Sky Sports

Man Utd 0-0 Everton

Sky Sports' Danyal Khan at Old Trafford:

"This is a huge opportunity for Joshua Zirkzee - his first start of the season. He’s notably started as the striker despite Amorim saying he’s seen him as a no.10 previously.

"I know speaking to those at the club that they have highly rated his positive attitude and bubbly personality around Carrington considering he’s had limited minutes this season."

Man Utd 0-0 Everton

Fortunately for him, the delivery is over hit for a goal-kick.

Man Utd 0-0 Everton

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

"Amad starting on the left, with Mbeumo on the right for Man Utd.

"Coleman - making his 443rd start for Everton tonight - was 14-years-old when Amad was born. The two players are marking each other tonight."

Man Utd 0-0 Everton

KICK OFF! Everton get us underway at Old Trafford. This has been the most one-sided fixture in Premier League history, in favour of Man Utd. Let's see if they can keep it up here tonight.

Here come the players!

Manchester United and Everton are making their way out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

We're set for what should be a great Monday Night Football. Kick-off just around the corner...

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What do Everton need to win?

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez on Monday Night Football:

"Everton need to carry a threat. You cannot go to Manchester United and just defend.

"When you look at the Everton front four, they have a lot of threat. They need to get them in the game as much as possible."

Teams reminder from Old Trafford

Is the heat now off Amorim?

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:

“Definitely in terms of the results and he needed that. When you look at the start of the season, it feels like a long time ago. You look at the Grimsby game and the other performances didn’t look too different from the season before.

“But it’s been a tough year for him so the last four or five results have taken the heat and the focus off them. It’s a game you’d expect them to win, Everton at home, they’ve got a great record against them.”

CL contenders? What is a good season for Man Utd?

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:

“Gary Neville predicted them to get into the top four at the start of the season and we all laughed, but the inconsistencies of everyone else now means they’ve got an outside chance of Champions League football.

“No matter how bad the previous season has been, if Manchester United could get into Europe this season, that would be good. They spent money in the summer, they’ve got good players in that squad and should have done better than what we saw last season. So I think bringing European football back to Old Trafford would be a very good season.”

Martinez: Fernandes could have played for any Man Utd team in history

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez on Monday Night Football on Bruno Fernandes:

"He is the king of the assist, he can see players in front of him. If you use him as a No 6, he's the decisive player. If you use him as a No 10, his goalscoring ratio increases a lot.

"He's the first person who can press. There's a Man Utd with Bruno and a different Man Utd without Bruno.

"He understands the game, so he can be used by the coach in different positions. He delays the attack when he needs to, he plays the hardest ball which is in front of the centre halves.

"He's a player who could have played in any of the top Manchester United teams in their history."

Neville praises Lammens

Sky Sports' Gary Neville at Old Trafford:

"It's the toughest positions in football. The most scrutinised position at this football club. The other two goalkeepers were so erratic.

"I thought we needed someone with experience, since he's come in, he's showed composure.

"Don't get too carried away, but it's looking good so far.

"De Ligt is the constant. he's much more dominant and certain in that central role. When Maguire plays, De Ligt goes into the right channel where he gets caught out and doesn't look comfortable.

"The back three tonight are United's best back three. Maguire's a fantastic player but it makes De Ligt more comfortable."

Are Grealish and Ndiaye the key for Everton tonight?

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:

“They are the players who can unlock the door, do special things. Ndiaye is a fantastic player, he was Everton’s best player last season and I’d argue he’s been their best player this season.

“We know Jack had a brilliant start to his time at Everton. I remember Jack scored a brilliant goal for Aston Villa a few years ago, so Everton fans will be hoping for the same again.”

Man Utd set to open largest safe standing section in PL

Latest from Sky Sports News' Danyal Khan:

Manchester United will officially open one of the largest safe standing sections in the Premier League on Monday night when they take on Everton, live on Sky Sports.

Over 6,000 (6,141) rail seats have been added to the second tier of the Stretford End since September.

United announced last week that the work is now complete as it's now been certified by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority for safe standing.

Total number of rail seats OT will now stand at 13,577 - 18 per cent of the total capacity of the stadium, which is 74,412.

Amorim reflects on first 12 months at Man Utd

Manchester United's match against Everton tonight signals 12 months since Ruben Amorim's first game in charge.

The head coach sits down with Pien Meulensteen to reflect on the past year.

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Is the tide turning for Amorim?

Manchester United are currently five games unbeaten in the Premier League, which is Ruben Amorim's best run since taking charge at Old Trafford.

The last time United went six games without loss in the league was under Erik ten Hag between November 2022-January 2023.

Last time out for Man Utd

Manchester United snatched the latest of late points at Tottenham in their last Premier League outing.

It was as dramatic finale as you will see in the Premier League. Watch it back with our highlights here.

Moyes aiming to end Old Trafford hoodoo

David Moyes endured a torrid time at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager, sacked nine months into a six-year contract.

But his record here as a visiting manager isn't too great, either.

In 17 attempts, Moyes has never won a Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Moyes explains Coleman and Barry picks

Everton head coach David Moyes to Monday Night Football:

"Seamus has done very well for Ireland in the games. He did really well against Portugal. It feels like the right game to bring him in.

"We're trying to give Thierno that bit of consistency to get the goals, which we badly need. I don't think there are many clubs who don't need their centre forward to score goals.

"We're missing a lot of key players as well. Man Utd are a good squad with good players. We can only focus on ourselves and see how we go.

"Our away form at the end of last season was so good. We haven't started great this season."

Kick Off 5.30pm: Newcastle vs Man City - Live on Sky

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Updates, teams and table

Man City aiming for win to move one point off leaders Arsenal

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Live PL table | Sky Bet | Club news: Newcastle | Man City

Live commentary by Charlotte Marsh and Oliver Yew

How the Premier League table stands...

Man City can leapfrog Chelsea into second place with a win this evening.

Newcastle will want to register more points on the board, currently in 15th place.

Live Premier League table

Good evening!

The Premier League is back in full swing, and Saturday Night Football comes from the north east as Newcastle host Man City.

The Magpies have won their last five at home in all competitions - in stark contrast to their away form - but face an in-form Man City, who have won seven of their last eight matches.

It's set to be an intriguing clash at St James' Park, which you can watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 5pm.

We'll also have in-game clips and free match highlights shortly after full-time right here. Don't move a muscle.

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Howe offers injury update with Gordon and Livramento 'close' to return

Eddie Howe has offered an injury update on a number of Newcastle players ahead of the weekend's Premier League game against Man City on Saturday Night Football...

Anthony Gordon: "Ant is very close. He has worked very hard over the break. He is touch-and-go for the game, and we will make a decision on him today [Friday]."

Tino Livramento: "He is very close. He has trained in the break. It is great to see and have him back.

"He has been out a while, his injury was serious enough we treat him right. He is in pretty good shape.

"He is an outstanding player, he has the technical qualities, together with Lewis Hall, I am really pleased to have them both potentially available."

Yoanne Wissa: "He's working well. He's not back training with us yet but he's close. He's working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently.

"He's done a lot of work, he's looked good and looked better with every session. He's close to training with us but before he gets to there it's difficult to give you a return date."

Howe also added that there are no problems with Nick Pope and Sandro Tonali also returned from international duty with no issues.

Howe: We have to prove something in every game

Eddie Howe says Newcastle have looked 'deep into everything' and have 'something to prove every game' after losing back-to-back away games in the Premier League.

They are back at St James' Park on Saturday as they face Man City, live on Sky Sports, and know they face a difficult game against the in-form side.

"It's a really tough fixture, we know Man City's qualities, but we want a raucous St James' Park," he said.

"The home support this season has been incredible and we've played well at home too.

"Regardless of results, you have something to prove every game. I want the players to respond this weekend - everyone is hurt by those two away games we had, no one more than myself.

"We've been looking deep into everything we do and planned and plotted a route ahead.

"Man City have lots of threats from lots of different areas of their team so if you focus too much on one, I don't think that's right.

"But of course, Haaland is an outstanding goalscorer and can score all different types of goals so we're going to have to defend really well.

"There's not one way of doing it. If you press high there'll be weaknesses and if you drop low there will be weaknesses to that - you have to do what you think is right based on the players you have."

Rodri and Kovacic still out for Man City

Manchester City will be without Mateo Kovacic and Rodri for the trip to St James' Park.

Manager Pep Guardiola did say that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner had been making good progress in their recovery, but that the game against Newcastle was too soon for him.

"Everybody is fit apart from [Mateo] Kovacic and Rodri.

"Rodri is making good steps, almost three weeks since he had the last little bit of a setback.

"He knows that we have to take real time to recover fine with the problems that he had to be consistent between now and to the end."

Select your Newcastle and Man City teams and predict the score!

It's a big Saturday Night Football as Man City travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle, live on Sky Sports.

Can City pile the pressure on leaders Arsenal ahead of the North London derby with a win at Newcastle?

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe will be targeting a positive result as Newcastle look to end a run of back-to-back defeats in the league.

It's time to have your say on the huge SNF clash by predicting the teams you think should start at St James' Park and predicting the score...

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Watch Newcastle vs Man City live on Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm.

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Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause that becomes active in January, Sky Sports News understands.

Semenyo's release clause stands at £60m plus £5m in add-ons, but it is only active to a certain date in the January transfer window.

The release clause price drops in the summer of 2026.

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Bristol City, who sold Semenyo to the Cherries for around £10m in January 2023, would be due 20 per cent of any profit made on the 25-year-old.

Sky Sports News reported last week that Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham were watching Semenyo as teams look to add his pace, power and goalscoring ability to their squad in the winter window.

Semenyo signed a new five-year deal in the summer after several teams enquired about his availability, but he would not have signed a new contract without a release clause.

Despite reports of Semenyo demanding a move, he has not. He has full respect for Bournemouth, knowing he will get his move if he continues to perform because of his release clause.

How well he does between now and the turn of the year will dictate the calibre of club he can go to in January - that is, if anyone wants to pay his release clause.

Semenyo is enjoying a stellar season, having scored six Premier League goals - only Man City's Erling Haaland (14) and Brentford's Igor Thiago (8) have scored more this campaign.

It follows on from a return of 11 league goals and five assists last season for the Ghana international.

Semenyo returns injured from international duty

Semenyo has returned early from international duty with an injury, which Bournemouth are currently assessing.

The ex-Bristol City forward suffered a ligament sprain during Ghana's 2-0 defeat to Japan on Friday.

Semenyo was taken off with the injury early in the second half of the Black Stars' defeat.

Andoni Iraola's side will be sweating on his fitness for the visit of West Ham on Saturday as the ninth-placed side look to overcome back-to-back Premier League defeats.

Semenyo glad to have committed to Bournemouth amid transfer links

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Semenyo said he is not oblivious to the speculation around his future, but revealed he was glad he remained with Bournemouth in the summer.

Ahead of the Cherries' defeat at Manchester City, the winger spoke to Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp and was quizzed about his future.

"I don't think about it too much," Semenyo said. "I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I'm not oblivious, but I try to keep focused.

"I'm enjoying my football here. If I'm not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens.

"When they [his former team-mates] all left [in the summer], there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club.

"But I knew in my head that the manager's got something up his sleeve this year. How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we've bought in as well.

"I wasn't too sure at the start but we've kicked on like a house on fire. I'm glad I committed to staying here because I'm enjoying every moment."

"I will never have a better night in my whole life. It is a fairy tale. You can't even dream about something like that."

When Troy Parrott arrived for international duty with the Republic of Ireland last Monday, little did he know that six days later, he would have catapulted his country to the World Cup play-offs.

First, there was an impressive 2-0 win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines for his red card, but it was Parrott's name being sung by the Ireland supporters after he scored both goals.

'What dreams are made of' - Troy Parrott hat-trick keeps Ireland's World Cup hopes alive

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

WC 2026 European qualifying schedule | Who has qualified so far

The AZ Alkmaar striker was the hero again for Ireland on Sunday against Hungary. He equalised twice at the Puskas Arena, before a dramatic 96th-minute winner saw his team win 3-2 - a night he says will never be bettered.

Dublin Airport even changed their name to the 'Troy Parrott International Airport' on social media in a celebratory, tongue-in-cheek nod to the 23-year-old's heroics.

Two vital games. Five goals. Parrott has had a huge say keeping his country's hopes alive of a first appearance at the World Cup since 2022.

For fans of AZ or the Eredivisie, it is perhaps no surprise. For others, the striker is often thought of as the Tottenham youngster who never quite hit the heights he was earmarked for.

But his career proves that the prospect of success does not end if you take a chance and leave the big Premier League club. In fact, it might lead one of the best moments of your life.

Beginnings at Spurs

After beginning his career with Belvedere in his native Dublin, Parrott joined Spurs' youth ranks in the summer of 2017 at the age of 15.

Two years later, he signed a professional deal and began training with the first-team squad. He made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup loss to Colchester in September 2019.

Some had compared him to Robbie Keane in his early career, while Parrott trained alongside Harry Kane in the same position. It restricted his opportunities and minutes, despite there being times when he was the only fit striker in the squad.

Despite making his Premier League debut against Burnley in December 2019, he would make just one more substitute appearance in the competition for Tottenham under Jose Mourinho.

Then came the well-trodden EFL loan track.

Stuttering EFL loans - but success in the Netherlands

Parrott had five loans in his time at Tottenham, four of them in England. His first to Millwall in August 2020 was hampered by injury, and it was curtailed when he was recalled in January with just 14 appearances and no goals.

A few weeks later Parrott joined Ipswich, who were then in League One, scoring twice in 18 appearances.

Next came season-long spells at MK Dons (2021/22) and Preston (2022/23). The former saw Parrott help the Dons to the play-offs, scoring in the semi-final second leg against Wycombe, but the club were beaten 2-1 on aggregate.

But with another underwhelming loan at Preston, the next move had to be a big one. Speaking to Sky Sports in October 2024, Parrott said: "There have been seasons that I have had before where I have not enjoyed it too much" - referencing his time on loan in the EFL.

It was time for Parrott look away from England, landing at Excelsior in the Eredivisie. Moving to the Netherlands proved to be the making of the young striker.

"The most important thing was to start enjoying football again without any pressure on it," the 23-year-old told Sky Sports. "Not telling myself I need to do this, I need to do that. I know the talent I have so if I am feeling good in myself and happy then that is always going to show itself on the pitch.

"But it was a big step because I did not have any idea what to expect when I first came over. Moving from Ireland to England is one thing but to move somewhere where they speak a different language, a different culture, it was always going to be a challenge."

He scored 17 goals for Excelsior in all competitions, with 10 of those coming in the league. Despite hat-tricks in both the semis and final of the two-legged Eredivisie play-offs - each scored at home - Parrott could not stop the club from being relegated.

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Parrott was finally showing the potential many had laid upon his head since he was a teenager at Spurs.

Speaking on his Excelsior loan, he said: "The thing that helped me the most was that I realised I was a striker who needed to be in the box. On a couple of the loans that I had, I tried to show my ability to come deep and link play. A lot of the time, I was too far away from the goal to score.

"I worked a lot with the coach at Excelsior on just being in the box, being there when the ball is getting crossed. I think for me that was the biggest thing, just drilling it into my own head that ultimately you're a striker and you need to be in the box to score goals."

Flourishing at AZ Alkmaar

Having found a home in the Netherlands, Parrott made a permanent move from Spurs to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £6.7m.

Reflecting on his time at Tottenham a few months later, he added to Sky Sports: "No, I don't think I have any regrets. I am grateful for how the club treated me, helping me to grow up as a person and a player.

"Those expectations are hard for any young player. I'm speaking like I am old, I'm still young now! It is just the experience I had, being out on all the loans and stuff, is more than what I should have at this age. But it is something a lot of young players go through.

"I believe for me I've learned to just put that to the side. It does more harm than it does good. Just to block all that out. I am happy now, being able to showcase what I can do week in and week out at a big team playing in Europe. It is what I wanted when I moved here."

Parrott has kept up his standards with AZ. Last season, he scored 14 goals in 30 Eredivisie games - the league's third highest scorer. One of the highlights was four goals against Heerenveen in a 9-1 win in September 2024.

His form continued into the 2025/26 campaign, with 10 goals in seven games across all competitions, but found himself halted by a knee injury at the end of August. He has scored three more league goals since his return, with AZ four points ahead of Ajax in the Eredivisie table.

Such is his form, a return to the Premier League has been mooted in some areas, although he is contracted to AZ until 2029. Those transfer links will only have increased after his star turn in November's qualifiers.

More good times to come for Parrott and Ireland?

In just two games this month, Parrott has doubled his international goals tally. Before stepping out against Portugal, he had scored five goals in 31 caps and only once since 2022.

While he remains a regular call-up for the Republic of Ireland, he has been guilty of squandering chances with some of his good club form not quite translating to his country.

Now, it appears the two have began to merge, and Ireland will need more of the same as they navigate a huge few months at the start of 2026.

Parrott rightly said he struggles to see how the night in Hungary can be bettered, but there are still the play-offs to come and maybe even a first World Cup. The good times can roll even further.

Given the momentum and confidence both Parrott and Ireland have after this international break, it would be hard to deny them more nights like Sunday.

"I will never have a better night in my whole life. It is a fairy tale. You can't even dream about something like that."

When Troy Parrott arrived for international duty with the Republic of Ireland last Monday, little did he know that six days later, he would have catapulted his country to the World Cup play-offs.

First, there was an impressive 2-0 win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines for his red card, but it was Parrott's name being sung by the Ireland supporters after he scored both goals.

'What dreams are made of' - Troy Parrott hat-trick keeps Ireland's World Cup hopes alive

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

WC 2026 European qualifying schedule | Who has qualified so far

The AZ Alkmaar striker was the hero again for Ireland on Sunday against Hungary. He equalised twice at the Puskas Arena, before a dramatic 96th-minute winner saw his team win 3-2 - a night he says will never be bettered.

Dublin Airport even changed their name to the 'Troy Parrott International Airport' on social media in a celebratory, tongue-in-cheek nod to the 23-year-old's heroics.

Two vital games. Five goals. Parrott has had a huge say keeping his country's hopes alive of a first appearance at the World Cup since 2022.

For fans of AZ or the Eredivisie, it is perhaps no surprise. For others, the striker is often thought of as the Tottenham youngster who never quite hit the heights he was earmarked for.

But his career proves that the prospect of success does not end if you take a chance and leave the big Premier League club. In fact, it might lead one of the best moments of your life.

Beginnings at Spurs

After beginning his career with Belvedere in his native Dublin, Parrott joined Spurs' youth ranks in the summer of 2017 at the age of 15.

Two years later, he signed a professional deal and began training with the first-team squad. He made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup loss to Colchester in September 2019.

Some had compared him to Robbie Keane in his early career, while Parrott trained alongside Harry Kane in the same position. It restricted his opportunities and minutes, despite there being times when he was the only fit striker in the squad.

Despite making his Premier League debut against Burnley in December 2019, he would make just one more substitute appearance in the competition for Tottenham under Jose Mourinho.

Then came the well-trodden EFL loan track.

Stuttering EFL loans - but success in the Netherlands

Parrott had five loans in his time at Tottenham, four of them in England. His first to Millwall in August 2020 was hampered by injury, and it was curtailed when he was recalled in January with just 14 appearances and no goals.

A few weeks later Parrott joined Ipswich, who were then in League One, scoring twice in 18 appearances.

Next came season-long spells at MK Dons (2021/22) and Preston (2022/23). The former saw Parrott help the Dons to the play-offs, scoring in the semi-final second leg against Wycombe, but the club were beaten 2-1 on aggregate.

But with another underwhelming loan at Preston, the next move had to be a big one. Speaking to Sky Sports in October 2024, Parrott said: "There have been seasons that I have had before where I have not enjoyed it too much" - referencing his time on loan in the EFL.

It was time for Parrott look away from England, landing at Excelsior in the Eredivisie. Moving to the Netherlands proved to be the making of the young striker.

"The most important thing was to start enjoying football again without any pressure on it," the 23-year-old told Sky Sports. "Not telling myself I need to do this, I need to do that. I know the talent I have so if I am feeling good in myself and happy then that is always going to show itself on the pitch.

"But it was a big step because I did not have any idea what to expect when I first came over. Moving from Ireland to England is one thing but to move somewhere where they speak a different language, a different culture, it was always going to be a challenge."

He scored 17 goals for Excelsior in all competitions, with 10 of those coming in the league. Despite hat-tricks in both the semis and final of the two-legged Eredivisie play-offs - each scored at home - Parrott could not stop the club from being relegated.

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Parrott was finally showing the potential many had laid upon his head since he was a teenager at Spurs.

Speaking on his Excelsior loan, he said: "The thing that helped me the most was that I realised I was a striker who needed to be in the box. On a couple of the loans that I had, I tried to show my ability to come deep and link play. A lot of the time, I was too far away from the goal to score.

"I worked a lot with the coach at Excelsior on just being in the box, being there when the ball is getting crossed. I think for me that was the biggest thing, just drilling it into my own head that ultimately you're a striker and you need to be in the box to score goals."

Flourishing at AZ Alkmaar

Having found a home in the Netherlands, Parrott made a permanent move from Spurs to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £6.7m.

Reflecting on his time at Tottenham a few months later, he added to Sky Sports: "No, I don't think I have any regrets. I am grateful for how the club treated me, helping me to grow up as a person and a player.

"Those expectations are hard for any young player. I'm speaking like I am old, I'm still young now! It is just the experience I had, being out on all the loans and stuff, is more than what I should have at this age. But it is something a lot of young players go through.

"I believe for me I've learned to just put that to the side. It does more harm than it does good. Just to block all that out. I am happy now, being able to showcase what I can do week in and week out at a big team playing in Europe. It is what I wanted when I moved here."

Parrott has kept up his standards with AZ. Last season, he scored 14 goals in 30 Eredivisie games - the league's third highest scorer. One of the highlights was four goals against Heerenveen in a 9-1 win in September 2024.

His form continued into the 2025/26 campaign, with 10 goals in seven games across all competitions, but found himself halted by a knee injury at the end of August. He has scored three more league goals since his return, with AZ four points ahead of Ajax in the Eredivisie table.

Such is his form, a return to the Premier League has been mooted in some areas, although he is contracted to AZ until 2029. Those transfer links will only have increased after his star turn in November's qualifiers.

More good times to come for Parrott and Ireland?

In just two games this month, Parrott has doubled his international goals tally. Before stepping out against Portugal, he had scored five goals in 31 caps and only once since 2022.

While he remains a regular call-up for the Republic of Ireland, he has been guilty of squandering chances with some of his good club form not quite translating to his country.

Now, it appears the two have began to merge, and Ireland will need more of the same as they navigate a huge few months at the start of 2026.

Parrott rightly said he struggles to see how the night in Hungary can be bettered, but there are still the play-offs to come and maybe even a first World Cup. The good times can roll even further.

Given the momentum and confidence both Parrott and Ireland have after this international break, it would be hard to deny them more nights like Sunday.

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Arsenal failed to capitalise on Chelsea's slip-up at Liverpool after being held to a flat 0-0 draw with Tottenham in the north London derby.

The Gunners had the chance to gain ground on rivals at the top of the Women's Super League after Sonia Bompastor's side earlier dropped two points to bottom club Liverpool, but managed to pass up the opportunity, unable to convert 13 efforts at goal into anything meaningful.

The real winners of the weekend, therefore, are Manchester City, who extended their lead at the top to three points from Chelsea - their biggest margin of difference so far this season. Belief in the City camp of a prolonged title charge is steadily growing.

Arsenal's hopes, meanwhile, are dwindling. They were far the superior side at Spurs - who offered close to nothing in the attacking third - and yet Lize Kop was never at full stretch. The goalkeeper twice denied Stina Blackstenius and latterly thwarted substitute Olivia Smith, with each stop routine. Never before has this fixture ended goalless.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats | Table

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Renee Slegers' side have scored more goals than any other in 2025 (60 from 21 games) but have found creativity hard to come by in recent weeks. They were undone by Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek and have now dropped 11 points in WSL competition. No previous champion has ever gone on to lift the title having conceded that number of points across a 22-game campaign.

"Tottenham were set up to draw," reflected Sky Sports' Izzy Christiansen. "They didn't show any intent to win the game, they were quite reserved. I say that in a positive sense. From Arsenal's perspective they were completely nullified - they need to improve in the final third."

Why are Arsenal stalling?

Analysis by Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:

"Arsenal don't move into the final third quickly enough," Sky Sports' Rachel Corsie said of Arsenal's recent creativity problem. "Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius are doing the same thing. That's easy to defend.

"The deliveries aren't dangerous or dynamic enough. We aren't seeing the best of Arsenal's attacking players," she added. Intensity is perhaps a problem, too. Arsenal failed to compete with Spurs' physicality in midfield, making eight fewer tackles.

Arsenal have been used to getting their own way under Slegers but this year have been found out in certain games. Olivia Smith made impact with "forward intent", Slegers noted, and was the player to finish the game with the most touches in the opposition box (nine) despite only playing a half.

"We need clearer and bigger chances," the Arsenal boss concluded. Can't argue with that. Arsenal's one second-half shot on target is simply not enough if efficiency is also lacking.

Foord airs frustrations

Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord:

"Frustrating. We came here to get three points. Credit to Spurs because they made it tough to play.

"They got numbers back and really made it difficult for us in the box. They went out to do that and succeeded. We ultimately need a better end product."

Ho reveals tactic to 'remove emotion'

Tottenham boss Martin Ho:

"What I said to the players all week was 'we can either be reckless and play with emotion, or we can take the emotion out and play with performance. I thought the players adapted to the game well. We played through Arsenal well.

"It takes courage and bravery [to attack Arsenal], we've got young players in the frontline and maybe we need to risk the ball a bit more. I've asked us to be more fluid with our movement.

"We work a lot on that in training but it's a confidence thing to take on the responsibility."

Story of the match in stats...

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