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Tottenham 1-3 Crystal Palace: Premier League – as it happened

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Aha, Jacob Steinberg’s match report is with us.

Consequently, that’s it from me. Thanks for your company and all your emails, sorry I couldn’t use them all. Have a good night; peace out.

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“Arsenal come to West Ham early May,” says Ian Sargeant. “Imagine if they need a point for the title and we need a point to send Spurs down. It’ll either be a 0-0 to match Germany v Austria in 1982 or 3-3 with Declan Rice scoring a 25-yard own goal to level it with the last kick.”

It’s absolutely outrageous how good this season can get for Arsenal and how bad for Spurs. If Arsenal win the two big pots, simple relegation will feel like a birthday present.

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“We are witnessing an extinction event,” laments Daniel Wilson. “This is a hollowed-out husk of a club run by clueless execs, sporting directors and owned by nepo babies who have overseen the worst squad building in our history, yet who is accountable?”

I read the other day that Spurs’ leaders now think wages spend is more significant than transfer spend. Imagine running a whole-arse Premier League football club and not being fully aware of that.

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The league table:

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FULL TIME: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Crystal Palace

Yet another disaster for Spurs, who lose the game and Van de Ven; their Premier League status might follow. Palace, on the other hand, are surely safe now, running into form just in time for the Conference knockouts.

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Updated at 23.04 CET

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My guess is they’d keep enough to return – really, who’s buying on these contracts – but where do they find a manager?

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Arf. And what a lot of nonsense that is – football existing to make money, not making money because it exists. Sadly, the official body clearly doesn’t grasp the difference between sport and entertainment.

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Updated at 22.47 CET

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Even successful clubs treat fans poorly, but of course it’s worse when the football is as bad as it is.

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Updated at 22.46 CET

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Updated at 22.37 CET

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Updated at 22.37 CET

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I’m wondering if he’ll resign.

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Updated at 22.28 CET

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The Germans have a word for this, but I can’t publish it in a family newspaper.

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Updated at 22.26 CET

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Romero reminds me of what Shane Warne said of Monty Panesar: “He hasn’t played 33 Tests, he’s played one Test 33 time.” Just when you think he’s cut out the self-indulgent ill discipline, he does it again. Van de Ven I think might develop in a more nurturing environment, but what he did tonight was a total headloss.

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Updated at 22.20 CET

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Tottenham v Arsenal: Premier League – live

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There’s a therapeutic idea that we create ourselves afresh every day, in full control of the person we are – or, to answer the Stone Roses’ question, we’re not etched in stone but sketched in the sand. It’s a liberating, comforting, affirming – and daunting – reality.

A liberating, comforting, affirming, daunting reality and not one easily inhabited, because changing ourselves is difficult – consider Mikel Arteta, to pick a name at random. His excellent work – albeit with serious boardroom backing – turned Arsenal from a rabble into title challengers but in each of the last three seasons, his desperate, flapping intensity and scalding sense of injustice surely transmitted to team and crowd, wins bringing respite more than joy and anything else disaster multiplied by travesty. We can’t say it’s been the difference; we can say it isn’t helpful.

This season, his air is calmer, but convincing players who’ve experienced him that previously, things were one way but now they’re another, isn’t easily done – especially when you look like you’ve not slept in several decades. More than that, though, demeanour only covers part of our impact – attitude is equally important and until that is altered, Arsenal will remain locked in the image of old Artetz, heavy on organisation and meticulousness but rizz and swag deficient. Seldom is there a sense that anyone is having any fun.

Consequently, a lack of freedom we might also characterise as a lack of confidence threatens to cost them a title they’ve spurned several opportunities to near-enough secure, failing every time they’ve had a chance to increase their lead to insurmountable proportions. And now, with the gap down to just two points, they face an away derby against a Tottenham side fighting relegation and eager to impress a new manager equally eager to impress the world, having had nine days to focus solely on this game.

Ultimately, Arteta has built a team guided by principles of certainty and control, problem being football is an inherently chaotic and improvisational activity. It’s true that, for a while, Pep Guardiola upended this truism, but it was only possible, for the foremost football genius of the generation, first with four of the greatest players ever, then on a budget far in excess of any competitor – and since then, even he has had to change.

It’s true that Arsenal might still set-piece, blanket defence and own-goal their way to the title; if they do, they’ll be champions as deserving as any. But restart prowess and general solidity are not the opposite of expressive attacking and exuberant confidence – rather they underpin it.

So, can Arteta liberate, comfort and affirm himself to give his team the same? He still has time, but also, time is not on his side – and that is what should really daunt him.

Kick-off: 4.30pm GMT

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Premier League news, Spurs v Arsenal buildup, Sheffield derby, and more – matchday live

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It’s North London Derby day! Always a huge occasion for both teams but it feels even more so today. For Arsenal, today marks a fantastic opportunity to bounce back from their midweek 2-2 draw at Wolves. The result on Wednesday sparked an all too familiar feeling among Arsenal fans as the Gunners lost ground in the title race once again. It meant that Manchester City were able to move within two points following their 2-1 win over Newcastle last night (more on that later). But victory today could spark a much-needed resurgence going into the most important part of the season.

Meanwhile, for Tottenham it presents an opportunity to get their first Premier League win of the year. Spurs have endured a run of poor form and now begin a new – albeit likely small – era with new interim head coach Igor Tudor, who was appointed until the end of the season last week following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.

It is also a chance for Spurs to get their revenge following their humiliating 4-1 defeat in November.

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Preamble

Hello, good morning and welcome to another Matchday live! We’ve got some huge games to look forward to this afternoon, including the North London Derby and the Steel City Derby.

Arsenal need a win at Tottenham later to restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. It comes after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves on Wednesday, having squandered a two-goal advantage.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday need a victory against their local rivals to delay relegation to League One.

We’ll also be looking ahead to plenty more games across the UK and Europe as the day goes on, so join us!

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Updated at 09.09 CET

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Chelsea v Liverpool, Aston Villa v Tottenham, and more: Women’s Super League – live

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Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Women’s Super League. We’ve got four lunchtime kick-offs (12pm GMT) to look forward to, including Chelsea v Liverpool and Manchester United v London City Lionesses.

The title race is effectively over for Chelsea, after humiliating back to back defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City. They bounced back with a win against Spurs last week so Sonia Bompastor will be hoping for an end of season rally to keep them in the Champions League places.

Meanwhile, Manchester United did what the men’s team couldn’t by winning more than five games in a row. Marc Skinner’s side are unbeaten in ten but London City Lionesses are no slouches. They’re sixth in the league in their debut season.

I’ll also keep you updated on Aston Villa v Spurs and Everton v West Ham. We have a busy day ahead so stick with me for the next few hours. Get in touch to share your thoughts.

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Tottenham manager latest, Ratcliffe reaction, FA Cup fourth round and more – live

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Another grand old club currently without a manager are Blackburn Rovers. BBC Sport and others are reporting that Michael O’Neill is set to take over at Ewood Park – but will also continue in his Northern Ireland role for the World Cup playoffs, and this summer’s finals if they qualify.

Blackburn’s current interim manager is the former Northern Ireland international Damien Johnson, and he will reportedly stay on as part of O’Neill’s coaching staff. Rovers sacked Valérien Ismaël on 2 February, with the club mired in the Championship relegation zone.

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Hello. The first domestic football match I ever saw on live TV was in 1991 – the FA Cup final between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. Two historic clubs led by long-serving managers Brian Clough and Terry Venables, who walked out at Wembley holding hands. Jumpers for goalposts, isn’t it? Marvellous.

Spurs won the Cup but Venables was soon moved upstairs by Alan Sugar, so maybe managerial turmoil is nothing new. But it’s still sad to see the current state of affairs at both of these storied clubs, who both dispensed with their managers earlier this week. Relegation is a real threat for two teams who really should be nowhere near trouble, and nobody is 100% sure who to blame.

Forest are lining up Vítor Pereira, the Premier League’s new Winston Wolf, to replace Sean Dyche, while Spurs didn’t appear to have anyone in mind to replace Thomas Frank. We’ll keep track of developments and look ahead to a busy FA Cup fourth-weekend – although Tottenham and Forest are helpfully both already out, freeing up time for their recruitment searches.

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Chelsea v Leeds, Tottenham v Newcastle, Everton v Bournemouth: football – live

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Chelsea 1-0 Leeds: Supposedly, taking Cucurella off was a tactic decision …

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Second half

We are starting up once more.

Chelsea 1-0 Leeds: Hato is on for Cucurella.

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Half-time reading:

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Martin Gamage says: “And the chorus of boos ring out at Spurs. I don’t bet as a rule but as a Spurs fan I’m going to hedge my disappointment and put some money on this Spurs team to go down. I genuinely don’t think they have the stomach for this fight. Newcastle have been by far the better team.”

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Do not forget we have West Ham v Man United going on, too. Almost 10 minutes in over in East London.

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Peter Crosby emails: “I know there’s a bit of contention about this issue, but in terms of the Spurs fans’ responsibility - they may not be able to to affect the choice of the Spurs hierarchy, or the efficacy of the sporting directors, or the skill and ability of the medical department or the muscle fallibility of our best players - BUT - they can be responsible for one thing - getting those 11 mostly very young lads the support they need. It’s not rocket science. I know this is a nuanced issue but the atmosphere is terrible and the only people who can make that better are the fans.”

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Half time: Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle

Boos from the home fans.

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GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle: Elanga lifts a cross to the back post where Thiaw is waiting. The defender heads it down, Vicario makes the save but Thiaw is the quickest to the rebound.

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Updated at 21.34 CET

GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle (Thiaw, 45+5)

It’s what Newcastle deserve.

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Half time: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds

Joao Pedro has given Chelsea the lead.

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Half time: Everton 1-0 Bournemouth

Ndiaye’s penalty is the difference at the moment.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Willock’s scalp was offside. A buzz cut might have ensured the goal counter.

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NO GOAL! Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle

That might be the tightest offside call I’ve ever seen. Spurs reprieved.

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GOAL? Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle: The visitors win the ball back and quickly move up the field. Ramsey threads a pass to Willock who curls a corner around a defender into the corner. We get a lengthy VAR check for offside … it is tight.

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GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle (Willock, 44)

The midfielder keeps his cool to find the corner.

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GOAL! Everton 1-0 Bournemouth (Ndiaye, pen, 42)

No mistake from the spot.

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Updated at 21.24 CET

Everton 0-0 Bournemouth: PENALTY TO EVERTON!

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Updated at 21.21 CET

Peter Oh writes: “Calling this Newcastle strip jazzy might be an affront to jazz. According to the kit maker’s official verbiage, the design is a nod to the ‘97/’98 season, and the colours are called Victory Blue and Bahia Orange.

“Orange you glad to know this? Anyway, to Victory!”

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Sarr is booked for diving in an attempt to get Ramsey booked. What a dismal night this is for Spurs so far. At least it’s level.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: No need for the neighbours to complain about the decibel levels. Sounds silent inside the stadium.

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Everton 0-0 Bournemouth: Barry should open the scoring but misses from very close range. Poor Thierno.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Odobert off, Tel on.

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Chelsea 1-0 Leeds: Palmer is at the heart of everything for Chelsea, he flicks the ball into Joao Pedro’s path but he flashes his shot wide.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Tel seems to be getting prepared to replace the Frenchman.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: More concern for Spurs with Odobert down on the ground needing lengthy treatment.

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Chelsea 1-0 Leeds: There are calls for a penalty after Gusto and Gudmundsson tangle in the box. There is a pull on the shorts but the Leeds man goes down too easily.

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Everton 0-0 Bournemouth: Toth fires a free-kick at goal but Pickford is behind it.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Spurs look to be making progress on the attack but they end up turning around and the ball ends up back with the defence. That does not please the fans.

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Chelsea 1-0 Leeds: GOAL! Palmer finds space in midfield, opens himself up and slips a through ball for Joao Pedro, who is quicker than the defender, allowing him time to dink it over Darlow.

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Updated at 21.01 CET

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Leeds (Joao Pedro, 24)

A lovely finish from the Brazilian.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Spurs lift the ball into the box and Solanke goes down under pressure from behind. The striker wants a penalty but there is no chance of that.

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Chelsea 0-0 Leeds: The Blues have a free-kick around 30 yards from goal. It is worked smartly into the box, Pedro chests it down but can’t make effective contact on the volley.

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Chelsea 0-0 Leeds: Palmer takes aim from 20 yards but there is no power in the shot, allowing Leeds get possession and counter but it ends with Gudmundsson committing a foul and getting harshly booked.

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Tottenham 0-0 Newcastle: Burn knocks the ball down for Ramsey to attack, he miscues his shot and Van de Ven sends it behind. The crowd is getting agitated.

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Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League – live

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Tottenham Hotspur, wearing second-choice yellow, get the ball rolling. They’re kicking towards the Stretford End in this first half.

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The teams congregate in the Old Trafford tunnel. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes helps his manager Michael Carrick to adjust his black armband, a small but touching moment of togetherness. Carrick and Thomas Frank lead their players out, each carrying a wreath which they place on the turf once trodden so elegantly by the Babes. A poignant beat … then a crackle of expectancy and excitement ahead of the big match. We’ll be off in a couple of minutes.

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Updated at 13.32 CET

This is also the time of year when thoughts turn to the Busby Babes. The Munich disaster occurred 66 years ago yesterday, and Michael Carrick was among the many club representatives who yesterday honoured United’s fallen heroes in a memorial event. A separate matchday service took place earlier this morning, and flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast today, while the team will lay a wreath. Sleep well, Flowers of Manchester.

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This weekend’s Premier League card is dedicated to the Premier League With Pride initiative. With Pride aims to “bring together the ongoing LGBTQ+ work the League and clubs carry out across the year to help deliver long-term change … with a focus on embedding three core themes: education, celebration and action.” There will be With Pride-themed handshake boards, ball plinths, assistants’ flags, substitution boards, perimeter LEDs and pin badges, though captains will wear standard Premier League armbands. More details can be found here.

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Thomas Frank has talked to TNT. “We can keep building on the consistency and the performances we have shown … not only the City game but the Champions League games … we are ready for this game … [Manchester United] have a massive threat up front but we are ready for it … [Cristian Romero] is our captain and one of our most important players … [Micky van de Ven] is a top centre back … his partnership with [Romero] is very, very good and they are getting stronger and stringer together.”

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Updated at 13.12 CET

So smoothly is Michael Carrick’s caretaker stint going, there’s just one change to Manchester United’s squad today. Tyler Fletcher, son of erstwhile United midfielder Darren, nudges out Scouse winger Shea Lacey. And while we’re on the subject of fresh talent on the periphery, here’s Richard Stant: “Great to see Lucá Williams-Barnett getting a spot on the bench. He’s going to be an amazing player … although as he’s at Tottenham he’ll spend most of his career on the treatment table.”

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Michael Carrick speaks to TNT Sports. “Ben [Šeško] is going to be a big player here for a long time … everything about him is really encouraging … it was a huge moment for him last week … I’m sure he’ll have more of those … he’ll come on and make a difference again for us … [Tottenham] are a good team with some really good players … we’ve got to be aware of that … it’s not going to be perfect … if we do it with the right intent, and the supporters feel it, and we bounce off each other, we’ve got a good chance … we want to look good with and without the ball.”

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Michael Carrick is in an if-it-ain’t-broke frame of mind. His Manchester United are unchanged from the 3-2 win over Fulham. Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu are all injured.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank makes three changes to his starting XI following the 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Pape Matar Sarr are in; Randal Kolo Muani, Radu Drăgușin and Yves Bissouma drop to the bench.

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Updated at 12.32 CET

The teams

Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.

Subs: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven, Sesko, Tyler Fletcher.

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Joao Palhinha, Romero, van de Ven, Gray, Gallagher, Sarr, Udogie, Odobert, Simons, Solanke.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Bissouma, Tel, Souza, Muani, Olusesi, Byfield, Williams-Barnet.

Referee: Michael Oliver.

VAR: Paul Tierney.

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Updated at 12.32 CET

Preamble

The cynics will tell you that Manchester United have just taken their first three innocent missteps into another cycle of caretaker-boom-then-bust … but didn’t they look genuinely good against the top two teams in the land? Tottenham Hotspur meanwhile languish in 14th spot with home fans revolting … but what a second-half comeback against Manchester City last week, a performance that followed their securing of fourth spot in the Champions League first phase!

All of which is all a long-winded way of saying: here are two teams nobody can quite get a handle on right now. United have won three on the bounce under Solskjær-du-jour Michael Carrick, and sucker-punched Spurs in the last minute at New White Hart Lane last November; Spurs are unbeaten in four and clean-swept United last season, ultimately in silverware-collecting style. So good luck predicting this meeting of two of the most entertainingly erratic, but always so goddamn glamorous, clubs in the world. Kick-off is at 12.30pm. It’s on!

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Premier League news, Manchester United v Spurs buildup, and more – matchday live

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It’s a Manchester 1-2 in the Women’s Super League although City are absolutely running away with it. United travel to Leicester in the only WSL fixture today. It kicks off at 12pm which is a bit daft given that the men’s team are in action at 12.30pm. What if you’re a big fan of both? Anyway, here’s the table. United will hope to cut the gap to eight points.

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Premier League team news. Okay, the fantasy deadline has already gone due to Leeds playing Nottingham Forest last night but for those who love to ponder starting XIs, see who’s crocked and check current form along with each club’s top scorer, this is the article just for you.

Man Utd v Spurs team news will be with you at 11.15pm today by the way.

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All games across the EFL will kick off a minute later than usual today and there’s a very good reason why.

It’s part of the Every Minute Matters campaign which calls on football fans across the country to learn CPR and help build an army of 500,000 lifesavers during Heart Month.

The gesture serves as a powerful reminder that every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest - with survival chances dropping by up to 10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation.

Micah Richards has joined forces with Bristol Rovers defender, Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2023 when playing for Luton.

Former Manchester City defender and now TV pundit, Richards said: “Every Minute Matters is a brilliant partnership that is just bigger than football. Learning CPR takes just 15 minutes, and it could save a life. It doesn’t get bigger than that.

“Listening to Tom and seeing what he has achieved is inspirational. We’re asking fans to ‘Show Your Heart’ this February and learn one of the most important skills of all, CPR.

“If football can do this and create an army of half a million lifesavers, it would be an incredible achievement.”

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After an appalling tally a fortnight ago, I managed a healthy haul of 80 Premier League Fantasy points last week. That was mainly thanks to the blossoming relationship of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. There was an Opta start doing the rounds later that the Liverpool pair have combined for six goals in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League duo. They’s assisted each other three times. It’s pretty obvious that Wirtz and Ekitike are now the heartbeat of the Liverpool attack, with Mo Salah’s influence receding.

Having said all that, I’ve captained Bruno Fernandes (v Spurs) this weekend. You?

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Whoops, I forgot to mention two other Friday matches. Perhaps because neither witnessed a goal.

In Ligue 1, bottom club Metz did well to hold fifth-placed Lille to a 0-0 draw while there were also blanks in a Championship London derby. Charlton 0-0 QPR left the hosts in 17th while the visitors snuck up a place to 10th. It’s cramped around the playoff spots, as you can see.

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So what else happened on Friday night? A quick spin through some of the games in Europe.

Serie A

Verona 0-0 Pisa. A goalless draw between the two bottom teams. Not very helpful for either.

La Liga

Celta Vigo 1-2 Osasuna. A good away win for Osasuna, who nudged up to eighth, one spot behind Celta. The hosts could have gone fifth with a win but Osasuna stole the points via a late goal from Raúl García de Haro.

Bundesliga

Union Berlin 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt. It all happened late here with both goals and a red card in the final six minutes. Frankfurt are now managed by former Liverpool winger, Albert Riera, but he was denied a winning start by Leopold Querfeld’s 87th-minute penalty.

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The Premier League kicked off last night with a crucial game at a windy and rainy Elland Road. And, for the fifth straight time this season, Leeds won a night game in front of their home fans. Supporters and atmosphere make a difference, right. Here’s Aaron Bower’s match report.

And this is what it did to the table. Leeds are now nine points clear of the drop zone.

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Yesterday was the 68th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. Manchester United boss, Michael Carrick, was asked what the remembrance meant to him.

Munich is probably the biggest part of the history of this club in terms of the tragedy itself, how the team and the football club bounced back from it and went on to success... and everything from there was carried on. Sir Alex when I came would mention it, it was important to him, it was important to us [the playing squad at the time] and then it becomes a way of life and a way of the club. I think it’s important that we carry that on. I was here for the 50th [anniversary], I was here for the 60th, we’ll see about the 70th, we’re not sure yet. But being aware of it and being around it, especially in those moments, you really feel that emotion to be honest with you. On Saturday, inside the stadium, we’ll feel it as well.

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Today’s Premier League fixtures (3pm GMT kick-off unless stated otherwise):

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30pm GMT)

Arsenal v Sunderland

Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Burnley v West Ham

Fulham v Everton

Wolves v Chelsea

Newcastle v Brentford (5:30pm GMT)

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Preamble

There’s still something about a Saturday morning that can never be beaten in terms of sporting anticipation. And, if the feeling is mutual, you’ve come to the right place!

While you may want to dabble in the Winter Olympics and Six Nations later on (we have live blogs on both), this page is all about the football. And what a cracker we have to start things off at 12.30pm – rejuvenated Manchester United v rejuvenated Tottenham. Although the latter refers to one good half against Man City, let’s go with it.

It’s one of seven Saturday fixtures in the Premier League, with two on Sunday including the blockbuster that is Liverpool v Manchester City. If you’re finger counting and have only reached nine, that’s because we’ve already had Leeds v West Ham. More on that Friday result shortly.

And how about you? Off to a game? Let us know! Lots to discuss as we cast our eye around the football world so strap in and let’s get things on the road!

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Tottenham v Man City: Premier League – live

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That Spurs bench tells its own story. Thomas Frank has been beset by injuries for the bulk of the season. He’s without Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Bergvall, Porro and Davies today – and that’s just off the top of my head.

Archie Gray at right-back certainly has a job on his hands to contain Antoine Semenyo, who Spurs tried to sign earlier in the window. The former Bournemouth man has been electric sign he joined City, slotting straight into Pep Guardiola’s preferred XI.

Against a Spurs defence that has looked vulnerable to say the least of late, he will surely be licking his lips.

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Preamble

Welcome along to this the headline fixture of the Premier League weekend. Out-of-form Tottenham welcome title-challenging Manchester City in a game fans of both teams may well want City to win, given Spurs supporters’ preference to see Arsenal bottle fail to win the title.

There will be no such thoughts from Thomas Frank of course. The former Brentford coach desperately needs some league wins to go with his team’s positive Champions League campaign and, despite City’s lofty league standing, can have some hope of a decent result given this fixture’s recent history. Tottenham have won three of their last four games against Pep Guardiola’s side and eight of the last 15 dating back to 2020. People talk about Dr Tottenham but maybe City simply develop a strong case of Cityitis whenever they face Spurs.

It all gets under way at 4.30pm (GMT) at the the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Join us for team news and updates next, before match updates of course.

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