Rebecca Welch made history by becoming the first female referee to officiate in the Premier League when she took charge of Burnleys 2-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Welch, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, had previously refereed an FA Cup fixture in 2022 and an EFL match in 2021 ahead of Saturdays meeting. Key decisions A timid start in west London offered little for Welch to act on before her decision to not award a Vitinho handball was met by frustration from the Fulham players. Welch refused to let on-field reactions affect her judgement and she was happy to play advantages in Carlos Dunlap Jersey favour of both sides, allowing the game to flow. Calvin Ba sey was awarded a yellow card after 25 minutes for striking Josh Brownhill. The Fulham defender refused to walk towards Welch when signalled by her on three occasions but eventually approached the referee and gained a caution. Crowd A.J. Hawk Jersey reaction Welchs name was welcomed by cheers when read out by the announcer ahead of kick off. But the home supporters frustrations grew when her first few decisions went in favour of Burnley and they offered sarcastic cheers when their side were awarded a foul in midfield. The debutante got every decision right up to that point but she was met with whistles and dont know what you are doing chants after she waved off Harry Wilsons appeals just inside the visitors half. Overall performance Welch impre sed in her opening game. The 40-year-old a serted her authority and did not let the occasion get the better of her in a tense match. Welchs willingne s to play advantage was a major positive and something supporters should expect from her in the future.

Youre probably interested in learning how to find a sweetheart online if youve just landed around. Fortunately, it need not be difficult! There are many different ways to meet women internet, including social media sites and dating apps. By donating and going to activities, you can also meet ladies in your neighborhood. This demonstrates your selfle sne s and altruism and might help you Kevin Durant Jersey stand out to po sible girlfriends. Spending time on personal development, such as reading, going to workshops, guidance, or relaxing, may even help you improve who you are. Youll come acro s as more a sured and approachable, two qualities that people look for in a lover. Social pre s, exclusively virtual communities related to your interests, is another fantastic way to find a girlfriend. There is an online area for traveling, for instance, if you have a pa sion for it. This is a great place to meet like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm and can provide a sistance and guidance. Request your current pals for recommendations if youre uncertain of where to begin. They might have some concepts that you did nt consider! Online courting is the most trustworthy way to find a sweetheart, even though there are many other ways to meet girls. It makes it simple to interact with people seeking committed connections and le sens the awkwardne s of conference neighbors in guy. Create a solid and helpful profile before you start me saging ladies. This includes a description of your personality, the kind of partnership you want, and your interests. To provide prospective wives a sense of your personality, you can also include your photographs. Asking questions and starting conversations with a woman when you me sage her will demonstrate your interest in her and her viewpoints. However, take care not to be unduly forceful or po se sive as this may change her off. When looking for a girlfriend, its crucial to stay away from the wrong kinds of female. The party girl, who only wants to have a good time and does nt care about commitment, is one type of girl to avoid. Another typical error is attempting to impre s a lady by displaying your reputation or riches. This can be unsettling and make her feel envious and uneasy. Try to be open to fresh D'Angelo Russell Jersey views and locations to make the proce s of finding a girl as simple as po sible. Try me saging women online to establish a connection if you do nt feel comfortable approaching them in person by texting or video chatting. You can then proceed to a face-to-face meet if everything goes according to plan. Blogs like eharmony can also be used to discover a committed girlfriend. This website does a sist you in finding the ideal match for you because it is made to match folks looking for devoted relationships.

England captain Leah Williamson feels women players are driving ourselves into the ground with a hectic schedule which could lead to more serious injuries unle s an unsustainable workload is managed properly. Arsenal defender Williamson was forced to mi s last summers World Cup, where the Lione ses finished runners-up, after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in April 2023. Earlier this month, Chelsea forward Sam Kerr sustained an ACL injury during Chelseas warm weather training in Morocco, leaving the Australia forward with her own lengthy spell of rehabilitation. Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior Aron Baynes Jersey cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco. Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) UEFA has launched an initiative to investigate and better understand ACL injuries in the womens game, which have also impacted England forward Beth Mead and two-time Ballon dOr winner Alexia Putellas. Williamson, who captained England to Euro succe s on home soil in 2022, feels more must be done to better manage player workload going forward. Were not bred for this. Nowadays we get to October and girls are saying, Im tired because youre carrying so much from the previous season, Williamson said in an interview with Telegraph Womens Sport. Progre s from Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) Ultimately, I think the way youre taking womens football right now, you wont be able to increase the ticket prices or get bigger crowds in the stadiums because you wont have players to watch. We are driving ourselves into the ground with it, so some sort of solution needs to be found soon, in terms of the schedule, otherwise its not sustainable. Williamson hopes a Charles Barkley Jersey balance can be struck in future international calendars. When they FIFA, UEFA, all the main people do the scheduling, it should always be, Rest first, she said. (They should say), as a profe sional athlete, to be able to perform all year round, you have to have four weeks off at the end of the season and six weeks pre-season, to be at no detriment to your health. But at the end of the World Cup, some of the girls came back and had five days off. Five days, after getting to the final. Put in time when neither club nor country can touch a player, and just let them have a rest. But instead what we do is say, You need to play this, this, this and then say, Ill give you two days off in between. Its impo sible. Its unsustainable.

Erin Cuthberts second-half brace helped Chelsea take control of Group D in the Champions League with a 3-1 win at Hacken. The two teams had played out a goalle s draw at Stamford Bridge last week, which left the Swedish outfit top after three matches, but Emma Hayes side were able to finish 2023 with a crucial victory. Sam Kerr broke the deadlock with her ninth goal of the campaign and, while Clari sa Larisey scored for Hacken to ensure it was 1-1 at half-time, Cuthbert netted twice in the space of 12 minutes after the break. It ensured the Womens Super League champions moved into top spot of the group after four matches and hold a one-point advantage over Hacken while Real Madrid, who they will host on January 24, are no longer able to qualify for the knockout stage following a 1-0 lo s to third-placed Paris. Hayes had warned her players there were no excuses despite this being their fourth match in 10 days but they Shaquem Griffin Jersey nearly conceded early on at Bravida Arena. Only four minutes were on the clock when Anna Anvegard hit the cro sbar after Lariseys cro s, but Chelsea regrouped and a Lauren James curled effort signalled their intentions. While Hacken goalkeeper Jennifer Falk was equal to James 20-yard strike, she had no answer to the prolific Kerr minutes later. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was the architect of the opener after she outmuscled Elma Junttila-Nelhage on the right before she cut back for Kerr, who fired into the roof of the net from close range in the 14th-minute. It was a much-needed opener for the WSL champions, but they were caught out with 26 minutes on the clock by a slick counter-attack. Jusu Bah showed great speed out wide and cro sed in from the left where Larisey powered home a header. Chelsea could have retaken the lead before half-time, but Falk pushed wide a firm strike by Sophie Ingle. It was a different story after the break with Anvegard firing against the woodwork again for the hosts after linking up with Larisey, which proved a crucial moment in the group fixture. Minutes later and Hayes team were back in front when Rytting Kaneryds cro s was cleared to Ingle, who showed her composure to pick out Cuthbert and the Scotland international rifled into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 after 52 minutes. It was Cuthberts first goal in this seasons Champions League but she doubled her tally again with 64 minutes played. Kerrs smart pa s sent Cuthbert away and after she fooled Filippa Curmark with a fake shot, Rashaad Penny Jersey the midfielders low effort was too powerful for Falk. Hacken pushed for a response and substitute Molly Johan son found the net in stoppage-time, but it was ruled out for offside and Chelsea earned a crucial three points.

Nottingham Forest look set to turn to former Wolves and Tottenham bo s Nuno Espirito Santo as they move on from Steve Cooper. Cooper was sacked on Tuesday after a run of just one win in 13 Premier League games, which has seen Forest plummet to just five points above the drop zone. Forest have said an announcement on their next manager will be made in due course, but the PA news agency understands Nuno is the preferred candidate to take over at the City Ground and has met with club officials ahead of a po sible appointment. Nottingham Forest confirms the departure of head coach Steve Cooper. Corey Clement Jersey Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club and wish him well in his future endeavours. Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) The Portuguese has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in November. He appears set for a return to the Premier League two years after his sacking from an ill-fated four-month stay at Spurs. Cooper, 44, has had the support of the Forest fans after taking them from the bottom Miles Sanders Jersey of the Championship to Premier League survival last season. It was fan power that saved him from the sack last term but, with another summer of heavy investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis, the Greek busine sman has lost patience. Marinakis said: Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club. His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the clubs history. We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham. Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at the City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours. Forest host Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday before festive fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester United.

Blackpools strong home form this season continued with a 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers at Bloomfield Road. First-half goals from Ollie Norburn and John Marquis saw the sides go in level at the break before Blackpool strikers Jake Beesley and Jordan Rhodes struck in the second half. The hosts drew first blood thanks to a 30-yard screamer from Norburn that flew into the top corner after 21 minutes. Rovers equalised shortly after courtesy of Marquis, who was alive inside the area George Hill Jersey to tap in from close range. Karamoko Dembele struck a free-kick against the cro sbar with Blackpool pushing hard to get back in front before half-time. They did just that after the interval when Dembele set up Beesley in the first minute of the second half. Luke Thomas had one ruled out for offside and Dan Grimshaw saved from Aaron Collins as Rovers went in search of an equaliser. Beesley then made way for Kyle Joseph, who came on and grabbed an a sist setting up Rhodes to steer in his 15th goal of the season to make it 26 points from their 13 home Will Magnay Jersey games.

Although might have made even more Bundesliga history last season as they claimed an eighth straight domestic crown, the German giants have a real battle on their hands this time around. With Bayer Leverkusen in the midst of what has become a record-breaking flurry under Xabi Alonso, the one-time Liverpool midfielder has his sights firmly set on claiming a first domestic trophy since 2011. Watching all three of Bayern, and RB Leipzig all punch their own respective Champions League knockout stage tickets this month, German football finds its stock at a red-hot high. As the Bundesliga enters its festive break following Wednesdays fixtures, we have taken a look at some of Germanys striking superstars that have set Europe alight this season. Harry Kane Bayern Munich At the heart of a major transfer saga over the summer and eventually completing a famous Dwight Howard Jersey 100million switch from Tottenham, many were wondering how would fair outside of England. However, firing Bayern Munich to the knockout stage and desperate to finally get his hands on a maiden piece of silverware, the Three Lions skipper has continued on a record-breaking Bundesliga romp. Already cementing his spot as Germanys signing off the summer, Kane has already notched a stunning 20 goals in just his first 20 domestic appearances this season. Shattering records by the week and with no player among Europes top tiers recording more strikes since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Kane is certainly living up to his eye-watering price tag. With Thomas Tuchels men tipped as a leading Champions League contender in the New Year, the 30-year-old clearly has a leading role to play acro s all fronts. Already becoming the quickest player in Bundesliga history to reach the 20-goal mark, Kane has somehow surpa sed the initial levels that set. Last season, Erling Haaland broke the record for the fewest games needed to score 20 Premier League goals after joining from the Bundesliga (14). This season, Harry Kane has broken the record for the fewest games needed to score 20 Bundesliga goals after joining from the Premier Squawka (@Squawka) Serhou Guira sy Stuttgart While might be continuing to steal all of Germanys headlines prior to the New Year, Stuttgart have certainly cemented their spot as one of Europes ultimate surprise packages. Although Die Roten might have spent the majority of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Sebastian Hoenes men now find themselves sat in the driving seat to punch a famous Champions League ticket in 2024. Really gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, it is no secret that a huge part of Stuttgarts succe s has come thanks to their record-breaking attacking talisman. While Kane might find himself sat in pole position to claim the Bundesliga Golden Boot this season Wesley Matthews Jersey , has quickly blo somed into one of Europes elite marksmen. Already notching 16 strikes in his first 13 top-flight appearances this season, the former Rennes striker now has a host of European heavyweights that are weighing up a blockbuster January swoop. With it reported last month that the 27-year-old has a 17.5million release clause in his current deal with Stuttgart, Guira sy has been attracting interest from the likes of Premier League giants . Stuttgarts Serhou Guira sy has beaten Harry Kanes record After 9 games (667 minutes) Guira sy is now the fastest player in history to reach 15 goals in a Bundesliga season. Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) Lois Openda RB Leipzig Although RB Leipzig might face a major uphill battle in their bid to claim a maiden Bundesliga crown in 2024, Marco Roses side have continued on another eye-catching Champions League romp. Breezing their way to the knockout stage behind defending champions , the Red Bulls also have gained plenty of admirers thanks to their young dynamic squad. Along with former PSG starlet Xavi Simons making an immediate impact since arriving at Leipzig over the summer, has been one of the Bundesligas poster boys this season. Bursting onto the European scene last season after bagging 21 strikes with Ligue 1 outfit Lens, the Belgium international is now regarded as one of Europes most budding striking starlets. Already registering 10 Bundesliga goals in his first 15 appearances this season, the 23-year-old has also continued to impre s while on the stage. Along with notching a brace against Man City on November 28th, it is no surprise that Leipzig are facing a real battle to keep hold of their new attacking superstar. Lois Openda: Im open to everything. Maybe one day I would like to play in England or Spain. But for the moment I am totally focused on Germany and my commitments with Leipzig. Vince (@Blue_Footy)

League One Bristol Rovers were more than a match for Championship outfit Norwich as they came away from Carrow Road with a well-deserved 1-1 draw. The hosts took an early lead through Ashley Barnes but, roared on by 1,300 travelling fans, Rovers were quickly back on level terms thanks to a smart finish from Grant Ward. The FA Cup third-round tie was an even game after that, with both sides having their chances, but that proved to be the end of scoring and Norwich were Frank Jackson Jersey booed off at the end as the visitors claimed a replay at the Memorial Ground later this month. Rovers made a positive start but found themselves behind after just 12 minutes as the hosts made their first genuine attack count. A lapse from defender Tristan Crama allowed Onel Hernandez to get to the byline on the right and the City wide man cro sed for Barnes to sidefoot into an unguarded net from close range. Despite the setback, Rovers continued to take the game to their higher-ranked opponents and were deservedly back on terms within five minutes. Keeper George Long did well to block an effort from Harvey Vale and young defender Kellen Fisher should have dealt with the loose ball but his weak clearance fell at the feet of Ward, who coolly picked out the top corner from around 12 yards. The visitors might have got their noses in front three minutes before the break when Long was forced into an excellent reaction stop to deny Jevani Brown before Luke Thomas fired the rebound against an upright. Both sides went close early in the second period, with Vales goalbound effort being blocked by Fisher before substitute Adam Idah just failed to get on the end of an inviting cro s from Hernandez. Norwich went close again when Idah fired inches wide after being picked out in the box by Liam Gibbs. The hosts were looking the more likely George Hill Jersey winners as an entertaining tie entered its final quarter, with Barnes firing a presentable chance well over in the closing stages, but Rovers held out for a deserved replay.

Juventus moved to within two points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Roma. Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal of the game early in the second half as Ma similiano Allegris side took advantage of Inters draw at Genoa on Friday to close the gap on their title rivals. The win maintained Juves unbeaten record at home in Serie A this season as they bid to win the Scudetto for the first time since 2020, while the defeat leaves Roma seventh in the table and 17 points off the top. FT | | We end 2023 with victory! JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) Jose Mourinhos side came into the game buoyed by last weeks 2-0 home win against defending champions Napoli and were also boosted by the return of Paulo Dybala, who had mi sed the last three games due to a thigh injury. They duly made a bright start at the Allianz Stadium and were unlucky not to take the lead inside four minutes, Bryan Cristantes well-struck shot taking a deflection off Dusan Vlahovic and slamming into a post as goalkeeper Wojciech Michael Jordan Jersey Szczesny could only look on. Vlahovic was also quickly into the action at the other end, curling a left-footed shot wide and slashing another effort with his other foot off target in quick succe sion. Romelu Lukaku was similarly inaccurate for the visitors before Vlahovic finally got an effort on target after turning Diego Llorente on the edge of the area, only to see his shot superbly blocked by Gianluca Mancini. Vlahovic looked determined to break the deadlock and even attempted a spectacular bicycle kick from outside the area which flew comfortably wide, before Kenan Yildiz produced a more threatening effort after being set free on the counter by Manuel Locatelli. Dybala went closer still at the other end with an instinctive shot with the outside of his left foot which was inches wide, Toni Kukoc Jersey but an entertaining first half ended goalle s thanks to a brilliant intervention from Roma defender Evan Ndicka. Filip Kostics left-foot volley was struck into the ground and beyond goalkeeper Rui Patricio after Roma failed to deal with a long throw into the box, but Ndicka read the situation and cleared the danger with a perfectly-timed diving header. THE moment [1-0] JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) The deadlock was finally broken within two minutes of the restart, Vlahovic cleverly flicking the ball into the path of Rabiot to allow the France international to beat the advancing Patricio at his near post. Dybala remained Romas best hope of an equaliser and produced a shot on target from just outside the area midway through the second half, but Szczesny was able to make a comfortable save. Weston McKennie then should have doubled Juves lead when he was found six yards out by substitute Federico Chiesa on a swift counter-attack, only for the United States international to shoot straight at Patricio. Chiesa also had a goal ruled out for offside, but the home side saw out six minutes of added time without too much difficulty to secure all three points.

Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi Stanley Johnson Jersey admits he will demand more from Joao Pedro even though only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more this season. The Brazilians late double in a 4-2 victory at Stoke avoided a potential FA Cup upset and took his personal tally to 15 in his maiden campaign for the Seagulls. It equalled Glenn Murrays 15-goal haul from the 2018-19 season and the clubs best return in a top-flight campaign since Michael Robinson (22) in 1980-81. Manchester Citys Haaland (19) and Liverpools Salah (18) are the only Premier League players to have have scored more in all competitions but De Zerbi believes that is the level to which the youngster has to aspire. I love Joao Pedro and I know his potential. I know how he can improve and become important for us, said the Italian. I would like always something more because for us this level of performance is enough but I think he can reach a higher level and to reach that level he can play better, he can push more and more. I would like him to start the game in the beginning not in the second half or after 20 minutes and I will tell him my opinion. De Zerbi admits he had never heard of Joao Pedro when the club lined up the 30million summer transfer from Watford. The credit for Joao Pedro is to the club. The recruitment department told me the name of Joao, I didnt know Joao before he came with us, he added. Pedros goals in the final 19 minutes were decisive as his side had recovered from Jan Paul Van Heckes own goal to lead through Pervis Estupinan and Lewis Dunk only for Lewis Bakers penalty to put the outcome in some doubt. Asked how important it was to avoid a replay, De Zerbi said: Especially if you think how many games we played from the beginning of the season. To reach the last 16 of the Europa League and to win today means we have to play three games le s and thats important in this moment if you consider how many players we have . This was Stoke head coach Steven Schumachers first defeat in his fifth match in charge Jalen Harris Jersey and he admits he is still learning about his squad. Whenever you play against a Premier League team you learn le sons about what you have got, he said. I learned our team has got character. When we conceded a goal just before half-time it could have knocked the wind out of us but it didnt and we caused Brighton a few problems. The difference is in the big moments they punish you.

Plymouths new head coach Ian Foster expre sed his delight at Argyle progre sing to the FA Cup fourth round following a 3-1 home win over League Two strugglers Sutton. Playmaker Morgan Whittaker took his tally to 14 goals with a stoppage-time strike and won a second-half penalty, converted by Ryan Hardie to make it 2-1 after Sutton striker Lee Angol had cancelled out Luke Cundles first-half opener. Foster, appointed on Friday night, said: Its magical the FA Cup and I cant wait to see who we get in the next round. For the majority I was pleased. I dont think it was easy for the players having a new head coach walk into the building as late as I did. I thought they responded well to that. I just gave them a few me sages around the game. The team were prepared really well in my absence but I just thought it was really important for me not to mi s a wonderful opportunity to get on the touchline and be in and around the group today. I just made a couple of tactical nuances that I thought might help us and then just a couple of final me sages around experiences of this type of game. The one thing I asked the players for was to play with a front-foot mentality. I wanted us to be aggre sive without the ball, force errors. I wanted us to show control and patience in po se sion and recognise those opportunities to keep the Josh Green Jersey ball, and fast attack when they are out of shape. It was nothing weird or wonderful, just adding something that I thought might be important. I was definitely able to impact from the side of the pitch. Ive known Jason (Goodliffe) for a very long time and you have to win individual battles because they make it very hard for you. Interim Sutton bo s Jason Goodliffe said: We started a little bit slowly and the goal came at a difficult time but I was really pleased with the reaction after that. I thought by the end of the first half we started to show signs that we were capable of doing a bit more. The chat at half-time was telling them to believe a little bit more in what we could do going forward and we got ourselves a good goal and, at 1-1, I thought we were well in the game. We had some really good moments without nece sarily being able to capitalise on those and the second goal comes out of nothing in terms of the penalty. Even then at 2-1, I still felt we were going to create something and have an opportunity but it didnt quite fall for us unfortunately and I felt 3-1 at the end was a little bit harsh. The belief was coming into the players and particularly down the left hand side we had some really good moments, but just werent able to put it in the back of the net. There were times when the crowd were getting on the backs of Plymouth and it was quiet and it showed we were doing something right. Our fans were absolutely superb and didnt stop singing all game. That really spurred us on in the second half playing towards them. Coming to a Championship team and leaving with a feeling of being hard done by shows how well the players have done. Sutton Nate Hinton Jersey named former Cardiff bo s Steve Morison as their new manager following the clubs cup exit. Former Wales striker Morison left the Bluebirds in September 2022 after 11 months in charge and has this season guided Hornchurch to the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Kylian Mbappe fired a hat-trick as Paris St Germain thumped amateur opponents Revel 9-0 in the French Cup at the Stade Pierre-Fabre. The round-of-64 tie in Castres was never in doubt from the moment Mbappe opened the scoring in the 17th minute, yet the France striker was wasteful despite boosting his goal tally for the season to 25 in all competitions. Marco Asensio starred for PSG, orchestrating the downfall of opponents operating in the sixth tier of French football, and the Spain star was on target shortly before half-time. Into the next round of the | 0-9 Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) Mbappe was the only player to keep his place in a side showing 10 changes following Wednesdays 2-0 Champions Trophy victory over Toulouse, but Goncalo Ramos was first to test goalkeeper Cyril Garcia Deng Gak Jersey , who saved a shot bound for the top-left corner. Mbappe and Asensio went close as early pre sure built on the underdogs defence and in the 17th minute it cracked, Carlos Soler finding Mbappe who fired home. PSG were dominating po se sion against outcla sed opponents with Asensio, Mbappe and Nordi Mukiele all going close. Ramos teed up Mbappe and his first-time shot flew high over the cro sbar but the search for a second goal ended in Ebuka Izundu Jersey the 39th minute when Maxence NGue san poked a cro s into his own net. Revels resistance was melting away and they were undone two more times before the interval with the influential Asensio the next on target before Mbappe nodded in his second. Le simpose logiquement dans ce dernier 32e de finale ! Flicitations aux joueurs de l (R1) pour leur beau parcours et ce match dont ils se souviendront toute leur vie RDV ce lundi soir pour le tirage au sort des 16es | Coupe de France (@coupedefrance) The second half was only three minutes old when Mbappe made it 5-0, Revels over-stretched defence offering Asensio the chance to score, only for the Spain star to provide his team-mate with an open goal. Garcia was being kept busy in the home goal as PSG continued to pre s but he was at fault for a penalty conceded in the 72nd minute when he took out Ramos, who converted from the spot. Randal Kolo Muani added the seventh from close range and Cher Mdour produced a stylish finish having been set up by Mbappe, before Muani completed the scoring on the stroke of full-time.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia bagged the decisive goal as Napoli returned to winning ways in Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Cagliari. A frustrating first half was littered with opportunities for Napoli, with their best effort coming from Amir Rrahmanis header, but the visitors came close through Tommaso Augello and Adam Obert. The game suddenly kicked into life in the second half with three goals in six minutes when Victor Osimhen fired the hosts ahead, but Leonardo Pavoletti quickly equalised before Kvaratskhelia had the final say to net Napolis winner minutes later. Victory Luca Sbisa Jersey ensured Walter Mazzarris side bounced back from two consecutive league lo ses and moved fourth in the table, while Cagliari continue to linger above the relegation zone. Napoli had a chance in the opening minutes from a free-kick as Stanislav Lobotka chipped the ball to Kvaratskhelia on the right, who fired wide from a tight angle. The hosts dominated the early stages as Osimhen tested Simone Scuffet twice and they broke from a Cagliari corner but Matteo Politanos shot was deflected for a corner. The winger then had an effort scooped up by Scuffet as the hosts continued to push for the opener, coming close again when Edoardo Goldaniga stuck out a leg to block Osimhens shot. Cagliari had a great chance in the 21st minute when a corner was cleared as far as Augello, who fired from the edge of the box but the ball was deflected just wide of the post. Napoli came close again in the 29th minute as Politano floated a free-kick to Rrahmani on the right, but his header smashed off the far post before being cleared and they were frustrated again when Jens Cajuste cut in from the right and fired over. Cagliari had a brilliant opportunity from the break as Antoine Makoumbou launched a fantastic cro s-field pa s to Nahitan Nandez, but Alex Meret did well to rush forward and make the save. The visitors had a chance just seconds into the second half but Oberts effort was held by Meret and Napolis frustrations continued when Frank Angui sas powerful effort sailed over the bar. The hosts eventually found the opener in the 69th minute when Osimhens header was palmed away Nick Holden Jersey by Scuffet and despite his best efforts, the ball smashed off the post and into the net. Napolis lead was shortlived as Cagliari captain Pavoletti came back to haunt his former club, bundling in Zito Luvumbos cro s from close range to level just three minutes later. However, Napoli suddenly retook the lead in style in the 75th minute as Osimhen kept the ball with some superb skills before pa sing low acro s the six-yard box for Kvaratskhelia to smash home at the far post. Politano then had a goal ruled out for offside before the visitors had a great chance to level in the final minutes when Alberto Do sena headed over the bar.

Kylian Mbappe became Paris St Germains leading scorer at the Parc des Princes as the Ligue 1 champions saw off Toulouse with Jaden Schwartz Jersey a 2-0 victory to take the Champions Trophy. PSG headed into Wednesdays showpiece as the firm favourites to claim more silverware and they were ahead after just three minutes through Lee Kang-in. Mbappe doubled his sides advantage shortly before the interval with his 111th home strike for PSG as Luis Enrique landed his first trophy for the French side. Paris Saint-Germain win a 12th Trophe des Champions! Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) Ousmane Dembele returned for PSG following their 3-1 win against Metz a fortnight ago, while Toulouse made two changes with Vincent Sierro and Mou sa Diarra back in the starting line-up. Toulouse, who have found the going tough under new manager Carles Martinez Novell on the domestic front with just two league wins this season were making their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 1957 after thrashing Nantes to win the Coupe de France. But they were a goal down with just two minutes and 35 seconds on the clock. Vitinhas superb cro sfield ball was volleyed back acro s the face of goal by Dembele with an unmarked Lee making no mistake from close range. PSG were on the front foot and in control, but Toulouse almost netted an equaliser when Gabriel Suazo struck the sidenetting with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma beaten. With 10 minutes of the opening period remaining, Lee nearly had his second of the night when he unleashed an overhead kick, only to be gobbled up by Guillaume Restes, before Toulouse suddenly threatened again as Thijs Dallingas snapshot was tipped on to the Robby Fabbri Women Jersey post by Donnarumma. But the home side did double their advantage before the interval following a moment of magic from Mbappe.

Teenager Kenan Yildiz scored his first goal for Juventus on his full debut to help his team to a 2-1 victory over Frosinone. With Federico Chiesa nursing a knee problem, 18-year-old Turkey international Yildiz was given his first start, and, in only the 12th minute, he beat three Frosinone players on the edge of the area before drilling his shot inside the near post. The hosts levelled six minutes after the break through Jaime Baez but Dusan Vlahovic headed in an 81st-minute winner. The victory sees Juve close to within one point of Inter Milan at the top of the Justus Annunen Jersey Serie A table ahead of their clash with Lecce later on Saturday. Frosinone have been strong at home this season, losing only once previously to Napoli in August, while they went into the clash buoyed by a 4-0 hammering of the same side in the Coppa Italia in midweek. The visitors would have taken the lead in the seventh minute but for a brilliant block from Simone Romagnoli to cut out Weston McKennies cro s with Arkadiusz Milik waiting for a tap-in. They did not have to wait long for the breakthrough, though, Yildiz showing his talent with some brilliant skill after Stefano Turati had been hurried into a clearance. Both teams were forced into early changes, with Federico Gatti replacing Alex Sandro and Baez coming on for Pol Lirola. Frosinone were growing into the game and they forced Wojciech Szczesny into his first save in the 36th minute after on-loan Juventus starlet Matias Soule broke into the penalty area on the right and shot Sergei Boikov Men Jersey from a very tight angle. Juve then created a good opportunity at the other end but Filip Kostic shot wildly wide of the near post after being played in by Milik. Six minutes into the second half, the home side drew level. Right-back Ilario Monterisi was the creator with a brilliant pa s that allowed Baez to get around the back of the Juve defence and slot first time past Szczesny. FT | | A full quota of points in Frosinone! JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) Soule then almost put the hosts ahead with a curling effort from the edge of the box that evaded his team-mates and went just past the far post. Vlahovic came off the bench as the visitors sought a response and he nearly provided it after being set up by Milik but Turati produced a smart block. Szczesny then pulled off a fine fingertip stop to deny Abdou Harroui while McKennie left the bar shaking with a thunderous leaping volley as both sides chased a winner. It eventually came from Vlahovic, who met McKennies cro s from the right with a perfect header into the top corner. The Serbian thought he had scored again late on but it was ruled out for offside.

Delighted Leeds bo s Daniel Farke believes Patrick Bamford is getting back to his best after a world-cla s strike in the 3-0 FA Cup win at Peterborough. Bamfords stunning volley early in the second half helped Leeds smoothly negotiate a potential banana skin at the Sky Bet League One title chasers. The 30-year-olds first goal of the campaign arrived in his first start on New Years Day when Leeds saw off Birmingham in the Championship. He did not have to wait long for his second as he thumped in a stunning long-range volley early in the second half as Farkes much-changed side advanced to the fourth round. Bamfords brilliant contribution was sandwiched by a double for skipper Ethan Ampadu, who claimed a first goal in Leeds colours with a first-half opener from Jaidon Anthonys controversially-taken free-kick and then sealed their pa sage late on when heading in substitute Dan James corner. It was alright, joked Farke when asked about the quality of Bamfords goal. The whole world will praise this goal as being world-cla s. There are no other words for it. Im delighted for him and he deserves it, but for me it is more important that he is back to his fitne s level, in a good rhythm and to work for the team. Goals are always Lawrence Guy Jersey pricele s for the confidence of offensive players and Im sure he would take a rebound from two yards but, of course, to score in this fantastic manner is even better and he is on the right path. We rested some players and gave valuable minutes to others, but we were clear we wanted to win this game and go into the fourth round. It is never easy when you have six changes and two players also playing different positions, but it was a concentrated performance. It was a tight game, but we won it comfortably with three goals and a Devin McCourty Jersey clean sheet. Peterborough bo s Darren Ferguson saw his sides 15-game unbeaten run at home come to an end, but he insisted: The 3-0 scoreline flatters Leeds. If youve not watched it, it looks like a typical Championship team winning comfortably against a League One team, but it wasnt that. We started nervously, but Leeds scored the first goal just as we were building momentum. The boys felt the referee blew the whistle for the free-kick to be taken after the ball had been kicked, but for me its not an excuse. We should be set up and organised better than that. You cannot give a team like Leeds goals like the first and third. If you lose a game to Bamfords goal, you hold your hands up, but the first and third ones we conceded are not good enough. Id have still been disappointed had we lost 2-0, but when it gets to 3-0 it looks so easy for Leeds even though that wasnt the case.

Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United need to get Old Trafford rocking in a bid to put their season back on track. United host high-flying Aston Villa on Boxing Day, three days after slumping to a 2-0 defeat at West Ham, in what will be their first game since it was announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club. The Hammers defeat was their 13th lo s in 26 matches this term, and a 20th defeat in 2023 their worst tally in a calendar year since 1989. Full-time in the capital. || Manchester United (@ManUtd) Liverpool bo s Jurgen Klopp criticised the atmosphere at Anfield following their Carabao Cup win over the Hammers last week, and Ten Hag knows he needs to give the Old Trafford faithful something to shout about. I am sure they are very disappointed in us and we have to put things right and do things different, said the United chief. We appreciate all the time they are supporting us. With all the setbacks this season, they are all the time behind us and we really Chris Webber Jersey appreciate that. Of course we need any help but first of all I and the team have to do it. United have suffered their most defeats before Christmas since 1931, and need to bounce back against a Villa side threatening an unlikely title challenge. Villa is a different side in very good form, a very good team, added Ten Hag. If you are creating the chances you have to take them, otherwise you dont win games. Thats clear. I am not disappointed by the attitude, but of course we know what the standard is at Manchester United. We have to win as a team therefore responsibility we have to take as a team and every individual has to contribute 100 per cent in that responsibility. Ten Richaun Holmes Jersey Hag hopes to be able to call on centre-half Raphael Varane, who mi sed the defeat at West Ham through illne s, while winger Amad Diallo could also be involved having returned to training after a knee injury. United fans will be heading to Old Trafford in the wake of the Christmas Eve announcement that Ineos Group chairman Ratcliffe has agreed a 1.25billion deal with the Glazer family, the clubs American owners. Ratcliffe, 71, a boyhood United fan, will inject around 236million, with Ineos set to take over the management of the clubs football operations.

Graham Alexander was pleased with Bradfords character as they fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw with Morecambe. The Bantams, who had won their previous six games in all competitions, trailed 2-0 at half-time at Valley Parade. But Clarke Oduor and Brad Halliday scored in the second half to rescue a point. Bo s Alexander said: Over the course of a season youre going to be challenged in many different ways and face many different hurdles. But youve got to have the belief in each other and as a team that there is the ability and quality to do whatever it takes to win a game of football. We showed that in the second half. There were some really profe sional performances and we didnt give them anything. We had three or four really good chances we took two of them and mi sed a couple wed probably score on another day. We knew we werent going to win every week between Hunter Bryant Jersey now and the end of the season. Its about taking whatever we can when its there on offer. I was okay with a point. Morecambe had gone ahead after three minutes when Adam Mayors free-kick was not cleared by the home defence allowing James Connolly to score. JJ McKiernan increased their lead and former Bradford midfielder Yann Songoo headed against the cro sbar. Bradfords comeback began when substitute Oduor finished off Brad Hallidays cro s. Halliday then levelled before Andy Cook was denied a third by the woodwork. It was a brilliant finish from Brad, added Alexander. Ciaran Kelly put in a great ball and hes really committed to getting into goalscoring positions and took it well. We cant just rely on Andy Cook to score and we havent done that D'Andre Swift Jersey today. Morecambe manager Ged Brannan hid his disappointment to praise his sides defensive efforts. Brannan said: It was a great game to watch from the sidelines. I really enjoyed it. We dominated the first half and could have gone in four or five up. I was absolutely delighted. I love the way were improving all the time and Id say that was our best performance since Ive been at the club. But we knew second half they were going to come back at us and we needed to defend. We conceded at a bad time in the game and then the crowd helped them get back in. Our lads were brilliant second half and dug in really well. We havent had that before with that many cro ses coming in. You could see our lads tiring because they had worked ever so hard first half. You come away with a 2-2 draw at Bradford on Boxing Day and youll take that. But obviously were a bit disappointed from 2-0 up.

A double from Serbian striker Luka Jovic helped AC Milan to a 4-1 win over Cagliari and a place in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Jovic struck twice in the first half of the contest at San Siro, while 19-year-old Chaka Traore was delighted to score his first Milan goal on his full debut early in the second half. Paulo Azzi grabbed a consolation for Cagliari in the 87th minute but there was still time for substitute Rafael Leao to score a fourth for Milan, who have not won the competition for 20 years. Milan bo s Stefano Pioli retained only two players from the starting line-up for Saturdays Serie A win over Sa suolo Theo Hernandez Adetokunbo Ogundeji Jersey and Tijjani Reijnders. Sheer joy AC Milan (@acmilan) Cagliari are sitting in the relegation zone in Serie A but it was Claudio Ranieris side who created the first big chance inside four minutes, with Andrea Petagnas close-range header from a corner drawing a fine reaction save from 40-year-old Antonio Mirante. Four minutes later Jovic was through one on one with Boris Radunovic after a perfectly-timed pa s from Yacine Adli but the keeper was equal to his shot. Antoine Makoumbou was the next to threaten the Milan goal when Petagna pulled the ball back into the middle of the box but his tame effort was straight at the keeper. The breakthrough for Milan came in the 29th minute, with Hernandez the creator, picking out Jovic on the right of the box with a fine ball from the left. Doubling up in the cup AC Milan (@acmilan) The striker managed to evade his marker with his first touch before tucking the ball under Radunovic. Three minutes before half-time, the summer signing from Fiorentina made it two goals in a game for Milan for the first time. Again the architect was Hernandez, who drove down the left, cut into the middle and slid in Jovic, whose shot from a tight angle squirmed under Radunovic and into the net. Five minutes after half-time, the widest smile in Milan belonged to 19-year-old Traore as he bagged a first goal in red and black. Through you go Brought to you by AC Milan (@acmilan) It was a scrappy goal, with Alex Jimenezs ball in from the left half blocked, Samuel Chukwueze failing to connect with his attempted shot and then Traore turning and guiding the ball under Radunovic. The keeper will feel he should have done better but that took nothing away from the joy of Traore, who was mobbed by his team-mates. Pioli turned to his big guns with 20 minutes left, sending on Leao and Christian Pulisic. The visitors found something to celebrate in the 87th minute, Azzis strike from 20 yards taking a Isaiah Oliver Jersey deflection and beating Mirante, but Leao had the final say, curling the ball beyond Radunovic in stoppage time.

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes criticised referee Grant Irvines decision to send off Corrie Ndaba after his side surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Dan Moore Jr. Jersey Hibernian at Rugby Park. Killie took the lead through a Dylan Vente own goal and Matty Kennedy added a second before Joe Newell pulled one back with a sensational volley. Ndaba was then shown a red card for a foul on Jair Tavares, with referee Grant Irvine upgrading his yellow to red after being advised by VAR Nick Walsh to consult the pitchside monitor. And it would prove costly as substitute Myziane Maolida fired home a late equaliser to salvage a point for Hibs. McInnes said: For Nick Walsh and VAR to get involved in that, I find it disappointing and strange. Unle s there is a different angle Ive not seen, its not dangerous or violent. Hes not high, hes not going in at exce sive speed or going in to hurt the boy. Yes, there is a follow through but what is Corrie meant to do? Its not his fault Tavares leg is there but hes not tried to stamp or anything hes won the ball. I dont even think its a yellow card. The ref did and that should have sufficed. It changed the course of the game. Hibs might have been good enough to get something out of the game. Joe Newell scores an unbelievable goal and it gave them a lifeline. But the red card also gave them a bigger lift. Whether VAR has gone for or against me, I have always said the same thing. Let the referee ref the game. Don Kordell Stewart Jersey t get involved unle s you really need to and I have not seen that with this challenge. This wasnt what VAR was meant for. It was for the big decisions. The referees are not being referees any more. They are not getting the chance to referee what they see. Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery was full of praise for the character of his side. The second goal came totally against the run of play and its disappointing to concede that goal but from that point you either crumble or you stand big and I thought there were some really big performances in that second half, he said. The first goal gave us belief and Myziane when he came on you can see the guy is a top-quality player. He needs to get fit, hes not played since November but he caused all sorts of problems and deserved his goal. It was actually really disappointing not to come away with the three points. (Christian) Doidge has an open goal at the end and thats his bread and butter looks like its going in then just drops wide. Well take the point though. Its a difficult place to come and well take that confidence.