With the first week of January coming to an end, a number of sides have already announced deals to bring in new players. Clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be active in the window, looking for valuable additions to their teams.
Enzo Fernández won’t be called up for tonight’s game vs Portimonense, it’s confirmed. Enzo won’t even make the bench after last complicated days. 🚨🔴 #Benfica
Benfica message to Chelsea remains clear, as things stand: €120m or no way to sell Enzo in January. #CFCpic.twitter.com/pfTLzLFNOH
Some deals have dragged out and become sagas with others just staying as rumours. The Chelsea – Benfica tussle over the transfer of Enzo Fernandez could be put on hold till next summer as Benfica do not want anything less than the $126 million release clause paid. Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk is also in danger of completely failing. Shaktar are adamant in demanding $100 million for the Ukrainian.
Struggling Liverpool could be in the market for another defender as Virgil Van Dijk is set for a month out of action due to a hamstring injury.
Let’s take a look at some already completed deals during this winter transfer window.
Cody Gakpo training with Liverpool for the first time. He could feature as the Reds play Wolves in the FA Cup
Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool – 5 and a half year contract
Jack Butland – Crystal Palace to Man United – Loan deal till the end of the season
Benoit Badiashile – Monaco to Chelsea – 7 and a half year contract
David Datro Fofana – Molde to Chelsea – Unspecified
Andrey Santos – Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea – 5 and a half year contract
The FA Cup returns on Friday with 3rd round fixtures. All Premier League teams will have a fixture in this round of games with some facing each other.
The third round kicks off with a Premier League clash as Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford. Everton will be seeking to upset a United side that has been in good form in both league and cup competitions. The Reds will look to continue their brilliant run of form at home.
Another key clash will see Wolves host Liverpool at Molineux. Liverpool are not having the best of seasons especially after it was announced that Virgil Van Dijk will be out with a hamstring injury for a while. Liverpool face a Wolves side that has shown signs of resurgence under Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui. Besides the Champions League, the FA Cup remains Liverpool’s only other competition where they stand a chance of winning.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will face further questions if they are unable to beat a resurgent Wolves side in the FA Cup.
Following another defeat in the league, Southampton will look to win against Crystal Palace as they travel to London to face Patrick Viera’s side.
The biggest tie of the round will see Chelsea visit Manchester City, setting up what will be their third clash already this season. City already knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup and will be keen on repeating the feat in their FA Cup meeting.
Games that end in draws will go to replays. It is equally important to note that this will also happen in the fourth round.
Manchester United are level with third place Newcastle United on the Premier League standings after their brilliant win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford sealed the astounding 3-0 victory for the Reds.
United now sit 4th on 36 points, level with Newcastle United and one behind Manchester City who face Chelsea on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford continued his scoring streak, making it 4 in 4 after the World Cup. Rashford has 7 goals in the Premier League this campaign, making him United’s top scorer. He has also scored in six consecutive home games for resurgent United.
Marcus Rashford’s celebration after getting United’s 3rd goal.
The Reds recorded another clean sheet in last night’s match, taking their league tally to 8. The defensive improvement United has shown can be attributed to each individual defender but the work Casemiro does in front of the back four has also proven to be crucial. The Brazilian has been key in intercepting opposition passes and winning loose balls. He has also chipped in in the attacking play with two goals and two assists.
Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal meant they dropped points thus allowing United to catch up. The Magpies have played a game more than the both the Reds and the Gunners.
Arsenal lost the chance to go 10 points ahead of Manchester City after the stalemate at the Emirates.
Arsenal played out a feisty 0-0 draw against Newcastle at the Emirates.
Manchester United play Everton (H) in the FA Cup on Friday. United’s next two league games could be pivotal at the top of the table. They face Manchester City (H) on 14th of January before travelling to the Emirates on 22nd to face league leaders Arsenal.
Donovan Mitchell set a franchise record of 71 points in a game as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls in Monday’s NBA action. The points helped the Cavs rally from 21 points down to win 145-134 in Overtime.
The 71 points are the highest recorded in an NBA game in 17 years, with Kobe Bryant getting 81 in 2006.
Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players with 70 points or more
Mitchell was humbled to made history and to be included amongst the greats.
“To be there in the record book with guys like Wilt is truly humbling. I always believed I could be one of the best players in the league. I’m speechless and blessed to be in the company of that greatness.”
– The Guardian
Mitchell was not the only high scoring player in the last round of NBA though. Klay Thompson (54), Lebron James (43), Joel Embiid (42) and Luka Doncic (39), led their franchises to wins. Lebron’s points helped him edge closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all time scoring record of 38387. He is only 500 points away.
James is 500 points away from becoming NBA’s greatest scorer
Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players to record 70+ points in an NBA game.
Arsenal extended their lead over Manchester City to 7 points after they beat Brighton 4-2 in the last Premier League match of 2022. The Gunners managed to survive a late Brighton push, to pick up the massive 3 points.
Manchester City and Newcastle both dropped points after drawing against Everton and Leeds respectively. City took the lead through Erling Haaland in the first half but a spectacular strike from Demarai Gray in the second levelled matters. Newcastle played out a 0-0 draw at home against Leeds.
Demarai Gray celebrates scoring a stunner at the Etihad
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as United edged Wolves 1-0 at Molineux. The win sent United into the top four for the first time since March. United are 4 points off Manchester City and 2 points behind Newcastle, who have played one more game.
Pep Guardiola spoke about the Red Devils in his press conference.
“I have the feeling United are coming back, finally United is coming back. I’ve seen it on Thursday and against Chelsea in the first half. I said I like what I see of United right now. There will be a lot of teams like United fighting.”
– ESPN
Crystal Palace defeated Bournemouth 2-0 as they recovered from their Boxing Day 3-0 home loss to Fulham.
Finally, Southampton remained rooted at the bottom of the log after they went down 2-1 to Fulham.
Premier League action continues today with two matches lined up.
Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed terms, which will see him become the highest earning footballer in the world, to join Saudi Pro League Side Al Nassr.
The Portuguese forward will earn a reported €200 million a year, in what is the biggest contract ever in the history of football.
Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. He was an on demand free agent for a while with multiple clubs offering huge financial packages for his signature. Amongst the interested clubs were Al Hilal and Sporting Kansas City.
Al Nassr took to social media to announce the deal and show the first images of Ronaldo holding their shirt.
Ronaldo posing with an Al Nassr shirt alongside club chairman Musaili Al Muammar
The effect of his commercial effect of his signing can already be seen as the club’s instagram following doubled overnight. Some fans even started printing his jersey from the Al Nassr club store.
Club chairman Musaili Al Muammar praised Ronaldo and emphasized on the significance of the deal
“This deal is more than just writing a new historical chapter. This player is a higher example for all athletes and youth in the world, and with his presence in Al-Nassr, we will move forward to achieve more success for the club, Saudi sports, and future generations.”
Ronaldo will be unveiled on Saturday after Al Nassr take on Al Khaleej.
La Liga champions Real Madrid were back in action on Friday night away against Valladolid.
Los Blancos were held for majority of the game by home team but a late brace from Ballon d’or holder Karim Benzema sealed the three points for the champions.
Vinicius Junior celebrating with Karim Benzema after he converted the penalty for Madrid
He converted a penalty in the 83rd minute after a VAR check confirmed the ball was handled in the area after Antonio Rudiger headed it goalwards. Benzema then added the second after a Brilliant run by Eduardo Camavinga. 2-0 was the final scoreline as Real reclaimed top spot from rivals Barcelona.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti had praise for Thibaut Courtois and Benzema after the tight game.
“It was a difficult match against an opponent that grew into the game. We had good control at the start of the first half, but Real Valladolid played well and competed. I don’t think we defended well and I don’t think we were compact, but we managed to secure the three points. It was a great game by Courtois and by Benzema, so we end the year on a high,” he said
Los Blancos will resume La Liga action next Saturday, away at Villareal. They play Cacereno (A) on Tuesday in the Copa Del Rey.
Real Players paying tribute to Pele before the match
There is more La Liga action today with Barcelona welcoming Espanyol for a Catalan derby. Barca will be seeking to reclaim the top spot from Real once again.
La Liga action resumed on Thursday with three matches on the card following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Atletico Madrid welcomed Elche to the Metropolitano Stadium as they celebrated their world cup winners, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina. French World Cup finalist Antoine Griezmann returned to the starting line up alongside other World Cup stars such as Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata.
Atletico World Cup winners (from Left to Right) Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina.
The biggest moment in the first half was Elche’s captain, Gonzalo Verdu being sent off. He was adjudged to have denied Alvaro Morata a clear goal scoring opportunity.
The match really kicked off in the second half as in form star Felix handed Atleti the lead in the 56th minute. The goal came after Atleti’s Mario Hermoso was given his marching orders after a second yellow in the 53rd minute. Alvaro Morata, who scored thrice at the world cup, closed the scoring in the 74th minute, securing the win for the Rojiblancos.
Elche’s Domingos Quina, also saw red in the 90th minute.
The win sends Atleti to 3rd on the table on 27 points.
Atletico next welcome Barcelona to the Metropolitano on January 8th.
Meanwhile, top four challengers Real Betis and Athletic Club played out a 0-0 draw at the Benito Villamarin. Both teams still have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.
Luiz Felipe sees red at the end of Betis v Bilbao
Finally, Girona drew 2-2 at home against Rayo Vallecano.
Following its resumption, four La Liga matches are lined up today with champions Real Madrid also in action.
Erling Haaland scored two goals in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road. The scoring was opened by Rodri after a brilliant counter attacking move in the first half. Haaland scored his brace in the second- half, both goals being assisted by Jack Grealish. The win helped City cut the points separating them from table toppers Arsenal back to five as they leaped over Newcastle and are back in second on the log.
Rodri celebrates opening the scoring for City.
Leeds got one back through Patrick Struijk but City managed the game well to seal the three points.
Haaland’s two goals mean he becomes the fastest ever to get to 20 league goals in the Premier League. It took him only 14 games to achieve this feat. He now has 26 goals in 20 appearances for the Citizens. In an interview after the game, Haaland spoke of his new found desire from watching others at the World Cup. “I kind of recharged my batteries and to watch other people score and win games in the World Cup kind of triggers me and motivates me and also irritates me,” he said, “I’m more hungry and more ready than ever.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United remained only two points above the relegation zone on 15 points. Jesse Marsch’s side have been blowing hot and cold in the League this season and will need to be steady if they are to avoid relegation. In addition to being steady, they will need some of their injured key players back.
Leeds’ Rodrigo (L) battles for the ball against City’s Akanji (R).
Striker Patrick Bamford is still out and is a doubt for their new years eve match against Newcastle.
In what has been an amazing year for the company, the UFC has produced some of the greatest moments in sports this year thanks to some vicious knockouts, comeback victories and world class fights. With an extremely long list to choose from, here are some of the biggest moments from the UFC this year.
5. Nate Diaz completes UFC contract
Nathan ‘Nate’ Diaz
Nate Diaz has been one of the biggest stars in the UFC for the past decade. Many would argue only Conor McGregor sits ahead of him in terms of star power not only in the UFC but in the MMA world in general. He had his final fight in the organization on the 11th of September at UFC 279. Nate was initially scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev but a late change saw him meet another all time great, Tony Ferguson, in the octagon. Nate finished Tony in the 4th round in his last appearance in the UFC.
His fights, and back and forth with Conor McGregor will forever be part of the UFC’s history.
4. UFC London delivers
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett (L) and ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann (R)
The UFC held events in London, England for the first time since the pandemic hit. They visited the city twice in 2022 and both shows were of high quality. Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann were the biggest stars of both shows, with each finishing their opponents on both cards. UFC London has been described as event of the year due to the great performances and number of finishes on both cards. The UFC returns to the UK in 2023 with a numbered event UFC 286, which is likely to feature welterweight champion, Leon Edwards.
3. Islam Makhachev finally wins gold
Islam Makhachev lands a head kick on Charles Oliveira
A cousin to one of the all time greats, Khabib Nurmagomedov, many foresaw Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title victory when he finally got the title shot. Islam faced Charles Oliveira for the gold in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280. Charles was the man to beat as he had beaten all contenders before Islam stepped up. Islam submitted Charles in the second round, winning the lightweight title and following in his cousin’s footsteps. He will face featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski next in Perth, Australia at UFC 284. The winner of the fight will be crowned the number 1 pound for pound fighter in the world.
2. Alex Pereira finishes Israel Adesanya once again
Alex Pereira lands a vicious left hand on Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya was a very dominant and busy champion in the UFC middleweight division. In 2021, a man who had beaten him twice in his kick boxing days joined the company. Alex Pereira is that man and it did not take long for him to earn the title shot. Despite Izzy dominating proceedings in all four rounds, a late flurry in the fifth round from Pereira earned him a TKO win over the Izzy. His victory was one of the three late fifth round finishes in title fights. The two look set to meet again in the UFC, with this probably being Izzy’s last chance at vanquishing Pereira.
1. Leon Edwards finishes Kamaru Usman and wins the welterweight title
Leon Edwards finally gets the welterweight title around his waist
Many times in the past, Leon Edwards has been branded the unluckiest fighter in the UFC. He had been inactive since 2019 which led to his dropping from the rankings at one point. He then had an unfortunate return in 2021 after an eye poke prematurely ended his fight against Belal Muhammad. Edwards then produced a world class performance against Nate Diaz, earning him the title shot.
When they met earlier in their careers, Kamaru Usman emerged victorious after a brilliant wrestling display. The second time was more tantalizing as both men had made significant improvements in their game. Despite Edwards being the first fighter to take Usman down in the UFC, Usman dominated the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round. In the fifth, everyone thought it was all over for Leon until he landed a vicious head kick in the dying moments of the round, knocking Usman out cold. Edwards managed to win a title he was far from winning a year back. Knocking out Usman is truly a fete that deserves to be number one on all lists!
