Key events
Fancy seeing how every judge voted in our top 100 men’s footballers poll?
Get stuck in:
I’m seeing a high number of goals caused directly by teams “playing it out from the back” this morning. Two involving Tottenham and one for Chelsea against Shamrock Rovers. Modern football, eh.
Marcus Christenson, Football Special Projects Editor, talks us through the top 10:
Rodri, of Manchester City and Spain, tops the charts in the 100 best male footballers in the world in 2024:
There’s an interview with Jarrad Branthwaite on my telly.
First question: “Jarrad, how much are you looking forward to Christmas?”
Everton Women sign Gago from Nantes
Tom Garry
The first signing of the new era at Everton under the Friedkin Group’s ownership has been announced, the women’s team confirming the signing of the France forward Kelly Gago for an undisclosed fee from the French club Nantes.
The 25-year-old will join the WSL team from 1 January and is understood to be the first of several January signings that Brian Sørensen’s side are seeking to make after the takeover.
Gago told the club’s media channels: “My strengths are my speed, my physical presence, my power, and I can bring all of that to the team. I chose to come and play for Everton as I liked what Brian, the head coach, had to say and how his team plays.”
Jonathan Liew
Ange Postecoglou described the first semi-final of his Tottenham Hotspur career as “progress” for his injury-ravaged side, even if they were made to sweat by Manchester United in a hectic 4-3 victory. “It’s one thing me praising them,” he said. “But they need the reward of winning, and how it makes them feel, so they can go to the well again.”
“This is the most Tottenham thing you’ll ever see,” said Gary Neville on commentary at 3-2.
Just saw the highlights of Tottenham 4-3 Manchester United. LOL
Southampton close in on Juric
Ben Fisher
Southampton are closing on the appointment of Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s successor. The former Roma manager, who was sacked by the Serie A club last month after 12 matches, was on the shortlist to replace Ralph Hasenhüttl at Saints two years ago but is expected to be given the job this time. Southampton, bottom of the Premier League and fighting an immediate return to the Championship after one win in 16 matches, are searching for their fifth manager in two years.
Preamble
If, like me, you love football then you’ve come to the right place.
There’s a fresh lorry-load of festive action coming your way over the weekend, plus the aftermath of Tottenham’s seven-goal thrilla against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last night, and potential news on a new Southampton manager following last Sunday’s dismissal of Russell Martin.
Shall we start with His Majesty’s Premier League and “10 things to look out for this weekend”? Let’s do this:
