Ruud van Nistelrooy wins his first game in charge as Leicester City’s coach.
Newly appointed head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy secured a triumphant debut as Leicester City’s head coach with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the King Power Stadium. Jamie Vardy opened the scoring just 98 seconds into the match, with Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka adding second-half goals. Despite Niclas Füllkrug netting a late consolation, West Ham’s 30 shots on goal couldn’t overshadow Leicester’s clinical performance. Van Nistelrooy, who took charge only three days earlier after a brief stint as Manchester United’s interim boss, was pleased with his whirlwind start. “It’s been a busy few days getting to know everyone, but this result makes it worth it,” he said. Focused on keeping Leicester in the Premier League, the Dutchman praised his team’s effectiveness and hinted at cautious optimism for the challenges ahead. “I’m going to enjoy a beer and reflect on this start.”
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1864070942747410935
Luke Shaw announces that he has suffered another injury setback.
Manchester United defender, Luke Shaw announced a “small setback” in his recovery from injury, just weeks after returning to action under new manager Ruben Amorim. The 29-year-old left-back, who has struggled with injuries since suffering a double leg fracture in 2015, recently made substitute appearances against Ipswich Town, Bodø/Glimt, and Everton—his first games of the season. However, Shaw missed the squad for United’s upcoming match against Arsenal after sustaining a new issue during the 4-0 win over Everton. On Instagram, Shaw expressed his disappointment, saying, “I really thought I had overcome my recent struggles, but unfortunately, I’ve had a setback. This has been the toughest period of my career.” He vowed to work hard to return stronger, adding, “I’ll do everything to help this club achieve its ambitions.” Shaw also thanked fans for their unwavering support.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1864045859287052554
Bayer Leverkusen eliminates 10-Man Bayern in the last 16 of the DFB Pokal.
Bayern Munich suffered their first major setback of the 2024-25 season with a 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal Round of 16. A second-half goal by Nathan Tella, who capitalized on Alejandro Grimaldo’s pinpoint cross, sealed the win for Leverkusen, building on their strong form under Xabi Alonso. The turning point came early, as Bayern’s iconic goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off just 17 minutes in for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong outside the box. Despite being a man down, Bayern controlled possession and matched Leverkusen in chances but struggled to find the net. Without injured Harry Kane and with Jamal Musiala below his best, the hosts managed just two shots on target. The defeat raises questions for manager Vincent Kompany, as Bayern’s DFB Pokal exit adds pressure in a season where their Champions League position is also uncertain.
FT: Bayern Munich 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen.
BAYERN MUNICH ARE ELIMINATED FROM THE DFB POKAL, THAT'S ANOTHER POSSIBLE FIRST TROPHY FOR HARRY KANE GONE! 🏆❌ pic.twitter.com/rzU4fdxA4l
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 3, 2024
Barcelona defeats Mallorca to stay 4-point clear on top of the La Liga table.
After enduring a three-game winless run in La Liga, Barcelona showed up with a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca on Tuesday evening, highlighted by standout performances from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Ferran Torres capitalized on defensive errors to give the visitors an early lead, but Mallorca leveled before halftime when Vedat Muriqi beat Barca’s high defensive line. The second half belonged to Yamal, who won a penalty that Raphinha converted to restore the lead in the 56th minute. Yamal then delivered a sublime outside-of-the-foot cross for Raphinha to make it 3-1. Late goals from Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor added shine to the ScoreLine, despite Mallorca’s spirited display. The win lifts Barcelona four points ahead of Real Madrid, who have two games in hand, and provides a much-needed boost for the league leaders after their recent struggles.
FT: Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona.
A MASSIVE RESPONSE AND VICTORY BY BARCELONA WHO WILL REMAIN ON TOP OF LA LIGA! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/56QCWDUJpj
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 3, 2024
Pep Guardiola opens up on his reaction at Anfield after their 2-0 loss.
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola dismissed suggestions that his six-finger gesture during Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool was a sign of him losing his composure. After enduring taunts of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from Liverpool fans, Guardiola responded with the gesture—first toward the Anfield crowd, then to City’s traveling supporters—prompting comparisons to Jose Mourinho’s infamous three-fingered salute in 2018. Asked if it reflected a meltdown akin to Mourinho, after Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham, Guardiola quipped, “I was never cool. Winning made me seem cool; losing does the opposite.” He also took a sly jab at Mourinho, noting, “Maybe we’re similar, but he won three Premier League titles, and I’ve won six.” City’s defeat extends their winless streak to seven games, a concerning dip for the defending Premier League champions.
🔵🤷🏼♂️ Pep: “Lost my cool with that gesture at Anfield? I was never cool. Do you know why I was cool? Because I won, we won”.
“The people who won are so cool, so handsome, so nice”.
“When you don’t win it’s completely the opposite…”, says via @City_Xtra. pic.twitter.com/glbZUzXdAz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2024