Football

Manchester City's injury crisis has reached alarming proportions after their League Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with Savinho and Manuel Akanji joining a growing list of sidelined players. The latest setbacks leave Pep Guardiola with a mere 13 fit players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.Savinho was stretchered off in the 62nd minute with a suspected ankle injury, while Akanji was ruled out just before kickoff due to a muscular issue. This adds to the already lengthy list of absentees, including Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Kyle Walker, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish.Guardiola expressed his concern over the physical toll the season has taken on his squad. "We have 13 players (available) so we are in real difficulty," he said. "The guys that play, they finish most of them with problems and we'll see how they recover. I think we are in trouble, because in nine years we've never been in the situation with so many injuries."Despite their precarious position, City remain narrowly ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race. However, the absence of so many key players raises concerns about their ability to maintain their title defense. The upcoming away clash with Bournemouth will be a stern test for Guardiola's ability to rally a depleted side and manage fitness levels.For Guardiola, who has enjoyed nine seasons with relatively few long-term injuries, this situation is unprecedented. "In nine years, we've never been in this situation with so many injuries," he admitted.City's injury crisis is a major blow to their hopes of winning multiple trophies this season. With so many players unavailable, Guardiola will have to rely heavily on his remaining squad members and hope that they can stay fit and healthy.

Manchester United's managerial search has reportedly zeroed in on Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim, despite the Portuguese coach's cautious stance. With United's interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy set to lead the team against Leicester in the League Cup, Amorim remains the frontrunner to take over permanently.Amorim's impressive track record at Sporting, where he has won two Portuguese titles, has caught United's attention. The 39-year-old's tactical acumen and ability to develop young players have made him a highly sought-after manager.However, Amorim has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that "nothing is decided yet" regarding a move to Old Trafford. Sporting has confirmed that United is willing to meet Amorim's €10 million release clause, but the club has declined to comment further.Despite his youth, Amorim's age is not seen as a concern by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who believes that "knowledge is knowledge" and that "if you are good, age doesn't matter."United's squad, largely assembled by Erik ten Hag, faces challenges with several expensive signings failing to deliver. Antony, the Brazilian forward acquired for nearly £90 million, has struggled to justify his price tag.Ten Hag's departure has left United with a rebuilding task, and Amorim's appointment would signal a shift towards a more progressive and attacking style of play. The Portuguese coach has a reputation for developing young talent and implementing a high-pressing, possession-based system.If appointed, Amorim would inherit a squad with a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. The club's co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed a desire for United to challenge for trophies, and Amorim's track record suggests he could be the man to deliver.

Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager. The Portuguese coach, 39, is reportedly in talks with United after ten Hag's dismissal on Monday following a dismal start to the season.Amorim, considered one of Europe's top young coaches, has been linked with the Liverpool manager's role in the past. He was also linked with United after Jurgen Klopp's departure this year, but Arne Slot was appointed instead.United's decision to sack ten Hag came after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League. Despite heavy spending in the summer transfer market, United have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.Amorim's potential appointment would mark a significant shift in United's managerial strategy. The club has traditionally favored experienced managers, but Amorim's youth and attacking philosophy could signal a new era.However, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Fulham's Marco Silva are also reportedly being considered. Frank has impressed with Brentford's performances in the Premier League, while Silva has guided Fulham to promotion and a strong start to this season.United's search for a new manager comes amid a wider restructuring of the club's football operations. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has promised to rejuvenate the club, which has not won the Premier League title since 2013.Ten Hag's departure marks the end of a turbulent two-year reign. He won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final in his first season, but his second season has been marred by poor results and a lack of clear playing style.Injuries to key players and the failure to integrate expensive signings have contributed to United's struggles. The club's new sporting structure, led by Ratcliffe, has also faced criticism for its lack of clarity and direction.Amorim's potential appointment would be a bold move by United. The Portuguese coach has a proven track record of success, but he has also shown a willingness to take risks. If he is appointed, he will face the challenge of rebuilding a United team that has lost its way in recent years.

Mohamed Salah's late equalizer salvaged a pulsating 2-2 draw for Liverpool against title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Egyptian star's goal came with just nine minutes remaining, preventing Arsenal from securing a crucial victory.Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka's early opener, but Virgil van Dijk equalized in the 18th minute. Mikel Merino restored Arsenal's lead before half-time, but Salah's eighth goal in 13 games this season ensured the Reds left north London with a point.The draw was a major setback for Arsenal's title hopes, as they now trail Manchester City by five points. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain one point behind City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday.Arsenal's defensive woes were exposed once again, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off with injuries in the second half. The Gunners have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches.Liverpool showed impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender. They will be happier with the point after a disappointing performance in the first half.Saka gave Arsenal the perfect start with a stunning strike in the ninth minute. Liverpool nearly equalized immediately, but Salah's shot went just wide.The Reds did level the scores in the 18th minute when Van Dijk headed home from a corner. However, Arsenal regained the lead in the 43rd minute when Merino headed in a free-kick.Liverpool pressed for an equalizer in the second half, but Arsenal's defense held firm until the closing stages. With just nine minutes left, Alexander-Arnold's pass sent Nunez clear, and the Uruguayan slipped in Salah for the equalizer.Arsenal's defensive injuries proved costly, as they were unable to hold on for the victory. The Gunners will now face a tough task to get their title challenge back on track.

Arsenal, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League, will face a formidable challenge on Sunday as they host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners will be without key defender William Saliba, who received a red card in their surprising defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.Despite the absence of Saliba, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident in his team's ability to overcome the odds. "This is the game. Obviously, we didn't want to be in this situation, but we are lucky to have the squad we have. Don't feel sorry for ourselves," Arteta said.Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber are all racing against time to be fit for the clash. Their availability would provide a significant boost to Arsenal's chances of securing a victory.Liverpool, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, have been in impressive form this season. They currently trail Arsenal by four points in the league standings. The Reds will be looking to extend their winning streak and close the gap on the Gunners.The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the Premier League's top teams. Arsenal will be eager to bounce back from their recent setback, while Liverpool will be determined to maintain their momentum.

Chris Wood's brace propelled Nottingham Forest to a resounding 3-1 victory over Leicester City in a thrilling East Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium. The New Zealand striker's goals condemned his former manager, Steve Cooper, to defeat in his first encounter with Forest since his dismissal in December.Forest seized the initiative early on, with Ryan Yates capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Leicester to curl a low strike into the bottom corner. However, the Foxes responded swiftly, with Jamie Vardy equalizing from close range after a teasing cross from Harry Winks.The second half witnessed a flurry of action, with Wood restoring Forest's lead with a deft finish after controlling Elliot Anderson's pass. Leicester's appeals for a penalty were waved away, and Wood punished their poor defending once more, heading home a long punt from Matz Sels.The victory marked Forest's second consecutive win and lifted them into fifth place in the Premier League standings. They have lost just once in nine league games this season, vindicating their decision to replace Cooper with Nuno Espirito Santo.Cooper, who spent two years in charge of Forest, guiding them back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, expressed disappointment with his team's performance. "It's self-inflicted, no doubt about that," he said. "We made poor mistakes for the goals."Nuno, serving the second game of a suspension, watched from the press box as his team secured a memorable victory. "Chris deserves his plaudits," he said. "He's done an amazing job. He's very honest and he gives everything on the pitch for us."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has implored captain Reece James to assume a more prominent leadership role within the team. James, who recently returned from injury, has been urged to demonstrate greater influence both on and off the pitch.Maresca emphasized the importance of James' leadership qualities, stating, "I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room. He's on the way, he's doing well, he's progressing, but I expect more."The Italian manager believes that James, as captain, has a responsibility to set an example and inspire his teammates. "For me, because you are the captain, you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest," Maresca explained.James' leadership role has been limited due to his injury absence and the presence of Conor Gallagher as captain for much of last season. However, Maresca is seeking to develop leaders from within the squad and has had positive discussions with James about his expectations."He's understanding that we're expecting more from him," Maresca said. "He's our guy from the academy. It's one of the reasons why he has to show more in terms of personality."Maresca acknowledged that James is a reserved individual but believes that he can develop the necessary leadership qualities. "When you don't have a proper leader, you need to build that. I think we don't have a proper leader. We need to build them. Reece is one who is on the way but he's not there. He needs to make an effort."James is expected to feature against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and Maresca will be looking for him to demonstrate the leadership qualities he has been demanding.

Liverpool's title credentials received a significant boost as they overcame a resilient Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield, reclaiming the Premier League summit. Mohamed Salah's penalty and Curtis Jones' decisive strike propelled the Reds to their 10th victory in 11 games under manager Arne Slot.Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson briefly equalized in the second half, but the Blues succumbed to their first league defeat since the season opener against Manchester City. Liverpool's triumph places them one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, their next opponents at the Emirates.Chelsea, despite the setback, displayed encouraging signs in a performance that tested Liverpool's limits. The Blues remain six points adrift of the top in sixth place.Slot's only defeat at Liverpool came against Nottingham Forest after the September international break. In response, the Dutchman benched South American internationals Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez due to their recent transatlantic exertions.Jones' inclusion in the starting lineup proved inspired, as the England international earned Liverpool's penalty and scored the winning goal. Chelsea escaped a red card in the opening minutes when Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Diogo Jota, an incident similar to William Saliba's dismissal for Arsenal against Bournemouth.Despite Chelsea's early possession dominance, Liverpool's pace on the break posed a constant threat. Salah's penalty gave the Reds the lead after Jones was brought down by Levi Colwill. Cody Gakpo's goal was ruled out for offside, while Jackson struck the woodwork for Chelsea.Chelsea received a reprieve before halftime when VAR overturned a penalty decision against Jones, who was adjudged to have been touched by Robert Sanchez. However, the Blues equalized within three minutes of the restart through Jackson, who was initially ruled offside but was shown to be onside by Ibrahima Konate.Liverpool regained the lead three minutes later when Jones converted Salah's cross. Chelsea pressed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear chances until stoppage time. Renato Vega and Christopher Nkunku missed opportunities to level the score.

Manchester City's relentless pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title reached new heights on Sunday as they snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory at Wolves. The champions' last-gasp goal, courtesy of John Stones, sparked controversy but ultimately sent them to the summit of the league standings.Wolves stunned City early on when Jorgen Strand Larsen capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the hosts a surprise lead. However, City's resilience shone through as Josko Gvardiol equalized with a stunning curler before halftime.As the match entered its dying moments, Stones emerged as the unlikely hero. His headed goal from a corner was initially disallowed for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision, sending Guardiola and his players into raptures.Wolves protested vehemently, claiming that Bernardo Silva had interfered with goalkeeper Jose Sa's view and obstructed his ability to make a save. However, referee Chris Kavanagh stood by his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor.City's victory extended their unbeaten run in the league to 31 games, a new club record. They are now two points clear of Liverpool, who have a chance to reclaim top spot later on Sunday.Guardiola's men have set a blistering pace this season, winning six of their eight league matches. Their only blemish came in a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield.Despite the absence of Erling Haaland's usual goalscoring exploits, City's attacking prowess was evident throughout the match. They created numerous chances but were often thwarted by Wolves' resolute defense.In the end, it was Stones' late intervention that secured the three points for City. The defender's goal was a testament to the champions' never-say-die attitude and their ability to grind out results even when not at their best.