Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-end-sensational-year-as-roberto-firminos-extra-time-goal-seals-club-world-cup-269525">Club World Cup final</a>, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

The midfielder landed awkwardly on his ankle during the 1-0 win over Flamengo and was substituted in the 75th minute. Klopp confirmed the 26-year-old would not play during the busy festive period when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-hunger-for-titles-like-an-addiction-lallana-269291">Liverpool</a> play three times in eight days.

"You have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged," Klopp told reporters ahead of Thursday's top-of-the-table clash at Leicester City.

"Now we have to see how quickly we can fix that. I don't know exactly. I had that injury myself, but it was years ago and it can take a while or can be quick.

"No chance for Thursday and no chance for this year. Oxlade will not play anymore (in 2019), that's clear."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpool-manager-klopp-extends-contract-to-2024-268150">Klopp</a> also said midfielder Fabinho and centre backs Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were recovering well but not fit for the upcoming games.

"There is no news on anyone else, which is good news," Klopp added.

Liverpool played two games in Qatar last week as they lifted their third trophy of the year following their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Champions League</a> and UEFA Super Cup triumphs. But Klopp said fatigue would not be a factor when they prepare for the trip to Leicester.

"The way to Qatar was difficult sleeping-wise but on the way back it was completely normal," Klopp said. "Yesterday we had the day off, and I'm pretty sure the boys slept as much as they could.

&nbsp;

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's Club World Cup final, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in Saturday's Club World Cup final, manager Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday. The midfielder landed awkwardly on his ankle during the 1-0 win over Flamengo and was substituted in the 75th minute. Klopp confirmed the 26-year-old would not play during the busy festive period when Liverpool play three times in eight days. "You have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged," Klopp told reporters ahead of Thursday's top-of-the-table clash at Leicester City. "Now we have to see how quickly we can fix that. I don't know exactly. I had that injury myself, but it was years ago and it can take a while or can be quick. "No chance for Thursday and no chance for this year. Oxlade will not play anymore (in 2019), that's clear." Klopp also said midfielder Fabinho and centre backs Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were recovering well but not fit for the upcoming games. "There is no news on anyone else, which is good news," Klopp added. Liverpool played two games in Qatar last week as they lifted their third trophy of the year following their Champions League and UEFA Super Cup triumphs. But Klopp said fatigue would not be a factor when they prepare for the trip to Leicester. "The way to Qatar was difficult sleeping-wise but on the way back it was completely normal," Klopp said. "Yesterday we had the day off, and I'm pretty sure the boys slept as much as they could.

Football: Liverpool's Oxlade-Chamberlain sidelined with ankle injury

Manchester City manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-to-earn-new-contract-pep-guardiola-269437">Pep&nbsp;Guardiola</a>&nbsp;has written to the&nbsp;Premier&nbsp;League&nbsp;to "thank" them for a demanding schedule over the&nbsp;festive&nbsp;period with two matches in less than 48 hours.

Champions City, who trail&nbsp;league&nbsp;leaders Liverpool by 11 points, visit Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday before hosting Sheffield United on Sunday and&nbsp;Guardiola&nbsp;said it left his players with little recovery time.

"I wrote to the&nbsp;Premier&nbsp;League&nbsp;to say thank you and we're going to the fridge after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-wolves-beat-villa-to-move-into-top-eight-261293">Wolves</a> to get ready for Sheffield United," a sarcastic&nbsp;Guardiola, whose side defeated second-placed Leicester City 3-1 on Saturday, told reporters.

"Tomorrow (Sunday) is a day off, we're training on the 23rd and 24th. The night of the 24th is off, the morning of the 25th off. Then 26th training and then 27th is Nuno's team."

Guardiola&nbsp;said it was "unrealistic" for his team to retain their&nbsp;league&nbsp;title from their current position, but added that they would not stop chasing unbeaten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-hunger-for-titles-like-an-addiction-lallana-269291">Liverpool</a>.

City have 38 points from 18 games having played one match more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-end-sensational-year-as-roberto-firminos-extra-time-goal-seals-club-world-cup-269525">Juergen Klopp's</a> side, who won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624">Club World Cup</a> in Doha on Saturday.

"When a team has 16 (league) victories from 17, it's unrealistic to think we're going to chase them," he added.

"It's unrealistic right now. We have to try to win our games, secure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-masterstroke-pays-off-as-tottenham-spurs-hit-back-to-win-264816">Champions&nbsp;League</a>&nbsp;for next&nbsp;season&nbsp;and then you never know."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has written to the Premier League to "thank" them for a demanding schedule over the festive period with two matches in less than 48 hours.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has written to the Premier League to "thank" them for a demanding schedule over the festive period with two matches in less than 48 hours. Champions City, who trail league leaders Liverpool by 11 points, visit Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday before hosting Sheffield United on Sunday and Guardiola said it left his players with little recovery time. "I wrote to the Premier League to say thank you and we're going to the fridge after Wolves to get ready for Sheffield United," a sarcastic Guardiola, whose side defeated second-placed Leicester City 3-1 on Saturday, told reporters. "Tomorrow (Sunday) is a day off, we're training on the 23rd and 24th. The night of the 24th is off, the morning of the 25th off. Then 26th training and then 27th is Nuno's team." Guardiola said it was "unrealistic" for his team to retain their league title from their current position, but added that they would not stop chasing unbeaten Liverpool. City have 38 points from 18 games having played one match more than Juergen Klopp's side, who won the Club World Cup in Doha on Saturday. "When a team has 16 (league) victories from 17, it's unrealistic to think we're going to chase them," he added. "It's unrealistic right now. We have to try to win our games, secure Champions League for next season and then you never know."

Guardiola takes dig at Premier League, says 'thank you' for busy festive season

Jurgen Klopp described winning the Club World Cup as "absolutely sensational" after Roberto Firmino's extra-time goal allowed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool </a>to beat Flamengo 1-0 in the final in Doha on Saturday and lift the trophy for the first time.

Firmino was picked out by Sadio Mane and waited for goalkeeper Diego Alves to commit before slotting low into the net in the 99th minute of an absorbing contest at the Khalifa International Stadium.

It was the moment that finally punctured the hopes of the Brazilian side and their vibrant support, after Liverpool had been denied a penalty by VAR right at the end of normal time.

The Qatari referee initially gave a spot-kick for a foul on Mane by Rafinha on the way into the box, but changed his mind following a lengthy review, forcing the contest into an extra 30 minutes.

Still, the European champions had enough to come out on top, with Firmino repeating his semi-final heroics, when he scored an injury-time winner against Monterrey of Mexico.

"I couldn't be more happy for him that he could score that goal because before the game we spoke a lot about what this competition means to South American people and especially Brazilian people," Klopp said.

"It means the world to him, it helped us and on top of that it was a sensational goal."

The victory completes a fabulous year for Liverpool, with a third piece of silverware to go with the Champions League and UEFA Supercup.

Having earned the title of world champions, if Klopp's team see out their huge lead at the top of the Premier League, they will have a case to be remembered as the finest side in the illustrious history of the club.

"I said before the game that I didn't know how it would feel, but now I can say it's outstanding, absolutely sensational and I'm so proud of the boys," Klopp said after winning a competition that has not always been held in high regard in Europe.

Flamengo take plaudits&nbsp;

"Flamengo are a really, really good football team but I think we were the better team tonight."

Flamengo had been hoping to repeat their win over Liverpool in the old Intercontinental Cup in 1981 and thereby become the first non-European winners of the Club World Cup since fellow Brazilians Corinthians beat Chelsea in 2012.

They fell short, although they certainly gave the Premier League leaders a game in what was their last outing of a long season.

"We lost, but only in terms of the result. Otherwise we were not losers in any respect. We were as good as them," said their Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who took over in June before leading them to the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores.

"Flamengo have had an unforgettable season. We have shown that the best Brazilian team can compete on the same level as the best teams in Europe."

Van Dijk back, Firmino hits post&nbsp;

Klopp welcomed back Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman sat out Wednesday's semi-final due to illness, while Firmino, Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold were recalled after starting on the bench against Monterrey.

Firmino, Naby Keita and Alexander-Arnold all came close for Liverpool in the first six minutes, but Flamengo gradually settled into the game and matched the European champions for much of the first half.

However, they were lucky not to fall behind at the beginning of the second period when Firmino controlled Henderson's ball forward and sent a shot off the inside of the post.

Liverpool also needed goalkeeper Alisson to produce a fine stop from a Gabriel Barbosa strike, before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went off injured as extra time began to loom.

Then Alves stretched to tip a net-bound Henderson shot from 25 yards over the bar and, with the match in injury time, the English side thought they had a penalty.

However, referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim dramatically cancelled his decision after reviewing the footage on a pitchside monitor.

Liverpool finally found a way through nine minutes into the first half of extra time though thanks to Firmino, and Flamengo could not respond.

Jurgen Klopp described winning the Club World Cup as "absolutely sensational" after Roberto Firmino's extra-time goal allowed Liverpool to beat Flamengo 1-0 in the final in Doha on Saturday and lift the trophy for the first time.

Jurgen Klopp described winning the Club World Cup as "absolutely sensational" after Roberto Firmino's extra-time goal allowed Liverpool to beat Flamengo 1-0 in the final in Doha on Saturday and lift the trophy for the first time. Firmino was picked out by Sadio Mane and waited for goalkeeper Diego Alves to commit before slotting low into the net in the 99th minute of an absorbing contest at the Khalifa International Stadium. It was the moment that finally punctured the hopes of the Brazilian side and their vibrant support, after Liverpool had been denied a penalty by VAR right at the end of normal time. The Qatari referee initially gave a spot-kick for a foul on Mane by Rafinha on the way into the box, but changed his mind following a lengthy review, forcing the contest into an extra 30 minutes. Still, the European champions had enough to come out on top, with Firmino repeating his semi-final heroics, when he scored an injury-time winner against Monterrey of Mexico. "I couldn't be more happy for him that he could score that goal because before the game we spoke a lot about what this competition means to South American people and especially Brazilian people," Klopp said. "It means the world to him, it helped us and on top of that it was a sensational goal." The victory completes a fabulous year for Liverpool, with a third piece of silverware to go with the Champions League and UEFA Supercup. Having earned the title of world champions, if Klopp's team see out their huge lead at the top of the Premier League, they will have a case to be remembered as the finest side in the illustrious history of the club. "I said before the game that I didn't know how it would feel, but now I can say it's outstanding, absolutely sensational and I'm so proud of the boys," Klopp said after winning a competition that has not always been held in high regard in Europe. Flamengo take plaudits "Flamengo are a really, really good football team but I think we were the better team tonight." Flamengo had been hoping to repeat their win over Liverpool in the old Intercontinental Cup in 1981 and thereby become the first non-European winners of the Club World Cup since fellow Brazilians Corinthians beat Chelsea in 2012. They fell short, although they certainly gave the Premier League leaders a game in what was their last outing of a long season. "We lost, but only in terms of the result. Otherwise we were not losers in any respect. We were as good as them," said their Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who took over in June before leading them to the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores. "Flamengo have had an unforgettable season. We have shown that the best Brazilian team can compete on the same level as the best teams in Europe." Van Dijk back, Firmino hits post Klopp welcomed back Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman sat out Wednesday's semi-final due to illness, while Firmino, Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold were recalled after starting on the bench against Monterrey. Firmino, Naby Keita and Alexander-Arnold all came close for Liverpool in the first six minutes, but Flamengo gradually settled into the game and matched the European champions for much of the first half. However, they were lucky not to fall behind at the beginning of the second period when Firmino controlled Henderson's ball forward and sent a shot off the inside of the post. Liverpool also needed goalkeeper Alisson to produce a fine stop from a Gabriel Barbosa strike, before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went off injured as extra time began to loom. Then Alves stretched to tip a net-bound Henderson shot from 25 yards over the bar and, with the match in injury time, the English side thought they had a penalty. However, referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim dramatically cancelled his decision after reviewing the footage on a pitchside monitor. Liverpool finally found a way through nine minutes into the first half of extra time though thanks to Firmino, and Flamengo could not respond.

Liverpool end sensational year as Roberto Firmino's extra-time goal seals Club World Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool</a>&nbsp;midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success.

Liverpool&nbsp;earned their place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-geroginio-wijnaldum-to-miss-club-world-cup-semi-final-268882">Club World Cup</a> by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in June.

"It's like an addiction: you win one medal and you want to win another. You want to win more," Lallana told reporters.

"We're European champions and to be world club champions as well. There's not many people who can say that ... another trophy is up for grabs so bring it on."

Saturday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium is a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup when a Zico-inspired Flamengo powered past&nbsp;Liverpool&nbsp;3-0 in Tokyo.

Lallana, who played the full 90 minutes against Monterrey, said&nbsp;Liverpool's Brazilian players Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker would be able to give them some tips about the Flamengo side they are up against.

"It'll be a very tough game," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Lallana</a> added.

"I'm sure Bobby and Alisson will give us some inside info into them.

"We watched them the other day. They were dynamic, aggressive, physical, and we will have to recover quickly."

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success.

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success. Liverpool earned their place at the Club World Cup by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in June. "It's like an addiction: you win one medal and you want to win another. You want to win more," Lallana told reporters. "We're European champions and to be world club champions as well. There's not many people who can say that ... another trophy is up for grabs so bring it on." Saturday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium is a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup when a Zico-inspired Flamengo powered past Liverpool 3-0 in Tokyo. Lallana, who played the full 90 minutes against Monterrey, said Liverpool's Brazilian players Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker would be able to give them some tips about the Flamengo side they are up against. "It'll be a very tough game," Lallana added. "I'm sure Bobby and Alisson will give us some inside info into them. "We watched them the other day. They were dynamic, aggressive, physical, and we will have to recover quickly."

Liverpool's hunger for titles like 'an addiction': Lallana

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpool-manager-klopp-extends-contract-to-2024-268150">Jurgen Klopp</a> is looking forward to a "really tough game" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-geroginio-wijnaldum-to-miss-club-world-cup-semi-final-268882">Club World Cup</a> final against Flamengo after Roberto Firmino's injury-time goal gave the Anfield side a hard-fought 2-1 win over Monterrey of Mexico on Wednesday.

Firmino came off the bench to turn in a cross from fellow substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 91st minute at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha after Naby Keita's early opener for a weakened Liverpool side had swiftly been cancelled out by Argentine striker Rogelio Funes Mori.

Having taken time out from their seemingly relentless march towards the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Premier League</a> title to travel to Qatar, Liverpool will be relieved at coming through this test, and they remain on course to win this competition for the first time.

However, they must now beat a Flamengo side who have won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian title in the last month under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, and who will have had an extra day to prepare for the final after defeating Saudi club Al-Hilal 3-1 on Tuesday.

"Tough game, really tough game," said Klopp when asked about the prospect of facing Flamengo in what will be a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final, when a Brazilian team captained by Zico beat Bob Paisley's European Cup holders 3-0 in Tokyo.

"Flamengo's season is over, they are here with a full squad, but we just have to recover as quickly as possible and then make ourselves ready."

He will hope to have Virgil van Dijk back fit for the final after the inspirational Dutch centre-back sat out the Monterrey game due to illness, leaving skipper Jordan Henderson to partner Joe Gomez in defence.

"It was an easy decision because he couldn't train yesterday - he was on the pitch for a couple of minutes until the media left, and then unfortunately he had to leave as well," Klopp said about Van Dijk, who has played in every Premier League and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Champions League</a> game this season. "We will see how quick he can recover."

'Only possible the hard way'&nbsp;

In addition, Klopp chose to leave Sadio Mane on the bench at kick-off along with Firmino and Alexander-Arnold, instead of handing starts to the likes of Adam Lallana, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi.

"It was only possible the hard way," said Klopp of the way in which his side won, with Firmino's late goal coming after goalkeeper Alisson made a string of key saves to stop Monterrey from going in front.

"We had problems before the game, we knew we would have some problems in the game, but I really think the boys did exceptionally well."

At such a busy stage in the season, Klopp also admitted his relief when the winning goal went in, saying: "I was actually afraid of extra time to be honest so I was more than happy when Bobby scored that goal."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">Liverpool</a> got off to a flying start and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 12th minute.

Salah, spurred on by the backing of adoring fans in an official attendance of over 45,000, produced a stunning pass to release Keita, the midfielder running into the box and lashing a first-time shot past goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero.

However, Monterrey's response was swift, as the CONCACAF Champions League winners drew level within two minutes when Funes Mori -- the brother of former Everton defender Ramiro - converted the rebound after Alisson saved from Jesus Gallardo.

The Mexicans grew in confidence after that, with captain Dorlan Pabon, the Colombian international, testing Alisson before the interval and again from a free-kick after the break.

Alisson also saved well from Funes Mori before Mane, Alexander-Arnold and Firmino all entered the fray in the closing stages.&nbsp;

Clearly determined to avoid a draining extra half-hour, Klopp's game plan paid off as Firmino pounced in the 91st minute.

"The team played really well and gave everything," said Monterrey coach Antonio Mohamed.&nbsp;

"Overall I thought we had the clearest chances and their goalkeeper made four or five big saves. It would have been fairer had the game gone to extra time."&nbsp;

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to a "really tough game" in the Club World Cup final against Flamengo after Roberto Firmino's injury-time goal gave the Anfield side a hard-fought 2-1 win over Monterrey of Mexico on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to a "really tough game" in the Club World Cup final against Flamengo after Roberto Firmino's injury-time goal gave the Anfield side a hard-fought 2-1 win over Monterrey of Mexico on Wednesday. Firmino came off the bench to turn in a cross from fellow substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 91st minute at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha after Naby Keita's early opener for a weakened Liverpool side had swiftly been cancelled out by Argentine striker Rogelio Funes Mori. Having taken time out from their seemingly relentless march towards the Premier League title to travel to Qatar, Liverpool will be relieved at coming through this test, and they remain on course to win this competition for the first time. However, they must now beat a Flamengo side who have won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian title in the last month under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, and who will have had an extra day to prepare for the final after defeating Saudi club Al-Hilal 3-1 on Tuesday. "Tough game, really tough game," said Klopp when asked about the prospect of facing Flamengo in what will be a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final, when a Brazilian team captained by Zico beat Bob Paisley's European Cup holders 3-0 in Tokyo. "Flamengo's season is over, they are here with a full squad, but we just have to recover as quickly as possible and then make ourselves ready." He will hope to have Virgil van Dijk back fit for the final after the inspirational Dutch centre-back sat out the Monterrey game due to illness, leaving skipper Jordan Henderson to partner Joe Gomez in defence. "It was an easy decision because he couldn't train yesterday - he was on the pitch for a couple of minutes until the media left, and then unfortunately he had to leave as well," Klopp said about Van Dijk, who has played in every Premier League and Champions League game this season. "We will see how quick he can recover." 'Only possible the hard way' In addition, Klopp chose to leave Sadio Mane on the bench at kick-off along with Firmino and Alexander-Arnold, instead of handing starts to the likes of Adam Lallana, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi. "It was only possible the hard way," said Klopp of the way in which his side won, with Firmino's late goal coming after goalkeeper Alisson made a string of key saves to stop Monterrey from going in front. "We had problems before the game, we knew we would have some problems in the game, but I really think the boys did exceptionally well." At such a busy stage in the season, Klopp also admitted his relief when the winning goal went in, saying: "I was actually afraid of extra time to be honest so I was more than happy when Bobby scored that goal." Liverpool got off to a flying start and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 12th minute. Salah, spurred on by the backing of adoring fans in an official attendance of over 45,000, produced a stunning pass to release Keita, the midfielder running into the box and lashing a first-time shot past goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero. However, Monterrey's response was swift, as the CONCACAF Champions League winners drew level within two minutes when Funes Mori -- the brother of former Everton defender Ramiro - converted the rebound after Alisson saved from Jesus Gallardo. The Mexicans grew in confidence after that, with captain Dorlan Pabon, the Colombian international, testing Alisson before the interval and again from a free-kick after the break. Alisson also saved well from Funes Mori before Mane, Alexander-Arnold and Firmino all entered the fray in the closing stages. Clearly determined to avoid a draining extra half-hour, Klopp's game plan paid off as Firmino pounced in the 91st minute. "The team played really well and gave everything," said Monterrey coach Antonio Mohamed. "Overall I thought we had the clearest chances and their goalkeeper made four or five big saves. It would have been fairer had the game gone to extra time."

Liverpool set sights on Flamengo as Firmino takes Reds into Club World Cup final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool</a> did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Red Bull Salzburg</a>&nbsp;on January&nbsp;1.

"It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement.

"To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.

"But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it."

Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1.

Liverpool did not disclose the fee but British media have reported that his release clause was 7.25 million pounds ($9.30 million) and that the 24-year-old would officially join from the Red Bull Salzburg on January 1. "It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," Minamino told Liverpool's website in a statement. "To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League. "But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it." Minamino, who has scored 11 goals in 22 matches for Japan, previously played for Cerezo Osaka in the Japanese top flight.

Liverpool reach agreement with Salzburg to sign Minamino

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday.

With runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-no-pressure-to-land-club-world-cup-crown-says-liverpools-klopp-261550">FIFA's Club World Cup</a> 24 hours later in Doha, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players with an average age of 19.4, a club record.

While they acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side, which showed 10 changes from the weekend Premier League defeat by Sheffield United, they were taught a harsh lesson in Liverpool's heaviest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">League Cup defeat</a>.

The Merseyside club's senior players and manager Juergen Klopp, watching on TV in Qatar where they face Monterrey in the semis on Wednesday, would have been impressed over the way their team started with 16-year-old Harvey Elliott catching the eye.

But Villa took the lead in the 14th minute when Conor Hourihane's free-kick went through a crowded area and into the net with Kodjia initially claiming a touch.

Morgan Boyes, one of five Liverpool debutants to start, deflected Ahmed Elmohamady's free-kick over his own keeper Caoimhin Kelleher three minutes later before 30-year-old Kodjia ran through on his own to slot home the third goal in the 37th.

Villa's Ivory Coast striker Kodjia made it 4-0 from close range just before halftime to end the tie as a contest, although Liverpool carved out several good chances after the break with some neat build-up play.

Villa added a fifth goal in stoppage time with record signing Wesley finishing clinically, having been sent clear by Trezeguet after coming off the bench.

Hollow victory&nbsp;

Villa have reached the semi-finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season but the victory felt hollow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Liverpool</a> have won the League Cup a record eight times but sacrificed the chance of making it nine as they focused on the game in Doha against Mexican club Monterrey.

Questions will be asked about their decision to involve no senior players and the scheduling but despite the scoreline, Liverpool had more shots and more possession than Villa.

Liverpool's Under-23 manager Neil Critchley, in charge fo the team in Klopp's absence, said his players, who had only 16 first-team appearances between them, had been magnificent.

"We were fantastic from the start, we had a couple of chances from the first whistle," he said.

"We were really unfortunate to concede and find ourselves 2-0 down. It was an incredible night and no one wanted it to end. The support we had was unbelievable.

"Some of them showed the potential to one day play for us, or in the Premier League. They will know it was just part of their journey. My overwhelming feeling was of immense pride."

The other three quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with holders Manchester City at third-tier Oxford United, Manchester United hosting fourth-tier Colchester United and Everton at home to Leicester City.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's youngest-ever side 5-0 with a double by Jonathan Kodjia helping them into the League Cup semi-finals on a strange night at Villa Park on Tuesday. With runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in FIFA's Club World Cup 24 hours later in Doha, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players with an average age of 19.4, a club record. While they acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side, which showed 10 changes from the weekend Premier League defeat by Sheffield United, they were taught a harsh lesson in Liverpool's heaviest League Cup defeat. The Merseyside club's senior players and manager Juergen Klopp, watching on TV in Qatar where they face Monterrey in the semis on Wednesday, would have been impressed over the way their team started with 16-year-old Harvey Elliott catching the eye. But Villa took the lead in the 14th minute when Conor Hourihane's free-kick went through a crowded area and into the net with Kodjia initially claiming a touch. Morgan Boyes, one of five Liverpool debutants to start, deflected Ahmed Elmohamady's free-kick over his own keeper Caoimhin Kelleher three minutes later before 30-year-old Kodjia ran through on his own to slot home the third goal in the 37th. Villa's Ivory Coast striker Kodjia made it 4-0 from close range just before halftime to end the tie as a contest, although Liverpool carved out several good chances after the break with some neat build-up play. Villa added a fifth goal in stoppage time with record signing Wesley finishing clinically, having been sent clear by Trezeguet after coming off the bench. Hollow victory Villa have reached the semi-finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season but the victory felt hollow. Liverpool have won the League Cup a record eight times but sacrificed the chance of making it nine as they focused on the game in Doha against Mexican club Monterrey. Questions will be asked about their decision to involve no senior players and the scheduling but despite the scoreline, Liverpool had more shots and more possession than Villa. Liverpool's Under-23 manager Neil Critchley, in charge fo the team in Klopp's absence, said his players, who had only 16 first-team appearances between them, had been magnificent. "We were fantastic from the start, we had a couple of chances from the first whistle," he said. "We were really unfortunate to concede and find ourselves 2-0 down. It was an incredible night and no one wanted it to end. The support we had was unbelievable. "Some of them showed the potential to one day play for us, or in the Premier League. They will know it was just part of their journey. My overwhelming feeling was of immense pride." The other three quarter-finals take place on Wednesday with holders Manchester City at third-tier Oxford United, Manchester United hosting fourth-tier Colchester United and Everton at home to Leicester City.

Aston Villa beat Liverpool's kids to reach League Cup semis

Wijnaldum&nbsp;was injured in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to-clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Liverpool</a>'s&nbsp;2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days.

"Gini was not as serious as we thought in the first moment, so he's here doing the first recovery and then we have stuff what is necessary," Klopp told reporters on Tuesday.

"We'll see day by day, but for tomorrow night (Wednesday) he's not involved."

Wijnaldum's fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk also&nbsp;missed training in Doha on Monday but Klopp said the defender was not carrying any injury.

"Virgil is fine. We had to do different stuff for recovery for different people, that was the reason why he wasn't involved yesterday in the session," Klopp added.

"All the rest of the squad is fine."

European champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Liverpool</a> are looking to capture their maiden&nbsp;Club&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;trophy.

The winner of Wednesday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium will take on Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo in Saturday's&nbsp;final.

With Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in Doha this week, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players for Tuesday's League&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;semi-final&nbsp;against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">Aston Villa</a>.

They acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side but were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">beaten 5-0</a>.

Wijnaldum was injured in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days.

Wijnaldum was injured in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford on Saturday but travelled with the squad to Qatar. Klopp said that the 29-year-old's problem was not as serious as initially feared but that they would monitor how it responded to treatment over the coming days. "Gini was not as serious as we thought in the first moment, so he's here doing the first recovery and then we have stuff what is necessary," Klopp told reporters on Tuesday. "We'll see day by day, but for tomorrow night (Wednesday) he's not involved." Wijnaldum's fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk also missed training in Doha on Monday but Klopp said the defender was not carrying any injury. "Virgil is fine. We had to do different stuff for recovery for different people, that was the reason why he wasn't involved yesterday in the session," Klopp added. "All the rest of the squad is fine." European champions Liverpool are looking to capture their maiden Club World Cup trophy. The winner of Wednesday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium will take on Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo in Saturday's final. With Premier League leaders Liverpool playing in Doha this week, they fielded a starting lineup consisting mainly of reserves and youth team players for Tuesday's League Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. They acquitted themselves well against a more experienced Villa side but were beaten 5-0.

Liverpool's Geroginio Wijnaldum to miss Club World Cup semi-final

Chess&nbsp;grandmaster&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-chess-championships-2017-viswanathan-anand-defeats-world-no-1-magnus-carlsen-27935">Magnus&nbsp;Carlsen's</a> knack for complex strategy has helped steer him into the upper echelons of an unlikely competition,&nbsp;Fantasy Football.

The Norwegian stands third on the Premier League's official fantasy football competition (FPL), only being knocked off the top spot on Monday after Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Brighton and Hove Albion</a>.

The 29-year-old reigning world&nbsp;chess&nbsp;champion tweaked his Twitter profile to include his FPL achievement.

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Bio needed an update <a href="https://t.co/Wc7z0FUVuj">pic.twitter.com/Wc7z0FUVuj</a>
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MagnusCarlsen/status/1205862206946074624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"World&nbsp;Chess&nbsp;Champion. The highest-ranked&nbsp;chess&nbsp;player in the world. Former (live) #1&nbsp;Fantasy&nbsp;Premier League player," reads his bio on the social media site.

The FPL is played by more than seven million people.

"Since a lot of people are asking about my #FPL strategy, mine is the not so groundbreaking one of part stats and part gut feeling,"&nbsp;Carlsen&nbsp;told his Twitter followers last week.

"Patent pending."

Carlsen's place as the top-ranked FPL player in the world has been taken by former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wolves-and-palace-ease-into-fa-cup-quarter-finals-197987">Liverpool and Bristol Rovers</a> defender Nick Tanner.

Carlsen's team includes Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah and John Lundstrum of Sheffield United, the game's top point-scoring defender.

Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen's knack for complex strategy has helped steer him into the upper echelons of an unlikely competition, Fantasy Football. The Norwegian stands third on the Premier League's official fantasy football competition (FPL), only being knocked off the top spot on Monday after Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen's knack for complex strategy has helped steer him into the upper echelons of an unlikely competition, Fantasy Football. The Norwegian stands third on the Premier League's official fantasy football competition (FPL), only being knocked off the top spot on Monday after Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion. The 29-year-old reigning world chess champion tweaked his Twitter profile to include his FPL achievement. Bio needed an update pic.twitter.com/Wc7z0FUVuj — Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 14, 2019 × "World Chess Champion. The highest-ranked chess player in the world. Former (live) #1 Fantasy Premier League player," reads his bio on the social media site. The FPL is played by more than seven million people. "Since a lot of people are asking about my #FPL strategy, mine is the not so groundbreaking one of part stats and part gut feeling," Carlsen told his Twitter followers last week. "Patent pending." Carlsen's place as the top-ranked FPL player in the world has been taken by former Liverpool and Bristol Rovers defender Nick Tanner. Carlsen's team includes Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah and John Lundstrum of Sheffield United, the game's top point-scoring defender.

Chess grandmaster Carlsen makes a splash in Fantasy Football

By Mallika Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/semi-finalists-of-uefa-champions-league-211419">UEFA Champions League</a> record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Atletico Madrid</a> procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760"> Bayern Munich</a> became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Champions League 2019-20 now gears up for the Final 16 Draw which is set to take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 16 December and is to determine the match fixtures for the next year.&nbsp;

The draw that is to be live-streamed on the UEFA website will feature all the seeded teams (group winners) and the unseeded teams (group runners-up) who are to be placed in separate pots.&nbsp;

Seeded teams:&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA: Group A)

Bayern München (GER: Group B)

Manchester City (ENG: Group C)

Juventus (ITA: Group D)

Liverpool (ENG, holders: Group E)

Barcelona (ESP: Group F)

Leipzig (GER: Group G)

Valencia (ESP: Group H)

Unseeded teams:

Real Madrid (ESP: Group A)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG: Group B)

Atalanta (ITA: Group C)

Atlético (ESP: Group D)

Napoli (ITA: Group E)

Dortmund (GER: Group F)

Lyon (FRA: Group G)

Chelsea (ENG: Group H)

In Pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-league-gears-up-for-final-16-draw-after-record-breaking-group-stage-268079">Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record-breaking group stage</a>

The seeded teams are to play at home grounds in the second leg. No team can play a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a side who plays from the same national league. Further restrictions are to be confirmed before the draw.&nbsp;

Four Premier League teams have qualified into the Final 16 with Liverpool (Titleholders) and Manchester City (English Champions) finishing at the top of their groups and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs qualifying as runner ups from their respective groups.&nbsp;

Here are the five potential opponents for each team that they can be drawn against for the next round:&nbsp;

Liverpool: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon.

Manchester City: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Lyon.

Chelsea: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich.Tottenham Tottenham Hotspurs: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Valencia.

Other European powerhouses could each potentially face the following:&nbsp;

Barcelona: Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham&nbsp;

Bayern Munich: Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Real Madrid

Juventus: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur

Leipzig: Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain: Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur

Valencia: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur

Atalanta: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Atletico Madrid: Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain

Dortmund: Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Lyon: Barcelona, Bayern, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Valencia

Napoli: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia

Real Madrid: Bayern, Juventus, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City

The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET.&nbsp;

The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

By Mallika Singh UEFA Champions League record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.

By Mallika Singh UEFA Champions League record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches. Champions League 2019-20 now gears up for the Final 16 Draw which is set to take place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 16 December and is to determine the match fixtures for the next year. The draw that is to be live-streamed on the UEFA website will feature all the seeded teams (group winners) and the unseeded teams (group runners-up) who are to be placed in separate pots. Seeded teams: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA: Group A) Bayern München (GER: Group B) Manchester City (ENG: Group C) Juventus (ITA: Group D) Liverpool (ENG, holders: Group E) Barcelona (ESP: Group F) Leipzig (GER: Group G) Valencia (ESP: Group H) Unseeded teams: Real Madrid (ESP: Group A) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG: Group B) Atalanta (ITA: Group C) Atlético (ESP: Group D) Napoli (ITA: Group E) Dortmund (GER: Group F) Lyon (FRA: Group G) Chelsea (ENG: Group H) In Pictures: Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record-breaking group stage The seeded teams are to play at home grounds in the second leg. No team can play a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a side who plays from the same national league. Further restrictions are to be confirmed before the draw. Four Premier League teams have qualified into the Final 16 with Liverpool (Titleholders) and Manchester City (English Champions) finishing at the top of their groups and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs qualifying as runner ups from their respective groups. Here are the five potential opponents for each team that they can be drawn against for the next round: Liverpool: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon. Manchester City: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Lyon. Chelsea: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich.Tottenham Tottenham Hotspurs: Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Valencia. Other European powerhouses could each potentially face the following: Barcelona: Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Bayern Munich: Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Chelsea, Lyon, Napoli, Real Madrid Juventus: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur Leipzig: Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur Paris Saint-Germain: Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur Valencia: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur Atalanta: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Atletico Madrid: Bayern, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain Dortmund: Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Lyon: Barcelona, Bayern, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Valencia Napoli: Barcelona, Bayern, Leipzig, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia Real Madrid: Bayern, Juventus, Leipzig, Liverpool, Manchester City The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

Champions League Final 16 Draw: Date, rules, possible scenarios for English teams and all you need to know

UEFA announced the&nbsp;full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Atletico Madrid</a>&nbsp;procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">&nbsp;Bayern Munich</a>&nbsp;became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Draw was&nbsp;live-streamed on the UEFA website from&nbsp;UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and&nbsp;determine the match fixtures for the next year.

Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday.

The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage.

Another will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a>'s clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time.

Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich.

Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-and-higuain-on-target-as-juventus-beat-leverkusen-2-0-267848">Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus</a> face France's other representatives, Lyon.

Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia.

Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16:

Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)&nbsp;

Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)&nbsp;

Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Lyon (FRA)&nbsp;v Juventus (ITA)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER)

Napoli (ITA)&nbsp;v Barcelona (ESP)&nbsp;

The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET.&nbsp;

The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches. The Draw was live-streamed on the UEFA website from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and determine the match fixtures for the next year. Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday. The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage. Another will be Real Madrid's clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time. Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich. Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus face France's other representatives, Lyon. Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia. Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG) Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP) Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG) Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER) Lyon (FRA) v Juventus (ITA) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER) Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020. (With inputs from AFP)

Champions League last 16 fixtures: Liverpool to clash with Atletico Madrid; City to face Real Madrid

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juergen-klopp-hails-salahs-sensational-finish-267582">Juergen Klopp</a> has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season.

"For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve," Klopp said in a statement on the club's website.

"When the call (to manage Liverpool) came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other. If anything, now I feel I underestimated that.

"It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024."

The club said the German manager's assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders had also agreed on new deals.

Klopp took <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Liverpool</a> to the brink of their first-ever <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Premier League</a> title last season, finishing a point behind champions Manchester City.

This season, they are well poised to end their 30-year wait for a top-flight league title after going unbeaten in the first 16 games, with an eight-point lead over second-placed Leicester City.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has agreed on a contract extension until 2024, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp took the reins at Liverpool in October 2015 and guided them to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning their sixth European cup last season. "For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve," Klopp said in a statement on the club's website. "When the call (to manage Liverpool) came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other. If anything, now I feel I underestimated that. "It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024." The club said the German manager's assistants Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders had also agreed on new deals. Klopp took Liverpool to the brink of their first-ever Premier League title last season, finishing a point behind champions Manchester City. This season, they are well poised to end their 30-year wait for a top-flight league title after going unbeaten in the first 16 games, with an eight-point lead over second-placed Leicester City.

Football: Liverpool manager Klopp extends contract to 2024

Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record breaking group stage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool </a>manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Juergen Klopp</a> praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Champions League</a> knockout stages on Tuesday.

Liverpool beat Salzburg 2-0 to advance as Group E winners, with Salah adding to midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-win-feisty-manchester-derby-as-liverpool-secure-christmas-no1-266926">Naby Keita's</a> opener after rounding opposition goalkeeper Cican Stankovic.

"He played really well but didn't score in the situations we expect him usually to score, but staying on track and making such a decisive and very difficult finish, that probably says much more about him than all of the other goals he has scored," said Klopp.

"Staying concentrated, belief in the next moment, it was brilliant. A very, very difficult goal but a sensational finish."

Salah's goal was his 11th for Liverpool this season and took him to 20 Champions League goals for the club.

Liverpool next host basement-side Watford in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-stage-comeback-to-sink-west-ham-and-end-winless-run-267402">Premier League </a>on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Mohamed Salah for showing self-belief after he spurned several straightforward chances before scoring from a tight angle to help the defending champions reach the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday. Liverpool beat Salzburg 2-0 to advance as Group E winners, with Salah adding to midfielder Naby Keita's opener after rounding opposition goalkeeper Cican Stankovic. "He played really well but didn't score in the situations we expect him usually to score, but staying on track and making such a decisive and very difficult finish, that probably says much more about him than all of the other goals he has scored," said Klopp. "Staying concentrated, belief in the next moment, it was brilliant. A very, very difficult goal but a sensational finish." Salah's goal was his 11th for Liverpool this season and took him to 20 Champions League goals for the club. Liverpool next host basement-side Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Juergen Klopp hails Salah's 'sensational finish'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> moved into the last 16 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">Champions League</a> with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah.

Juergen Klopp's side needed a point in Austria to be sure of qualification and after missing several good chances in the first half, they ended up with a comfortable win which should have been by a more convincing margin.

Two goals inside two second-half minutes from Keita and Salah, with the Egyptian finding the net with an exquisite finish from a tight angle, helped Liverpool finish top of Group E with 13 points.

That was one point ahead of Napoli, who beat Genk 4-0, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Salzburg</a>, who finished third with seven points, will continue in the Europa League.

"It was a tough game but we were there - that's what I love from my team. Salzburg did so many smart things, but we had big chances. It was a very intense game. In the second half they obviously couldn't cope with that intensity," said Klopp.

Although the away defeat and a home draw with Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli had left Liverpool on edge going into the final round of games, their superior quality showed in the end.

With much at stake for two attacking sides, the game began in a frantic and open fashion and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker had to be alert in the seventh minute to keep out a close-range effort from South Korean <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Hwang Hee-chan </a>after good work from the lively Japanese forward Takumi Minamino.

Mane missed a good opportunity, curling wide from the edge of the box and then brought Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic into action with a diagonal drive.

Highly-rated Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, failed to make the most of space inside the box and his low shot was easily dealt with by the Liverpool keeper.

The biggest chance of the half came in the 29th minute when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nicolas-pepe-to-cedric-bakambu-top-five-transfers-featuring-african-players-240159">Keita</a> put in Salah, but unmarked and inside the box, the Egyptian's shot was badly off target.

The 19-year-old Haaland missed another opportunity, six minutes after the interval, but Liverpool were beginning to get a grip on midfield and dictate the tempo.

The runaway Premier League leaders settled their nerves when Keita headed them in front, against his former club, in the 57th minute.

Andy Robertson fed Mane who burst down the left past <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-arsenal-slump-to-defeat-against-french-club-rennes-201871">Jerome Onguene</a> and he rounded Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic, who had rushed out of his area, before lofting a cross into the box which was firmly headed home by Keita.

A minute later, Stankovic's readiness to leave his area was behind the second goal, as Salah, wide on the right, pushed the ball around him and then impressively slotted home from the tightest possible angle.

Liverpool were in firm control from then on and wasted several chances to add to their total with Salah and Mane both missing opportunities.

Salzburg will take some comfort from their enterprising first-half performance and their overall displays in the group stage, which earned praise from Klopp.

"I couldn't have more respect for what Salzburg are doing. When you see how good they were in the first game, against Napoli and against Genk. We could have come here as reigning champions and misunderstood the situation, but I love how smart we were against them," he said.

Liverpool moved into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool moved into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg on Tuesday as a potentially tricky encounter turned into a second-half cruise with quickfire goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah. Juergen Klopp's side needed a point in Austria to be sure of qualification and after missing several good chances in the first half, they ended up with a comfortable win which should have been by a more convincing margin. Two goals inside two second-half minutes from Keita and Salah, with the Egyptian finding the net with an exquisite finish from a tight angle, helped Liverpool finish top of Group E with 13 points. That was one point ahead of Napoli, who beat Genk 4-0, while Salzburg, who finished third with seven points, will continue in the Europa League. "It was a tough game but we were there - that's what I love from my team. Salzburg did so many smart things, but we had big chances. It was a very intense game. In the second half they obviously couldn't cope with that intensity," said Klopp. Although the away defeat and a home draw with Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli had left Liverpool on edge going into the final round of games, their superior quality showed in the end. With much at stake for two attacking sides, the game began in a frantic and open fashion and Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker had to be alert in the seventh minute to keep out a close-range effort from South Korean Hwang Hee-chan after good work from the lively Japanese forward Takumi Minamino. Mane missed a good opportunity, curling wide from the edge of the box and then brought Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic into action with a diagonal drive. Highly-rated Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, failed to make the most of space inside the box and his low shot was easily dealt with by the Liverpool keeper. The biggest chance of the half came in the 29th minute when Keita put in Salah, but unmarked and inside the box, the Egyptian's shot was badly off target. The 19-year-old Haaland missed another opportunity, six minutes after the interval, but Liverpool were beginning to get a grip on midfield and dictate the tempo. The runaway Premier League leaders settled their nerves when Keita headed them in front, against his former club, in the 57th minute. Andy Robertson fed Mane who burst down the left past Jerome Onguene and he rounded Salzburg keeper Cican Stankovic, who had rushed out of his area, before lofting a cross into the box which was firmly headed home by Keita. A minute later, Stankovic's readiness to leave his area was behind the second goal, as Salah, wide on the right, pushed the ball around him and then impressively slotted home from the tightest possible angle. Liverpool were in firm control from then on and wasted several chances to add to their total with Salah and Mane both missing opportunities. Salzburg will take some comfort from their enterprising first-half performance and their overall displays in the group stage, which earned praise from Klopp. "I couldn't have more respect for what Salzburg are doing. When you see how good they were in the first game, against Napoli and against Genk. We could have come here as reigning champions and misunderstood the situation, but I love how smart we were against them," he said.

Champions League: Liverpool advance to last 16 with 2-0 win in Salzburg

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lampard-keen-to-strengthen-chelseas-attack-in-january-267569">Chelsea</a> survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea, who needed a victory to make sure of qualification, had gone five <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-advance-to-last-16-with-2-0-win-in-salzburg-267561">Champions League</a> games at Stamford Bridge without a victory, their longest such run at home in the competition.

They dominated almost the entire game yet Lille, who were already condemned to the bottom spot of Group H and fielded an under-strength side, scored in the 78th minute and came close to a late equaliser that would have eliminated Chelsea.

Victory left Chelsea second in the group on 11 points behind Valencia, who won 1-0 at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/onana-passed-fit-but-ajax-miss-injured-striker-promes-267387">Ajax Amsterdam</a>, consigning the Dutch champions to third place and elimination. Lille ended with just one point.

"It did get twitchy," Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said. "We need to take our chances better. At 2-0, I thought it was not quite done and when Lille scored it made it a more nervy finish to the game than it needed to be."

After dominating the opening proceedings in a downpour and swirling wind, Chelsea went ahead in the 19th minute when U.S. striker Christian Pulisic darted forward to feed Willian and the Brazilian's cut-back cross was turned in by Abraham.

The Londoners doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Azpilicueta shook off his marker to score with a close-range header from a corner by Emerson.

But what had looked like being a comfortable night for the Blues proved anything but once former Chelsea striker Loic Remy pulled a goal back for Lille with his shot going in off the underside of the bar.

Remy then wasted a chance to equalise when he shot straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in injury time.

Lille coach Christophe Galtier said his team had struggled in the opening 30 minutes to cope with Chelsea and the heavy rain and wind that swept around Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea seemed to play a bit less in the second half. We got more of the ball and we deserved to get our goal," he said. "It made the match more interesting than what went before it. We could have scored a second goal."

The result meant all four English teams in this season's Champions League - Liverpool, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-not-on-par-with-european-elite-says-guardiola-267118">Manchester City</a> and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Chelsea - have reached the last 16 of the competition.

There was further good news for Chelsea as they welcomed back central defender Antonio Rudiger who had previously played only 45 minutes this season due to injuries.

Chelsea survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea survived a nerve-jangling finale to their 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, eventually holding on to clinch a place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and captain Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea, who needed a victory to make sure of qualification, had gone five Champions League games at Stamford Bridge without a victory, their longest such run at home in the competition. They dominated almost the entire game yet Lille, who were already condemned to the bottom spot of Group H and fielded an under-strength side, scored in the 78th minute and came close to a late equaliser that would have eliminated Chelsea. Victory left Chelsea second in the group on 11 points behind Valencia, who won 1-0 at Ajax Amsterdam, consigning the Dutch champions to third place and elimination. Lille ended with just one point. "It did get twitchy," Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said. "We need to take our chances better. At 2-0, I thought it was not quite done and when Lille scored it made it a more nervy finish to the game than it needed to be." After dominating the opening proceedings in a downpour and swirling wind, Chelsea went ahead in the 19th minute when U.S. striker Christian Pulisic darted forward to feed Willian and the Brazilian's cut-back cross was turned in by Abraham. The Londoners doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Azpilicueta shook off his marker to score with a close-range header from a corner by Emerson. But what had looked like being a comfortable night for the Blues proved anything but once former Chelsea striker Loic Remy pulled a goal back for Lille with his shot going in off the underside of the bar. Remy then wasted a chance to equalise when he shot straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in injury time. Lille coach Christophe Galtier said his team had struggled in the opening 30 minutes to cope with Chelsea and the heavy rain and wind that swept around Stamford Bridge. "Chelsea seemed to play a bit less in the second half. We got more of the ball and we deserved to get our goal," he said. "It made the match more interesting than what went before it. We could have scored a second goal." The result meant all four English teams in this season's Champions League - Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Chelsea - have reached the last 16 of the competition. There was further good news for Chelsea as they welcomed back central defender Antonio Rudiger who had previously played only 45 minutes this season due to injuries.

Chelsea hold on against Lille to advance in Champions League

Beth England and Maren Mjelde both scored within the space of two minutes as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-abraham-return-helps-chelsea-beat-villa-266321">Chelsea</a> came from a goal down to beat title rivals Manchester City 2-1 while Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 on&nbsp;Sunday.

Chelsea dominated from the start, creating plenty of chances and hitting the woodwork twice, but it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play through Caroline Weir's superb volley on the hour mark.

City's rearguard, which had only conceded once all season, was finally breached when England headed home from close range in the 79th minute, with Mjelde bundling the ball over the line for the winner two minutes later.

Following on from her six-goal salvo last week, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema added another brace in a comfortable win over Reading to keep Arsenal top on 24 points, with Chelsea two points behind and with a game in hand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-win-feisty-manchester-derby-as-liverpool-secure-christmas-no1-266926">Manchester City</a> are third on 21 points, with newcomers Manchester United now up to fourth thanks to a 3-1 win over Everton in which teenage midfielder Lauren James scored twice.

In the day's other games, bottom side Liverpool ended a run of four straight defeats with a gritty 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United, while an own goal by Brighton &amp; Hove Albion defender Victoria Williams gifted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-put-my-booster-on-son-heung-min-shares-secret-behind-magnificent-goal-267042">Tottenham Hotspur</a> a 1-0 home win.

Sunday's late kick off saw Birmingham City beat Bristol City 2-0 to climb above Brighton into ninth place on seven points, while Bristol remain second from bottom on three points after nine games.

Beth England and Maren Mjelde both scored within the space of two minutes as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat title rivals Manchester City 2-1 while Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 on Sunday.

Beth England and Maren Mjelde both scored within the space of two minutes as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat title rivals Manchester City 2-1 while Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 on Sunday. Chelsea dominated from the start, creating plenty of chances and hitting the woodwork twice, but it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play through Caroline Weir's superb volley on the hour mark. City's rearguard, which had only conceded once all season, was finally breached when England headed home from close range in the 79th minute, with Mjelde bundling the ball over the line for the winner two minutes later. Following on from her six-goal salvo last week, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema added another brace in a comfortable win over Reading to keep Arsenal top on 24 points, with Chelsea two points behind and with a game in hand. Manchester City are third on 21 points, with newcomers Manchester United now up to fourth thanks to a 3-1 win over Everton in which teenage midfielder Lauren James scored twice. In the day's other games, bottom side Liverpool ended a run of four straight defeats with a gritty 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United, while an own goal by Brighton & Hove Albion defender Victoria Williams gifted Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 home win. Sunday's late kick off saw Birmingham City beat Bristol City 2-0 to climb above Brighton into ninth place on seven points, while Bristol remain second from bottom on three points after nine games.

Resilient Chelsea bounce back to beat Manchester City 2-1

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-draw-everton-in-fa-cup-third-round-265919">Everton</a> have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">5-2 defeat</a> at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Silva, who arrived at Goodison Park in May 2018, has left with the team languishing 18th in the table on 14 points after they lost nine of their 15 league games this season.

"Everton Football Club can confirm that manager Marco Silva has left the Club," Everton said on their website.&nbsp;

"Majority Shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and the Board of Directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future," the statement added.

"Duncan Ferguson has taken temporary charge of the first team and will manage the side for the game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-abraham-return-helps-chelsea-beat-villa-266321">Chelsea</a> on Saturday. The Club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible."

It is the latest managerial failure at Everton after Dutchman Ronald Koeman's ill-fated spell ended in October, 2017 and his replacement Sam Allardyce was dismissed with a year remaining on his contract before the club turned to Silva.

Silva was reported to have survived one round of emergency talks among the Everton hierarchy after the home loss to Norwich City last month but his dismissal was no surprise following defeats by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Leicester City and Liverpool</a>.

Everton conceded five league goals against Liverpool for the first time since 1982, and the Portuguese coach conceded his players had buckled under the pressure at Anfield.

British media reported that former Everton boss David Moyes is favourite to replace Silva at Goodison Park, although that would likely receive a mixed reaction from the fans.

Moyes, who had a successful 11-year stint in charge at Goodison Park from 2002-13, would likely be joined by former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill as part of his coaching staff.

Silva has now managed three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-slump-to-first-home-defeat-by-brighton-266535">Premier League</a> clubs after a spell with Hull City, which ended in relegation and his departure, and at Watford, where he was sacked after interest from Everton but also a poor run of results.

The 42-year-old's failure to bring success to Goodison will have disappointed Moshiri who found himself in a bitter row with Watford to gain the services of the Portuguese.

After Silva was eventually fired by Watford, he was given significant investment in new players with Everton looking to break into the top six and push for a Champions League place.

They have spent over 200 million pounds&nbsp;in the past two close-season transfer windows but few of the players brought in have made a positive impact and the club instead faces a battle at the wrong end of the table.

The on-the-field troubles come at a time when Everton plan to move to a new stadium and are in marked contrast to the fortunes of neighbours Liverpool, who are European champions and current runaway Premier League leaders.

Former striker Ferguson, a long-time member of the Everton coaching staff under various managers, is not viewed as a major contender for the top job.

Everton have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a 5-2 defeat at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Everton have sacked manager Marco Silva the day after dropping into the relegation zone following a 5-2 defeat at Merseyside rivals Liverpool, the Premier League club said on Thursday. Silva, who arrived at Goodison Park in May 2018, has left with the team languishing 18th in the table on 14 points after they lost nine of their 15 league games this season. "Everton Football Club can confirm that manager Marco Silva has left the Club," Everton said on their website. "Majority Shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and the Board of Directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future," the statement added. "Duncan Ferguson has taken temporary charge of the first team and will manage the side for the game against Chelsea on Saturday. The Club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible." It is the latest managerial failure at Everton after Dutchman Ronald Koeman's ill-fated spell ended in October, 2017 and his replacement Sam Allardyce was dismissed with a year remaining on his contract before the club turned to Silva. Silva was reported to have survived one round of emergency talks among the Everton hierarchy after the home loss to Norwich City last month but his dismissal was no surprise following defeats by Leicester City and Liverpool. Everton conceded five league goals against Liverpool for the first time since 1982, and the Portuguese coach conceded his players had buckled under the pressure at Anfield. British media reported that former Everton boss David Moyes is favourite to replace Silva at Goodison Park, although that would likely receive a mixed reaction from the fans. Moyes, who had a successful 11-year stint in charge at Goodison Park from 2002-13, would likely be joined by former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill as part of his coaching staff. Silva has now managed three Premier League clubs after a spell with Hull City, which ended in relegation and his departure, and at Watford, where he was sacked after interest from Everton but also a poor run of results. The 42-year-old's failure to bring success to Goodison will have disappointed Moshiri who found himself in a bitter row with Watford to gain the services of the Portuguese. After Silva was eventually fired by Watford, he was given significant investment in new players with Everton looking to break into the top six and push for a Champions League place. They have spent over 200 million pounds in the past two close-season transfer windows but few of the players brought in have made a positive impact and the club instead faces a battle at the wrong end of the table. The on-the-field troubles come at a time when Everton plan to move to a new stadium and are in marked contrast to the fortunes of neighbours Liverpool, who are European champions and current runaway Premier League leaders. Former striker Ferguson, a long-time member of the Everton coaching staff under various managers, is not viewed as a major contender for the top job.

Football: Everton sack manager Silva after Merseyside derby humbling

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-draw-everton-in-fa-cup-third-round-265919">Liverpool</a>'s bandwagon rolled on as they crushed Merseyside rivals Everton 5-2 at Anfield but Leicester City's pursuit continued with a seventh successive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-jesus-double-gives-manchester-city-much-needed-win-at-burnley-266167">Premier League</a> victory to stay eight points behind on Wednesday.

Even with strikers Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino warming the bench, Juergen Klopp's side had far too much firepower with Divock Origi scoring twice as Liverpool set a new club record of 32 league games undefeated.

While a first title for 30 years is beckoning Liverpool, pressure is piling up on Everton boss Marco Silva as his side dropped into the relegation zone, below Southampton who beat fellow strugglers Norwich City 2-1.

Jose Mourinho's return to Old Trafford was not a happy one as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-a-better-coach-for-united-stint-jose-mourinho-266138">Manchester United</a> striker Marcus Rashford's double earned his side a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Leicester beat bottom club Watford 2-0 as they equalled a club record winning streak dating back to 1963, Jamie Vardy and James Maddison scoring after the break to lift Brendan Rodgers's side three points above champions Manchester City.

"Seven wins on the spin in the Premier League is a great achievement, we have a winning mentality," Rodgers said. "We fight and work and see where it takes us."

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard got the better of former team mate John Terry, assistant manager at Aston Villa, as his side shrugged off back-to-back league defeats with a 2-1 victory to consolidate fourth spot.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now unbeaten in 10 league games,&nbsp;their best run in the top flight for 40 years,&nbsp;as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over West Ham United.

Wolves jumped to fifth spot, six behind Chelsea.

With Adam Lallana also given a start as Klopp rotated his squad at the start of a hectic month, Liverpool underlined their depth as they blew Everton away in the highest-scoring Mersey derby since 1933.

A mesmerising attacking display saw them net four goals before halftime with Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri scoring to make the most of rare starts. Sadio Mane was also on target although Everton played their part with Michael Keane and Richarlison keeping them in the contest.

A calmer second half brought only a late goal for Georginio Wijnaldum as Liverpool moved to 43 points from 15 games, eight ahead of Leicester and 11 clear of champions Manchester City.

"The players coming in were fantastic, it's good to see, we will need everyone in this long season," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said.

"We have to use everyone and they all stepped up."

Mourinho, sacked a year ago by Manchester United, returned to the north west in good heart after his first three games for Tottenham all brought victories while his United successor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/more-frustration-for-solskjaer-as-manchester-united-held-by-villa-265635">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> was under pressure after the Reds' worst start to a season since 1988.

United produced the kind of vibrant display that has been a rarity this season and Rashford was superb. He opened the scoring early and tucked away a penalty in the second half after Dele Alli had equalised for Tottenham.

It was a dominant display by United who moved above Tottenham into sixth spot with 21 points from 15 games.

"It was the best performance Marcus Rashford has had under me," Solskjaer said of the young England striker. "It's like he was back on the playground."

Mourinho, given a friendly welcome, said his side had started too slowly.

"We need to win more duels, we need to start the game with more intensity," the Portuguese said. "We need to make the opponent feel what United made us feel."

Tammy Abraham returned for Chelsea after injury and headed the opening goal against Villa. Trezeguet bundled in a Villa equaliser but Mason Mount's thumping volley sealed victory.

Liverpool's bandwagon rolled on as they crushed Merseyside rivals Everton 5-2 at Anfield but Leicester City's pursuit continued with a seventh successive Premier League victory to stay eight points behind on Wednesday.

Liverpool's bandwagon rolled on as they crushed Merseyside rivals Everton 5-2 at Anfield but Leicester City's pursuit continued with a seventh successive Premier League victory to stay eight points behind on Wednesday. Even with strikers Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino warming the bench, Juergen Klopp's side had far too much firepower with Divock Origi scoring twice as Liverpool set a new club record of 32 league games undefeated. While a first title for 30 years is beckoning Liverpool, pressure is piling up on Everton boss Marco Silva as his side dropped into the relegation zone, below Southampton who beat fellow strugglers Norwich City 2-1. Jose Mourinho's return to Old Trafford was not a happy one as Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford's double earned his side a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Leicester beat bottom club Watford 2-0 as they equalled a club record winning streak dating back to 1963, Jamie Vardy and James Maddison scoring after the break to lift Brendan Rodgers's side three points above champions Manchester City. "Seven wins on the spin in the Premier League is a great achievement, we have a winning mentality," Rodgers said. "We fight and work and see where it takes us." Chelsea manager Frank Lampard got the better of former team mate John Terry, assistant manager at Aston Villa, as his side shrugged off back-to-back league defeats with a 2-1 victory to consolidate fourth spot. Wolverhampton Wanderers are now unbeaten in 10 league games, their best run in the top flight for 40 years, as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over West Ham United. Wolves jumped to fifth spot, six behind Chelsea. With Adam Lallana also given a start as Klopp rotated his squad at the start of a hectic month, Liverpool underlined their depth as they blew Everton away in the highest-scoring Mersey derby since 1933. A mesmerising attacking display saw them net four goals before halftime with Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri scoring to make the most of rare starts. Sadio Mane was also on target although Everton played their part with Michael Keane and Richarlison keeping them in the contest. A calmer second half brought only a late goal for Georginio Wijnaldum as Liverpool moved to 43 points from 15 games, eight ahead of Leicester and 11 clear of champions Manchester City. "The players coming in were fantastic, it's good to see, we will need everyone in this long season," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said. "We have to use everyone and they all stepped up." Mourinho, sacked a year ago by Manchester United, returned to the north west in good heart after his first three games for Tottenham all brought victories while his United successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under pressure after the Reds' worst start to a season since 1988. United produced the kind of vibrant display that has been a rarity this season and Rashford was superb. He opened the scoring early and tucked away a penalty in the second half after Dele Alli had equalised for Tottenham. It was a dominant display by United who moved above Tottenham into sixth spot with 21 points from 15 games. "It was the best performance Marcus Rashford has had under me," Solskjaer said of the young England striker. "It's like he was back on the playground." Mourinho, given a friendly welcome, said his side had started too slowly. "We need to win more duels, we need to start the game with more intensity," the Portuguese said. "We need to make the opponent feel what United made us feel." Tammy Abraham returned for Chelsea after injury and headed the opening goal against Villa. Trezeguet bundled in a Villa equaliser but Mason Mount's thumping volley sealed victory.

Premier League: Liverpool enjoy derby demolition as it sets new club record, Leicester still chasing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-extend-lead-at-top-as-manchester-city-chelsea-falter-265516">Manchester City</a>'s Gabriel Jesus struck twice and Rodri scored a screamer in a 4-1 win at Burnley on Tuesday as the champions showed signs they may be able to keep the Premier League title race alive.

The victory takes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guardiola-rules-out-manchester-city-january-spree-265868">Pep Guardiola</a>'s side, who had drawn at Newcastle United on Saturday, into provisional second spot and back within eight points of leaders Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jesus opened the scoring in the 24th minute and doubled City’s advantage five minutes after the break before a spectacular drive from Rodri and a low drilled shot from substitute Riyad Mahrez made it four.

A late consolation from Burnley substitute Robbie Brady will have annoyed Guardiola, whose side have now gone eight games in all competitions without a clean sheet but, that aside, this was back to business for City.

The Spaniard, though, dismissed talk of a title race comeback.

"For the distance we have with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-draw-everton-in-fa-cup-third-round-265919">Liverpool</a> it would be crazy to think about the title, we have to think about the (weekend Manchester) derby, the other competitions, and take this rhythm," he told the post-match news conference.

The way the City players celebrated the win showed they knew they could ill-afford another slip-up after being held at Newcastle United on Saturday.

In recent weeks City have looked well below the standards set in their two straight title campaigns and this season they had already dropped 13 points in their 14 games, only three short of their total for the whole of the last campaign.

With only one win in their last five games in all competitions, the pressure on City was real but the gap in quality between the elite clubs and the tightly-packed middle ranks of the Premier League was soon evident.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche switched from his usual 4-4-2 to a five-man midfield with Danny Drinkwater, on loan from Chelsea, making his first Premier League appearance in 21 months, but neither he nor his team mates troubled the champions.

City began to move the ball around with the kind of confidence and precision that has been their hallmark under Guardiola and they were soon ahead.

The breakthrough came after a swift exchange of passes ended with David Silva threading the ball to Jesus who, filling in for the injured Sergio Aguero, curled a shot into the far corner.

The lead could have been doubled two minutes before the interval when, after rare Burnley pressure, City broke and the counter ended with a Bernardo Silva drive which keeper Nick Pope saved superbly with his outstretched leg.

The second goal came when Bernardo Silva curled a probing cross towards the back post and Jesus reacted quickly to get in front of his marker Phil Bardsley and volley home.

Jesus, who had not scored in his previous 10 games for club or country, was buzzing and went close to a third with a burst of pace and another shot that fizzed just wide of the far post.

A blocked shot from David Silva then fell to Rodri on the edge of the box and the Spaniard blasted a thundering, unstoppable drive past Pope to make it three in the 68th minute.

Mahrez, given acres of space, got the fourth goal three minutes from the end with a low shot from the edge of the box before Brady gave the muted home crowd some cheer in the cold.

"We played with an incredible amount of passes and we needed that," said Guardiola. "Here at Burnley it is not easy. We conceded one chance in the first half but we played in a clever way and it is a good performance," he added.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus struck twice and Rodri scored a screamer in a 4-1 win at Burnley on Tuesday as the champions showed signs they may be able to keep the Premier League title race alive.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus struck twice and Rodri scored a screamer in a 4-1 win at Burnley on Tuesday as the champions showed signs they may be able to keep the Premier League title race alive. The victory takes Pep Guardiola's side, who had drawn at Newcastle United on Saturday, into provisional second spot and back within eight points of leaders Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield on Wednesday. Jesus opened the scoring in the 24th minute and doubled City’s advantage five minutes after the break before a spectacular drive from Rodri and a low drilled shot from substitute Riyad Mahrez made it four. A late consolation from Burnley substitute Robbie Brady will have annoyed Guardiola, whose side have now gone eight games in all competitions without a clean sheet but, that aside, this was back to business for City. The Spaniard, though, dismissed talk of a title race comeback. "For the distance we have with Liverpool it would be crazy to think about the title, we have to think about the (weekend Manchester) derby, the other competitions, and take this rhythm," he told the post-match news conference. The way the City players celebrated the win showed they knew they could ill-afford another slip-up after being held at Newcastle United on Saturday. In recent weeks City have looked well below the standards set in their two straight title campaigns and this season they had already dropped 13 points in their 14 games, only three short of their total for the whole of the last campaign. With only one win in their last five games in all competitions, the pressure on City was real but the gap in quality between the elite clubs and the tightly-packed middle ranks of the Premier League was soon evident. Burnley manager Sean Dyche switched from his usual 4-4-2 to a five-man midfield with Danny Drinkwater, on loan from Chelsea, making his first Premier League appearance in 21 months, but neither he nor his team mates troubled the champions. City began to move the ball around with the kind of confidence and precision that has been their hallmark under Guardiola and they were soon ahead. The breakthrough came after a swift exchange of passes ended with David Silva threading the ball to Jesus who, filling in for the injured Sergio Aguero, curled a shot into the far corner. The lead could have been doubled two minutes before the interval when, after rare Burnley pressure, City broke and the counter ended with a Bernardo Silva drive which keeper Nick Pope saved superbly with his outstretched leg. The second goal came when Bernardo Silva curled a probing cross towards the back post and Jesus reacted quickly to get in front of his marker Phil Bardsley and volley home. Jesus, who had not scored in his previous 10 games for club or country, was buzzing and went close to a third with a burst of pace and another shot that fizzed just wide of the far post. A blocked shot from David Silva then fell to Rodri on the edge of the box and the Spaniard blasted a thundering, unstoppable drive past Pope to make it three in the 68th minute. Mahrez, given acres of space, got the fourth goal three minutes from the end with a low shot from the edge of the box before Brady gave the muted home crowd some cheer in the cold. "We played with an incredible amount of passes and we needed that," said Guardiola. "Here at Burnley it is not easy. We conceded one chance in the first half but we played in a clever way and it is a good performance," he added.

Premier League: Jesus double gives Manchester City much-needed win at Burnley

Lionel Messi receives his sixth Ballon d'Or, Megan Rapinoe bags women's award

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-guardiola-is-the-best-manager-in-the-world-juergen-klopp-260679">Pep Guardiola</a> says he will not be splashing out in January to revive Manchester City's flagging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-extend-lead-at-top-as-manchester-city-chelsea-falter-265516">Premier League</a> title fortunes despite the yawning gap to leaders Liverpool.

The champions, in third place and trailing Jurgen Klopp's men by 11 points after 14 matches, visit Burnley on Tuesday.

City have gone seven games without a clean sheet, which Guardiola said was not "good enough" and the club have been linked with Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.

But he played down the idea of buying a centre-back when the transfer window re-opens next month.

Instead he will keep his faith in Fernandinho and await the return of Aymeric Laporte after a lengthy absence with a knee injury.

Asked if City's transfer strategy had changed, Guardiola said: "No. I don't want any players in January.

"If we cannot do it in summer, we cannot do in January. When they come for an incredible opportunity in January for the next four, five, six years, maybe we could think about it, but that is not possible.

"Normally the players we could think it would be interesting to add something for our squad, they are not going to sell."

Since losing Laporte in August, and following the exit of captain Vincent Kompany, Guardiola has deployed Fernandinho, usually a holding midfielder, in defence.

And he will turn to the Brazilian again at Turf Moor despite the direct approach of the hosts and aerial and physical threat of Burnley forward pair Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

"Fernandinho is not the reason why we win or lose. When we beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-thwarted-by-valencia-in-champions-league-thriller-264990">Chelsea</a>, everyone said how fantastic Fernandinho was," said Guardiola.

"When we don't win it's because of Fernandinho. It will be my decision. I like him in that position because of the build-up for the fast, for the long balls, many things."

City will be without the suspended Ilkay Gundogan in midfield and striker Sergio Aguero, the matchwinner at Burnley last season, with a thigh injury that will also rule him out of Saturday's Manchester derby.

City have won just one of their past five games in all competitions but England defender John Stones believes leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-and-napoli-left-with-work-to-do-after-anfield-draw-264987">Liverpool</a> will now face added pressure to stay at the top.

"It's very difficult to be out in front and you can sometimes be complacent and not do things you should do. That's when you can slip up," he said.

"We put a healthy pressure on our shoulders to say we can achieve this, and we can claw back points and close the gap. We're still the champions and we should have that healthy arrogance about it."

Pep Guardiola says he will not be splashing out in January to revive Manchester City's flagging Premier League title fortunes despite the yawning gap to leaders Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola says he will not be splashing out in January to revive Manchester City's flagging Premier League title fortunes despite the yawning gap to leaders Liverpool. The champions, in third place and trailing Jurgen Klopp's men by 11 points after 14 matches, visit Burnley on Tuesday. City have gone seven games without a clean sheet, which Guardiola said was not "good enough" and the club have been linked with Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu. But he played down the idea of buying a centre-back when the transfer window re-opens next month. Instead he will keep his faith in Fernandinho and await the return of Aymeric Laporte after a lengthy absence with a knee injury. Asked if City's transfer strategy had changed, Guardiola said: "No. I don't want any players in January. "If we cannot do it in summer, we cannot do in January. When they come for an incredible opportunity in January for the next four, five, six years, maybe we could think about it, but that is not possible. "Normally the players we could think it would be interesting to add something for our squad, they are not going to sell." Since losing Laporte in August, and following the exit of captain Vincent Kompany, Guardiola has deployed Fernandinho, usually a holding midfielder, in defence. And he will turn to the Brazilian again at Turf Moor despite the direct approach of the hosts and aerial and physical threat of Burnley forward pair Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood. "Fernandinho is not the reason why we win or lose. When we beat Chelsea, everyone said how fantastic Fernandinho was," said Guardiola. "When we don't win it's because of Fernandinho. It will be my decision. I like him in that position because of the build-up for the fast, for the long balls, many things." City will be without the suspended Ilkay Gundogan in midfield and striker Sergio Aguero, the matchwinner at Burnley last season, with a thigh injury that will also rule him out of Saturday's Manchester derby. City have won just one of their past five games in all competitions but England defender John Stones believes leaders Liverpool will now face added pressure to stay at the top. "It's very difficult to be out in front and you can sometimes be complacent and not do things you should do. That's when you can slip up," he said. "We put a healthy pressure on our shoulders to say we can achieve this, and we can claw back points and close the gap. We're still the champions and we should have that healthy arrogance about it."

Guardiola rules out Manchester City January spree

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-extend-lead-at-top-as-manchester-city-chelsea-falter-265516">Liverpool</a>&nbsp;will face local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round while non-league side AFC Fylde will travel to Premier League outfit Sheffield United after Monday's draw.

Jurgen Klopp's league leaders will have home advantage in the Merseyside derby. Ties will take place between January 3 and January 6.

Everton, who face&nbsp;Liverpool&nbsp;on Wednesday in the league, have not won at Anfield for 20 years.

The third round is the stage at which clubs from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-extend-lead-at-top-as-manchester-city-chelsea-falter-265516">Premier League</a> and the Championship enter the FA Cup.

Holders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guardiola-rules-out-manchester-city-january-spree-265868">Manchester City</a> landed a home tie against fourth-tier Port Vale, while Manchester United will visit Wolves, the club that knocked them out of last season's competition at the quarter-final stage.

Fylde, from the fifth level, will mark their first third-round appearance with a trip to Sheffield while fellow non-league side North Boston will host Newcastle if they beat Rochdale in a second-round replay.

Arsenal, FA Cup winners on a record 13 occasions, face a potentially testing encounter at home to Championship high-flyers Leeds.

Leicester, second in the Premier League, entertain Wigan, with Frank Lampard's Chelsea welcoming Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool will face local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round while non-league side AFC Fylde will travel to Premier League outfit Sheffield United after Monday's draw.

Liverpool will face local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round while non-league side AFC Fylde will travel to Premier League outfit Sheffield United after Monday's draw. Jurgen Klopp's league leaders will have home advantage in the Merseyside derby. Ties will take place between January 3 and January 6. Everton, who face Liverpool on Wednesday in the league, have not won at Anfield for 20 years. The third round is the stage at which clubs from the Premier League and the Championship enter the FA Cup. Holders Manchester City landed a home tie against fourth-tier Port Vale, while Manchester United will visit Wolves, the club that knocked them out of last season's competition at the quarter-final stage. Fylde, from the fifth level, will mark their first third-round appearance with a trip to Sheffield while fellow non-league side North Boston will host Newcastle if they beat Rochdale in a second-round replay. Arsenal, FA Cup winners on a record 13 occasions, face a potentially testing encounter at home to Championship high-flyers Leeds. Leicester, second in the Premier League, entertain Wigan, with Frank Lampard's Chelsea welcoming Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool draw Everton in FA Cup third round

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-praises-liverpool-intensity-after-crucial-win-over-city-261303">Liverpool </a>extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points with a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton as Manchester City slipped up once more in a draw at Newcastle on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-thwarted-by-valencia-in-champions-league-thriller-264990">Chelsea </a>missed the chance to go level on points with second-placed City as Frank Lampard's men suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by West Ham, while Tottenham's winning run under Jose Mourinho continued as Dele Alli scored twice in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

Virgil van Dijk is hoping to beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or on Monday and showed he can score goals as well as stop them with two towering headers from Trent Alexander-Arnold set-piece deliveries to put Liverpool 2-0 up inside 25 minutes at Anfield.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was then sent off 14 minutes from time for handling outside his area and Brighton reduced the deficit from the resulting free-kick through captain Lewis Dunk.

But the 10 men held out for another vital three points to edge closer to a first league title in 30 years.

"It was unnecessary," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp of the nervy finale. "We had unbelievable chances.

"We had the red card for Alisson. Adrian comes in with cold feet and cold hands but made two really good saves.

"The boys threw everything on the pitch. It's unbelievable how much they want to win."

City twice blow lead&nbsp;

While Liverpool have made a habit of winning games when not at their best, City let points slip away not for the first time this season to further dent their title chances.

Twice Pep Guardiola's men led at St James' Park through Raheem Sterling and a brilliant Kevin De Bruyne strike eight minutes from time.

But Newcastle responded quickly on both occasions as Jetro Willems cancelled out Sterling's strike before Jonjo Shelvey swept home a well-worked free-kick two minutes from time.

"We do the same work we have done over the last few seasons. We tried to score more goals but it did not happen," said Guardiola, whose side failed to capitalise on nearly 80 percent of possession.

City's slip-up gave Chelsea the chance to go level on points with the champions and Leicester, who host Everton on Sunday.

However, the Blues failed to replicate their fine form over the past two months as West Ham won for the first time in nine games to ease the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini.

Aaron Cresswell scored the only goal three minutes into the second half with a tidy finish as he cut inside onto his weaker right foot.

But it was the Hammers who were the more likely to add to the scoring as the second period wore on with Kepa Arrizabalaga keeping them at bay with a string of saves, while Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out after a VAR review for handball.

'Phenomenal' Alli&nbsp;

Tottenham are up to fifth and within six points of Chelsea in the battle for a top-four finish as the in-form Alli preserved Jose Mourinho's perfect start.

The scoreline should have been far more convincing for Mourinho's men, who led 3-0 with 17 minutes left as Alli's fine form continued with a goal either side of half-time before Moussa Sissoko scored for the first time in over two years.

"I think he played three phenomenal matches since I arrived," said Mourinho on Alli's return of three goals in as many games.

"He plays in a position where he feels happy and comfortable."

Tottenham have conceded twice in all three of Mourinho's matches in charge and were left hanging on as Harry Wilson scored a late double for the visitors.

Crystal Palace secured their first win in six games to move into the top half as Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp were on target in a 2-0 win at Burnley.

Southampton staged a vital late fightback in the battle to avoid relegation to beat Watford 2-1.

Ismaila Sarr's first Premier League goal had the Hornets heading off the bottom of the table at the Saints' expense, but Danny Ings levelled 12 minutes from time and James Ward-Prowse's brilliant free-kick five minutes later handed Southampton a first home victory of the season.

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points with a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton as Manchester City slipped up once more in a draw at Newcastle on Saturday.

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points with a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton as Manchester City slipped up once more in a draw at Newcastle on Saturday. Chelsea missed the chance to go level on points with second-placed City as Frank Lampard's men suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by West Ham, while Tottenham's winning run under Jose Mourinho continued as Dele Alli scored twice in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth. Virgil van Dijk is hoping to beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or on Monday and showed he can score goals as well as stop them with two towering headers from Trent Alexander-Arnold set-piece deliveries to put Liverpool 2-0 up inside 25 minutes at Anfield. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was then sent off 14 minutes from time for handling outside his area and Brighton reduced the deficit from the resulting free-kick through captain Lewis Dunk. But the 10 men held out for another vital three points to edge closer to a first league title in 30 years. "It was unnecessary," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp of the nervy finale. "We had unbelievable chances. "We had the red card for Alisson. Adrian comes in with cold feet and cold hands but made two really good saves. "The boys threw everything on the pitch. It's unbelievable how much they want to win." City twice blow lead While Liverpool have made a habit of winning games when not at their best, City let points slip away not for the first time this season to further dent their title chances. Twice Pep Guardiola's men led at St James' Park through Raheem Sterling and a brilliant Kevin De Bruyne strike eight minutes from time. But Newcastle responded quickly on both occasions as Jetro Willems cancelled out Sterling's strike before Jonjo Shelvey swept home a well-worked free-kick two minutes from time. "We do the same work we have done over the last few seasons. We tried to score more goals but it did not happen," said Guardiola, whose side failed to capitalise on nearly 80 percent of possession. City's slip-up gave Chelsea the chance to go level on points with the champions and Leicester, who host Everton on Sunday. However, the Blues failed to replicate their fine form over the past two months as West Ham won for the first time in nine games to ease the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini. Aaron Cresswell scored the only goal three minutes into the second half with a tidy finish as he cut inside onto his weaker right foot. But it was the Hammers who were the more likely to add to the scoring as the second period wore on with Kepa Arrizabalaga keeping them at bay with a string of saves, while Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out after a VAR review for handball. 'Phenomenal' Alli Tottenham are up to fifth and within six points of Chelsea in the battle for a top-four finish as the in-form Alli preserved Jose Mourinho's perfect start. The scoreline should have been far more convincing for Mourinho's men, who led 3-0 with 17 minutes left as Alli's fine form continued with a goal either side of half-time before Moussa Sissoko scored for the first time in over two years. "I think he played three phenomenal matches since I arrived," said Mourinho on Alli's return of three goals in as many games. "He plays in a position where he feels happy and comfortable." Tottenham have conceded twice in all three of Mourinho's matches in charge and were left hanging on as Harry Wilson scored a late double for the visitors. Crystal Palace secured their first win in six games to move into the top half as Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp were on target in a 2-0 win at Burnley. Southampton staged a vital late fightback in the battle to avoid relegation to beat Watford 2-1. Ismaila Sarr's first Premier League goal had the Hornets heading off the bottom of the table at the Saints' expense, but Danny Ings levelled 12 minutes from time and James Ward-Prowse's brilliant free-kick five minutes later handed Southampton a first home victory of the season.

Premier League: Liverpool extend lead at top as Manchester City, Chelsea falter

Liverpool coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident -of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Jurgen Klopp</a> and Manchester City manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-guardiola-is-the-best-manager-in-the- world-juergen-klopp-260679">Pep Guardiola</a> have been inducted into League Manager Association's (LMA) Hall of Fame.

Both have been inducted into the hall of fame, in recognition of their achievements in football management to date.

Guardiola and Klopp were honoured at a special LMA Dinner on Thursday (local time).

England coach and LMA President, Gareth Southgate, and LMA Board and Hall of Fame Member, Sir Alex Ferguson, presented Klopp and Guardiola with a hand-crafted silver salver as a mark of recognition.

The duo now follows the likes of Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson and Arsene Wenger in the LMA Hall of Fame.

"What a privilege. When you come down the corridor and see all the big names, big managers, big personalities being here that would have helped to make football better, football that we have right now," Goal.com quoted Guardiola as saying.

"I think all the managers here that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame is because we were in incredible clubs with incredible players," he added.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been battling it out to win the Premier League this season.

Currently, Liverpool is on the top position in the standings and have a nine-point lead over the defending champions City.

"It is big, it is really big. When I first heard about it I couldn't believe it. I have now been in England for a bit longer than four years and I have enjoyed each second, to be honest," Klopp said.

"I saw all the names with the pictures when I came in, it's really impressive. I don't often feel pride but, at this moment, I'm very proud because this is something really, really special," he added.

Liverpool will next take on Brighton in the Premier League while City will clash against Newcastle United.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have been inducted into League Manager Association's (LMA) Hall of Fame. Both have been inducted into the hall of fame, in recognition of their achievements in football management to date.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have been inducted into League Manager Association's (LMA) Hall of Fame. Both have been inducted into the hall of fame, in recognition of their achievements in football management to date. Guardiola and Klopp were honoured at a special LMA Dinner on Thursday (local time). England coach and LMA President, Gareth Southgate, and LMA Board and Hall of Fame Member, Sir Alex Ferguson, presented Klopp and Guardiola with a hand-crafted silver salver as a mark of recognition. The duo now follows the likes of Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson and Arsene Wenger in the LMA Hall of Fame. "What a privilege. When you come down the corridor and see all the big names, big managers, big personalities being here that would have helped to make football better, football that we have right now," Goal.com quoted Guardiola as saying. "I think all the managers here that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame is because we were in incredible clubs with incredible players," he added. Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been battling it out to win the Premier League this season. Currently, Liverpool is on the top position in the standings and have a nine-point lead over the defending champions City. "It is big, it is really big. When I first heard about it I couldn't believe it. I have now been in England for a bit longer than four years and I have enjoyed each second, to be honest," Klopp said. "I saw all the names with the pictures when I came in, it's really impressive. I don't often feel pride but, at this moment, I'm very proud because this is something really, really special," he added. Liverpool will next take on Brighton in the Premier League while City will clash against Newcastle United.

Pep Gaurdiola and Jurgen Klopp inducted into League Manager Association Hall of Fame

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-scores-in-700th-match-as-barcelona-ease-into-knockout-stages-264968">Champions League</a> group matches.

A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack.

European champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mane-the-main-man-as-liverpool-close-on-champions-league-knockouts-264551">Liverpool lead Group E</a> on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Juergen Klopp</a>'s side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk.

Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday.

Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December&nbsp;10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month,&nbsp;in which they will feature in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-no-pressure-to-land-club-world-cup-crown-says-liverpools-klopp-261550">Club World Cup in Qatar</a>,&nbsp;this was a frustrating result.

"In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp.

"Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a> leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known.

The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

"It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp.

Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed.

Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box.

The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry.

There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Mohamed Salah</a> shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position.

The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence.

Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Serie A </a>suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks.

"I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti.

"I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play.

"Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches.

Liverpool and Napoli drew 1-1 in a cagey encounter at Anfield on Wednesday, leaving both sides with work to do to reach the last 16 in their final Champions League group matches. A Dejan Lovren header in the 65th minute cancelled out Dries Mertens' first-half opener for Napoli, who will head home the happier after another disciplined performance in which they defended deep but posed questions on the counter-attack. European champions Liverpool lead Group E on 10 points with Napoli a point behind and Salzburg on seven. Juergen Klopp's side are away to Salzburg in their final game while Napoli host bottom club Genk. Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli will now expect to secure their place in the knockout stage with a win over a Genk side with a solitary point who were beaten 4-1 at home by Salzburg on Wednesday. Liverpool though will need at least a point in Austria on December 10 to avoid elimination and given their fixture congestion next month, in which they will feature in the Club World Cup in Qatar, this was a frustrating result. "In [the Napoli] dressing room they feel like they are already through and maybe they are," said Klopp. "Everybody here thinks, 'Oh my god, it will be tough' and it will be tough, that much is clear." The Premier League leaders, who could have wrapped up top spot with a game to spare, had to come from behind to get their point and never truly settled into the kind of rhythm for which they have become known. The night began badly with Liverpool's Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho limping off in the 19th minute with what appeared to be an ankle injury. "It's early and we all hope it's not too serious but it's pretty painful and in an area you don't want to have pain, around the ankle," said Klopp. Matters got worse for Klopp when Belgian Mertens put Napoli ahead in the 21st minute with a sweet strike from a tight angle after running on to a through-ball from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Liverpool's defence was opened up too easily down their left and the Anfield crowd's agitation increased as two separate VAR reviews were needed before the goal was confirmed. Klopp was certainly losing his cool and, on the stroke of halftime, he was booked for protesting, shortly after Liverpool had appealed in vain for a penalty after Sadio Mane went down in the box. The nearest Liverpool came to a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes was in the final moments of the half when James Milner jinked into the box and blasted at the near post but Napoli keeper Alex Meret did well to parry. There was more intensity about Liverpool after the break and they went close to levelling when Roberto Firmino hooked the ball goalwards but Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly did well to clear off the line. Mohamed Salah shot straight at Napoli keeper Alex Meret after good work from Andy Robertson and then Firmino headed wide from a promising position. The equaliser finally came when Lovren headed home from a James Milner corner in the 65th minute and while there was plenty of pressure from the home side in the latter stages they were frustrated by Ancelotti's well-marshalled defence. Napoli looked much better than their seventh place in Serie A suggests and showed no sign of the internal problems that have beset them in recent weeks. "I saw a lot of commitment and personality," said Ancelotti. "I was sure we would play well against a fantastic team. Of course, I knew we would suffer at times but I also knew we could cause them problems too with the way we play. "Maybe it was not such an aesthetically pleasing match but we put in a strong performance."

Liverpool on thin ice after draw against Napoli in Champions League

Sadio Mane has, in the words of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salah-brushes-off-rumours-related-to-rift-with-sadio-mane-249578">Mohamed Salah</a>'s shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield.

The Senegal international shares star billing with Salah and Roberto Firmino as part of the European champions' electrifying and fluid front three.

But this year Mane is leading Liverpool's charge,&nbsp;his goal at Selhurst Park at the weekend was his 12th of the campaign and his 29th for the club in the calendar year.

Mane frightens defences with his pace, direct running and skill and his goal return has eased the burden on the shoulders of Salah.

Liverpool defender Robertson praised Mane after his goal in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, which kept Liverpool eight points clear of second-placed Leicester in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-denied-comeback-win-by-late-mcburnie-equaliser-264347">Premier League</a>.

On Wednesday he will train his sights on Napoli in the Champions League, with a win guaranteeing Liverpool top spot in the group.

"He has been fantastic," said Robertson. "Even when I came he was amazing but maybe did not have as much composure as he does now in front of goal.

"Now, every time he's in front of goal you don't think he'll miss. The one he had at the start of the second half (of the Palace game), we were surprised he didn't score and that is the type of player he is. You expect him to score and that is a good thing and he's popped up with another crucial goal."

"The others are pitching in as well but it's been a fantastic year for him and he's taken his game to another level," Robertson added.

Mane joined Liverpool in 2016, a year before Salah, but the Egyptian quickly became the alpha male at Anfield, scoring 44 goals in all competitions in a remarkable debut season in 2017/18.

Last season the two players shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the three forwards all scoring 22 goals.

And Salah has pipped his teammate to the African player of the year award over the past two seasons.&nbsp;

Both have been shortlisted again for this year's prize and Mane, who reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal this year, is seen as an outsider to win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-dominates-ballon-dor-shortlist-with-seven-names-257421">Ballon d'Or</a>.

Mane has talked about how lucky he is to play alongside his two attacking comrades-in-arms.

"Every single player who plays alongside them would enjoy it because they are very good players and they make everything easy, so I just enjoy playing alongside them," he told the official Liverpool magazine.

Despite those warm words, there was a rare display of emotion from the 27-year-old earlier this season when he was substituted at Burnley, furious that Salah had not passed to him when he was in a better position.

It led to suggestions that all was not harmonious between the pair, but Mane was quick to correct any impression of an underlying problem.

"It can happen, he didn't see me and I was frustrated. We are really good friends," he said.

A 176-second hat-trick for Southampton in 2015 catapulted Mane to worldwide attention.

He joined Liverpool the following year for £34 million ($44 million) and was voted the club's player of the year in his debut season.

Last year the Senegalese signed a new deal committing him to the club until 2023.

At the time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-praises-liverpool-intensity-after-crucial-win-over-city-261303">Klopp</a> called him the "complete" attacking player and said he had improved season by season.

"The only criticism I could ever have of Sadio is that maybe at times he is the only one not to see just how good he is," said the Liverpool boss.&nbsp;

The question harassed defenders will be asking themselves is just how good he will be when he starts fully believing in himself.

Sadio Mane has, in the words of Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of Mohamed Salah's shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield.

Sadio Mane has, in the words of Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson, "taken his game to another level", stepping out of Mohamed Salah's shadow to become arguably the main man at Anfield. The Senegal international shares star billing with Salah and Roberto Firmino as part of the European champions' electrifying and fluid front three. But this year Mane is leading Liverpool's charge, his goal at Selhurst Park at the weekend was his 12th of the campaign and his 29th for the club in the calendar year. Mane frightens defences with his pace, direct running and skill and his goal return has eased the burden on the shoulders of Salah. Liverpool defender Robertson praised Mane after his goal in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, which kept Liverpool eight points clear of second-placed Leicester in the Premier League. On Wednesday he will train his sights on Napoli in the Champions League, with a win guaranteeing Liverpool top spot in the group. "He has been fantastic," said Robertson. "Even when I came he was amazing but maybe did not have as much composure as he does now in front of goal. "Now, every time he's in front of goal you don't think he'll miss. The one he had at the start of the second half (of the Palace game), we were surprised he didn't score and that is the type of player he is. You expect him to score and that is a good thing and he's popped up with another crucial goal." "The others are pitching in as well but it's been a fantastic year for him and he's taken his game to another level," Robertson added. Mane joined Liverpool in 2016, a year before Salah, but the Egyptian quickly became the alpha male at Anfield, scoring 44 goals in all competitions in a remarkable debut season in 2017/18. Last season the two players shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the three forwards all scoring 22 goals. And Salah has pipped his teammate to the African player of the year award over the past two seasons. Both have been shortlisted again for this year's prize and Mane, who reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal this year, is seen as an outsider to win the Ballon d'Or. Mane has talked about how lucky he is to play alongside his two attacking comrades-in-arms. "Every single player who plays alongside them would enjoy it because they are very good players and they make everything easy, so I just enjoy playing alongside them," he told the official Liverpool magazine. Despite those warm words, there was a rare display of emotion from the 27-year-old earlier this season when he was substituted at Burnley, furious that Salah had not passed to him when he was in a better position. It led to suggestions that all was not harmonious between the pair, but Mane was quick to correct any impression of an underlying problem. "It can happen, he didn't see me and I was frustrated. We are really good friends," he said. A 176-second hat-trick for Southampton in 2015 catapulted Mane to worldwide attention. He joined Liverpool the following year for £34 million ($44 million) and was voted the club's player of the year in his debut season. Last year the Senegalese signed a new deal committing him to the club until 2023. At the time Klopp called him the "complete" attacking player and said he had improved season by season. "The only criticism I could ever have of Sadio is that maybe at times he is the only one not to see just how good he is," said the Liverpool boss. The question harassed defenders will be asking themselves is just how good he will be when he starts fully believing in himself.

Football: Mane the main man as Liverpool close on Champions League knockouts

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio.

The result leaves Flamengo an unassailable 13 points ahead of Palmeiras with four games of the Serie A season remaining.

It is the seventh league title for the Rio de Janeiro club and completes a historic weekend, coming less than 24 hours after Gabriel Barbosa scored two goals in the dying minutes to give them a 2-1 victory over River Plate in the Libertadores final in Peru.

It is the first time that a Brazilian team has won both the league and the Libertadores in the same year since Pele's Santos achieved the same feat in 1963.

The Flamengo players had driven through the centre of Rio on an open-top lorry earlier on Sunday to celebrate the Libertadores victory and they did not need to kick a ball for their celebrations to double.

Defending league champions Palmeiras had to beat Gremio to keep their slim title hopes alive but although Bruno Henrique equalised Everton’s 69th-minute opener for Gremio, Pepe stepped up in stoppage time to give the visitors all three points.

Flamengo have 81 points from 34 games; Palmeiras are joint second with Santos on 68 points.

The win completes a phenomenal year for a club that has gone 26 games unbeaten since losing on the first weekend of August.

Under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has quickly become a cult figure, Flamengo have overrun opponents with a high-intensity pressing game and an all-out attack spearheaded by prolific scorers Barbosa and Bruno Henrique.

Barbosa, who is on loan from Inter Milan, is the top goalscorer in both the Libertadores and Serie A, while Bruno Henrique was named the Best Player of the 2019 Libertadores on Sunday.

Flamengo now have four league games remaining before turning their attention to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/revamped-fifa-club-world-cup-important-for-asia-gianni-infantino-208343">Club World Cup in Qatar</a>, where they could face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a>, the team they beat to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981.

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio.

A day after winning their first Copa Libertadores in 38 years, Flamengo completed a rare double on Sunday when they secured the Brazilian league title after closest challengers Palmeiras lost 2-1 at home to Gremio. The result leaves Flamengo an unassailable 13 points ahead of Palmeiras with four games of the Serie A season remaining. It is the seventh league title for the Rio de Janeiro club and completes a historic weekend, coming less than 24 hours after Gabriel Barbosa scored two goals in the dying minutes to give them a 2-1 victory over River Plate in the Libertadores final in Peru. It is the first time that a Brazilian team has won both the league and the Libertadores in the same year since Pele's Santos achieved the same feat in 1963. The Flamengo players had driven through the centre of Rio on an open-top lorry earlier on Sunday to celebrate the Libertadores victory and they did not need to kick a ball for their celebrations to double. Defending league champions Palmeiras had to beat Gremio to keep their slim title hopes alive but although Bruno Henrique equalised Everton’s 69th-minute opener for Gremio, Pepe stepped up in stoppage time to give the visitors all three points. Flamengo have 81 points from 34 games; Palmeiras are joint second with Santos on 68 points. The win completes a phenomenal year for a club that has gone 26 games unbeaten since losing on the first weekend of August. Under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has quickly become a cult figure, Flamengo have overrun opponents with a high-intensity pressing game and an all-out attack spearheaded by prolific scorers Barbosa and Bruno Henrique. Barbosa, who is on loan from Inter Milan, is the top goalscorer in both the Libertadores and Serie A, while Bruno Henrique was named the Best Player of the 2019 Libertadores on Sunday. Flamengo now have four league games remaining before turning their attention to the Club World Cup in Qatar, where they could face Liverpool, the team they beat to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981.

Flamengo confirmed Serie A champions a day after Libertadores win

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-promises-to-improve-and-speed-up-var-use-262258">Premier League</a> club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a>, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets.

Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent&nbsp;jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch.

Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates.

United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-brush-partizan-aside-to-reach-last-32-260704">Europa League</a>.

Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch.

Manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-hails-manchester-uniteds-best-performance-of-season-against-brighton-261327">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood.

United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> are now top of the standings.

United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent&nbsp;to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September&nbsp;30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent.

The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system.

Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter.

The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent&nbsp;at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings. The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's Champions League, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets. Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch. Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates. United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative Europa League. Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood. United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes Liverpool are now top of the standings. United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September 30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent. The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system. Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter. The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Manchester United sponsorships march on despite on-field slip ups

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury.

Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle.

Egypt host Kenya in their opening Group G qualifying match on Thursday and visit Comoros on Monday.

Salah has scored six goals for Liverpool this season and was on target in Sunday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">3-1 win over Manchester City</a> which took his side eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But the 27-year-old has had niggling injuries since twisting his ankle against Leicester City at the start of October, which forced him to miss the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the only Premier League game Liverpool have failed to win this season.

Salah has been unable to complete 90 minutes in the league since hurting his ankle against Leicester, being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mohamed-salah-fires-liverpool-to-comeback-win-over-spurs-258415">substituted against Tottenham Hotspur</a>, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury. Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle.

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury. Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle. Egypt host Kenya in their opening Group G qualifying match on Thursday and visit Comoros on Monday. Salah has scored six goals for Liverpool this season and was on target in Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester City which took his side eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. But the 27-year-old has had niggling injuries since twisting his ankle against Leicester City at the start of October, which forced him to miss the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the only Premier League game Liverpool have failed to win this season. Salah has been unable to complete 90 minutes in the league since hurting his ankle against Leicester, being substituted against Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Liverpool's Salah out of Egypt games with ankle problem

A day after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-sterling-dropped-by-england-after- training-ground-disturbance-261542">&nbsp;Liverpool</a>'s&nbsp;Andy&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;made his fourth assist of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-arsenals-under-fire-emery-gets-clubs- public-backing-261544">Premier League</a> season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in- tatters-261238"> Manchester City</a>, he issued a challenge to fellow&nbsp;full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May."

The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding&nbsp;full-backs&nbsp;has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years.

"Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that,"&nbsp;Robertson, 25, told&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;website.

"Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce&nbsp;high&nbsp;standards&nbsp;in every single game ...&nbsp;it's not always possible."

Robertson&nbsp;and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp.

In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer.

Robertson&nbsp;hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-liverpools-alexander-arnold-eyes- captains-armband-259179"> Alexander-Arnold</a>, who is not far behind him with three assists this season.

"Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up,"&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;said.

"Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room."

More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

"Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst.

"With what they do for this Liverpool team,&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way&nbsp;full&nbsp;backs&nbsp;play."

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May." The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding full-backs has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to Liverpool's already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years. "Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that," Robertson, 25, told Liverpool's website. "Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce high standards in every single game ... it's not always possible." Robertson and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp. In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer. Robertson hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold, who is not far behind him with three assists this season. "Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up," Robertson said. "Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room." More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. "Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst. "With what they do for this Liverpool team, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way full backs play."

Football: High standards helping Liverpool's full backs fire, says Robertson

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