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Folarin Balogun went from hero to villain in his latest outing for Monaco, as he scored an exquisite goal before missing another penalty.

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United States international broke the deadlockSaw spot-kick saved by Lens keeper SambaDramatic winner from Minamino got him off the hookWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international was included from the off in a Ligue 1 meeting with Lens and made the best possible start as he broke the deadlock inside 19 minutes. The 22-year-old displayed impressive strength, touch and composure when battling his way down the left wing and crashing the ball into the back of the net.

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Ex-Liverpool star Takumi Minamino doubled Monaco’s lead on the half-hour mark, but they conceded within 60 seconds and blew their advantage entirely in the 77th minute as the home side battled back to draw level.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Balogun was given an opportunity to put Monaco back in front in the 82nd minute, but the USMNT star saw his tame spot-kick saved by the legs of former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba – who earned a reputation as something of a penalty-saving specialist during his time at the City Ground.

In light of the news last week that Liverpool would be without right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for the next few weeks, The Reds were thrown into a mini crisis. 

The 20-year-old is a mainstay in Jürgen Klopp’s team, and with Nathaniel Clyne unable to be recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth, the question was to who would slot in as a fullback at Anfield last Saturday against Crystal Palace. James Milner stood up and filled in on the right, however, it was not without its controversy as the 33-year-old picked up a red card in the closing minutes of the game.

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That now means that Milner misses Liverpool’s next game against Leicester at Anfield, and Klopp again has a job on his hands trying to figure out who occupies the right-back position. One of the main candidates is Fabinho, who deputised as a centre-back in the absence of Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. The Brazilian has some experience of playing as a fullback, but the trouble is that it leaves the central midfield looking severely sparse, as neither Fabinho or Milner would be present.

There is no denying that this is a major setback in Liverpool’s title challenge. Although they sit at the summit of the Premier League table, rivals Man City are haring behind them, and Klopp will know that his side cannot afford any slip-ups in order to secure their maiden Premier League title. Milner’s red card only increases the pressure on Liverpool as they head into a tricky period.

Marcus Rashford snubbed by Darren Bent as he would rather have Arsenal's Kai Havertz in his team than the Manchester United striker.

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Both Havertz and Rashford have been strugglingBent picked Havertz over RashfordGerman forward's recent performances earn recognitionWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite Havertz facing criticism for his initial performances at Arsenal, his recent goal-scoring form has impressed the former Premier League striker. Indeed, the Gunners forward has been on the upward trajectory this November as he netted his third goal in four matches after he got on the scoresheet against Lens on Wednesday evening in the Champions League. On the other hand, Rashford has been vastly inconsistent and has scored just twice this campaign in 17 appearances which led Bent to put his weight behind Haverrtz.

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During an interview with talksSPORT, Bent said: "Right now, for what Arteta wants to do, yes. Currently where we are now, give me Havertz. I don't want Rashford at the minute. I don't know what I'm getting from Rashford.

"Rashford has got two (goals)! For starters, he's (Havertz) not appalling. This is not the lifetime achievement award. Last season, after the World Cup, Rashford was unbelievable. I've not seen that Rashford since. Right now, give me Kai Havertz over Rashford."

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Havertz is yet to realise his potential after he ended up on the British Isles in 2020 to join Chelsea. Although he redeemed himself by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City, he has failed to match the expectations of the fans. In contrast, Rashford was thriving under Erik ten Hag in the 2022-23 and ended up scoring 30 goals. However, he has failed to keep up with his form and poor showings in the latest international break led Tim Sherwood to assert that Rashford shouldn't start for England at the upcoming Euros.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ & RASHFORD?

Havertz will look to continue hitting the right notes under the guidance of Mikel Arteta when the Gunners host Wolves at Emirates on Saturday. Whereas, Rashford has a point to prove to his critics at St. James' Park where the Red Devils will take on a high-flying Newcastle United side on the same day.

Carlo Ancelotti claims to have been offered no indication that Luka Modric is looking to leave Real Madrid and link up with Lionel Messi in MLS.

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Croatian star seeing limited game timeMay be released as a free agent in JanuaryArgentine icon would like him in FloridaWHAT HAPPENED?

There has been plenty of speculation to suggest that the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder is exploring his options after seeing limited game time with the Blancos in 2023-24. He is only under contract until next summer, meaning that an early exit could be negotiated in January.

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Messi – who has seven Ballons d'Or to his name – is said to be keen on seeing Modric become the latest marquee addition at Inter Miami. The Florida-based outfit, who are co-owned by former 'Galactico' David Beckham, have already drafted in ex-Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

WHAT THEY SAID

There may be the option for Modric to be targeted as a free agent at the start of 2024, but Ancelotti insists the 38-year-old Croatian playmaker is not pushing for a move. The Blancos boss has said when responding to the transfer rumours: “I don’t think he's raising it (leaving in January). We think he’s very important and he knows it too. He doesn’t have that thought and we’re happy with him.”

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Modric moved to Madrid from Premier League side Tottenham in 2012 and has taken in 496 appearances for the Liga giants – helping them to three domestic titles and five Champions League crowns, while also being named the best player on the planet in 2018.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has explained he has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League since his switch from Stuttgart.

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Endo finds Premier League to be physicalHas struggled to make impact in Klopp's sideLiverpool face Fulham this weekendWHAT HAPPENED?

Endo reiterated that he is very happy to be at Liverpool, despite his bit-part role in the side this season, and that he is still adjusting to the speed of the Premier League. A late transfer window signing, the Japanese international was brought in to fill a holding midfielder void left by the departing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League.

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Speaking on his struggles, Endo said: "Yes, it's harder than I thought, but I'm very happy to be here. Physically, it's speedy, so it's very hard to adapt but it's the Premier League and I keep trying and keep playing and I'll get better. I'm already 30 years old but I feel I have a chance to grow as a football player so I'm so happy to be here and I can improve."

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Endo formed part of the major midfield overhaul that Liverpool underwent in the summer which also saw Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch arrive in Merseyside. Departing the club included several midfielders; Henderson and Fabinho, as well as Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Fabio Carvalho and Arthur Melo.

While Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have stolen the headlines, Endo has struggled to find consistent game time and form. However, there is an expectation Endo will be given greater game time over the busy Christmas period.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool sit third in the Premier League and play Fulham on Sunday afternoon hoping to put pressure on league leaders Arsenal. If he plays, Endo will be hoping to put in a strong performance to remind Jurgen Klopp of his place in the side.

Kylian Mbappe appeared to be enjoying his time off from Paris Saint-Germain duty, as his proposed transfer to Real Madrid edges closer.

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Mbappe enjoying down timeMove to Real Madrid a near-formalitySet to meet France President Macron(C)Getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The capital club are preparing to take on third-placed Monaco on Friday, where they will hope to bounce back from a disappointing draw to Rennes last time out. Time spent relaxing off the pitch is widely considered to be just as important as the strict hours on it, and Mbappe appeared to be making the most of his free period by playing pool and drinking tea.

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The mercurial Frenchman posted those pictures in an update on Instagram alongside the caption: "Life is good".

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While Mbappe's comment appears to refer to the here and now, the French forward's future looks to be finally wrapped up. He is set to complete a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid when his PSG contract expires in the summer, thus putting an end to rumours dating back almost three years. Mbappe is thought to have snubbed a mega-money offer from the Parisians in order to become the next 'Galactico' in Madrid.

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Mbappe is set to meet President of France Emmanuel Macron today, who in the past has tried at length to convince him to stay in Paris. However, that appearance is reportedly part of a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim, with PSG chief and fellow countryman Nasser Al-Khelaifi also in attendance.

Erik ten Hag has refused to give his Manchester United players more days off despite complaints from club captains about fatigue and scheduling.

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Ten Hag to stick to current training scheduleRequest for more time off turned downSenior players disgruntled with workloadWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the the Dutch manager remains resolute in refusing the demands from senior players for more days off and advanced notice of their training schedule. Recent complaints from the players' leadership group highlighted concerns about their workload, specifically addressing the limited rest days and the squad's inability to plan time off in advance. Ten Hag provides a weekly training schedule to the players, reserving the right to make changes based on results.

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The leadership group includes senior players like Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton. However, the report mentions that not all of them have issues with the schedule and most players in the squad remain firmly behind the manager.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ten Hag's response to the players' concerns has been unwavering, emphasizing the high standards of dedication and sacrifice required to play for an elite club like United. While the Dutchman has occasionally granted extra days off this season, he firmly believes that the Premier League's increasing physical demands necessitate a rigorous training regimen.

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There were reports of discord within the United dressing room and it was alleged that several players were losing confidence in Ten Hag and his tactics. This prompted the club to take a hardline and ban journalists from four media outletsearlier this week. However, the recent win against Chelsea will likely calm down the dissenting voices, at least for the time being.

Jose Mourinho will reportedly be freed to accept a supposed £104 million ($127m) contract offer from Saudi Arabia in 2024 as he is set to leave Roma.

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Portuguese coach into final year of current dealNo extension has been discussed in ItalyReady to join household names in the Middle EastWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese tactician is working on a deal in the Italian capital that is due to expire at the end of the season. According to , no extension talks have taken place and a parting of ways is considered to be inevitable next summer.

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Gianluca Di Marzio has said of the big decision being made on Mourinho’s future in Italy: “There are no negotiations ongoing, there have never been. So they’ll part company at the end of the deal in June.” Mourinho will walk away after three years at Stadio Olimpico.

DID YOU KNOW?

It is already being suggested that the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager will make the Middle East his next port of call, with the 60-year-old admitting that he expects to head in that direction at some stage. Mourinho has said: “I am focused on Roma and I will give my all until the last day I am here. Nobody knows the future, but I am convinced I will coach in Saudi Arabia one day. I don’t know when, but I am quite sure it’s something I’ll surely do.”

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It has been reported that one ambitious club in the Middle East is ready to offer Mourinho a two-year contract worth £104m. If those terms are accepted, then one of the most decorated coaches in world football will join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and Sadio Mane in the Saudi Pro League.

Arsenal got pushed to the brink by Southampton and Saints' Lexi Lloyd-Smith was excited to swap shirts with her icon Vivianne Miedema.

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Arsenal beat Southampton 2-1 Miedema and Llyod-Smith swap shirtsLloyd-Smith unable to hide her excitementWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal and Southampton played their first competitive match on Thursday night, and both teams definitely lived up to the hype. The game ended 2-1 for the Women's Super League giants with an injury-time goal from Amanda Ilestedt. After the match, Lloyd-Smith and Miedema swapped jerseys, and the Saints' star was left jumping and celebrating in joy.

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Miedema responded to the tweet by Southampton with a photo of her in Lloyd-Smith's jersey.

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After Arsenal failed to clear the ball, Southampton did have a second opportunity to tie the score. Unfortunately for the Saints, Molly Pike took a rather tame shot, and Sabrina D'Angelo made an easy save. Although the outcome did not meet their expectations, Southampton will be delighted with the record attendance of 13,438 people.

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Arsenal's Miedema may make her first start since returning from injury when the Gunners take on their fellow Londoners, West Ham on Sunday, November 26.

The Ireland star netted twice as Jonas Eidevall's side struggled against their newly-promoted opponents on Sunday evening

Not many gave Bristol City a chance as Arsenal came to town on Sunday night and within seven minutes Katie McCabe showed why some believed the encounter was a mismatch, with a world-class strike from range flying into the top corner and setting the Gunners on their way to what would be a 2-1 win over their newly-promoted hosts.

Jonas Eidevall's side have endured a tough start to the campaign, with elimination in the qualifying rounds of the Women's Champions League followed up by defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the new Women's Super League season. But back-to-back wins, with their victory in Bristol coming after a dramatic triumph over Aston Villa, has got them back on track.

It was far from smooth sailing for Arsenal on Sunday, as the Robins drew level less than 10 minutes after going behind thanks to a wonderful header from Rachel Furness, but McCabe would eventually put the Gunners ahead again just before the hour and they looked more comfortable from there on – eventually securing all three points without really getting out of second gear.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Ashton Gate…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):

Barely had a thing to do except pick the ball out of her net.

Noelle Maritz (6/10):

Struggled to get involved on the attack in the first half despite getting forward. Improved in the second, with a nice touch to set up Mead for a great chance a particular highlight.

Lotte Wubben-Moy (5/10):

Looked shaky in some moments, including when booked for bringing down Thestrup on the counter in the first half.

Laia Codina (5/10):

Looked confident in possession but allowed Furness a free run at a cross for Bristol's equaliser.

Steph Catley (7/10):

Set pieces caused Bristol some problems, including the corner that led to Arsenal's second goal. Defended well, too.

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Kim Little (6/10):

Was busy off the ball to create options for her team-mates and moved the ball well but couldn't carve out many magical moments against a stubborn defence.

Lia Walti (6/10):

Some classy touches in and around the final third. Wasn't at her sharpest all round, though.

Victoria Pelova (6/10):

Battled hard, winning her fair share of tackles and headers, while also looking to get Arsenal on the front foot whenever she could.

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Katie McCabe (8/10):

Broke the deadlock with an incredible strike and then put Arsenal back into the lead with a great finish just before the hour.

Alessia Russo (7/10):

Some nice touches allowed her to link-up well with team-mates and create a couple of chances.

Caitlin Foord (7/10):

Hit the post in the opening minutes after a great run. Was direct and positive, constantly looking to make things happen with her tricky footwork.

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Beth Mead (6/10):

Came on with just less than 25 minutes to go and almost scored immediately when she headed a McCabe cross wide. Got into good positions in the final third.

Frida Maanum (6/10):

Introduced at the same time as Mead, she was positive in possession and linked up well with others.

Vivianne Miedema (N/A):

Made her long-awaited return from an ACL injury in the closing minutes.

Jonas Eidevall (5/10):

It was a familiar story for Eidevall's team on Sunday, as they once again lacked the cutting edge to break down a resolute defence. Arsenal continue to look shaky in the heart of defence regardless of who is playing there, too. The win was the most important thing in Bristol but there are a few things for the coach to iron out.