Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says Phil Foden has "gone up a level" but admits it takes time to get used to Pep Guardiola's system.

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Manchester City thump Brighton 4-0De Bruyne heaps praise on FodenExplains his growth under GuardiolaWHAT HAPPENED?

Foden bagged a brace in City's rout of the Seagulls at the Amex on Thursday night, taking them to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal. After the match, De Bruyne was full of praise for his team-mate and spoke about where he thinks the 23-year-old will play positionally in the future and how he has developed under manager Guardiola.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT KEVIN DE BRUYNE SAID

He told : "I think he will end up centrally. I saw Phil from the beginning and I think it takes a while to get used to a Pep team. I think now he is trusted to play centrally and Phil does what he does for six or seven years already. He has been doing this for years, has helped us win titles and he has gone up another level."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With De Bruyne injured for much of the campaign, Foden's goalscoring feats have been hugely important in City's bid to retain their Premier League title. His double at Brighton brought up his 23rd and 24th goals of the season in all competitions and both he and De Bruyne will be key in the final stretch of the campaign as they bid to lift more silverware.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Foden and De Bruyne will likely be in action in City's next match away to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense se prepara para encarar uma nova sequência tortuosa na sua saga por uma das vagas na Copa Libertadores de 2021. Como a equipe comandada por Marcão encarará dois adversários que estão na luta contra o rebaixamento (Goiás, no Maracanã e Bahia, na Arena Fonte Nova), a preocupação nas Laranjeiras é de que a equipe não exagere no otimismo devido aos bons resultados que teve no primeiro turno e siga no pelotão da frente do Brasileiro-2020.

> Veja como está a situação do Fluminense no Brasileiro-2020

– Agora as lutas estão muito claras e evidentes. A gente vai enfrentar muito time brigando para não cair, que vai fazer o jogo da vida, assim como é o jogo da nossa vida. Primeiro turno é um campeonato, segundo (turno) é totalmente diferente. A gente não pode levar em conta isso. A gente está ciente que não é assim, que os jogos vão ser muito mais difíceis do que foram no 1º turno, e ciente também da responsabilidade, mas não obrigação – afirmou o zagueiro Nino.

Quando o Tricolor das Laranjeiras derrotou o Goiás por 4 a 2 em plena Serrinha, o Esmeraldino estava mergulhado na lanterna da competição. Entretanto, a equipe neste segundo turno vem ensaiando uma reação a ponto de assegurar a virada por 4 a 3 sobre o Santos, finalista da Copa Libertadores, na rodada anterior.

Já a vitória por 1 a 0 do Fluminense sobre o Bahia, marcada por polêmicas de arbitragem, aconteceu quando a equipe baiana estava em décimo-terceiro. Após flertar com o Z4, o Tricolor baiano vem se esmerando para espantar a zona de rebaixamento e conseguiu um resultado relevante em plena Fonte Nova, com a vitória por 2 a 1 sobre o Corinthians.

Passadas as lições do empate dramático diante do Coritiba e a vitória conquistada a duras penas sobre o Botafogo, o Fluminense tem de deixar claro como consegue se impor e não deixar pontos escaparem pelo caminho.

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تحدث ميكيل أرتيتا المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال في تصريحات أعقبت فوز فريقه بمباراته الأولى في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتغلب آرسنال على ولفرهابتون بهدفين دون مقابل ضمن مباريات الجولة الأولى للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال أرتيتا لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس”: “أنا سعيد للغاية، في المباراة الأولى، يكون هناك بعض عدم اليقين بشأن كيفية ردك”.

وأضاف: “كانت لدينا لحظتنا بعد الهدف الأول عندما لم نكن مسيطرين، ولكن بعد هدف ساكا، أصبحنا أكثر راحة، الطريقة التي يعمل بها اللاعبون لا تصدق، لذا أنا سعيد للغاية”.

وأشار أرتيتا: “كنا نعلم أن ولفرهامبتون يمكنه تغيير المباراة وقد فعلوا ذلك في الشوط الثاني ولكن مع تغييراتنا أصبحنا أقوى قليلاً”.

وواصل: “بالتأكيد نحن كذلك، لقد خضنا فترة تحضيرية جيدة حقًا، هناك أشياء يجب تحسينها بالتأكيد، ولكن بشكل عام أنا سعيد للغاية”.

وأكد: “يمكننا التحسن فيما يتعلق بالافتقار إلى السيطرة في الشوط الثاني، لقد فقدنا الكثير من الكرات البسيطة، كان علينا أيضًا إنهاء المواقف بشكل أفضل ولكن بشكل عام أنا سعيد للغاية”.

وأردف: “النتيجة 1-0 لم تكن كافية، أتيحت لنا فرص كافية في الشوط الأول لإنهاء المباراة لكننا لم نفعل ذلك، أنا سعيد للغاية بشكل عام”.

واستطرد: “شارك كاي هافرتز في الكثير من الإجراءات الإيجابية، وسجل هدفًا رائعًا، إنه في مكان جيد”.

وأكد: “كان يجب أن نفتح الفارق من حيث النتيجة في وقت أبكر بكثير”.

وسُئل أرتيتا هل هناك أي تحركات لـ آرسنال في سوق الانتقالات، وأتم: “السوق مفتوح، إنه احتمال”.

Liverpool weren't at their best – they were far from it in fact – but Jurgen Klopp's side emerged from Bramall Lane with three points against Sheffield United.

So often over the past year or so, the Reds have produced under-par performances against the ostensible lower sides in the Premier League – more than a few times failing to produce a winning display.

But last night, the Reds showcased their rekindled title credentials and maintained pursuit of first-placed Arsenal, who enjoy a two-point cushion after 15 matches. While it was not the most cohesive and high-octane of outings for the visitors, there were several standout showings, with Virgil van Dijk leading by example.

Virgil van Dijk's performance in numbers

Appointed captain in the summer following the exits of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, Van Dijk has been exceptional this season after struggling as Liverpool languished last year.

Minutes played

90'

Goals

1

Touches

99

Pass completion

92%

Tackles

2

Clearances

4

Interceptions

1

Duel success

6/8 (75%)

As the statistics show, the 32-year-old was as crisp as ever against the Blades and rebuffed danger whenever it drew near; the fact that Ibrahima Konate contested 24 duels, winning 20, as opposed to Van Dijk's eight illuminates the opposition's strategy of probing for openings away from his realm.

With Manchester City falling to defeat against Aston Villa, Liverpool are starting to unearth an almost tangible pathway to the Premier League title, and with their captain producing such mighty performances in the rearguard, this really could be realised.

In his post-match ratings, the Liverpool Echo's Paul Joyce was in awe and handed the 6 foot 4 titan and wrote: 'Superb defending stopped one Archer raid and emphatic first-time finish for the first goal. Marshalled the backline with a real captain’s showing.'

He wasn't the only player to shine, with Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly gliding into the next phase of his career and doing so with string-pulling brilliance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was "sublime" at Bramall Lane

Alexander-Arnold has been utterly mesmerising of late, really growing into the role of Liverpool's centrepiece, transcending the right-back typecast and emerging as something greater. Something ineffable.

Across his past four matches across all competitions, the 25-year-old has posted two goals and assists apiece, and he contributed to that tally last night after setting up the sole goal of the affair.

Playing the full 90, Alexander-Arnold's pinpoint delivery from the corner spot allowed Van Dijk to coolly breach Wes Foderingham's goal, also making two interceptions, a clearance and a tackle.

While the dynamic £180k-per-week star was dribbled past four times – perhaps the crux of his weakness – he remarkably took 115 touches and created seven key passes – for reference, Kevin De Bruyne averaged 3.1 key passes per game in the Premier League last season.

Joyce gave him an 8/10 match score, writing: 'Began to find his passing range and whipped in fine corner for the opener. By some distance Liverpool’s most creative force.'

Alexander-Arnold's willingness to serve as the fulcrum of his side's flow – and indeed his teammates' desire for him to take centre stage – is a testament to his unparalleled ability to manufacture openings from nothing.

In clashes such as the 1-0 win at Bramall Lane, when Liverpool are not quite clicking, Alexander-Arnold can conjure up moments of magic in an instant, and as Liverpool chase down the title, he will be right there, making the difference.

USMNT duo Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman celebrated their 8-0 rout of Heerenveen with boss Peter Bosz as they near the Eredivisie title.

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PSV pummel Heerenveen 8-0Tillman nets braceDutch club nearing Eredivisie titleWHAT HAPPENED?

The routing of Heerenveen brought them one step closer to the Eredivisie title. Two goals and an assist from Malik Tillman opened up the game, with five more to maintain their impressive lead over nearest rivals Feyenoord. Had the Rotterdam team failed to beat Go Ahead Eagles later in the evening, PSV would have been confirmed champions on Thursday, but Arne Slot's team won to delay the Eindhoven team's title party.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPSTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With a win in their match, the Dutch club moved one step closer to glory this campaign. Across their past three matches, they've outscored their opponents 19-1 in an absolute thrashing of a stretch. Tillman and Pepi, meanwhile, will look to raise silverware in just over a weeks time.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PSV

After recording their biggest ever away victory, PSV clash with Sparta Rotterdamn on Sunday, May 1 as the club look to clinch the Eredivisie title.

Jason Holder, the West Indies captain, has urged his players to focus on the job at hand ahead of the pivotal second Test against England in Antigua. After his side’s demolition job in Barbados, West Indies only need to win one of the next two matches to seal a rare series win against top-eight opposition but Holder is refusing to be distracted.While West Indies have shown steady improvement over the last couple of years, their only series wins in recent times have come against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Just twice in the last ten years have they beaten another Test team ranked in the top eight: a 2-0 win over New Zealand in 2012, and the hard-fought 1-0 victory against England in 2008-09.”It’s great to be 1-0 up, but that’s history,” Holder said. “We are happy to be leading in the series but we have our feet firmly on the ground. We are not focusing on what happened before in Barbados. We are looking forward to this match and what we have ahead of us.”It’s a matter for us to move on and understand what we need to do. We speak about consistency in the dressing room and I think we’ve got to be hitting all three departments well every time we step on the field.”Asked about the potential significance of a series win over England, he added: “It would mean a lot but again I don’t want to focus too much on the series at this point in time, I want to focus on the second match. We need to be consistent in all three departments.”The key feature of West Indies’ performance in Barbados was contributions coming from throughout the side. Holder led the way with his second-innings double-hundred, but there was a five-wicket haul for Kemar Roach, career-best figures for Roston Chase and important innings from Shane Dowrich and Shimron Hetmyer.Holder said that while his players had shown “glimpses” of what they were capable of in the past – such as their dramatic 2017 win at Headingley – he was pleased that the team was growing stronger as a collective.Jason Holder in a relaxed mood at West Indies’ training•Getty Images

“It’s a matter for us to continue to build the side,” he said. “What’s really encouraging is that we’ve seen glimpses that this team can perform, and beat top sides in the world. We’ve had personal success and it’s good to see us bringing it a little bit more together as a side, so hopefully we can continue in that vein and the guys continue to be hungry for success.”West Indies had a couple of fitness question marks over Dowrich, who did not keep on the fourth day due to a sore back, and Shannon Gabriel, but both are expected to be fit to play in Antigua. The sight of Gabriel giving Joe Root, England’s captain, the hurry up was a throwback to traditional West Indian strengths and Holder was looking forward to unleashing his pace spearhead once again.”It wasn’t a surprise, it’s something that Shannon’s done to many batsmen around the world. He carries pace and he was aggressive in that spell, which we asked of him. It was really good to see him come out after lunch – we were probably a little flat with England two down and over 100, we needed to break the partnership and Shannon really gave us that momentum. It was really good to see.”He’s generally quick and awkward [to face]. Just expect Shannon to run in – he had a bit of a toe injury in the last game but that seems to have healed up pretty nicely. So we expect Shannon to be running in tomorrow.”Should West Indies produce a similar performance, England might find it hard to live with them and Holder admitted the thought of sealing the series with a game to play had not escaped him – though he was keen to insist West Indies remained the underdogs.”It’s at the back of my mind. I just said to the guys, make sure we keep it out of our minds, make sure focus on what we need to do here – we need to get 20 wickets to win this game, we need to put up runs, and if we do that and hold our chances, we have a good chance. We’re still ranked No. 8, England are No. 2 or 3, so we’re definitely the underdogs.”

Mumbai have left out Aditya Tare, while Dhawal Kulkarni returns; Tamil Nadu will have a young squad, without Dinesh Karthik, for their match against Delhi

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jan-2019

Mumbai drop Tare, Iyer misses outOut of contention for a knockouts berth, Mumbai have left out experienced wicketkeeper and former captain Aditya Tare from their squad of 15 for their final league fixture against Chhattisgarh. Eknath Kerkar, the 25-year old who struck an unbeaten half-century on first-class debut against Baroda, is likely to slot into the XI as his replacement.ESPNcricinfo understands that Tare has been dropped, even though he is the fourth-highest run-getter for Mumbai this season. His 370 runs in 14 innings, which include three half-centuries and a hundred, have come at 33.63. He has a highest of 15 in his last six innings, however.Tare isn’t the only big name missing. Shreyas Iyer too is set to miss out, after complaining of a stiff back. Iyer, who led Mumbai to the Vijay Hazare Trophy title in October, had recently spoken out about fatigue when he featured in a Ranji fixture less than 24 hours after returning from an India A tour of New Zealand.Mumbai will, however, have Dhawal Kulkarni back after he had been left out for the previous game against Vidarbha. Kulkarni’s exclusion caused some confusion in the Mumbai camp. The bowler declared himself fit following a three-week rehabilitation for an ankle injury, but the selectors clarified that playing three fast bowlers – Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande being the other two – with a history of injuries “may have been a huge risk”. Kulkarni has so far featured in three matches this season, picking up eight wickets with a best of 3 for 71.Teenager Jaiswal likely to debutIndia Under-19 batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal has returned to Mumbai’s senior squad and could be handed a debut. The 17-year old Jaiswal scored an unbeaten double-century in a drawn fixture against Andhra in the CK Nayudu Trophy (Under-23 four-dayers) in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. The left-hand opener scored a 280-ball 241 in the second innings, and forged a partnership with Armaan Jaffer, who made 147. Armaan, incidentally, was part of Mumbai’s Ranji plans this season, but has been out of favour after scoring only 11 runs in four innings.Yuvraj Singh to feature for PunjabYuvraj Singh will be playing in Punjab’s final league match against Bengal in Kolkata. Yuvraj has played four out of the seven Ranji matches Punjab have taken part in, and this will be his fifth. This is a crucial match for both Punjab and Bengal, with both teams needing a win, ideally with a bonus point, to cement their positions in the top five of the combined Groups A and B. Punjab have 20 points, while Bengal have 22. Yuvraj, meanwhile, believes that the man to keep an eye on is Shubman Gill, the 19-year-old opener. “He is a young guy whose batting I like to watch,” Yuvraj said. “He is very exciting. He should serve India for a long time but that will also depend on how well he is looked after.”Out of knockouts race, Tamil Nadu punt on youthTamil Nadu will be without Dinesh Karthik for their final league game at home against Delhi as he’s part of India’s ODI squad for the series in Australia and New Zealand. Karthik is just one game away from equalling S Venkataraghavan’s record for most first-class games for Tamil Nadu.They have included Pradosh Ranjan Paul, the teenage batsman, who is likely to debut along with spinner S Mohan Prasath. Pradosh, who represents the Grand Slam Cricket Club in TNCA’s first-division league, was born in Bhubaneswar, and now lives in the industrial town of Tirupur. Since being spotted at an age-group camp, he now trains in Chennai and was part of the side’s pre-season preparatory camp. This is his maiden call-up.

To say that Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City tenure hasn't gone to plan so far would be an understatement. The former Derby County boss arrived with the Blues inside the Championship play-off places, before enduring a run of one win in eight games in what has been a disastrous start. Now, Birmingham sit 15th and seven points adrift of the top six, making the January transfer window all the more important.

As the season goes on, sacking John Eustace could look more and more like a poor decision by Tom Brady and the rest of the Birmingham ownership, but January reinforcements could yet change Rooney's fortunes.

Birmingham City transfer news

With the riches of an NFL legend behind him, Rooney could make his mark on the Birmingham squad in January, as they look to climb back into play-off contention. After the transfer window, the new manager could face pressure to turn things around, especially if he is heavily backed. So far, results haven't been good enough and Rooney risks undoing the good work that he has already done throughout his managerial career.

The Manchester United legend could yet get one particular reinforcement to turn the tide, however, as per reports. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Brady and Birmingham are readying an offer to sign Arsenal academy graduate Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill. The Puskas Akademia man is also the subject of interest from MLS sides Philadelphia Union and Toronto, who are also reportedly readying offers with Ormonde-Ottewill in the final six months of his current contract.

The left-back previously captained Arsenal U21s before being released in 2015 where he landed at Swindon Town and eventually made the move into Europe. Now, however, Birmingham could offer him the chance to make his return to English football, as they look to bounce back after a poor run of form.

"Confident" Ormonde-Ottewill could get EFL return

After spending time away from English football, Ormonde-Ottewill could finally get things back on track courtesy of Birmingham, who may complete their move for the left-back. If the former Arsenal man does arrive, he might have to compete with 22-year-old Lee Buchanan in a battle between the young and upcoming star and the now experienced fullback looking to finally realise his potential. It is the type of competition that Rooney arguably needs in his squad for it to thrive, before potentially reaching the important top six.

During his time at Swindon Town, Ormonde-Ottewill earned the praise of then-manager Luke Williams. Williams said after Ormonde-Ottewill scored his first senior goal back in 2016:

“I think it will help his confidence no end because it has been coming. He has started to experiment more with running at people and getting inside the box and started to get a few shots on goal. I felt like it was coming and I think now he will believe in himself more and more. He is so positive and confident and he has got the ability to manipulate the ball very quickly in a very tight area. It’s a good combination.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo está longe de transmitir segurança por uma arrancada nas rodadas finais e, sob o comando de Rogério Ceni, não vê evolução e uma sequência de resultados positivos. O treinador viu a série de duas vitórias consecutivas ser quebrada no último domingo, em derrota contra o Athletico-PR, e voltou a ter suas escolhas questionadas por todos os lados, inclusive com mais afinco por membros da diretoria, que, em boa parte, converge para a manutenção do comandante visando a temporada 2021 apenas em caso de título brasileiro. É o panorama de momento.

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Hoje, sob uma avaliação mais rígida do departamento de futebol e tendo com foco rendimento e resultado, Ceni não possui base para se sustentar no cargo, cujo aproveitamento é de 48,8%, com seis vitórias em 15 jogos, além de duas eliminações (Copa do Brasil e Libertadores) na bagagem. Contudo, segundo informações iniciais do “ge”, a não presença de uma “solução caseira” vista como adequada para o momento pesa para a permanência de Rogério.

A opção por um substituto “tampão”, como Zé Ricardo foi nas rodadas finais para o Internacional no Brasileiro de 2019, por exemplo, também não agrada aos dirigentes rubro-negros. A princípio, isso está descartado.

> ATUAÇÕES: veja quem se salvou na derrota do Flamengo em Curitiba

E Ceni só terá a oportunidade de ajustes em prol de uma possível evolução da equipe sob o seu comando a partir da reapresentação marcada para esta terça-feira, já que o elenco folga nesta segunda, após ficar uma semana fora do Rio, em viagens para Goiânia, Brasília e Curitiba, respectivamente.

SITUAÇÃO NA TABELA

O próximo jogo do Flamengo será diante do Grêmio, nesta quinta, em Porto Alegre, quando ambos deixarão de ter um compromisso a menos na tabela, pois o duelo – adiado anteriormente – será válido pela 23ª rodada do Brasileiro.

> Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Com a derrota de ontem, o Flamengo perdeu a chance de ultrapassar o São Paulo e assumir a vice-liderança. A equipe segue na terceira posição, com 55 pontos – sete a menos do que o líder, Internacional. Hoje, de acordo comsite “Infobola”, a probabilidade do Fla conquistar o título do Brasileirão é só de 6%.

It's been reported that West Ham could consider making a "surprise" move by cashing in one of their senior squad members this January.

Hammers seal dramatic win 2-1 away to Burnley

This time last month, the pressure was seriously on manager David Moyes who had just come off the back of a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to struggling Everton. Since then, West Ham have won four out of their last five in all competitions, with impressive victories over the likes of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and the Clarets.

By all accounts, their latest Premier League three points was a real smash and grab. Promising young striker Divin Mubama, who is being offered a new West Ham contract, played a heavy hand in Dara O'Shea's own goal before Tomas Soucek's acrobatic volley sealed the game in added time.

However, Moyes, speaking after the contest, was adamant his side can play better. "We were really disappointed with our performance in the first-half. We needed to do better – we never played any forward ball or put them under any pressure," said Moyes on West Ham's win over Burnley (via BBC).

"Second-half we did. I thought we got into some areas, got some good chances, attempts at goal. In the end we nicked a win, in the Premier League that's the way it is. There's very little between a lot of the teams, even Burnley, and that's the way it is today.

"Getting back with a couple wins on the trot and a good win away from home – we want to play better but we're in a good league positions, still in the League Cup, top of our group in Europe. We musn't forget the good things we are doing as well."

With the January transfer window looming, there could be a chance to better West Ham's chances of more eye-catching performances with star signings. They're sorely lacking a proven goalscorer, for instance, and reports suggest technical director Steidten is desperate to sign a striker.

However, it is believed January funds are actually pretty limited (ExWHUemployee), so the club may well need to consider a sell-to-buy approach.

West Ham could sell Benrahma

According to a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, winger Said Benrahma could be a candidate for the Irons chopping block.

Indeed, West Ham could consider selling Benrahma amid interest from Saudi Arabia, which O'Rourke claims would come as a "surprise" move given his starring role in the Europa Conference League last season.

The Algerian has started four of their 13 league games this term, though, and is believed to be eyeing more first team football for 2024. Benrahma has also been called a "wonderful, wonderful talent" by former striker Frank McAvennie, who told West Ham Zone that he was wrong to doubt the winger's signing back in 2020.

“At the time I thought it was stupid because there was a young player everyone was raving about in the exact same position, and they sold him and brought in Benrahma and I’m thinking really," said McAvennie.

“But he proved me wrong, he’s a great talent, a wonderful, wonderful talent. So it just shows you David Moyes knows what he’s doing.”