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EPL: Rogers fires Aston Villa to historic win over depleted Manchester United

Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning run to 10 matches in all competitions with a hard-fought victory over Manchester United at Villa Park, their longest top-flight streak since 1914.

Unai Emery’s side were not at peak performance, but Morgan Rogers once again delivered decisively, underlining Villa’s growing credibility in the title conversation as they closed to within three points of leaders Arsenal.

Rogers delivers when it matters

Villa broke the deadlock just before half-time when Rogers curled a composed finish into the corner, rewarding sustained pressure rather than dominance.

United briefly restored parity just before the break when Matheus Cunha capitalised on a costly error from Matty Cash.

However, Rogers responded again in the second half, cutting inside Leny Yoro and bending a near-identical strike beyond Senne Lammens for his sixth league goal in as many games.

Emery’s animated reaction on the touchline reflected both relief and significance, as Villa secured only their second home league win over United in 27 attempts.

EPL: Rogers fires Aston Villa to historic win over depleted Manchester United
Rogers scores double to hand Aston Villa win over Manchester United – Getty image

United woes deepen amid mounting injuries

It was a damaging afternoon for United head coach Ruben Amorim, whose squad arrived heavily compromised and left even thinner.

Already missing six senior players due to injury, suspension and Africa Cup of Nations commitments, United were forced into further disruption when Bruno Fernandes suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury late in the first half.

The captain failed to return after the interval and was seen walking cautiously to the bench, raising concerns over a prolonged absence at a time when United can least afford it.

The situation was compounded by a pre-match withdrawal for Kobbie Mainoo and debuts for teenagers Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, underlining the depth of the crisis.

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Yamal strikes as Barcelona tighten grip on La Liga summit

Barcelona strengthened their hold on top spot in La Liga with an away win over Villarreal, restoring a four-point lead over Real Madrid and extending their league winning run to eight matches.

Despite not being at their fluent best in the early exchanges, Hansi Flick’s side executed the key moments efficiently to secure maximum points at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Raphinacapitalises as Villarreal rue missed chances

Villarreal started aggressively and created several early openings, but their failure to convert proved costly.

Against the run of play, Barcelona struck first in the 12th minute when Raphinha calmly converted a penalty after being brought down by Santi Comesana.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Nicolas Pepe and Ayoze Pérez both spurning opportunities, while Raphinha came close to doubling Barca’s lead by rattling the crossbar from distance.

Yamal strikes as Barcelona tighten grip on La Liga summit
Yamal delivered the decisive blow to help Barcelona tighten their grip of La Liga top spot – Getty image

Red card shifts momentum decisively

The match tilted firmly in Barcelona’s favour in the 39th minute when Renato Veiga was sent off for a rash challenge on Lamine Yamal.

 

Villarreal briefly thought they had equalised before the break, but Jules Koundé’s own goal was ruled out for offside, compounding the hosts’ frustration.

 

Yamal seals routine victory

With the numerical advantage, Barcelona controlled the tempo after the interval. Yamal delivered the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to a scramble in the box to poke home his ninth goal of the season.

From there, Barcelona managed the game professionally, limiting Villarreal’s threat and seeing out the contest without alarm.

The result keeps Barcelona firmly in control of the title race heading into the winter break. They return to action against Espanyol on January 3, while Villarreal travel to Elche later the same day.

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Davido Electrifies AFCON 2025 Kick-Off Concert In Rabat (Video)

At the free OLM Souissi Fan Zone, Afrobeats superstar Davido took the spotlight, performing alongside French Montana, Douaa Lahyaoui, and Lartiste, delivering an electrifying fusion of music and football excitement in anticipation of AFCON Morocco 2025.

Fans sang along to hits like ‘Fall,’ ‘With You,’ and ‘Unavailable,’ creating an energetic atmosphere that set the tone for the tournament running through January.

Davido’s performance continues his tradition of thrilling shows at major football events, with fans eagerly anticipating his role in the official opening ceremony.

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EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester Citycontinued their strong run with a comfortable Premier League victory over West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.

City’s fifth straight league win puts them one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim first place later on Saturday with a win away at Everton.

 

Early strike sets the tone

 

The contest was effectively decided within five minutes. Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, converting the rebound to give City an early lead at the Etihad Stadium.

City dominated thereafter, carving West Ham open repeatedly. Haaland missed a clear chance to double the advantage with a free header, while Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden both forced saves from Areola.

EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win
Erling Haaland bagged a brace to help Manchester City win the game – Getty image

Reijnders adds control

City’s pressure told again seven minutes before half-time when Reijnders collected a pass from Haaland, drove into space and rifled a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

That goal removed any lingering doubt about the outcome, with Guardiola’s side controlling possession.

Haaland seals it

West Ham showed brief intent after the break, with Jarrod Bowen twice going close, but their resistance ended when Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to secure the points.

The Norwegian now has 19 league goals this season and 38 in all competitions, underlining his central role in City’s title push.

Contrasting trajectories

The win extends City’s unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 48 matches and marks their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.

For West Ham, the situation looks increasingly bleak. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side remain 18th, three points from safety, and are now winless in six league games as relegation concerns deepen.

City return to action on 27 December away at Nottingham Forest, while West Ham host Fulham the same day, facing growing pressure to reverse their slide.

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Official: Thiago Silva joins FC Porto on short-term deal

Thiago Silva has officially signed for FC Porto, ending speculation linking him with returns to former clubs AC Milan and Chelsea.

The 41-year-old defender has committed to a contract running until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further year until 2027.

Official: Thiago Silva joins FC Porto on short-term deal
Thiago Silva announced new Porto player – Credit: FC Porto media

Return to familiar ground

The move represents a brief return to Porto, where Silva spent six months in 2005 earlier in his career.

 

The announcement was made via social media, featuring the defender alongside transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with Silva confirming he was “very happy and honoured” to take up the opportunity.

 

Farioli influence

Silva also acknowledged Porto head coach Francesco Farioli, crediting the Italian for playing a key role in the move. The veteran centre-back is expected to provide leadership and experience as Porto target domestic and European objectives.

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EPL: James, Pedro strike as Chelsea salvage 2-2 draw at Newcastle

Chelsea mounted a spirited second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, with João Pedro delivering the equaliser against a Newcastle side that again failed to protect a commanding lead.

Newcastle appeared in full control at the interval after Nick Woltemade struck twice to put Eddie Howe’s team 2-0 ahead, energising a vocal home crowd and leaving Chelsea facing a steep uphill task.

Newcastle dominance, familiar fragility

Despite their first-half authority, Newcastle’s inability to manage games resurfaced.

No Premier League side has dropped more points from winning positions this season, and that underlying struggle became evident shortly after the restart.

Chelsea captain Reece James reignited the contest with a precise 25-yard free-kick, reducing the deficit and shifting things in Chelsea’s favour.

The goal visibly unsettled the hosts, with anxiety spreading around the stadium.

EPL: Pedro strikes late as Chelsea salvage 2-2 draw at Newcastle
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the equaliser against Newcastle – Getty image

Controversy and momentum shift

Tensions rose further when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah bundled Anthony Gordon inside the area, a decision that inflamed the home support and intensified the atmosphere.

Chelsea capitalised soon after. Pedro, who chose Stamford Bridge over Newcastle last summer, punished a defensive lapse as Malick Thiaw slipped, allowing the Brazilian to break clear and finish calmly past Aaron Ramsdale.

Missed chance at the death

The equaliser set up an open finale, with both sides committing numbers forward.

Newcastle came agonisingly close to snatching victory late on, but substitute Harvey Barnes volleyed wide from a promising position, prompting a frustrated reaction from Howe on the touchline.

Table implications

The draw leaves Chelsea six points clear of Newcastle in fourth place. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain 11th for now, with familiar questions resurfacing about game management and defensive discipline.

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BREAKING: AFCON Now To Be Played Every Four Years

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028.

This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.

Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.

There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,”
Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

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Why I Lost To Anthony Joshua – Jake Paul Speaks After His Knockout Defeat

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has suggested reasons for his loss to British fighter Anthony Joshua on Friday.

Paul admitted he was fatigued during the fight and lacked the best cardio, praising Joshua for his great performance and powerful punches.

In their Miami fight, Paul sustained a fractured jaw as he endured six rounds against the two-time heavyweight champion.

The 28-year-old American was knocked down four times during the fight.

In his post-fight interview, Paul stated (via Metro UK), “My [jaw] is definitely broken. But man, that was good.

“I love this, so I will come back and get a world championship belt at some point and I’m not surprised [I lasted long against Joshua]. I just got tired.

“It was just so much handling his weight. If I had better cardio, I could’ve maybe kept on fighting. But he did amazing, and hits really hard.”

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AFCON 2025: ‘He Was Torn To Pieces’ – Oliseh Speaks On Okoye’s Exclusion From Nigeria Squad (Video)

Sunday Oliseh, a former Nigerian midfielder, has reacted to the omission of Maduka Okoye from the final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Okoye was dropped from the final squad despite being included in Eric Chelle’s provisional list of 54 players.

Oliseh claims the Udinese goalkeeper was “torn to bits” by fans and pundits after his last appearance for the Super Eagles.

“The last game he played for Nigeria, I remember this boy being torn into bits online, online, television, everywhere,”
Oliseh said about Okoye on his podcast.

“He was so much destroyed that I remember looking at it and saying, If this boy were my son, I will tell him now, go and stop playing.

“Just go make your life again. Forget it.”

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Wilfred Ndidi Named New Captain Of The Super Eagles Ahead Of AFCON 2025 (Video)

Nigerian footballer, Wilfred Ndidi has officially been named as the new Super Eagles captain.

Ndidi’s appointment will usher a new era of leadership for the Super Eagles following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football.

The midfielder’s appointment was confirmed on the Super Eagles X account on Friday.

The Besiktas star is counting on the support of his teammates to make his reign successful.

“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth,”
Ndidi told the Super Eagles media.

“I have had conversation with a couple of the players. Just to let them know the reason why we are. I also need their support as well. The staff as well, we are all in this together.

“We have conversation on the task ahead, and it is important for us to be together on the same page.”