Van Dijk ‘just wanted to talk’ to Arsenal star over Salah row

Virgil van Dijk has played down his tunnel bust-up up with Arsenal star Sokratis, explaining it was a row over Mo Salah that sparked the confrontation. The Liverpool defender was involved in a heated confrontation with his Arsenal counterpart as the players made their way down the tunnel at half-time, in a match where Jurgen Klopp’s …

Mitro forgives Kamara as Fulham vow to act on racist abuse

Aleksandar Mitrovic has forgiven Aboubakar Kamara for almost costing Fulham victory against Huddersfield by seizing and missing the late penalty Mitrovic should have taken. Kamara argued with Mitrovic – the club’s designated penalty-taker – and appeared to have cost them a vital victory when Terriers goalkeeper Jonas Lossl saved his kick to keep the match …

Pogba’s celebrations branded ‘disrespectful and frustrating’

Former France midfielder Claude Makelele believes Paul Pogba’s goal celebrations are ‘disrespectful’. Pogba, named in our team of the week again, was dancing twice on Sunday after netting the opening two goals in Manchester United’s win over Bournemouth. Ex-Chelsea star Makelele isn’t a fan of his compatriot’s attention-grabbing celebrations. He told Astro SuperSport: “One example …

Tottenham star Winks rejects ‘Spursy’ tag

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has batted away suggestions the damaging 3-1 defeat to Wolves was another example of failing to perform under pressure. Spurs capitulated in the final 18 minutes at Wembley to sink to a loss that saw them drift nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool – a potentially fatal blow in the …

Carragher blasts ‘brainless’ Man Utd centre-back

Jamie Carragher can’t explain Eric Bailly’s ‘brainless’ sending off during Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. Bailly was dismissed with 11 minutes remaining at Old Trafford following a reckless lunge on Ryan Fraser while United were cruising to victory. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had no complaints over the red card: “Eric won’t complain either,” …

Chelsea are ‘in trouble’ in January – Sarri

Maurizio Sarri says his Chelsea side are “in trouble” due to mounting injuries amid a hectic fixture schedule. The Blues won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Sunday and face Southampton on Wednesday in their first of seven games in January. Sarri, though, has a paucity of options as striker Olivier Giroud suffered an ankle injury, …

‘Big decisions’ for Dyche after dropping Hart for Heaton

Burnley manager Sean Dyche accepts he has “big decisions” ahead of him after he dropped Joe Hart and got a clean sheet from goalkeeper Tom Heaton against West Ham. Hart had started all 19 of Burnley’s Premier League games prior to Sunday’s 2-0 win but, having shipped some 41 goals in that spell including five …

Solskjaer identifies Man Utd’s ‘catalyst’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pinpointed Marcus Rashford as the ‘catalyst’ for Manchester United’s current form. Rashford was superb in United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth, brilliantly creating their opener before adding the third himself. Solskjaer had plenty of praise for the 21-year-old England forward, saying: “I’m delighted for him because he’s coming on and he’ll be a top, …

‘Efficient and no showboating’ – Solskjaer on Pogba’s improvement

Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on star man Paul Pogba after inspiring Manchester United to another comprehensive win. The exciting start to the post-Jose Mourinho era continued on Sunday as United took their return to 12 goals and nine points from three matches in the Norwegian’s temporary care. Pogba made our team of …

Liverpool clash is sh*t or bust for City – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City’s Premier League title bid hangs on Thursday’s clash with Liverpool. Guardiola believes reigning champions City’s fight to retain their title will be all-but over unless they beat leaders Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in a clash that is already giving us the feels. City shook off their consecutive defeats to …