The ideas, intensity and curious irony of Pep Guardiola's influence on Xabi Alonso
The two managers meet on Wednesday in a Champions League match that is already key to Alonso's future at Real Madrid.
Premier League
10th December 2025
Liverpool's diamond midfield is an ideal solution to their problems – for now
A tactical rejig brought rewards in a crucial Champions League tie for head coach Arne Slot.
JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old Manchester United forward breaking records and creating a buzz
The teenager made his first appearance at Old Trafford on Tuesday and his performance showed why he is generating such excitement.
The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more
BBC Sport explores Mohamed Salah's personality with help from the people who know him best.
Liverpool show defiance and unity without Mohamed Salah at Inter. What happens next?
This was a victory that 'means a lot' to head coach Arne Slot, given the pressure on the club following the events of the past few days.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain interview: 'At Arsenal, everything is bigger and moving towards elite-level'
Back in England as a free agent, the 32-year-old is convinced he can still perform at a high level — but is waiting for a chance to prove it.
Arne Slot suggests Mohamed Salah may have to take lead in resolving Liverpool dispute
Slot also said that Salah’s outburst at Elland Road came as a result of an “emotional” week.
Inter 0 Liverpool 1: Was this Slot's biggest win? Were controversial VAR calls right?
Analysing Tuesday's big Champions League tie at the San Siro as Liverpool earned a precious win.
'A really dangerous circle' - Arteta on Arsenal injuries
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta say the injuries his squad are suffering this season are not a result of overtraining.
Tottenham's LGBTQ+ flag relocated after Slavia Prague request on 'security grounds'
The large flag is usually situated in the North-East corner of the Spurs ground and will instead be displayed in the South-West corner.
Gianni Infantino accused of breaching FIFA’s ethics codes in relation to President Trump comments
Advocacy group FairSquare has also requested an investigation into President Trump being awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize last Friday.
9th December 2025
Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe: Who has been better? And how are they changing?
Real Madrid and Manchester City's prolific strikers are set to meet again in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Can Isak and Ekitike play together for Liverpool? We may be about to find out
With Mohamed Salah's outburst further limiting his attacking options, Arne Slot may have to field his two summer signings in tandem.
Xabi Alonso's fight to save Real Madrid job. Plus: Why World Cup will have hydration breaks
La Liga giants are lining up replacements for their head coach, but how have we reached this stage already?.
Villa could still go up another level - Sutton
Chris Sutton and Conor Coady discuss Aston Villa's title credentials and their admiration for manager Unai Emery on the Monday Night Club.
Arne Slot retains support after Mohamed Salah comments, but his credit in the bank is not endless
Slot faced the media on Monday after Salah's comments and dealt with them admirably. But he is facing the biggest test of his career.
Wolves, doom, and watching the worst team in England: 'Shall we go in?', 'Do we have to?'
Collectively, they are hapless, hopeless and unable to attack or defend to Premier League standard. Apart from that, they're fine.
Is Mason Mount finally offering Manchester United glimpses of the player they signed?
Mount clearly taps into a lot of what Amorim wants in a player. After two injury-hit seasons, the question is whether he can now kick on.
Xabi Alonso knows what's wrong at Real Madrid. But he's powerless to fix it
Former Madrid midfielder Alonso knew what he was getting into at the Bernabeu, but that does not seem to have helped.
Champions League projections: Will Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool boost their top-eight chances?
Manchester City versus Real Madrid is the standout fixture in this gameweek and could have a big impact on the make-up of the table.
Interview: Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson on transfers, Elliot Anderson and Eddie Howe
In a career that has taken him from Falkirk to Southampton to Rangers and Nottingham Forest, Wilson faces his biggest challenge at Newcastle.
What is pubalgia, the chronic groin condition afflicting Yamal, Palmer and Williams?
We dig deep on why this injury is so problematic for young wingers — and how can it be treated.
James Horncastle’s Serie A briefing: Italy's 'Operation Nostalgia', Spalletti's return and Vardymania
Former glories were in the minds of many at the World Cup draw while Serie A itself can still be built on those who 'remember when'.
Row Z: Salah and the art of a bombshell interview – plus Ferdinand's Jesus moment
Pulling apart the more ludicrous aspects of football, in a week dominated by a spiky intervention from Liverpool's star striker.
Bundesliga Briefing: Yan Diomande hits brilliant hat-trick and Gio Reyna making progress
The Ivorian forward scored a hat-trick for Leipzig while USMNT's Gio Reyna made the most of a rare start for Gladbach.
Inside Spurs’ familiar woes post-Ange as legend delivers reality check over scrapped blueprint
“If you’re not winning, you’re under pressure”.
Are Man Utd turning the tide or is a 'bad result just around corner'?
Manchester United moved into the Premier League top six with their biggest win of the season - but they still have to prove the doubters wrong.
Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week?
After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices?.
'I understand their anger' - Edwards on Wolves fans' boos
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards says he can understand some of the anger fans have with the club following their 4-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.
Amorim hails Mount after win at Wolves
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim praises the performance of Mason Mount after the midfielder scored in a 4-1 win at Wolves.
Man Utd score four as winless Wolves booed
Watch highlights as Wolves lose 4-1 to Manchester United, suffering their eighth-straight loss in the Premier League.
'Disgraceful' Salah comments caused 'carnage' - pundits
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is called a "disgrace" who has caused "carnage" at the club by pundits as the fallout continues from his explosive interview.
PL battlers break six-game goal drought but Utd run riot to knock on the door of top four
Manchester United climbed back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as Bruno Fernandes inspired a 4-1 rout of woeful Wolves on Monday.
Wolves 1 Manchester United 4: Fernandes' double and AFCON-bound players impress
Carl Anka analyses the main talking points from Manchester United's victory at Molineux.
Arne Slot has 'no clue' if Mohamed Salah will play for Liverpool again
"Usually I’m calm and I’m polite but that doesn’t mean I am weak," Slot said on his handling of the situation.
Jamie Carragher: Mohamed Salah interview 'a disgrace' used to 'create maximum damage'
Salah name-checked Carragher during his post-Leeds interview, saying he expected more criticism from the former Liverpool defender.
'I am not weak' says Slot, but Salah could return
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he is "not weak" and denies the situation with Mohamed Salah has undermined his authority.
FA Cup third-round draw: Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace, Liverpool vs. Barnsley, Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest
Premier League leaders Arsenal will travel to Championship Portsmouth, and Chelsea will visit Charlton Athletic.
Joey Barton given suspended sentence, restraining orders over social media posts
The former Premier League player was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £23,419 during Monday's sentencing.
8th December 2025
Mohamed Salah left out of Liverpool squad for Inter match
Salah said on Saturday he felt “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and revealed his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down.
Salah left out by Liverpool for Inter Milan game
Mohamed Salah has been left out of the squad for Liverpool's Champions League match at Inter Milan.
Inside Salah's incendiary interview, World Cup schedule, Messi and Miami clinch MLS Cup
Today in TAFC: Inside the Salah fallout at Liverpool, Inter Miami reach their Holy Grail and the World Cup schedule is announced.
The inside story of Mohamed Salah's incendiary interview – and what Liverpool do now
Revealing what sparked the Egyptian's outburst, the reaction from within Anfield, and who could offer him a way out in January.
Winless Wolves are breaking records - but how bad can things get?
Wolves have had a nightmare start to the Premier League season but can they avoid Derby's unwanted record?.
Steve Parish on Glasner's future, Palace's ambition, and why new spending rules are dangerous
Crystal Palace's long-serving chairman opens up on spending concerns, Palace's future – and his own.
'Disrespectful' Salah comments threw club under bus - Rooney
Wayne Rooney says the critical comments made by Mohamed Salah after Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds were "disrespectful" and have thrown the club "under the bus".
Salah is destroying his legacy - Rooney
Mohamed Salah is destroying his legacy and should not be involved in Liverpool's next two games before he goes off to the Africa Cup of Nations, says Wayne Rooney.
The Briefing: Shades of Ronaldo in Salah's outburst? Is Premier League a three-horse race?
Discussing the major talking points from the Premier League weekend, where Salah's future and Arsenal's defeat dominated.
Inside the Caribbean talent factory which now has Lionel Messi in its sights
Mount Pleasant Football Academy is barely a decade old but have become Caribbean champions for the first time. They are just getting started.
The stats players care about – and the dangers of data misinterpretation
Data is playing an even bigger role in how players improve and negotiate their contracts - so which numbers matter to them?.
'Phenomenal' Wharton pivotal to Palace win at Fulham - Hitzlsperger
Match of the Day's Thomas Hitzlsperger and Shay Given praise Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton's skill and intelligence in the Eagles 2-1 victory over Fulham.
Brighton equaliser against West Ham leaves MOTD pundits 'frustrated'
Match of the Day's Thomas Hitzlsperger and Shay Given dissect Georginio Rutter's late equaliser for Brighton in their 1-1 draw with West Ham, and share a number of "frustrations" that it was allowed to stand.
'Best boss & team in Palace history' - but will it be a special season?
Crystal Palace are enjoying their best ever season in the Premier League, but with questions behind the scenes, can they sustain the level to make it a special season?.
PL’s new fairytale team continues stunning rise as England star highlights champs’ $70m gaffe
Crystal Palace moved into fourth place in the Premier League as their remarkable rise hit a new high with a 2-1 win against Fulham, while Brighton stopped West Ham climbing out of the relegation zone with a last-gasp 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Is there any way back for Salah and Liverpool?
After Mohamed Salah's explosive interview about his Liverpool future, BBC Sport takes a closer look at if there is a way back for him.
Guehi scores late header to secure Crystal Palace win over Fulham
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi scores a late header for a 2-1 win against Fulham which moves them into the top four in the Premier League.
Brighton equalise in stoppage time against West Ham
Georginio Rutter scores a controversial equaliser for Brighton as they draw 1-1 to deny West Ham United the chance to escape the relegation zone.
'Everyone follows fashion' - is Premier League better now than 20 years ago?
In his BBC Sport column, ex-Premier League boss Tony Pulis looks at what has changed in the Premier League in the past couple of decades and whether it is for the better, from a manager's perspective.
Fulham did not deserve to lose - Silva
Fulham boss Marco Silva says they did not deserve to lose to Crystal Palace after having an Emile Smith Rowe effort ruled out for offside.
'We deserved to be lucky' - Glasner on Palace win
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner praises side after their 2-1 win over Fulham, calling the opposition's ruled out goal as "lucky".
Is Mohamed Salah worth a place in Liverpool's team? This is what the data says
The Egyptian feels he has nothing to prove to have a starting place at Anfield. But do the numbers back him up?.
'It was handball, wasn't it?' - why Rutter goal against West Ham stood
Georginio Rutter's late equaliser in Brighton's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday was allowed to stand despite handball claims. BBC Sport looks at the rules to explain why.
'I don't understand' - Nuno says Brighton goal should not have stood
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he Brighton's late equaliser should have been ruled out for handball and a high boot.
Footballer arrested in London on suspicion of assault and affray
The victim's injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Sunday.
Brighton did not deserve more than draw - Hurzeler
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler says they lacked the energy and intensity necessary to beat West Ham United.
Spurs investigate Bissouma nitrous oxide claim
Tottenham say they are looking into allegations that midfielder Yves Bissouma was filmed inhaling nitrous oxide.
7th December 2025
Analysing every word of Mohamed Salah's explosive interview – and were his criticisms justified?
Breaking down all 1,116 words of the Egyptian's remarkable interview where he cast serious doubt over his Liverpool future.
Former Liverpool co-owner Hicks dies aged 79
American Tom Hicks, who owned Liverpool alongside George Gillett from 2007 to 2010, dies at his home in Dallas.
The making of the 2026 World Cup schedule: Simulations, an all-nighter and a giant ‘puzzle’
There was a myriad of issues for the World Cup schedulers to cope with - The Athletic was given an insight into how fixtures were confirmed.
Mohamed Salah's outburst was selfish and disrespectful. He has let Liverpool down
The forward is an icon at Liverpool, but airing his complaints heaps more negativity on the club and betrays a glaring lack of self awarenes.
Toxic Tottenham? Thomas Frank has turned fans away from the boos, for now at least
Jack Lang went to north London expecting anger and anguish but he got nothing of the sort.
Are Aston Villa title contenders?
After beating Premier League leaders Arsenal, Villa are three points off the top. They couldn't, could they?.
Rayan Cherki's rabona assist and a moment to make you gasp
The Frenchman's moment of exquisite skill left all who saw it dumbfounded. But what does it mean for his City career?.
Mikel Arteta is ready to respond. Will his Arsenal players?
Arsenal's 18-game unbeaten run came to an end against Villa - the manager has no doubt his players can bounce back.
A lesson from history: The warmer the climate, the better the World Cup
Despite fears of soaring temperatures, the 1970 and 1982 editions are regarded as classics.
How West Germany won the 1990 World Cup: Brilliant Brehme, magnificent Matthaus and an Argentina meltdown
Michael Cox's history of World Cup winners reaches Italia 90 and a third title for West Germany.
‘Thrown under the bus’: Star slams Liverpool boss in explosive rant to signal exit — PL Wrap
Mohamed Salah took aim at Liverpool manager Arne Slot in an astonishing rant that could spell the end of his legendary career at Anfield after claiming he has been “thrown under the bus” during the Premier League champions’ slump in form.
'No other midfielder does it like Cherki'
Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Dion Dublin analyse Rayan Cherki's performance against Sunderland, including his rabona assist for Phil Foden which Pep Guardiola criticised.
How Tielemans and Rogers inspired Villa's win over Arsenal
Match of the Day's Danny Murphy and Dion Dublin look at the role Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers in Aston Villa's 2-1 win over Arsenal, and discuss whether Villa can mount a challenge for the title.
'A clear challenge to Slot's authority in Salah's show of rebellion'
Mohamed Salah's astonishing public attack on Liverpool and Arne Slot piles pressure on the troubled head coach, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
Salah 'making it all about him' - Murphy
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says Mohamed Salah is "making it all about him" after the winger criticised the club and manager Arne Slot.
Murphy critical of Salah comments
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy is critical of Mohamed Salah's comments on his situation at the club, following Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds.
'One of the magic nights at Elland Road' - Leeds' week of hope
Leeds United's daunting week in the Premier League was expected to condemn them to the Championship, but it turned into their "week of hope".
Salah says he has been 'thrown under the bus' by Liverpool
Mohamed Salah says he has been "thrown under the bus" at Liverpool and his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down.
Mohamed Salah says his Liverpool future is in doubt as relations with Arne Slot have broken down
Salah believes he's been made a scapegoat for Liverpool's struggles this season, insisting "someone does not want me in the club".
Forest "nowhere near it" in disappointing defeat to Everton - Dyche
Sean Dyche says his Nottingham Forest side were "nowhere near it" in their 3-0 defeat to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
'Our best performance of the year' - Parker takes positives from Newcastle defeat
Scott Parker says he is "immensely proud" of his Burnley side after the Clarets' 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, describing it as their "best performance of the year".
'Good experience' facing 'relentless' Man City - Le Bris
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris reflects on his side's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
'It was certainly due' - Moyes happy for Barry after first Everton goal
Everton manager David Moyes says Thierno Barry's first goal for the Toffees "was certainly due" after the striker scored in his side's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
'It feels like a win today' - Farke on Leeds thrilling draw with Liverpool
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke gives "all the credit to the players" after they secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
Liverpool surrender two-goal lead as Leeds score late to draw 3-3
Liverpool let a two goal lead slip as they draw 3-3 with Leeds after a late equaliser from Ao Tanaka.
Slot in disbelief after Liverpool twice squander lead against Leeds
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says they "did not deserve that result" as they twice surrendered the lead during a 3-3 draw against Leeds.
Newcastle avoid late scare to beat 10-man Burnley
Bruno Guimaraes scores direct from a corner as Newcastle beat Burnley 2-1 at St. James' Park in the Premier League.
Semenyo goal ruled out as Bournemouth and Chelsea play out goalless draw
Antoine Semenyo has a goal ruled out as Bournemouth and Chelsea play out a 0-0 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Everton fire three past Forest to move into fifth
Sean Dyche's return to his former club ends in defeat as Everton beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.
Simons scores first Premier League goal as Spurs beat Brentford
Thomas Frank gets a much-needed victory as Tottenham beat his former club Brentford 2-0, with Xavi Simons scoring his first Premier League goal.
Man City beat Sunderland to narrow gap at top
Manchester City beat Sunderland 3-0 to move within two points of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.
Villa's late strike ends Arsenal's unbeaten run
Emi Buendia scores a late winner for Aston Villa as they beat Arsenal 2-1 at Villa Park and move three points behind the league leaders.
Leeds 3 Liverpool 3: How did the champions let that slip? Can spirit keep Farke's side up?
Analysing the major talking points from a breathless game at Elland Road.
'Spurs boss Frank eases pressure but tide has not turned yet'
Spurs head coach Thomas Frank sees the pressure eased with victory over Brentford - but the tide has not turned yet, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.