Tottenham endured the humiliation of being taken to additional time by Tamworth, an opponent almost 100 locations decrease in English soccer’s pyramid, earlier than profitable 3-0 and avoiding one of many greatest shocks in FA Cup historical past on Sunday.

Defending champion Manchester United additionally superior from the third spherical by beating Arsenal 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Joshua Zirkzee transformed the clinching penalty for United, which performed from the 61st minute with 10 males following Diogo Dalot’s sending-off.

4 days after beating Premier League chief Liverpool 1-0 within the English League Cup semifinals, Tottenham’s group of established internationals toiled towards a bunch of part-time soccer gamers whose major jobs included bricklaying, promoting zippers and being a monetary advisor.

An enormous shock was on when fifth-tier Tamworth pressured additional time with the rating 0-0, just for the hosts to concede an own-goal within the one hundred and first minute after which strikes by Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson to disappoint nearly all of the three,700 followers contained in the tiny stadium known as The Lamb.

Tottenham supervisor Ange Postecoglou felt compelled to deliver on his prime gamers together with Son Heung-min, Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke from the substitutes’ bench to finally overpower Tamworth, which is sixteenth within the Nationwide League and was enjoying within the third spherical for first time since 2012.

“It’s very simple on a day like this to lose your head when issues aren’t going your means and also you notice the implications,” Postecoglou stated, “however for probably the most half we stayed calm, persistent and received via.”

Ninety-five locations had been between the groups within the league pyramid.

“Wonderful day and a disgrace we couldn’t recover from the road,” Tamworth midfielder Tom McGlinchey stated. “Again to work lecturing tomorrow — again to the day job sadly.”

In earlier years, Tamworth would have earned a money-spinning replay by holding Tottenham to a attract regulation time. Nonetheless, replays had been scrapped from this season due to the more and more busy calendar.

There was some hilarity earlier than kickoff, with the sport having to be delayed due to a problem with the netting on one of many objectives. A Tamworth participant received on a teammate’s shoulder to repair the issue.

Bayindir is United’s unlikely star

The final time Altay Bayindir performed for Man United, the goalkeeper conceded a objective from a nook in a loss at Tottenham within the English League Cup quarterfinals.

On Sunday, he was United’s savior by saving one penalty from Martin Odegaard in regular time to ship the sport towards Arsenal to additional time at 1-1 after which one other from Kai Havertz within the shootout.

United scored all of its penalties to maintain the protection of its trophy on monitor within the unlikeliest of manners.

Bruno Fernandes put United forward within the 52nd minute at Emirates Stadium just for Dalot to choose up his second yellow card and go away the guests with 10 males for the ultimate half-hour of regulation time.

Inside two minutes, Arsenal equalized via Gabriel’s deflected shot after which squandered an opportunity to go forward after Havertz was adjudged to have been fouled by Harry Maguire within the space.

Odegaard’s penalty was heading to the underside nook however was tipped apart by Bayindir, whose save to maintain out Havertz’s penalty was very related.

Joshua Zirkzee transformed the clinching penalty and that was additionally redemption for the Dutchman, who was substituted within the thirty third minute of a latest Premier League recreation towards Newcastle and jeered by some United followers.

Premier League groups advance

There have been no issues for different Premier League groups enjoying lower-league opposition, although Newcastle did have to come back from behind to beat fourth-tier Bromley 3-1 after conceding an eighth-minute opener.

Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon and William Osula scored at St. James’ Park for Newcastle, which earned an eighth straight win in all competitions.

Eberechi Eze’s objective secured Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over third-tier Stockport, whereas Ipswich beat Bristol Rovers — additionally from the third tier — 3-0 because of objectives by Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor.

Southampton beat second-tier Swansea 3-0, with Tyler Dibling scoring twice.

In Sunday’s different recreation, fourth-tier Doncaster beat Hull 5-4 on penalties after the rating was 1-1 on the finish of additional time.

Fourth-round draw

Man United’s reward for beating Arsenal was a house match within the fourth spherical towards Leicester, which is managed by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy was in non permanent cost of United for its win over Leicester in a League Cup match in October.

Liverpool will play second-tier Plymouth away and Manchester Metropolis was drawn away to both third-tier Leyton Orient or second-tier Derby.

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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Tottenham breathed an enormous sigh of reduction after needing extra-time to beat non-League Tamworth 3-0 within the third spherical of the FA Cup.

The ultimate scoreline flattered Spurs, who laboured all through the opening 90 minutes and would possibly nicely have conceded deep into stoppage time when Tom McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd each went near scripting one of many competitors’s biggest fairytales.

In the long run, the Lambs have been undone in scrappy vogue as Nathan Tshikuna inadvertently directed his tried clearance over his personal aim line from Brennan Johnson’s cross (101).

Substitute Dejan Kulusevski then doubled the eight-time winners’ benefit as he collected Heung-Min Son’s cross to fireside low past Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh (107), whose associate was watching from hospital after giving start to a child boy on Saturday night time.

With the hosts working on empty, Johnson blasted in a merciless third for the guests with two minutes of extra-time remaining (118) as Ange Postecoglou’s aspect averted an undesirable upset.

Postecoglou informed ITV: “It was a difficult recreation as we anticipated it to be. They made it arduous for us, with the floor it was about us staying clam and being persistent in our soccer.

“In the long run, we received the job accomplished. We knew we might end sturdy and you can see they have been tiring a bit.

“It is a recreation of soccer you go into it with trepidation and understanding you may slip up with the challenges. In most elements the boys stored their heads.

“We’re by to the following spherical and that was the target. Tamworth did very well and ought to be happy with their efforts. For us, we transfer on.”

Lambs to the Spurs slaughter? No likelihood…

Andy Peaks’ males – some 96 locations beneath their opponents within the English soccer pyramid, produced the sport of their lives. The Lambs, who have been down within the seventh-tier Southern Premier Central as not too long ago as 2022/23, have been a match for his or her illustrious opponents in regular time.

Tamworth, who knocked out League One Huddersfield to succeed in spherical three, had their probabilities to consign Spurs to the ignominy of a primary FA Cup defeat to a non-League outfit for the reason that 1914/15 season after they have been dumped out by Norwich Metropolis.

Inside 30 seconds, Beck-Ray Enoru examined Antonin Kinsky at his close to submit because the hosts signalled their intent. They weren’t right here to let this chance cross them by.

Again-to-back league titles have taken Peaks’ aspect to the summit of non-League soccer.

The staff comprised of a jazz singer, constructing surveyor, bricklayer, sports-science instructor and zip salesman have been good worth for extra-time as Timo Werner continued to toil. The German was stored out by Singh throughout a one-vs-one, which means it’s nonetheless only one aim in 26 mortgage appearances this season.

Tom Tonks, who runs a sandwich enterprise on the aspect, supplied his regular menace from lengthy throws. One among them beat Kinsky and hit the submit, however referee Peter Bankes had already awarded a foul.

Contending with the synthetic pitch the place just below 4,000 have been crammed into this compact floor subsequent to the A51, Postecoglou usually stood immobile in his makes an attempt to retain a level of calmness – however he didn’t hesitate to summon Son and Kulusevski in extra-time.

It was a transfer which finally proved the distinction as, after Tshikuna’s misfortune from Dominic Solanke’s scuffed try, it was Son who arrange Kulusevski for Spurs’ second earlier than Johnson rattled in from shut vary so as to add the gloss as Tottenham reached spherical 4 after an almighty scare.

Peaks ‘immensely proud’ of gamers

Tamworth boss Andy Peaks informed ITV: “I’ve informed my gamers to be dissatisfied as a result of we have been that near inflicting a large upset, however equally be massively proud.

“Everybody put a shift in and once you take a look at the staff we have been up in opposition to, it was unbelievable from our boys – I’m so happy with them. We had probabilities, the ‘keeper made saves however what was sensible is we have been within the recreation proper until the top.

“We knew it was going to be powerful. I wished individuals to see what we have been about, and I believe now we have accomplished that. I wished to come back right here and speak to you guys and be happy with what I’ve seen – I’m immensely proud.

“To get a house draw was higher. The prospect we needed to degree it was them coming right here. They’ve been so respectful and to deliver a staff like that claims so much. I can’t knock them.”

Peaks, a Leeds fan, revealed he had requested Tottenham defender Archie Grey for his shirt as memorabilia to recollect the event earlier than he paid tribute to Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.

“I really stated to Ange earlier than when he stated ‘how are you’? I stated, ‘I used to be all proper till I noticed your staff sheet’! However, no he was respectful earlier than and stated what an amazing job we had accomplished right here,” Peaks stated.

“And on the finish he was sensible and stated, ‘you gave us a proper good run for our cash, be happy with your boys, they have been implausible’.

“He has accomplished me a programme saying precisely that, so I will take that.

“I am getting Archie Grey’s high. He has promised me one. He will not let me down. He is aware of I am a Leeds fan and promised me.”

Participant of the match – Haydn Hollis

Tamworth defender Haydn Hollis accepted “it simply wasn’t to be” after being named participant of the match.

“We have accomplished ourselves proud, to take it to additional time is an unbelievable achievement,” he informed ITV. “The pitch, the fanbase, all the pieces was a little bit of a leveller for us. Possibly we simply gave all the pieces and fell a bit of bit quick.

“We make it troublesome to come back right here, it would not matter who comes right here. It simply wasn’t to be, so be it.”

Hollis earned reward for a silky piece of footwork within the second half, deftly spinning two opponents, and admitted he had caught the eye of Postecoglu.

“Their supervisor simply stated to me, ‘that is adequate to get you within the door right here’. I stated, ‘consider it or not, I’ve by no means accomplished it earlier than’. That is not my recreation, you may by no means see that once more.”

Heroic show from Tamworth falls quick

Sky Sports activities’ Ben Grounds:

“Tamworth’s subsequent recreation is a Birmingham Senior Cup match in opposition to Boldmere St Michael’s, the day earlier than Spurs face Arsenal within the Premier League. However for 100 minutes, these two sides have been degree pegging.

“What a heroic show from the part-timers. Tottenham limped into the fourth spherical. Peaks’ outfit pushed all of them the best way at a buoyant Lamb Floor on an event for the entire city to be happy with – albeit with a tinge of disappointment after they missed out on a probably profitable replay.

“Spurs’ extra-time objectives did not bitter a memorable afternoon for the non-League membership, who acquired a standing ovation.

“Tamworth had requested for volunteers to assist clear the bottom on Saturday morning to make sure the largest match within the membership’s historical past might go forward 24 hours later and Postecoglou confirmed loads of respect together with his beginning line-up.

“From the second kick-off was delayed as a result of a problem with the web in one of many objectives, you felt you have been witnessing a cup traditional. Play ultimately received underneath method 5 minutes later after Enoru received on the shoulders of goalkeeper Singh to assist repair it.

“Tamworth dug into their vitality reserves and have been virtually rewarded with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. A slip by Solanke offered an opportunity for McGlinchey however Yves Bissouma received throughout to dam and Kinsky gratefully gathered the free ball. It was a second in time which might have entered FA Cup folklore, nevertheless it wasn’t to be.”

What’s developing?

We are able to verify the beginning line-ups and substitutes for right this moment’s FA Cup third spherical tie at Tamworth.

Ange Postecoglou makes six adjustments to the staff that began in opposition to Liverpool in midweek.

Sergio Reguilon begins at left-back rather than Djed Spence whereas Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison come into the midfield on the expense of Lucas Bergvall and the injured Rodrigo Bentancur.

Mikey Moore returns from sickness in a entrance three that additionally consists of Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson. Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Heung-Min Son are all on the bench.

Our full line-up is as follows…

Beginning XI: Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Grey, Reguilon, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison (c), Johnson, Werner, Moore.

Substitutes: Austin, Spence, Dorrington, Bergvall, Olusesi, Kulusevski, Son, Solanke, Lankshear.

Tamworth line up as follows…

Beginning XI: Singh, Cockerill-Mollett, Tonks, Milnes (c), Creaney, Morrison, Cullinane-Liburd, McGlinchey, Enoru, Hollis, Crompton.

Substitutes: Phillips, Curley, Digie, Fletcher, Finn, Wreh, Williams, Tshikuna, Sundire.

Premier League Tottenham Hotspur wanted further time to beat courageous fifth-tier Tamworth, 96 locations under them within the English soccer pyramid, 3-0 within the FA Cup third spherical on Sunday.

The sport had the makings of an enormous upset from the opening whistle as Tamworth greater than held their very own however the workforce of part-time gamers drained and have been unable to safe one of many largest shocks within the competitors’s historical past.

“We needs to be proud, we took a top-six workforce to further time,” Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh, whose day job is as a constructing surveyor, advised ITV. “We had probabilities as properly, that is the irritating bit.”

After a goalless 90 minutes, Nathan Tshikuna’s personal objective within the one hundred and first minute put Spurs forward after Brennan Johnson had fired a low cross into the realm.

Substitute Dejan Kulusevski doubled the lead when he latched onto a cross from Son Heung-Min to shoot throughout Singh and Johnson added a late third.

Tamworth gave their followers at a rocking Lamb Floor loads to cheer when Beck-Ray Enoru — who works as a store clerk — pressured Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to make a diving save within the opening minute.

Earlier than kickoff, Enoru had climbed on a teammate’s shoulders to restore a spot within the web with a roll of tape as an Spurs supervisor Ange Postecoglou watched on chuckling and Tamworth’s Tom Tonks, famend for his lengthy throw-ins, despatched one clattering off Spurs’ far publish.

Tom McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd had wonderful probabilities to notch a late winner for the house facet which had supervisor Andy Peaks — who stop his day job as help employee to turn out to be full-time supervisor forward of Sunday’s sport — holding his head in disbelief.

Singh, whose companion had given delivery to a child boy the earlier night, was wonderful in objective, turning away a number of Spurs photographs together with a pair from James Maddison.

What a weekend! European soccer did not disappoint, per standard, with a ton of speaking factors to debate after a fascinating slate of video games. Barcelona thumped Clasico rivals Actual Madrid to win the Spanish Supercopa, however greater than the end result, it confirmed how Hansi Flick’s aspect can bridge the hole in LaLiga whereas Carlo Ancelotti should repair his star-studded crew. Within the English FA Cup, Man United superior over Arsenal on penalties to achieve the fourth spherical, however each groups obtained what they wanted from Sunday’s fiery, full-blooded conflict.

Elsewhere, we have now loads to interrupt down from Milan’s wobbly win at Venezia, Trent-Alexander’s efficiency for Liverpool within the FA Cup, João Félix’s flashes of brilliance for Chelsea, Bayern Munich’s labored win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Oh, and Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and even Jack Grealish.

Let’s get to it. Listed here are musings and reactions to essentially the most memorable moments of the weekend.

Clasico beatdown will need to have penalties, extra for Actual Madrid than for Barcelona

Perhaps there is a parallel universe the place Rodrygo’s shot caroms in off the woodwork early within the second half, Barca do not go up the pitch to attain straight afterwards, Wojciech Szczesny nonetheless will get despatched off, Madrid rating one other and it is 4-4, and the sponsors/everybody marvels at each the spectacle of Barca’s skills and Madrid’s never-say-die angle.

The worst factor Actual Madrid may do proper now’s inform themselves that they’ve something in anyway to do with that parallel universe. As a substitute, after the 5-2 shellacking, approaching the again of a 4-0 humiliation on the Bernabeu in October and with one other Clasico developing in Barcelona in the direction of the top of the season, the perfect factor to do is interact in some accountability.

It essentially begins with Carlo Ancelotti, after all. He units the crew and sends them out; considering you might cram Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham into some form of 4-2-4 in opposition to this Barcelona aspect proper now was a large blunder. Having gone extra conservative within the prior Clasico, he went out weapons blazing on this one and obtained his bottom handed to him from the beginning — let’s not neglect the 2 enormous early Thibaut Courtois saves.

Ancelotti will bear the brunt of the criticism and, to be truthful, he is used to it. However let’s not neglect the elephant within the room: how this crew was put collectively.

We have touched on it earlier than. You are one of many best-resourced golf equipment on the planet and also you go into the season with a squad whose three greatest forwards are all pure left-wingers (and whose essential midfield attacking risk, Bellingham, additionally gravitates to the left). Toni Kroos, your midfield normal, retires and also you suppose you might be aggressive with a man who turns 40 in September (Luka Modric) and one other man who’s, nicely, Dani Ceballos. You have obtained two central defenders coming off season-ending ACL accidents, and it does not happen to you so as to add one other centre-back to the squad.

That is basic “Panini sticker” strategy: convey within the huge names and let the coach determine it out. Mbappe is essentially the most coveted participant on the planet? Obtained to have him — irrespective of that Vinicius performs the identical place. I am out of central defenders? No sweat: Aurélien Tchouaméni is tallish, so he can play on the again. That Endrick child who’s the subsequent huge factor? Deliver him in as nicely, though he’ll by no means get taking part in time.

Ancelotti could have solved these tactical conundrums up to now — typically by means of strokes of genius, typically as a result of it is soccer and you will beat most opponents you probably have higher gamers and a standout keeper — however it doesn’t suggest he (or anybody else) can achieve this in perpetuity. And it definitely doesn’t suggest it is smart to proceed constructing squads like this one, even when they do find yourself with silverware on the finish of the marketing campaign.

There’s one other detrimental aspect impact to the superstar-driven strategy too. Once they battle, it is more durable to make changes. That is why, you presume, Vinicius stayed on the market for 76 minutes regardless of enduring certainly one of his worst performances in current reminiscence. The man is already banned in LaLiga for the crimson card he picked up in opposition to Valencia; he has been coddled and advised the ban was unfair, so what would taking him off earlier have executed for his way of thinking? I can not say for positive, however I think about that is exactly what went by means of Ancelotti’s head.

Phrase from the membership is that they will not purchase anybody new in January. If you happen to’re a Madrid fan, you hope Sunday modified their thoughts.

As for Barcelona, Madrid’s deficiencies and self-inflicted wounds mustn’t take something away from their efficiency. Nonetheless a lot Madrid performed into their arms, Barca’s stars carried out. Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and, after all, Lamine Yamal will get the headlines — righty so, given the technical high quality they confirmed — however credit score has to go to the center of the park. Marc Casadó, Gavi and Pedri performed with an depth and an intelligence that gave Barca the required platform to carry out the best way they did.

That is about them, positive, however that is additionally about Hansi Flick. Recreation-planning for this second Clasico given the circumstances (the Dani Olmo state of affairs, the legacy of the primary Clasico assembly this season) couldn’t have been simple and but he obtained nearly all the pieces proper. Barcelona aren’t good and there are sure to be loads extra bumps alongside the best way. It is nonetheless excessive threat/excessive reward with Flick, particularly as a result of they’ve struggled in opposition to smaller golf equipment that sit deep, although with Gavi now absolutely match which may change. However this Clasico win is a large confidence enhance.

Making up the six-point hole in LaLiga — particularly as a result of it is not simply Actual Madrid they’d should catch, however Atletico too — could be past them. But after days like this, you’d should put them among the many prime two or three favourites for the Champions League.

Increase for Ruben Amorim goes manner past Man United’s place within the FA Cup fourth spherical

Ruben Amorim gained on Sunday, and Mikel Arteta misplaced. That might even have been the case even when the spot kicks had gone the opposite manner, and it was Arsenal who superior to the subsequent spherical. Why? Due to what we noticed within the previous 120 minutes, and since the prize — staying alive within the FA Cup — is value lower than what occurred on the pitch.

I do not imply to gratuitously diss the competitors right here. Sure, it is a trophy and an vital one, however it’s not how both of these managers goes to be judged. Do not imagine me? Ask Erik ten Hag. He gained it final yr and is now unemployed (and largely unloved).

Extra vital, for each these coaches, was to get an emotional enhance and supply a way that their membership is shifting in the proper route. That half was settled within the 120 minutes earlier than any penalty was taken.

Arsenal might need created extra possibilities and bossed the anticipated targets (3.22 to 0.27), however most of that got here within the practically one hour of soccer they performed with a person benefit. Oh, and it was in that hour of soccer that they missed a penalty and did not capitalise. The upshot? Extra doubt about what they’ll obtain with Kai Havertz at centre-forward. It isn’t a view I share: I am a Havertz believer, although it could be good to have an alternative choice off the bench — and with out Bukayo Saka on the pitch. Doubt is not what Arteta wants proper now, and a win on penalties would not have modified that.

As for United, sure, they created little or no earlier than and after Diogo Dalot’s crimson card, however they stayed within the recreation and performed with depth and goal. A bit just like the Liverpool recreation, they regarded like a aspect that was rising into what the supervisor needed them to do.

Random moments just like the Matthijs De Ligt block obtain outsize significance. It felt as if little lightbulbs had been going off up and down the lineup. They punished their opponent’s errors, stored their tactical form and grew extra disciplined with a person down whilst their foe grew extra frantic. Confidence in your supervisor is a factor and as soon as once more, they confirmed it. And simply as with Arsenal, the result of the spot kicks wouldn’t have impacted this.

Yet another factor on the penalty “gained” by Havertz when he collided with Harry Maguire’s arm. I settle for that some of us hate VAR; nicely, we obtained to expertise a recreation with out VAR, and we did not simply see a participant conning the referee into awarding a penalty (as Havertz did, I am sorry to say) — we additionally noticed a full-on melee afterwards with little in the best way of disciplinary motion. Not as a result of the referee was unhealthy, however as a result of it is merely unimaginable for one refereeing crew to maintain observe of a 20-man brawl.

Didn’t having VAR (as is customary within the third spherical of the FA Cup) actually make the sport extra fulfilling? Or did it supply an incentive for gamers to get away with stuff?

New coach, usual Milan? Perhaps, however it’s not essentially a foul factor

The current comeback wins in opposition to Juventus and Inter en path to the Tremendous Cup had been exhilarating, however it was apparent that Milan had been going to be judged by how nicely they do the bread-and-butter of cranking out victories within the league and shifting up the desk. And that is the place issues beneath Sérgio Conceição felt like they did beneath Paulo Fonseca, which might be why boos rang out on the finish of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at residence to Cagliari.

In opposition to an opponent that parked the proverbial bus — and understandably so, contemplating that they are preventing to keep away from relegation — Milan had loads of the ball and the probabilities, however did not capitalise. Their 2.75 xG and 24 pictures on objective (11 on the right track) find yourself which means little when it is one other two factors missed. And including insult to harm, there have been no fewer than three distinct particular person errors on Nadir Zortea’s equalizer, from Youssouf Fofana’s revolving door defending, to Theo Hernández getting misplaced, to Mike Maignan fumbling the shot.

It is the form of stuff that infuriates followers — and doubtless Conceicao, too — the sort of stuff that performed an enormous a part of what value Fonseca his job on the finish of December. That mentioned, Milan had been aggressive and front-footed, the alternatives had been there (consider Christian Pulisic hitting the woodwork or Tammy Abraham’s missed one-on-one) and so they did greater than sufficient to win. That is an indication the muse is extra strong than the desk suggests. And it is OK if this seems to be like Fonseca’s Milan as a result of that crew, regardless of the self-inflicted errors, obtained a number of issues proper.

Conceicao does not must tear it down; he simply must iron out the kinks.

Fast hits

10. It is now 14 wins in a row for high-flying Atletico: The narrative out of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Osasuna was that this was old-school Atletico Madrid: defending staunchly and never dominating, however taking their possibilities on the different finish. I am unsure I agree, and the xG (2.33) again me up on the attacking finish. They weren’t overwhelming, and Julián Álvarez’s objective felt like a collective mind fart from Osasuna’s again line — regardless of having three central defenders, Alvarez is in some way left all on his personal? — however the alternatives they did create had been prime quality and so they had been stingy in their very own field. They continue to be a degree away from Actual Madrid on the prime of LaLiga and their confidence is simply rising.

9. Antonio Conte has his recreation face on as Napoli say goodbye to Kvaratskhelia: Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Verona makes it 5 wins on the bounce for Napoli (within the league, that’s, as a result of that is the one competitors they’ve left). It was dominant in a Conte manner: an early objective, tight defending after which a second (beautiful) objective from André-Frank Zambo Anguissa after the break for insurance coverage functions. Extra telling had been his phrases on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who’s formally on his manner out. Conte mentioned he was disenchanted that he wasn’t in a position to persuade him to remain; Kvaratskhelia would have stayed, after all, if he had been in a position to get the pay rise everybody agreed he deserved. (What they disagreed on, after all, was the dimension of the pay bump.)

8. It isn’t the contract talks, it is Trent Alexander-Arnold: I made the purpose final week — as did Arne Slot — after the horror present in opposition to Manchester United, and it is legitimate this week after his shock begin in opposition to Accrington Stanley, during which he was the one holdover from final weekend’s XI: you’ll be able to’t blame his contractual state of affairs and the truth that he is a free agent in a couple of months when issues are unhealthy, as a result of that very same state of affairs exists when issues are good. And so they had been excellent on Saturday as he led the crew out as captain and notched a peach of a objective in a 4-0 drubbing. The fact is that Alexander-Arnold is phenomenal going ahead however typically suffers large lapses defensively. That occurred earlier than his contract talks, and it’ll probably occur once more after he indicators a brand new deal, whether or not with Liverpool or anybody else.

7. Inter’s bounce-back win is vital, however so too had been the late wobbles: Sunday’s 1-0 win at Venezia is critical as a result of it retains the crew inside 4 factors of table-topping Napoli: that is manageable with two video games in hand. Extra important, I believe, is the best way they bounced again from the gut-punch of the Tremendous Cup defeat to Milan, during which a 2-0 Inter lead changed into a 3-2 defeat. Regardless of additional proof that they are not the identical crew with out Hakan Calhanoglu, they had been largely in cost for a lot of the sport — not less than till the final quarter-hour or so, after they conceded extra possibilities than Simone Inzaghi would have preferred. If there’s a trigger for concern proper now, it is most likely on the again.

6. Unlocking Joao Felix is a delight for the eyes: Think about in case you may do this. Think about in case you may get Joao Felix to recurrently supply what we noticed him give Chelsea within the 5-0 drubbing of Morecambe on Saturday. He was going through a aspect one spot above the underside of the whole English Soccer League, however no, your eyes didn’t deceive you. In the fantastic thing about his two targets, you noticed his grace, contact, stability, ending, creativity — all of the issues which can be supposed so as to add as much as a famous person. Besides in his case, they do not. He could be essentially the most technically gifted participant on the membership, however 5½ years after his absurd €126 million to Atletico Madrid — that is proper, he is nonetheless the fourth-costliest participant ever — he nonetheless cannot discover a supervisor to present him common taking part in time. (Probably the most damning Joao Felix stat could be that since turning 21, he has by no means began greater than 18 video games in a season). Enzo Maresca would love to vary that, however he is not so boastful that he thinks he’ll succeed the place so many others have failed.

5. Harry Kane’s penalty rescues wasteful Bayern Munich: Some in Bayern-land are so involved about not killing each recreation early that Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Borussia Monchengladbach was seen as a disappointment. Gladbach had a few possibilities after the break and it was 0-0 till Kane’s spot kick with simply over 20 minutes to go. May Bayern have dropped factors? Positive, however additionally they put collectively an xG of 4.28 (to 0.35) and did not concede a single shot till the second half. That they created a lot with out Jamal Musiala in opposition to a midtable opponent is not a foul factor. If you are going to fear as a Bayern fan, fear about free agents-to-be Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies, each of whom had been usually wonderful.

4. Tottenham scrape previous nonleague Tamworth, and it could possibly be the top of additional time within the FA Cup: Tiny Tamworth away was precisely what Tottenham did not need within the FA Cup: small floor, synthetic pitch, a fired-up opponent, second-stringers not taking possibilities (learn: Timo Werner), each impartial hoping for an upset within the identify of the “Magic of the FA Cup.” Tamworth stored it scoreless for 90 minutes, however the floodgates opened in additional time with an personal objective paving the best way to a 3-0 Spurs win. Perhaps it is a coincidence, however The Occasions reported Monday that the Soccer Affiliation was contemplating scrapping additional time and going straight to penalty kicks. With replays having already been eradicated, the traditionalists could be incensed, however the harsh fact is that the much less precise soccer you play, the extra probability the smaller membership has of an upset, and going direct to identify kicks would have given a crew like a Tamworth a greater probability. As for the larger golf equipment, you watched the very last thing they need to do is play an additional half hour on a frozen pitch in January.

3. Paris Saint-Germain reaping far lower than they sow: It has been like this for some time now and theories fluctuate, however Sunday’s victory over Saint Etienne felt like peak Luis Enrique. The defending champions took 25 pictures on objective and put collectively an xG of 4.07, however managed solely to win 2-1. It is simple to level to the entire “recognised striker” trope, apart from the truth that Gonçalo Ramos really began on this recreation. (Randal Kolo Muani was elsewhere, presumably ready to discover a new residence within the January switch window.) With rumours that they are near signing Kvaratskhelia, you marvel what number of winger sorts are sufficient provided that they have already got Bradley Barcola, Lee Kang-in, Désiré Doué, Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembélé.

2. Let’s all decide on Jack Grealish? It fairly feels that manner. You might need thought that his first objective for Manchester Metropolis since December 2023 (in Saturday’s 8-0 demolition of Salford Metropolis within the FA Cup) would have earned Grealish some respite from the critics. As a substitute, we obtained loads of reminders that it had been 392 days for the reason that £100m man’s final objective. (Heck, as a result of it was a penalty, when he subsequent scores from open play — if he scores from open play — we’ll get a reminder that it is his first objective from open play since 2023. Will not that be droll?) There is no query that Grealish has been a bust and that there have been much better methods for Metropolis to spend that cash, however citing his lack of targets kinda appears like punching down. Grealish is what he’s: a man who was vastly overrated by probably the most profitable coaches in historical past, who then could not match him into his system in a productive manner and who did not stay as much as his switch charge or large contract. Plus, he has the look the form of participant opposing followers like to hate. However he cannot be the one scapegoat right here.

1. Juventus disappoint (once more) in derby, however look laborious and you will find two brilliant spots: As boring as Juve had been within the 1-1 draw with Torino, and as indignant as Thiago Motta was — he even obtained himself despatched off, raging afterwards about how sad he was together with his crew’s lack of aggression — there are two factors of sunshine. One is Kenan Yildiz, who scored and was a continuing thorn in Torino’s aspect. I will depart it to others to find out whether or not he is the perfect Turkish teenager round (or whether or not it is Arda Güler), however it’s wild to me that some had been linking him to an exit over doubts about whether or not he match Motta’s system. The opposite is Douglas Luiz, who made his first begin since October and bossed the midfield. I don’t know how or why he ended up on Motta’s naughty step after his huge summer season transfer, however it’s evident he can contribute to this crew. Past that, Juve confirmed all their limitations (Dusan Vlahovic’s absence shouldn’t be an excuse) en path to their twelfth league attract 19 video games. No one in Europe’s Large 5 leagues has drawn extra.

Barcelona got here from an early aim right down to beat Actual Madrid 5-2 within the Spanish Tremendous Cup remaining on Sunday, scoring 4 objectives in a dominant first half and surviving having their goalkeeper despatched off to clinch a record-extending fifteenth trophy.

Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde have been all on the right track earlier than halftime, after France ahead Kylian Mbappé put Actual in entrance within the fifth minute. Raphinha grabbed one other within the second half whereas Rodrygo scored for Actual.

Barcelona put in a medical show to carry their first trophy in additional than a yr, having had no silverware to indicate for final season.

“A aim for giant golf equipment is all the time to win titles, that is why we work onerous. However now we have now to indicate it within the subsequent video games,” Hansi Flick instructed a information convention after profitable his first trophy as Barça coach.

“Actual made many errors, and we knew tips on how to make the most of them to regulate the match.”

Barca prevented Madrid from profitable their third title of the marketing campaign, after they received the European Tremendous Cup towards Atalanta and beat Mexico’s Pachuca to the Intercontinental Cup final month.

“Within the first half we did not play soccer, we hit lengthy balls and that wasn’t the concept,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned.

“I instructed the gamers that they’ll lose video games, however not in the best way we performed within the first half.”

Mbappé earned an early benefit for the Spanish champions, ending a solo run from across the midway line with a shot contained in the far put up.

However what regarded like a dream begin shortly was a nightmare for Ancelotti’s males when Yamal levelled for Barca within the twenty second minute. Striker Lewandowski gave them the lead 14 minutes later from a penalty awarded for Eduardo Camavinga’s foul on Gavi.

Raphinha elevated the benefit with a shocking header from a superb lengthy cross by Jules Koundé within the thirty ninth minute, and left again Balde added a fourth for Barca deep into stoppage time after 9 minutes have been added to the primary half.

Yamal launched Raphinha with a exact cross following Madrid’s depressing nook kick, earlier than the Brazil ahead left the ball to Balde who scored with a easy end.

Madrid began the second half with Rodrygo hitting the bar, sparking hopes of the hectic conflict taking one other flip.

However Raphinha quelled any sniff of a comeback when he made it 5-1 three minutes after the break, having slalomed previous the Madrid defence.

Barça have been left with 10 males when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was despatched off for fouling Mbappé within the 56th minute and Rodrygo beat substitute keeper Iñaki Peña from the ensuing free kick.

However Madrid, who maintain a five-point benefit over Barça in LaLiga after 19 video games, had no photographs on aim after the penalty till Mbappé’s effort was denied by Peña in stoppage time.

Barcelona additionally misplaced defender Iñigo Martínez earlier than the half-hour mark by way of damage, with Ronald Araújo stepping in.

Madrid and Barcelona met within the competitors’s remaining for third consecutive time, with Ancelotti’s facet prevailing final yr whereas Barça lifted the trophy in 2023.

Barcelona booked their spot within the remaining by profitable 2-0 towards present Spanish Cup holders Athletic Bilbao within the semifinals earlier than Actual beat final yr’s Copa del Rey finalists Mallorca 3-0.

Novak Djokovic’s new partnership with Andy Murray is off to a very good begin.

Djokovic consulted on courtroom along with his new coach after the third set of his 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 victory over American Nishesh Basavareddy within the first spherical of the Australian Open, and the Serb seemed to be receptive to what Murray was saying. Nonetheless, Djokovic admitted it was a “unusual expertise” having Murray actually so near him in the course of the match.

“It’s all enterprise for us now,” Djokovic stated in his on-court interview. “Clearly, thrilled to have him in my nook. I need to say, it was a little bit little bit of an odd expertise to have him proper courtside in my field. We performed for over 20 years towards one another on the very best degree, and it’s nice to have him on the identical facet of the web.

“He gave me some nice advices mid-match. I feel it’s actually good now that we have now a possibility now to have allowed teaching on the identical facet, so we will change some suggestions, we will get our coaches to inform us what they actually see from the facet of the courtroom. It’s a totally completely different angle, and perspective, once you’re watching from the facet and he’s been doing rather well. It’s been an fulfilling expertise, hopefully we don’t cease right here.”

As for the match itself, Djokovic banged out 23 aces en path to his 18th second-round look in Melbourne, together with one on match level. He then gave flowers to Basavareddy, who has an image of Djokovic on his WhatsApp profile, for his efficiency.

“I feel he was the higher participant for a set and a half,” the 24-time main champion stated on courtroom. “He deserves each little bit of applause that he received when he was exiting the courtroom. It’s a fantastic efficiency. To be actually trustworthy with you, I’ve by no means seen him play till three, 4 days in the past, so I didn’t know a lot about him and these type of matchups are all the time difficult, all the time harmful.”

Djokovic, a ten-time Australian Open champion, introduced Murray on as a part of a trial interval as he bids to win a file twenty fifth Grand Slam title. He clearly respects Murray, who solely simply retired final yr and is acquainted with right this moment’s gamers.

“To see [Murray] so optimistic, he yells ‘Come on,’ he’s consistently getting up, he’s clapping on a regular basis, that in itself simply give s you confidence if you happen to’re Novak,” ESPN’s Mary Joe Fernandez stated on the published.

Djokovic is coming off a yr during which he lastly received an Olympic gold medal in singles on the Paris Olympics, however didn’t win a significant after successful three in 2023.

In his bid for main No. 25, he closed out Basavareddy in 4 units. Murray and the remainder of Djokovic’s staff shook fingers in celebration.

Djokovic beat Murray in 4 Australian Open finals, so if Djokovic have been to go on and win the title, Murray would be capable to say he lastly had an element in an Australian Open championship.

“This man was single-handedly liable for that, however I’m not right here to sabotage his probabilities of successful one other one,” joked Murray forward of the fortnight.

Martina Navratilova, the 18-time main champion predicted Murray will have an effect on Djokovic, who might should face world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz within the quarterfinals after which probably No. 2 Alexander Zverev within the semis and No. 1 Jannik Sinner within the last. All of these gamers superior to the second spherical, whereas Australian favourite Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic’s most up-to-date doubles associate, misplaced in straight units whereas battling an stomach challenge.

“Novak can get actually down on himself,” Navratilova stated this week on Tennis Channel. “He’s been mouthing off at his field, however I don’t assume he’ll be doing that to Andy and that’ll assist him keep optimistic when one thing dangerous occurs and he’ll be a lot stronger, mentally, only for that cause. He’ll be on his greatest habits.”

Novak Djokovic admitted his first on-court expertise of being coached by Andy Murray was “unusual” however mentioned his former rival provided some “nice recommendation” after opening his Australian Open marketing campaign with a comeback win over teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.

Djokovic and Murray confronted one another in 4 Australian Open finals however the retired Scot has joined the 37-year-old’s’ workforce as he bids to win a file twenty fifth grand slam title this month.

Murray was positioned within the new ‘teaching pods’ on the Rod Laver Enviornment, that are positioned at court-level and allowed him to trade suggestions with Djokovic throughout the first-round match.

Regardless of dropping the primary set to the 19-year-old American wildcard Basavareddy, Djokovic improved to ebook his place within the second spherical, bouncing again from his shock defeat to Reilly Opelka in Brisbane.

“It was a wierd expertise with him court-side, I’m thrilled to have him in my nook. We performed for over 20 years in opposition to one another,” Djokovic mentioned in his on-court interview.

“He gave me some nice recommendation mid-match. We exchanged some suggestions. It’s a very totally different angle if you end up watching from the facet and he’s doing very well. Hopefully we don’t cease right here.”

Djokovic gave extra particulars in his post-match press convention. “A number of occasions I did method Andy, requested him one thing about no matter it was, no matter shot. He was giving me his suggestions, his steering and opinion. It’s necessary. I get pleasure from speaking to Andy

“He is aware of my tennis in addition to anyone on the market. He’s a legend of the game. He understands the highs and lows that you just undergo on the courtroom, not simply game-wise however mentally and bodily. I don’t have to do a lot explaining. He will get all the things that I’m going via.

“In these moments on the courtroom, it’s an enormous battle. After all, he needs me to point out the vitality, to point out the fist pump and all the things to get myself going. I believe he was doing nice in the present day. He was standing up a number of occasions, attempting to encourage me and help me. I loved it. I actually did get pleasure from it. I believe he’s an ideal man. It’s a pleasure to have him in my nook.”

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Former British participant Laura Robson was sat court-side as a pundit for Eurosport and Discovery+ and revealed a few of the dynamics between the previous rivals throughout the first-round win.

“I managed to keep watch over him,” Robson mentioned. “He didn’t keep for the on-court interview, he was out of there pronto. He’s not used to sitting down and watching a match for 3 hours and was stretching his again out by the top.

“I used to be shocked with how vocal he was. I used to be shocked to listen to, ‘C’mon Novak, preserve the vitality up’, and I noticed some hand indicators too. It was greater than I believed we had been going to get in a method.”

Djokovic admitted he had not seen a lot of Basavareddy however was impressed with {the teenager}’s grand slam debut. The Serbian mentioned Basavareddy was the “higher participant” over the primary set and a half, however he managed to show the match round.

“To be sincere, I’ve by no means seen him play till a couple of days in the past. These matches are at all times harmful after they don’t have anything to lose, his first match on the grand slam stage.

“He’s a really full participant. He shocked me along with his photographs and preventing spirit, I want him all the perfect with the remainder of his profession. He’s a boy however he didn’t get carried away by the second.”

Mike Tomlin probably isn’t going wherever.

Regardless of the Steelers’ season ending in large disappointment, shedding to the Ravens on Saturday within the wild-card spherical after shedding the final 4 video games of the common season, the workforce just isn’t anticipated to fireside or commerce Tomlin, in accordance with Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette.

Tomlin, the longest-tenured head coach within the NFL, signed a three-year extension earlier than the season that will maintain him with the workforce till the 2027 season.

Saturday’s loss — at M&T Financial institution Stadium in Baltimore — marked the Steelers’ sixth straight playoff defeat and the eighth time beneath Tomlin they’ve gone one-and-done within the postseason.

“I’m simply assessing what transpired tonight,” Tomlin mentioned after the loss. “These are my baggage, not [the team’s] baggage. The journey that we have been on definitely got here to a disappointing finish tonight.”

Tomlin, 52, took over for the 2007-08 season and owns a 183-107-2 general report within the common season throughout his 18 seasons in cost in addition to an 8-11 report within the playoffs.

He notably led the workforce to a Tremendous Bowl title in 2008-09 and a Tremendous Bowl look in 2010-11.

Regardless of his general success, there have been calls amongst quite a few NFL analysts for the Steelers to pursue a uncommon coach commerce for Tomlin — together with Fox’s Jim Johnson floating the thought of sending him to the Cowboys in alternate for Mike McCarthy.

Whereas it seems Tomlin is ready to remain, there’s loads of uncertainty concerning what the Steelers will do at quarterback with each Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to be free brokers.

Tomlin deflected when requested in regards to the place on Saturday.

“I’m not able to take a big-picture method,” Tomlin mentioned. “, I’m actually assessing what occurred as we speak, and I’m definitely appreciative of the efforts tonight, however I can say that largely for your entire season. They’re two high quality individuals, three high quality individuals on the quarterback place, and actually admire what they poured into this.”