Haaland scores as Manchester City claims their first win in five matches.
Manchester City ended a four-game losing streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday, marking Pep Guardiola’s 500th game in charge. Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland secured the much-needed win, though Leicester gave the reigning champions a tough challenge. Savinho opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalising on a rebound after Phil Foden’s long-range shot was parried by Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. The Brazilian fired into the roof of the net from a tight angle, registering his first goal for City. Leicester nearly equalised midway through the second half, but Jamie Vardy missed a golden opportunity, failing to connect with Stephy Mavididi’s cross from close range. Minutes later, Haaland sealed the win with a powerful header from Savinho’s cross. The victory lifts City to fifth, while Leicester remains in the relegation zone.
Man City are back to three points! 🔵✨ pic.twitter.com/ZXYUX8HMad
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2024
AC Milan sacks head coach, Paulo Fonseca after six months in charge.
Serie A giant, AC Milan have sacked head coach Paulo Fonseca just six months after his appointment, with reports suggesting a successor is already lined up. The decision came following a 1-1 draw with Roma on Sunday, leaving Milan eighth in Serie A. Fonseca, who joined in the summer on a three-year deal after leading Lille to fourth in Ligue 1, confirmed his departure as he left the San Siro. Fonseca’s tenure was marred by inconsistency. Despite a brief four-game winning streak early in the season, Milan’s form faltered, with just four wins in their last 11 matches since a 3-0 victory over Lecce in September. The team sits eight points behind the final Champions League spot with only 27 points from 17 games. Their European campaign has also been disappointing, with Milan 12th in the Champions League standings, far from automatic qualification. Sérgio Conceição is set to be appointed as the club’s new head coach.
🚨🔴⚫️ AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca has been fired, decision confirmed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2024
Sérgio Conceição will be the new head coach. pic.twitter.com/beWXZU50KX
Fabio Cannavaro appointed as the new Dinamo Zagreb’s head coach.
Former Italy defender and 2006 World Cup winner, Fabio Cannavaro has been named the new head coach of Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian club confirmed on Sunday. The 51-year-old returns to management after a brief tenure with Udinese earlier this year, where he oversaw just six matches. Cannavaro previously served as caretaker manager for China’s national team and Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Dinamo Zagreb praised Cannavaro’s “charisma, championship pedigree, and hunger for success,” calling him the ideal candidate to lead the team. He replaces Nenad Bjelica, who was dismissed due to poor form that left Dinamo third in the Croatian Football League, seven points behind leaders Rijeka. Cannavaro will officially take charge after the New Year, with his debut match set for January 22 against Arsenal in the Champions’ League group stage, where Dinamo currently rank 24th, the last playoff spot.
🚨🇭🇷 Official, exclusive story confirmed. Fabio Cannavaro has been appointed as new Dinamo Zagreb head coach.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2024
New chapter for the Italian manager. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/4j0jRhHOu0
Lakers trade star point guard, D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, as reported by Shams Charania. Russell, an NBA veteran, has had two stints with the Lakers and was originally drafted by the team as the No. 2 overall pick in 2015. His breakout came during his first tenure with Brooklyn, earning All-Star honors in 2018-19 with averages of 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Reacquired by the Lakers in 2022-23, Russell played a key role in their run to the Western Conference Finals. However, his role this season diminished, with his numbers declining to 12.4 points and 4.7 assists per game. Now back with the Nets, Russell has the chance to regain his form and take on a larger role ahead of his free agency in 2025.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a Trade sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V175zGtmKW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2024
Arne Slot’s men move 8 points clear on top the table after a huge win over West Ham.
Liverpool surged eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. The Reds capitalised on the Hammers’ struggles under Julen Lopetegui, dominating from start to finish in London. Luis Díaz opened the scoring after pouncing on a deflected pass, beating Alphonse Areola at the near post. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus struck the post shortly after, but Liverpool punished the hosts immediately. Cody Gakpo doubled the lead, capitalising on a clever setup from Díaz and Mohamed Salah. Salah then added a third before halftime, coolly slotting home after Curtis Jones intercepted a poor pass. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected long-range effort made it four, while Salah’s dazzling run set up Diogo Jota for the fifth. Despite Kudus hitting the woodwork twice, Liverpool was never troubled, sealing a dominant victory in their title charge.
FT: West Ham United 0-5 Liverpool.
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 29, 2024
THEY KEEP ON WINNING, THEY KEEP ON SCORING, THEY KEEP ON IMPRESSING, THE BEST FOOTBALL TEAM IN THE WORLD! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/xIOBzH8FwF