Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop react to Kylian Mbappe’s scrap with Thomas Tuchel after being subbed off. Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel has played down reports of a row between him and forwards Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. France international Mbappe took issue with the German substituting him during Saturday’s 5-0 home win over Montpellier in
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Missed any of the action around Europe this weekend? Have no fear: Gab Marcotti is here to catch you up with all the talking points in the latest Monday Musings. Jump to: Crossroads for Man City? | Fiorentina fury at Juve | Zidane wins Madrid derby | Liverpool keep coasting | Plea’s costly error vs.
The 40 African nations still standing in the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup learned the identities of their group stage opponents during a star-studded event at The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo on Tuesday, but not everyone will be happy with their lot. Teams were drawn into 10 groups of four teams, with the
At the end of the 2020 January transfer window, there had been around 40 moves involving players of Nigerian origin around the world. It’s unlikely anyone will be surprised by that number, because it is a well-known fact that the country is the biggest producer of football talent in Africa, and certainly one of the top 10
Steve Nicol contends Oleksandr Zinchenko did more for Tottenham in Spurs’ 2-0 win than anyone else. Mark Ogden and Alexis Nunes break down the contentious decisions in Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City. Steven Bergwijn scores on his debut in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. Pep Guardiola nods when asked if the title race is
Steve Nicol says Tottenham were by far the worse side before Zinchenko was sent off for Man City. LONDON — Less than 12 months ago, Manchester City were billed by many as the best team of the Premier League era. They were a side that became the first to break the 100-point barrier in one
Ale Moreno delves into how Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami will fare in their 2020 MLS openers. Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer pokes fun at ESPN FC’s Herculez Gomez, who won MLS Cup with Schmetzer in 2016. An emotional Brian Schmetzer says Seattle found their footing in the second half to become MLS champions. The Seattle
Shaka Hislop says Mo Salah’s unexpected journey to stardom reflects Liverpool’s team identity. Jurgen Klopp admits Southampton posed a tough ask to Liverpool despite their comfortable win. Liverpool continue their march towards the Premier League title with a comfortable win over Southampton. After watching Liverpool add another sweeping brush stroke to their masterpiece of a
11:30 AM ET Robert Lewandowski led the way as Bayern Munich beat Mainz. Photo by Torsten Silz/picture alliance via Getty Images Bayern Munich fired in three goals in the opening 26 minutes to ease past hosts Mainz 3-1 on Saturday and go two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with their sixth straight league
Ansu Fati was on the mark with two goals as Barcelona looked better than they have to date under Quique Setien. BARCELONA — Teenager Ansu Fati scored twice in two first-half minutes as Barcelona beat Levante 2-1 on Sunday to move back within three points of leaders Real Madrid. Ansu opened the scoring at Camp
After a lacklustre window transfer window, at least some of the weekend matches provided some drama. Here is what stuck with us: JUMP TO: City losing Pep in their step? | Sunnier signs at Spurs | Yep, Liverpool are good | West Ham woes | Lampard’s tough GK choice | Pearson effect gone? | Praising McNeil United’s transfer
Shaka Hislop questions how Kepa will react to Frank Lampard benching him for Willy Caballero. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard hails Antonio Rudiger after the defender’s brace vs. Leicester City. Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scores twice as they play out a 2-2 draw at Leicester. Willian would prefer to sign a new contract with Chelsea than
11:09 AM ET Forwards Ciro Immobile and Felipe Caicedo both scored twice in the first half as a rampant Lazio thrashed SPAL 5-1 on Sunday to maintain their Serie A title challenge. Immobile, Serie A’s leading scorer, took his tally to 25 league goals for the season as his side made it 12 wins and
Arsenal are held to their fourth successive league draw, with opponents Burnley missing the better chances. Steve Nicol says Mesut Ozil is Arsenal’s only spark in the midfield despite be subbed off vs. Burnley. Mikel Arteta says Arsenal failed to adapt to both the pitch conditions and Burnley’s quality in a 0-0 draw. Arsenal head
2:33 PM ET RB Leipzig came from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against visitors Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s 89th-minute equaliser, but the result handed the Bundesliga lead to champions Bayern Munich. Frenchman Nkunku drilled in the equaliser a minute from the end but the draw meant Leipzig are
1:37 PM ET Paris Saint-Germain demolished nine-man Montpellier 5-0 at the Parc des Princes to open a provisional 13-point lead at top of the Ligue 1 standings on Saturday. Pablo Sarabia, Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe, Layvin Kurzawa as well as a Daniel Congre own goal put the French champions on 55 points from 22
Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop react to Kylian Mbappe’s scrap with Thomas Tuchel after being subbed off. Neymar‘s birthday party in a Paris club on Sunday has been called a “distraction” by Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel. The event will take place in Paris nightclub Yoyo just two days ahead of a Ligue 1 trip to
5:38 PM ET Hakan Calhanoglu scored twice and was instrumental as AC Milan came from behind to beat visitors Torino 4-2 after extra time and reach the semifinals of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday. Turkey midfielder Calhanoglu netted a stoppage-time equaliser before giving the Rossoneri a 3-2 lead in extra time as the home side
Gianni Infantino has said African football is in danger of going backwards. The Africa Cup of Nations tournament should be played every four years instead of two, FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged the continent’s football leaders on Saturday. Infantino said revenue could rise up to six-fold for a four-yearly continental championship and become a must-see
Steve Nicol thinks Jadon Sancho should stay with Dortmund to boost his stock in the second half of the season. Craig Burley reacts to Erling Haaland scoring two goals off the bench after netting a hat trick on debut. The FC crew analyse Erling Haaland’s standing with his new club in Germany after a hat