Ademola Lookman’s late winner sends Atalanta top of the Serie A table.
Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman’s late header secured Atalanta a dramatic 2-1 victory over AC Milan on Friday, lifting them to the top of Serie A. Lookman, unmarked at the far post, nodded in the winner three minutes from full-time after a corner sailed across the box. The result puts Atalanta on 34 points, two ahead of Napoli, who host Lazio on Sunday. Atalanta took the lead in the 12th minute through former Milan player Charles De Ketelaere, who outjumped his marker to head home a precise corner. Milan responded swiftly, equalizing within 10 minutes. Rafael Leão’s blistering run down the left set up Álvaro Morata for a composed finish. Both sides created chances in a tense contest, but Lookman’s 10th goal of the season proved decisive, leaving Milan in seventh place with 22 points.
FT: Atalanta 2-1 AC Milan.
3 BIG POINTS IN A BIG GAME THANKS TO LOOKMAN! 🇳🇬🌟 pic.twitter.com/wfk4UgtJK6
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 6, 2024
Lionel Messi wins the MLS Player of the year award after an incredible season.
Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award, becoming the third player in league history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, following Carlos Vela (2019) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015). The 37-year-old Inter Miami star scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 matches during his first full MLS season, earning 38.43% of the votes, narrowly ahead of Christian Benteke (33.70%). MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced the honor in a video alongside Inter Miami Academy players and Messi’s three sons. Addressing the academy, Messi expressed gratitude, calling the award a “source of pride” and encouraging the young players to pursue their dreams. This latest achievement adds to Messi’s illustrious career, which includes eight Ballon d’Ors, six European Golden Shoes, and a World Cup triumph.
🚨🇺🇸 OFFICIAL: Leo Messi wins the MLS Player of the Year, he’s the MVP for this season. pic.twitter.com/02dptJLuQN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2024
The Merseyside derby postponed amid adverse weather conditions.
Everton’s Premier League match against Liverpool has been postponed due to a red weather warning as Storm Darragh brings winds of up to 90mph across the UK. Scheduled for 12:30 pm on Saturday, the Merseyside derby was called off following a Safety Advisory Group meeting involving Everton, Liverpool, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. The decision was made to prioritize safety amid severe conditions, including flying debris and falling trees. Everton issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience but emphasized the importance of fan, staff, and player safety. Tickets for the original fixture will remain valid for the rescheduled match, with a new date to be announced later. The Met Office’s rare red alert, signaling a “danger to life,” advises millions to stay indoors, raising questions about other Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Today's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
Full details to follow. pic.twitter.com/ikF8iJRTGs
— Everton (@Everton) December 7, 2024
Pep Guardiola hits back as José Mourinho over winning the PL fairly.
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has responded to José Mourinho’s remarks implying Manchester City’s success is tainted by financial rule allegations. Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahce, commented he won his three Premier League titles at Chelsea “fairly and cleanly,” contrasting Guardiola’s six titles, while referencing City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. Guardiola dismissed Mourinho’s comments as a joke, emphasizing the principle of being “innocent until proven guilty.” Speaking ahead of City’s next match, Guardiola remarked, “If I have offended him, I’m sorry, but it was a joke. The fact is he has three titles, I have six. Sooner or later, he’ll congratulate us.” He also defended City’s achievements, likening their success to legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, while reiterating confidence in the legal process: “Wait for the sentence; the facts will speak for themselves.”
🚨 Pep Guardiola: “I would say to José Mourinho that we are innocent until proven guilty!”.
“If I ever offend him I am so sorry but it was a joke…”.
❗️ “The fact is… Mourinho has three Premier League titles, I have six! This is a fact!”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZdqXDwS5T9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2024
Carlo Ancelotti accuses the Spanish media of taking shots at him.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at the media for excessive criticism following his team’s slow start to the season. Despite high expectations after last season’s La Liga and Champions League triumph, Real Madrid have struggled for balance, sitting four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and 24th in the Champions League standings. Ancelotti acknowledged the scrutiny but defended his position, stating, “The manager is most responsible, and criticism is normal. But I think you’re taking too many shots at me. Maybe you’re tired of me, but I’m not tired of this job.” He expressed frustration with personal attacks, noting, “Professional criticism is fine, but when it affects your identity, that’s different.” While admitting the team must improve, Ancelotti urged optimism: “It’s not a funeral; we’re still in the fight with a quality squad capable of solving our problems.”
🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “I get criticized a lot but I am NOT tired of this job. I love it.” pic.twitter.com/w2CdpBLYYx
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 6, 2024