserved their commendation as they managed to neutralise the threat of Haaland. Martinez had made a sliding block in time when the Norwegian seemed to have get one goal. Lammens, in the background, was able to salvage an early mistake to save vital goals, only the third instance of a clean sheet of the season of United. On midfield, Kobbie Mainoo performed excellently as he played with Casemiro where he took the initiative to dictate pace and disrupt the play of the City. It was the performance of Mainoo, especially that, which has brought to light what United have lacked in the past few weeks, bringing back a feeling of balance and sanity to the team, through Carrick. At the time of the last whistle, United momentarily rose to the fourth place which they had actually had difficulties reaching during the time of Ruben Amorim. Even when the game was over, Carrick was serenaded by the fans and his composed and serene authority could have easily been felt by the players and fans. The ramifications were negative in the case of City. This losing streak in the Premiership reached four consecutive matches and with Arsenal yet to come later in the day, Guardiola and his men might be nine points behind the top with only 16 games left to play. The Michael Carrick Manchester United caretaker reign has ultimately started- and started with statement victory that gives the belief back at Old Trafford and leaves the City living to the prospect of ending up losing the title to their grasp. To United, this was more than 3 points, it was a lesson about the power of hard work, quality, and togetherness on the largest stage. Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s