Wayne Rooney secures punditry role with Amazon following his Plymouth dismissal.
Manchester United’s legend, Wayne Rooney has secured a new role as a pundit for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage following his dismissal from Plymouth Argyle last year. The former England star took charge of Plymouth in May but endured a difficult tenure, winning just four of 23 Championship matches before being sacked after 25 games. His departure meant he missed the chance to lead the club against Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round. Rooney made his on-screen debut for Amazon during Tuesday’s Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid in the knockout stage. Having previously worked as a pundit for BBC, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports, Amazon is keen to add him to their regular lineup, which includes Alan Shearer and Daniel Sturridge. However, punditry may be temporary, as Rooney has expressed his desire to return to management, stating on the Stick to Football podcast that he is open to the right opportunity but not in a rush.
📝 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘: Wayne Rooney has joined Amazon Prime as a pundit for their Champions League coverage.
(Source: @primevideosport) pic.twitter.com/XVKtLyG2DF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 10, 2025
Kai Havertz suffers a muscular injury scare in Arsenal’s Dubai training camp.
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes could take a hit after Kai Havertz suffered an injury scare during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai. According to the Daily Mail, the German midfielder picked up a muscular issue, believed to be hamstring-related, which could force him onto the sidelines. Mikel Arteta is already dealing with an injury crisis in attack, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli all currently unavailable. If Havertz is also ruled out, Arsenal would be left with limited options, including Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard. Havertz has been in excellent form, leading Arsenal’s scoring charts with 15 goals across all competitions this season. The Gunners return to action on Sunday against struggling Leicester City, but it remains uncertain whether Havertz will be fit to feature. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition ahead of the crucial Premier League clash.
🚨⚠️ Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has suffered a “worrying muscular injury scare” on the club’s winter training camp in Dubai, reports @SamiMokbel81_DM.
Staff set to assess Kai’s injury with club diagnosis to follow, per @MailSport. pic.twitter.com/zipZVzAwlI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2025
Real Madrid comes back twice to secure big win against Man City at the Etihad.
Jude Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for Real Madrid over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff at the Etihad Stadium. The reigning champions now take a crucial advantage into the second leg on February 19 in Madrid. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 19th minute, volleying home after Joško Gvardiol’s assist. Following a tense four-minute VAR check, the goal was confirmed. Kylian Mbappé equalized in the 60th minute with an awkward rebound off a free kick. Haaland then restored City’s lead from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, seemingly putting Pep Guardiola’s side in control. However, Madrid stunned the hosts with two late goals. Brahim Díaz capitalized on sloppy goalkeeping from Ederson before Bellingham punished City’s lapse in concentration with a last-gasp winner. The stage is now set for a dramatic second leg at the Bernabéu.
FT: Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid.
REAL MADRID COMPLETE THE COMEBACK AND ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/1Q8eozNlQv
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 11, 2025
Dembélé’s brace inspires PSG to a 3-0 win over Brest in the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain took control of their Champions League knockout playoff with a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory over Brest on Tuesday. Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace, extending PSG’s unbeaten run against Brest to 31 matches. PSG opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Vitinha converted a penalty following Pierre Lees-Melou’s handball. Brest came close to equalizing when Abdallah Sima’s header struck the post, but the visitors doubled their lead just before halftime. Dembélé cut inside from the right and fired a low shot past the keeper, marking his eighth consecutive game with a goal. Early in the second half, Désiré Doué found the net, but VAR ruled him offside. In the 66th minute, Dembélé secured his second, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. The 27-year-old now has 18 goals in his last 11 games. Brest face a tough challenge in the return leg at Parc des Princes on February 19.
Ousmane Dembélé show for PSG win 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/xxPnDMjIlx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2025
Taiwo Awoniyi scores but sustains an injury in Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup win.
Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi had a bittersweet night in Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup clash against Exeter, scoring a stunning goal before being forced off with a head injury. Despite his early exit, Forest secured a spot in the fifth round after a tense penalty shootout. The Premier League side faced a tough challenge from their League One opponents, who took the lead just five minutes in through Josh Magennis. However, Forest quickly responded, levelling through Ramos Sosa’s simple finish. Awoniyi then put Forest ahead just before halftime with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Exeter fought back, equalizing five minutes into the second half. As the match neared extra time, Awoniyi was forced off after a collision with goalkeeper Joe Whitworth. In the shootout, substitute keeper Mats Selz made a crucial save, while Exeter also struck the post, allowing Forest to claim victory and advance.
Taiwo Awoniyi gives Nottingham Forest the lead over Exeter with a brilliant effort. 🇳🇬
Exeter 1 – 2 Nottingham Forest
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) February 11, 2025