Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developmen...

Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 13 of the 2024-25 season.<h3>Does Guardiola have any answers?</h3>Midway through Liverpool's otherwise dominant 2-0 win over Manchester City, the champions finally emerged from the rubble of an utterly one-sided opening half-hour with the ball. A lifeline was suddenly up for grabs. Liverpool had missed several chances to make it a blowout and began to retreat into their own end. But the opportunity came and went without much ado. City couldn't summon anything. They had 63% of possession between their first attempt on goal in the 38th minute and Mohamed Salah's game-clinching 78th-minute penalty but couldn't get a shot on target in that time. They couldn't disturb Liverpool, even as the hosts challenged them to do so.Guardiola tried to inspire change beforehand, dropping Ederson for backup 'keeper Stefan Ortega and defender Josko Gvardiol for Nathan Ake. Removing Ederson and Gvardiol from the firing line seemed like a responsible choice; their errors precipitated at least a couple of City's recent losses.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Neither Ortega nor Ake could reset the side. Ortega conceded a penalty when he was left all alone with two Liverpool players, while Ake did his best to resist the press on his own. They just couldn't prevent the mistakes that have cost City over the past five weeks from repeating themselves here. They gave away the ball cheaply, attempted low-percentage passes at the wrong time, and committed silly challenges early on. The self-belief that made City seem unstoppable in previous years deserted them yet again.Guardiola <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3146465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3146465">said</a> afterward that City will have to hit the reset button and start from scratch. But he's rarely had to do that with any team he's coached. He's not used to doing something so drastic midseason. And he's never had to rethink his entire approach amid such a startling downturn. City haven't won in seven games, and it's not unreasonable to think they could lose many more before the end of the season. They face sixth-placed Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and then have a tough run of fixtures against Juventus, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. That leads them like a pig to slaughter into the meat grinder that is the festive period, which is uncompromising at the best of times.Now is probably the worst time to have an existential crisis.<h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3>Statement win for Amorim's United<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/cropped_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Ruben Amorim's angry reactions were telling at the start of Manchester United's clash against Everton. With the visitors regularly venturing into United's half, Amorim went ballistic on a few of his players for underperforming in one of the most winnable games of the season. His patience was clearly running out just three matches into his United career. But after playing like Erik ten Hag's timid side to start the match, United started to show signs that Amorim's philosophies were taking hold. Amad Diallo was outstanding, while Joshua Zirkzee - a target of one of Amorim's early outbursts - ended his 17-game drought with a brace in United's biggest league win since 2021. The next test for Amorim's United is performing just as well against better opponents than relegation-threatened teams like Everton.If at first you don't succeed ...Daniel Munoz showed the power of persistence Saturday. The Colombian missed two glorious chances in the first half against Newcastle, one an open-net sitter with his left foot on the counterattack, the other a close-range tap-in denied on the goal line by a diving Dan Burn. But the Crystal Palace wing-back wasn't deterred. He kept taking opportunities to creep in at the back post, and it paid dividends when he finally scored his first Premier League goal, a 94th-minute equalizer that got Palace out of the drop zone. "He scored the most difficult chance," manager Oliver Glasner said after the 1-1 draw, according to <a href="https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/crystal-palace-boss-oliver-glasner-195125686.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jbXNhZG1pbi50aGVzY29yZS5jb20v&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABoxZvG_2o67V9IR1MhEd9CKldpDF316JC0rT94Lm_MqyV9kq_m0etTz0jVIwSVEayoqsAIuqfYMR89llBFm-Bl2P3f0sbjt6M_VGgWyQSc5VcF7ut1LF3VGdKk_BDdMUuXMayBa4bj0KTxuHEe3Nu0adoww-2pKtFhgy3bJB6rC">Yahoo Sports' Bobby Manzi</a>. "This shows his character, the character of the team, and the character of all of us."Kluivert holds his nerve<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/cropped_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth / AFC Bournemouth / Getty</figcaption></figure>Penalties often get dismissed when looking at a player's body of work. They're the easiest chances in the game to convert - you really shouldn't be squandering a free attempt from 12 yards out. And yet, so many do. Justin Kluivert had no such trouble Saturday, though, becoming the first player in the Premier League era to convert three spot-kicks in the same game. That hasn't happened in England's top flight since 1957. This was a showcase of mental fortitude from the Bournemouth forward as much as anything. Mind games are a key part of penalties, which is why many teams use different takers if they get multiple opportunities from the spot within a match. But Kluivert didn't get in his own head trying to outwit Wolves' Jose Sa - and made history.Brentford love home cookingThe Gtech Community Stadium is a fortress. Brentford have been the best home team in the league so far this season, racking up more points on their own turf than any club. Thomas Frank's men are pouring it on against everyone who visits west London. They're unbeaten in seven home matches, winning six of those games. The Bees' 4-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday, powered by a hat-trick from Kevin Schade, gave them 16 goals in their last four home games in the Premier League (all wins). The tests get tougher in the new year - Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool make the trip in January. But Brentford's explosive attack, backed by boisterous support, can cause problems for anyone.RvN has huge task on his hands<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/cropped_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steven Paston - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</figcaption></figure>One person in attendance at the Gtech on Saturday who likely didn't enjoy what he saw was Ruud van Nistelrooy. Watching from the stands just one day after being named Leicester manager, the Dutchman looked on as his new team fell apart after scoring the opening goal. Jamie Vardy, now 37, continues to provide production up front, and Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, is making the leap, but there's little else to be excited about right now. The defense, which hasn't kept a clean sheet since Oct. 5, is slow and susceptible, while a lack of playmakers in central midfield puts all the burden on the aforementioned attack-minded players. There's plenty for the former Manchester United interim boss to fix.<h3>Star performer 🌟</h3>Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)The Premier League record for assists in a single season is jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who each recorded 20 helpers in 2002-03 and 2019-20, respectively. That mark is in serious jeopardy of being eclipsed.Saka is already up to 10 assists in the league this season after another terrific display in Arsenal's 5-2 dismissal of a woeful West Ham United side. He's played just 12 matches. Saka set up two goals against the Hammers, won his team a penalty with crafty footwork inside the area, and converted another spot-kick that he himself helped earn.Some may scoff and claim the English winger inflates his numbers because he takes set pieces, an area where Arsenal are more lethal than any team in the league; indeed, one of his assists Saturday was a corner kick that Gabriel Magalhaes headed home. But that would be doing him a disservice. One of the reasons Arsenal have scored 20 goals from the corners since the start of last season - more than any team - is because of Saka's wicked swinging delivery, which causes instant havoc. With Martin Odegaard back and looking to feed Saka at every chance, Arsenal are humming again after a recent blip.If Saka does eclipse the assist record shared by Henry and De Bruyne, he'll be hoping for a slightly different outcome to Arsenal's season; neither Henry nor De Bruyne won the Premier League title in their record-setting campaigns.<h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> </figcaption></figure>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)<h3>Highlight of the weekend 🎥</h3>Justin Kluivert's historic hat-trick of penalties hogged all the headlines, but teammate Milos Kerkez scored the goal of the weekend with a left-footed rocket off a sweeping team move.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A brilliant team move ✅ A rocket of a finish ✅ First ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afcb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afcb</a> goal ✅ This goal has a bit of everything ️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/lujRmEBdB1">pic.twitter.com/lujRmEBdB1</a>— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1863161870435373352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3>Arsenal have given traveling fans plenty to cheer about in 2024.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
5 - Arsenal have scored 5+ goals in five away games in all competitions in 2024, a joint-record by an English top-flight team in a single calendar year, along with Sunderland in 1892 and Manchester City in 1937. Relentless. <a href="https://t.co/1uWL5qexUr">pic.twitter.com/1uWL5qexUr</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1862941743437508999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3>Pep Guardiola channeled his inner Jose Mourinho with the pettiest of replies to chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" during Manchester City's loss to Liverpool. "All of the stadiums want to sack me, starting with Brighton," he <a href="https://x.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1863309433264046553">said</a>. "Maybe they're right. Maybe I must be sacked for the result that we have, but I didn't expect (that) at Anfield. ... I didn't expect (it) from the people from Liverpool. But it's fine."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Liverpool fans chant "you're getting sacked in the morning" to Pep Guardiola 🎶 Pep responds with six fingers, one for each Premier League title 😏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/T4UUmuaNax">pic.twitter.com/T4UUmuaNax</a>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1863279288159522891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+18</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Leicester</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-15</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29269968/related

EPL Review: Liverpool plunge Man City into existential crisis

Mohamed Salah added fuel to speculation over his Liverpool future following Sunday's win over Man...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> added fuel to speculation over his Liverpool future following Sunday's win over Manchester City.After scoring and setting up a goal to help the Reds win 2-0, Salah, whose contract expires next summer, said he was savoring the moment because it could be his last game against Manchester City at Anfield as a Liverpool player."Honestly it's in my head. Until now this is the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I was just going to enjoy it," he said to Sky Sports after the game, according to<a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/42719216/mohamed-salah-liverpool-win-v-man-city-my-last-anfield"> ESPN's Beth Lindop</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The atmosphere was incredible so I will enjoy every second here. Hopefully we just win the league and will see what will happen."Salah previously spoke about his contract situation in late November when he revealed to reporters after Liverpool's win over Southampton that he hasn't received an offer to extend his stay.Letting Salah leave for free would come as a surprise considering that Salah's at the center of Liverpool's renaissance this season.The 32-year-old has 11 goals and seven assists in 13 Premier League games and has helped the Reds build a nine-point lead. His brace against City extended his streak to six league games with at least a goal.The Egypt international, who arrived at Liverpool in 2017, will be able to speak with teams outside of England about a free transfer next summer when the January transfer window opens.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrating after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England.

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Salah: Likely the last time I'll face Man City at Anfield as Liverpool player

John Herdman stepped down from his role as Toronto FC head coach, the Major League Soccer club an...

John Herdman stepped down from his role as Toronto FC head coach, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday."I have made the difficult decision that it's the right time for me to step away from the club as the organization defines its vision for the future," Herdman said in a <a href="https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-announces-resignation-of-head-coach-john-herdman">statement</a>."It has been an honor to wear the Toronto FC crest and contribute to the growth of the club."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>TFC missed the playoffs last season after finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference.Herdman joined Toronto FC in August 2023 after successful stints as the head coach of the Canadian women's and men's national teams. But he didn't enjoy the same success at the club level, as TFC failed to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row."I wish the organization success going forward, and I look forward to the next chapter in my career," he added.MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said the search for Herdman's replacement will start immediately.Last summer, Herdman was linked to the drone scandal that rocked the Canadian women's team at the Paris Olympics. The 49-year-old, who coached the women's team from 2011-18, was unavailable to meet with a private investigator for questioning about the illegal use of drones by national team staff.The incident, in which Canadian coaching staff members were caught spying on the New Zealand women's team's practice with drones, eventually led to the dismissal of Herdman's successor, Bev Priestman, earlier in November. Canada was docked six points during the women's Olympics soccer tournament but managed to progress out of the group stage before losing in the quarterfinals.Herdman also enjoyed a successful spell as head coach of the Canadian men's team, helping the country qualify for the World Cup in 2022 for the first time since 1986.

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 02: Toronto FC Head coach John Herdman reacts after losing the MLS soccer regular season game between the New York Red Bulls and the Toronto FC on October 2, 2024, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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John Herdman resigns as Toronto FC coach

Canada's men's national team soared to new heights to end the year, jumping up four places to No....

Canada's men's national team soared to new heights to end the year, jumping up four places to No. 31 in the latest edition of the FIFA rankings released Thursday.It's the highest that Canada has ever been ranked, beating the country's previous record in early 2022 when it was No. 33.Head coach Jesse Marsch's squad is coming off back-to-back victories over Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Amazing what we have accomplished with great character, total unity, and positive support!! Feel so lucky to be the coach of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canmnt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#canmnt</a>. We have big goals for the future! 🇨🇦🇨🇦 #31 ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAcom</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/4vnHcIE3jz">pic.twitter.com/4vnHcIE3jz</a>— Jesse Marsch (@jessemarsch) <a href="https://twitter.com/jessemarsch/status/1862210487334969787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canada was ranked as low as 50 in 2024 after starting the year 48th. But a series of positive results helped the country steadily ascend the rankings to end the year in uncharted territory.Canada was ranked No. 122 in October 2014, the country's lowest-ever spot in FIFA's rankings.Meanwhile, 2022 World Cup winner Argentina is ranked No. 1 ahead of France, Spain, England, and Brazil.

J. Shaffelburg #14 celebrates his goal with Ahmed #23 during the CONCACAF Nations League Quarter Final match between Team Canada and Suriname at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on November 19, 2024.

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CanMNT climbs to highest spot in newest FIFA ranking, Argentina No. 1

Manager Pep Guardiola cleared the air over his future Thursday by signing a new two-year contract...

Manager Pep Guardiola cleared the air over his future Thursday by signing a new two-year contract extension with Manchester City, the club announced."Manchester City means so much to me," he <a href="https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/pep-guardiola-new-contract-manchester-city-63867814">said</a>."This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons."Guardiola will have spent more than a decade in charge of the English club when his new deal expires in 2027.His current contract was set to expire after the end of the season in June 2025."I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much," Guardiola added."Hopefully, now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus."Guardiola is already the most successful coach in Manchester City's history. He's won 18 trophies since his arrival in 2016, including the continental treble in 2023 when City won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Legend. <a href="https://t.co/gyiEZ9V3jJ">pic.twitter.com/gyiEZ9V3jJ</a>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1859695647022252277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>His Manchester City teams were also the first to win the Premier League four times in a row.Manchester City were understood to be worried about the possibility of Guardiola leaving this summer, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42466271/manchester-city-future-pep-guardiola-hugo-viana-txiki-squad-transfers-analysis-premier-league">ESPN's Rob Dawson</a>.But Guardiola's fresh contract should eliminate any distractions over his future as slumping City try to get back on track and win a record-extending fifth straight Premier League.Manchester City are on a four-game losing streak - the longest of Guardiola's coaching career - and sit five points behind leaders Liverpool in second place.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates winning goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Manchester City FC at Molineux on October 20, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England.

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Guardiola signs 2-year extension to stay at Man City: 'I am so happy'

The fourth installment of UEFA's Nations League is over after Tuesday's slate of matches. Here's ...

The fourth installment of UEFA's Nations League is over after Tuesday's slate of matches. Here's a look at how promotion, relegation, and the eight spots in the Nations League quarterfinals were determined across the various tiers.<h3>League A</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/cropped_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Qualified for the quarterfinals<ul>
<li>
Group A1: Portugal, Croatia</li>
<li>
Group A2: France, Italy</li>
<li>
Group A3: Germany, Netherlands</li>
<li>
Group A4: Spain, Denmark</li>
</ul>Euro 2024 winner Spain, the teams it beat in the quarterfinals and semifinals of that tournament - Germany and France - and Portugal are seeded as group winners in Friday's quarterfinal draw. Germany, the top scorer of the league phase with 18 goals, is the only team in that quartet yet to win the Nations League.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Second-place teams Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark can't be pitted against an opponent they faced in the opening phase during the Nations League quarterfinals, which will take place in March. The semifinals and final will be played in June.Relegated to League B<ul>
<li>
Group A1: Poland</li>
<li>
Group A2: Israel</li>
<li>
Group A3: Bosnia and Herzegovina</li>
<li>
Group A4: Switzerland</li>
</ul>Group A1 boasted the most dramatic finale when Scotland avoided automatic relegation and dropped its opponent Poland into League B with Andy Robertson's 92nd-minute winner Monday. Belgium - along with Scotland, Hungary, and Serbia - will compete in the League A/B playoffs after Domenico Tedesco's side finished above bottom-place Israel thanks to its superior head-to-head record.<h3>League B</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/cropped_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Catherine Ivill - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Promoted to League A<ul>
<li>
Group B1: Czechia</li>
<li>
Group B2: England</li>
<li>
Group B3: Norway</li>
<li>
Group B4: Wales</li>
</ul>The uncertainty over England's next coach barely impacted the Three Lions on their way to sealing automatic promotion under interim boss Lee Carsley. England will be joined by Norway, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleagueb/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/natleagueb/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a>'s seven goals helped the country secure a place in League A for the first time.Czechia beat Georgia 2-1 and Wales thrashed Iceland 4-1 to confirm automatic promotion on the final day, leaving runners-up Ukraine, Greece, Austria, and Turkey to compete in the A/B playoffs in March.Relegated to League C<ul>
<li>
Group B1: Albania</li>
<li>
Group B2: Finland</li>
<li>
Group B3: Kazakhstan</li>
<li>
Group B4: Montenegro</li>
</ul>Finland and Montenegro regressed big time this season, suffering relegation after amassing just three combined points. League B also proved too overwhelming for a Kazakhstan side that lost all of its games by a combined score of 15-0. The most compelling finish was in group B1, with Albania falling on the last day to lose its place in League B.<h3>League C</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/cropped_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Promoted to League B<ul>
<li>
Group C1: Sweden</li>
<li>
Group C2: Romania</li>
<li>
Group C3: Northern Ireland</li>
<li>
Group C4: North Macedonia</li>
</ul><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguec/players/101459" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguec/players/101459">Viktor Gyokeres</a>' domestic domination carried over to the international stage, where he added nine goals - including the four he scored in Tuesday's 6-0 win over Azerbaijan - to help Sweden get promoted back to League B. Northern Ireland also booked a return to the second tier alongside a North Macedonia side that's never been higher than League C.Romania won promotion after being awarded three points retroactively after its last Nations League match was abandoned because Kosovo players walked off the pitch before full-time.Relegated to League DLithuania bowed out of League C after losing all six games, while Azerbaijan also failed to maintain its place in the third tier. Luxembourg and Latvia will play for League C survival in the C/D playoffs with League D's Malta and Gibraltar.<h3>League D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/cropped_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty</figcaption></figure>Promoted to League C<ul>
<li>
Group D1: San Marino</li>
<li>
Group D2: Moldova</li>
</ul>In the most surprising story of this Nations League campaign, San Marino - a fixture at the bottom of the FIFA men's rankings - earned promotion after registering its first and second competitive wins in national team history against Liechtenstein. Moldova will join the microstate in League C after finishing above Malta and Andorra in Group D2.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Croatia at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on September 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Head coach Bev Priestman and assistant coach Jasmine Mander "directed, approved, and condoned" th...

Head coach Bev Priestman and assistant coach Jasmine Mander "directed, approved, and condoned" the use of drones to illegally film New Zealand's team practices ahead of the Canadian women's national team's opening game at the Paris Olympics, according to a summary of an independent investigation <a href="https://canada-soccer-pressroom.prezly.com/canada-soccer-releases-findings-of-independent-investigation-organizational-change-continues">released</a> by Canada Soccer on Tuesday.Canada Soccer adds Priestman and Mander "will not be returning" after they serve one-year suspensions that were issued by FIFA last summer."The search for a new head coach for the women's national team will commence shortly," the statement reads.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The investigation also found that players didn't view drone footage.Assistant coach Joey Lombardi was caught by French authorities in July after he attempted to fly a drone over New Zealand's practice on two occasions. Lombardi didn't cooperate with the investigation conducted by Toronto lawyer Sonia Regenbogen, and it's understood that he resigned from his role, according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/canada-soccer-coaches-organized-spying-with-drones-investigation-concludes-1.2203840">TSN's Rick Westhead</a>Canada Soccer apologized for the incident at the time and Priestman said she wouldn't be on the sidelines for the New Zealand game, which Canada won 2-1. Priestman and the other coaches were sent home from Paris.FIFA later banned the three for one year and docked Canada six points. Canada still made it out of the group stage, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals."The drone issue at the Paris Olympics was a disappointing revelation," Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said."The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the incident itself was a symptom of a difficult and unacceptable past culture within the national teams."Quite simply, while players on the national teams performed admirably, cultural standards and management of the programs dating back several years fell short of expectations."Canada Soccer added that it's "in the process of taking disciplinary steps" against individuals and that those actions "will be private."Former Canada women's coach John Herdman, who's now in charge of Toronto FC, was unable to be interviewed during the investigation due to "scheduling issues."However, potential violations of Canada Soccer's code of conduct and ethics involving Herdman were uncovered during the probe."It's something that Sonia and John's representatives worked on, and I don't really have visibility into the specific situations as to why," Blue told TSN. "There was evidence gathered from witness statements and documentary review, as far as I understand, in the absence of a direct interview."Herdman denied last summer ever spying on opponents when he was in charge of the Canadian women's team from 2011 to 2018.The report says there's no evidence of drones being used during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Priestman's Canada team won its first gold medal in the women's soccer tournament.Another finding is that the investigation could not substantiate allegations of drone use by the Canada's men's team at this year's Copa America. The executive summary states that a drone suspected of filming a training session at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex did not contain any actual footage. The men's team claimed a staff member was operating the drone above an empty pitch "for the purposes of a motivational and promotional video."Men's coach Jesse Marsch seemed to express sympathy for Priestman in a text he sent to her while the drone scandal was erupting in Paris. "We went through it as well," he wrote, referring to the alleged incident involving the men's team in Orlando.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Canada women's national team head coach Beverly Priestman looks off prior to their game against Costa Rica during the 2024 Concacaf Women's Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Warning: Video contains coarse language  Premier League referee David Coote was suspended after a...

Warning: Video contains coarse languagePremier League referee David Coote was suspended after a video went viral of him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former German manager, Jurgen Klopp.The veteran match official was banned "with immediate effect pending a full investigation," the Professional Game Match Officials Limited said in a statement Monday, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/nov/11/referee-david-coote-video-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-pgmol-premier-league">Paul MacInnes of The Guardian</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Coote referred to Klopp as a "German c--t" and called Liverpool "shit" after being asked by an acquaintance about his feelings on the two.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Afternoon Mr Coote <a href="https://t.co/e3jH4li1Z6">pic.twitter.com/e3jH4li1Z6</a>— reece (@_______reece) <a href="https://twitter.com/_______reece/status/1855968606258958487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>In a <a href="https://x.com/_______reece/status/1855970127478509833">separate clip</a>, Coote warns that the video of him criticizing Klopp and Liverpool shouldn't be shared."Just to be clear, that f-----g last video can’t go anywhere, seriously," he said.Coote, one of the Premier League's most experienced officials after making his debut in 2018, refereed Liverpool's win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) speaks to referee referee David Coote (2R) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on July 11, 2020.

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Canada Soccer released a statement Friday after receiving a report from an independent reviewer h...

Canada Soccer released a statement Friday after receiving a report from an independent reviewer hired to investigate the illegal use of drones at the Paris Olympics.The probe, according to Canada Soccer's CEO Kevin Blue, revealed that the incident last summer involving the Canadian women's team's coaching staff was "a symptom of a past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight within the national team."Blue suggested that further action based on the findings will be announced in the coming days.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"While we are being thoughtful about how best to address the findings, we also want to move decisively," he said. "To that end, we will release key conclusions and next steps within a week."Independent investigators, hired by Canada Soccer, considered evidence from various people, including current and former staff employees, Blue and another high-ranking official.Canada women's coach Bev Priestman, assistant coach Jasmine Mander, and video analyst Joseph Lombardi were banned for one year by FIFA after they were found to have been responsible for a scheme to fly drones over pre-tournament practices.The scandal came to light in July after New Zealand's Olympic Committee filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee's integrity unit before the country's opening game of the Summer Olympics against Canada, the defending gold medalist at the time.Priestman was suspended by Canada Soccer on July 25, a day after apologizing for spying and removing herself from coaching duties for Canada's game against New Zealand.Canada was docked six points and fined due to the incident. The country still managed to progress out of the group stage, but the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the women's tournament.Canada Soccer Board Chair Peter Augruso added: "We are committed to renewing our organization, and ensuring Canada Soccer is a federation that people can be proud of. We know that more needs to be done and change takes time."

Canada's coach Beverly Priestman (R) speaks with her players on the touchline during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group B football match between Canada and Ireland at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on July 26, 2023.

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Canada Soccer: Drone use at Paris Olympics part of 'unacceptable culture'

The supersized Champions League resumed this week, with all 36 teams back in action over 48 frene...

The supersized Champions League resumed this week, with all 36 teams back in action over 48 frenetic hours. Below, theScore's soccer editors reflect on Matchday 4 in Europe's premier club competition while also taking a step back to survey the landscape at the midway point of the opening round.<h3>Key takeaway from Matchday 4 📝</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/cropped_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753785/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182456262.jpg?ts=1730849011 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</figcaption></figure>Gordon Brunt: There's never a shortage of excuses after Arsenal lose. Some complaints about outside forces conspiring against them have even seemed justified. But this time it's their struggling attack that needs to shoulder the blame. The latest perceived injustice involved the ever-confusing handball rule in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Inter Milan. The decision to award Inter a spot-kick felt harsh on Mikel Merino, especially after he was denied one of his own after being punched in the head by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer at the other end. Another Arsenal grievance for the pile. From a perceived refereeing agenda against them to injuries that have proved costly, Arsenal routinely have something to moan about. But their lack of creativity after conceding right before halftime was the real reason they lost. The glaring issue that Mikel Arteta needs to fix is an Arsenal attack that can't cope when Kai Havertz is in a slump. Signing another proven striker last summer might've helped.Anthony Lopopolo: The little guys still stand a chance. In the tournaments of old, a newcomer like Brest, who had never qualified for the Champions League, would've been buried at the bottom of a group of heavyweights with zero chance of progressing. They would've simply enjoyed the ride. But here they are in fourth place in the Champions League table with 10 points out of a possible 12 after Wednesday's 2-1 win over Sparta Prague. Those 10 points should be enough for Brest to earn at least a playoff spot, according to Opta's projections. But with matches to come against 24th-placed PSV Eindhoven and 28th-placed Shakhtar Donetsk, Brest could reasonably finish with the 16 points likely necessary to earn automatic qualification to the knockout round. UEFA expanded the tournament to make it more profitable, but in a weird way, it has offered previously overlooked teams a lifeline.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gianluca Nesci: Matchday 4 was a turning point in the competition. One of the biggest gripes about the new format, aside from fixture congestion and general resistance to change, was that the supersized opening round created less jeopardy for the top clubs, which had more time to recover from any setback because there were simply more points available. Even when some stumbled early, there was no sense of panic. That's changing now. Shocking - and comprehensive - losses for Real Madrid and Manchester City, the two overwhelming tournament favorites, have blown things open, while other teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, expected to cruise comfortably into the next round, still have lots of work to do and little time to do it.<h3>This week's crisis club 😬</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/cropped_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753820/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183149838.jpg?ts=1730899151 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> David Ramos - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>Brunt: Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side is in panic mode after getting pummeled by Sporting CP. Manchester City's long list of injuries was a major talking point heading into the encounter, and rightfully so with stars like Rodri missing and Kevin De Bruyne not fit enough to start. But that didn't make Tuesday's 4-1 scoreline any less shocking. City did well to get back into the game, threatening to cut the deficit down to one goal before disaster struck when Erling Haaland's penalty rattled off the crossbar. Heads went down and the team showed an uncharacteristic lack of fight on its way to losing three straight games in a season for the first time since April 2018. Is this the beginning of City's downfall? Highly unlikely. But it presents a rare opportunity for rivals to take advantage of a City side that won't likely be down for long.Lopopolo: Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti is on the hot seat after losing back-to-back matches at home to Barcelona and AC Milan. They conceded seven goals across the pair of games and looked entirely out of sorts in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Serie A's seventh-placed team. Kylian Mbappe doesn't look comfortable alongside Vinicius Junior, and Dani Carvajal's injury-enforced absence has allowed opponents to wreak havoc on Madrid's right flank. Jude Bellingham hasn't scored for Madrid in 177 days and seems unsure how to interpret his deeper midfield role. It doesn't get any easier for Los Blancos: Liverpool and Atalanta are up next, and they only have one more game to play at home. With just six points in the bag, Madrid have to win at least two of their final four games just to have a chance to make the playoffs.Nesci: RB Leipzig. A last-second away loss to Atletico Madrid on Matchday 1? Aggravating, but not panic inducing. Blowing a lead, at home, against 10-man Juventus and losing? Rough, but it was one of "those" games. Falling to Liverpool, the best team in the tournament so far? No shame in that. But Leipzig followed up those results by getting outplayed - and comfortably beaten - by Celtic in a match they badly needed to have in order to keep their dwindling hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. That is cause for serious concern. Leipzig are one of only five teams in the competition without a point. Instead of tussling with Europe's elite, their peers at the bottom of the table are the likes of Slovan Bratislava and Sturm Graz. With no points and a tough remaining schedule, Leipzig now look destined for a very early exit.<h3>Player of the week 🌟</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/cropped_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753438/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182360914.jpg?ts=1730726301 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gualter Fatia / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Brunt: Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker is finally getting the recognition he deserves. After more than a year of tormenting defenses in Portugal, it took scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in Tuesday's Champions League win for the spotlight to truly beam on Gyokeres. While everyone's been in awe watching Haaland score at a record-setting pace in England, the 26-year-old Gyokeres has mastered his craft at Sporting to become one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He went from scoring 21 goals for Championship side Coventry City in 2022 to more than doubling that amount with 43 goals in his debut season for Sporting. And he's showing no signs of slowing down. Recording his third hat-trick of the season Tuesday gives him 23 goals in 17 games and launched him into a share of the lead atop the Champions League scoring chart with five tallies.Lopopolo: Luis Diaz. The Colombian's evolution continued Tuesday with a hat-trick performance against Bayer Leverkusen, the first of his professional career and the strongest evidence yet that he can lead Liverpool's attack. A left-winger by trade, Diaz has played more centrally under head coach Arne Slot and reminded fans of Roberto Firmino with the way he hustled and pounced on opportunities in Liverpool's 4-0 win. Diaz chipped the 'keeper like he had done it a million times before, shrugged off his marker at the far post to score, and finished off an odd-man rush to complete the hat-trick. He can hurt opponents, and if he plays centrally, Slot can shelter Darwin Nunez on the wing where he'll have less pressure to score.Nesci: Edon Zhegrova. A baller, pure and simple. The winger was at his dynamic best in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Juventus, setting up Jonathan David's first-half goal with one of his many mesmerizing runs and incisive passes. The 25-year-old completed eight successful dribbles in the match, continually twisting Juan Cabal into a pretzel until the Juve left-back was mercifully substituted after chasing Zhegrova's shadow around for over an hour. Nobody has attempted more take-ons in this season's Champions League than the Kosovo international, who could dribble past an opponent inside a phone booth.<h3>Best XI so far 😎</h3>With the league phase officially hitting the midway point, here's a look at our standout players of the tournament thus far.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=268375:Martinez,279461:Lala,1027472:Singo,939780:Hien,671529:Tsimikas,868344:Reijnders,541820:Barella,696679:Raphinha,846033:Vinicius,664500:Gy%C3%B6keres,939569:David&amp;formation=4-2-2-2&amp;lineupTitle=Champions%20League%20Best%20XI 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> </figcaption></figure>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)<h3>Where we stand 👀</h3>Here's the complete league phase table after Matchday 4. Remember: The top eight teams advance directly to the last 16, and the sides that finish ninth to 24th head to the new knockout phase playoffs, two-legged ties that determine who joins the eight automatic qualifiers in the round of 16. The bottom 12 clubs are eliminated from the Champions League.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Sporting CP</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Monaco</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Brest</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Inter</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Atalanta</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Man City</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Leverkusen</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Lille</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Celtic</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Dinamo Zagreb</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Benfica</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>AC Milan</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Feyenoord</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Club Brugge</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Atletico</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>PSV</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td>Sparta Prague</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td>Stuttgart</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>Shakhtar</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>Girona</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>Salzburg</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td>Bologna</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>32</td>
<td>RB Leipzig</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td>Sturm Graz</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>34</td>
<td>Young Boys</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>Crvena Zvezda</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>S. Bratislava</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28940297/related

The good, bad, and ugly as UCL opening round hits midway point

On the first Tuesday of every month during the 2024-25 season, we'll debate which clubs are among...

On the first Tuesday of every month during the 2024-25 season, we'll debate which clubs are among Europe's elite in our Soccer Power Rankings. In our November edition, we're making one bold prediction for the rest of the season for each team on the list.Jump to: <a href="#Arsenal">ARS</a> | <a href="#Atalanta">ATA</a> | <a href="#Atletico%20Madrid">ATM</a> | <a href="#Barcelona">BAR</a> | <a href="#Chelsea">CHE</a> | <a href="#Bayern">FCB</a> | <a href="#Fiorentina">FIO</a> | <a href="#Inter">INT</a> | <a href="#Juventus">JUV</a> | <a href="#Lille">LIL</a> | <a href="#Leverkusen">LEV</a> | <a href="#Liverpool">LIV</a> | <a href="#Man%20City">MCI</a> | <a href="#Napoli">NAP</a> | <a href="#Forest">NFO</a> | <a href="#PSG">PSG</a> | <a href="#Leipzig">RBL</a> | <a href="#Real%20Madrid">RMA</a> | <a href="#Sporting">SCP</a> | <a href="#Frankfurt">SGE</a><h3>1. <a id="Barcelona" name="Barcelona">Barcelona</a> 🇪🇸</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/cropped_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751702/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180583092.jpg?ts=1729880172 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Pedro Salado / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Previous rank: 6 📈<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona might be toiling in 10th place, but Hansi Flick's well-rounded team is going to cement its place as Champions League favorites after winning the league phase of the tournament. After dominating Bayern Munich before a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in El Clasico, there's no reason why Barcelona can't claim top spot in the revamped opening round of the Champions League. That belief is boosted by a run of games against manageable opponents - aside from Atalanta - over the remaining five matches. - Gordon Brunt<h3>2. <a id="Liverpool" name="Liverpool">Liverpool</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>Previous rank: 1 📉Arne Slot has a more pragmatic approach than his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp - and he's delivering. But this still feels like the end of an era, where the Dutchman is trying to find out which players he'll be working with next season. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract in June 2025, and their exits leave Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes with a nightmarish summer on Merseyside. - Daniel Rouse<h3>3. <a id="Real Madrid" name="Real%20Madrid">Real Madrid</a> 🇪🇸</h3>Previous rank: 2 📉The goals haven't piled up for Kylian Mbappe like he would've expected after last summer's blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid. Joining the Champions League holders was supposed to turn Real Madrid into an unbeatable powerhouse. But the wins and the goals haven't materialized ... yet. Eight goals in 14 games is admirable for most players, but Mbappe has set the bar so high that his output this season is a bit of a letdown. His lackluster first season in Spain will persist, with Mbappe's frustrations leading to a career low in goals. - Brunt<h3>4. <a id="Man City" name="Man%20City">Manchester City</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>Previous rank: 4 ⚖️Aymeric Laporte's arrival in January 2018 marked the last time Manchester City struck an expensive midseason deal. A range of factors indicate City will make a huge splash in the transfer market in two months, including last summer's low spend, Rodri's long-term injury, the lack of backup for Erling Haaland, and the likes of Matheus Nunes and James McAtee making unconvincing cases for regular starts. Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is already working behind the scenes. - Rouse<h3>5. <a id="Bayern" name="Bayern">Bayern Munich</a> 🇩🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/cropped_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751991/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180643718.jpg?ts=1730047354 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Rene Nijhuis/MB Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Previous rank: 3 📉Bayern Munich enjoyed a dominant start to the season that had some believing winning the Bundesliga and Champions League was possible. Vincent Kompany's men were hammering inferior opponents early on. But when Bayern started to get tested, the German giants crumbled. While they'll likely go on to win another Bundesliga title, they'll only do so because they were afforded more time to focus on domestic duties after an early elimination from the Champions League in the round of 16. - Brunt<h3>6. <a id="PSG" name="PSG">Paris Saint-Germain</a> 🇫🇷</h3>Previous rank: 7 📈Predicting Paris Saint-Germain will limp out of the Champions League knockout rounds after some naivety or chaos isn't bold. So let's up the ante: PSG won't emerge from the league phase. With four points from three matches, they're three points adrift of the qualification spots and only have a one-point cushion in the playoff places. Their next opponents? Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich this month - and those two need results - before meetings with Red Bull Salzburg, Manchester City, and Stuttgart. - Rouse<h3>7. <a id="Atalanta" name="Atalanta">Atalanta</a> 🇮🇹</h3>Previous rank: N/A 📈If Atalanta taught us anything over the years, it's to never discount Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. They've consistently finished in the top 10 in Serie A since he took over in 2016. That success hasn't resulted in silverware at home, but it's opened the doors to Europe. After winning the club's first continental trophy in the Europa League last season, Atalanta will have their sights on the ultimate prize: the Champions League. They won't go all the way, but Atalanta are going to solidify their reputation as a European force with a run to the semifinals. - Brunt<h3>8. <a id="Napoli" name="Napoli">Napoli</a> 🇮🇹</h3>Previous rank: 17 📈A humbling defeat to Atalanta wasn't an ideal way for Napoli to kick off a crucial juncture in their season. Antonio Conte's side conceded more goals (three) to Atalanta than it did in the previous eight games combined. But the defeat wasn't enough to knock Napoli off their perch atop the Serie A table. The defense will bounce back from Sunday's lopsided loss and prove vital again in helping Napoli win another surprise Scudetto. Their failure to qualify for Europe last season will benefit a Napoli side that can focus solely on winning Serie A for the second time in three years. - Brunt<h3>9. <a id="Arsenal" name="Arsenal">Arsenal</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>Previous rank: 5 📉Martin Odegaard's long-awaited return from injury won't be enough to save Arsenal's season. After their promising title bid in 2023-24, a lack of discipline and underperforming players this term have contributed to Arsenal's regression. Forget mounting a title bid, Mikel Arteta's men won't qualify for the Champions League next season at this rate. It's early, so there's still time to solidify a place in the top four, but the recent downward spiral suggests things are going to get worse before they get better. - Brunt<h3>10. <a id="Fiorentina" name="Fiorentina">Fiorentina</a> 🇮🇹</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/cropped_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752095/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181395184.jpg?ts=1730072974 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Image Photo Agency / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Previous rank: N/A 📈Moise Kean seemed to commit career suicide when he joined Everton in 2019 after his scoring touch deserted him completely at Juventus. But he's now found his groove, scoring five goals in 10 Serie A appearances to help Fiorentina rise to fourth place. He was Dusan Vlahovic's backup last season but can outscore the Juve marksman in this campaign. - Rouse<h3>11. <a id="Inter" name="Inter">Inter Milan</a> 🇮🇹</h3>Previous rank: 11 ⚖️The Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram partnership is lethal enough to boost Inter Milan's prospects of winning the Scudetto. The duo has scored 12 league goals combined to help put Inter Milan in contention to successfully defend their Serie A title. But scoring is only effective so long as opponents aren't enjoying the same success on the other end of the pitch. Inter's potent attack has masked defensive woes that will ultimately cost them a chance to return to the Champions League next season. - Brunt<h3>12. <a id="Sporting" name="Sporting">Sporting CP</a> 🇵🇹</h3>Previous rank: 16 📈In the Golden Shoe race, goals in Europe's top five leagues are multiplied by two, while goals in leagues like Portugal's Primeira Liga and Turkey's Super Lig are multiplied by 1.5. That puts Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres (third place with 24 points) at a considerable disadvantage in his battle with Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (first place with 28 points). Nevertheless, Gyokeres will become the first player from outside the elite leagues to collect the award since Sporting's Mario Jardel 22 years ago. - Rouse<h3>13. <a id="Leipzig" name="Leipzig">RB Leipzig</a> 🇩🇪</h3>Previous rank: 19 📈Klopp's appointment as head of Red Bull's soccer operations won't make much difference at RB Leipzig. The Saxony outfit hopes he'll help the team find ways to unpick low blocks and attract bigger signings. However, there's no clear idea of what Klopp's main responsibilities are while he splits his time between the Red Bull clubs. It could be little more than a roving consultancy role, and he won't be able to give enough attention to Leipzig to make a real impact. - Rouse<h3>14. <a id="Juventus" name="Juventus">Juventus</a> 🇮🇹</h3>Previous rank: 8 📉Kenan Yildiz is already a game-changer for Juventus. At just 19, he thrived in the heated atmosphere of the Derby d'Italia to salvage a 4-4 draw with two goals off the bench against Inter on Oct. 27. He completed three take-ons and drew two fouls in Saturday's 2-0 win at Udinese. Arda Guler was supposed to be the finest Turkish player of his generation, but Yildiz is in the process of pinching that title and never surrendering it. - Rouse<h3>15. <a id="Frankfurt" name="Frankfurt">Eintracht Frankfurt</a> 🇩🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/cropped_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748739/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176211375.jpg?ts=1728239040 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</figcaption></figure>Previous rank: N/A 📈Dino Toppmoller will succeed Ruben Amorim as the hottest coaching prospect in Europe. As Julian Nagelsmann's former assistant, the 43-year-old unsurprisingly favors high pressing and rapid counterattacks. But what's most impressive about Toppmoller's management is how free-scoring Omar Marmoush, PSG flop Hugo Ekitike, and other players whose careers were at risk of fading are now flourishing. Eintracht Frankfurt haven't scored this many goals after nine Bundesliga matches since the Tony Yeboah and Jay-Jay Okocha days of the early 1990s. - Rouse<h3>16. <a id="Chelsea" name="Chelsea">Chelsea</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>Previous rank: 10 📉Cole Palmer's exploits in attack are nothing new. Anyone who watched Chelsea last year knows that he was a significant reason the underperforming Blues weren't in a relegation battle. The English attacker has been just as impressive this season, but Chelsea aren't going to win anything without contributions from Nicolas Jackson. He's been the Premier League's most-improved player, but he won't stop there. Jackson looks primed to continue turning heads when he breaks into the Premier League Golden Boot conversation to help the Blues finish ahead of Arsenal. - Brunt<h3>17. <a id="Atletico Madrid" name="Atletico%20Madrid">Atletico Madrid</a> 🇪🇸</h3>Previous rank: 9 📉There isn't a great deal that Diego Simeone can do about injuries, but it'll be hard to find consistency while there are so many changes to his lineup. Just two Atletico Madrid players have started 10 or more La Liga matches this season - for comparison, Barcelona and Real Madrid are on five apiece - while the coach struggles to work out his best XI. Get it right, Simeone, or Atleti will finish outside the top four for the first time since 2012. - Rouse<h3>18. <a id="Leverkusen" name="Leverkusen">Bayer Leverkusen</a> 🇩🇪</h3>Previous rank: 12 📉It would make sense if the coach who delivered a first-ever top-flight trophy was given a longer leash if things didn't go well the following season. But loyalty doesn't last long in football - just ask Claudio Ranieri, the coach who was sacked the season following Leicester City's miraculous Premier League triumph after a rough start. Xabi Alonso is going to follow in the Italian's footsteps and be used as a scapegoat when European and domestic duties prove overwhelming, causing Bayer Leverkusen to fall out of contention. - Brunt<h3>19. <a id="Forest" name="Forest">Nottingham Forest</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>Previous rank: N/A 📈Nottingham Forest sit third in the Premier League. It won't last, but there are enough encouraging signs to suggest they can battle for Conference League qualification. That would mean a lot for the two-time European Cup winners, who haven't appeared in a continental competition since 1996. However, the biggest obstacle to that goal would be volatile owner Evangelos Marinakis rather than the team's quality. Expect some hasty and ultimately disruptive transfer business if Forest are still flying high in January. - Rouse<h3>20. <a id="Lille" name="Lille">Lille</a> 🇫🇷</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/cropped_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751887/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180508435.jpg?ts=1729987891 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> SAMEER AL-DOUMY / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Previous rank: N/A 📈One thing Jonathan David needs to do to win the Ligue 1 scoring title is stay healthy. The Canadian striker is near the top of the scoring chart, trailing PSG's Bradley Barcola by one with seven goals so far. David has all the tools to overtake his counterpart. However, the other important thing he has to do is stay with Lille. David's chances of claiming the scoring title are going to be wiped out after Lille agree to sell the 24-year-old abroad in January. - BruntOn the cusp: Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray, PSV Eindhoven

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Soccer Power Rankings: Bold predictions for Europe's top teams

Liverpool moved into first place in the Premier League after Mohamed Salah scored a sensational w...

Liverpool moved into first place in the Premier League after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> scored a sensational winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.Three minutes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/102362" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/102362">Cody Gakpo</a>'s 69th-minute equalizer canceled out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/102094" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/102094">Ferdi Kadıoglu</a>'s first-half goal, Salah surged into the Brighton box and unleashed a powerful curling strike into the top corner.The win sees Arne Slot's Reds move two points clear of second-place Manchester City after Pep Guardiola's side suffered its first league defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Liverpool STUN Brighton! Two goals in three minutes to take the lead. 😱 📺 Peacock | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVBHA</a> <a href="https://t.co/dhIZUJ6oAx">pic.twitter.com/dhIZUJ6oAx</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1852754998406345000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
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Mohamed Salah SCORES!! ⚽ 2-1 Liverpool FC vs Brighton WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 <a href="https://t.co/2w98QqADfX">https://t.co/2w98QqADfX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/JKSGinf4DT">pic.twitter.com/JKSGinf4DT</a>— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/fuboTVCanada/status/1852751751532695927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"We were outplayed in the first half," Slot said after the win. "We didn't show up at all. The second half the players showed a different attitude and intensity."He added: "If you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win, which in my opinion was deserved, that gives me a lot of confidence. More than the position we are in."Liverpool have won eight of their opening 10 games of the Premier League season.The Merseyside club hosts Aston Villa next weekend after a midweek clash with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield on November 02, 2024 in Liverpool, England.

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Watch: Superb Salah strike lifts Liverpool past Brighton, into top spot

Manchester United's search for a new head coach ended Friday with the appointment of Ruben Amorim...

Manchester United's search for a new head coach ended Friday with the appointment of Ruben Amorim, the Premier League club announced.The Portuguese coach joins from Sporting CP on a three-year contract that includes an option for an additional year. He'll officially join his new club Nov. 11.Interim Manchester United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge for the next three games, including Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea. The Dutch coach has been in charge since coach Erik ten Hag was fired Oct. 28.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Manchester United decided to cut ties with Ten Hag after their defeat to West Ham United last weekend. The Red Devils are in 14th place after nine league games.Sporting CP revealed earlier this week that Manchester United had triggered the €10-million release clause in Amorim's contract.Amorim's first game in charge of United will be an away match against newly promoted Ipswich on Nov. 24. His first home game is four days later against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.Manchester United didn't announce who'll be on Amorim's coaching staff.Amorim will be on the touchline for Sporting CP's league match Friday against Estrela. He then faces Premier League champions Manchester City in the Champions League in what will be his penultimate game at Sporting.Manchester United describe Amorim as "one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football." He won Portugal's Primeira Liga title with Sporting CP in 2021 and last season.The 39-year-old becomes the sixth permanent coach since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim during a press conference at the Alcochete Academy, Portugal. Manchester United are edging closer to the appointment of Ruben Amorim but the head coach is expected to stay at Sporting Lisbon until November's international break. The Old Trafford hierarchy unanimously decided to sack Erik ten Hag having decided enough was enough after Sunday's late loss at West Ham continued their poor start to his third season in charge. Picture date: Thursday October 31, 2024.

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Amorim named Manchester United head coach 

La Liga president Javier Tebas says Real Madrid compromised their values by boycotting the Ballon...

La Liga president Javier Tebas says Real Madrid compromised their values by boycotting the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.The Spanish club canceled travel arrangements to France after discovering that Brazilian winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a> wasn't going to win the Ballon d'Or. The prestigious individual award went to Manchester City midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engcc/players/67114" href="https://thescore.com/engcc/players/67114">Rodri</a> instead."I am a Real Madrid fan," Tebas told L'Equipe, according to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/42087782/ballon-dor-laliga-boss-criticises-real-madrid-no-show">ESPN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The most important values of this club are being a gentleman and shaking hands when you lose. I think Real Madrid lost that spirit a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned France Football's system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting. Real's victimhood is unnecessary and exaggerated."I don't know where they want to go."Despite the snub, Real Madrid was named the best club of the season and manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the best coach after guiding Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League titles to cap off a dominating 2023-24 campaign.Vinicius had 24 goals and 11 assists for the 15-time European champions.His former Madrid teammate, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///espcr/players/1308" href="https://thescore.com/espcr/players/1308">Karim Benzema</a>, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2022, thinks his former team was justified in skipping Monday's ceremony."I don't think there is anyone else who deserves it more than him (Vinicius)," Benzema told El Chiringuito, as translated by ESPN.He added: "I have nothing against Rodri, who is a good player. But I'm on my couch, I watch television and Rodri doesn't do things that make me say 'Pffff,' and Vinicius has done that more than once."

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF reacts to a missed chance during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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La Liga president slams Madrid over Ballon d'Or boycott

The Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United is over.  On the heels of another historically bad star...

The Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United is over.On the heels of another historically bad start to the season, Manchester United relieved Ten Hag of his duties after more than two years in charge, the team <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/Man-Utd-official-club-statement-on-Erik-ten-Hag-28-Oct?t=y&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=link_post&amp;utm_campaign=muwebsite">announced</a> Monday.A contentious 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday left the Red Devils in 14th place with just 11 points from nine Premier League matches. Ten Hag, who actually had his contract extended in the summer amid much speculation about his future, guided the club to just four wins from 13 games across all competitions this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future," the club said, adding that former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag's assistants, will take over as interim coach while the search for a permanent replacement is conducted.The club had hoped to give Ten Hag a full season to work under the new Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS setup, but finally lost faith in the manager's ability to turn things around, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41528230/manchester-united-sack-erik-ten-hag-amid-poor-run-form">Rob Dawson of ESPN</a>.A shortlist of around five potential permanent replacements is being analyzed, according to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/12040/13025492/man-utd-transfer-news-rumours-and-gossip-live-updates-and-latest-on-deals-signings-loans-and-contracts?postid=8522138#liveblog-body">Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports</a>.Manchester United opened the season with a win over Fulham but lost two of their next three league games. They then began a five-game winless run, which included a humiliating 0-0 draw against the Dutch coach's former team FC Twente and culminated with several toothless displays.Ten Hag's firing comes on the heels of a wretched run in which United won just one of eight matches across all competitions.In total, the Dutchman lost 27.3% of his games while in charge of the storied club despite significant backing in the transfer market. Manchester United spent over £600 million during his reign, with nearly half of that sum going toward former Ajax players with whom Ten Hag was familiar."The big shock for me is how bad they've been with the new signings that have come in," former Manchester United captain Gary Neville <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2024/oct/28/erik-ten-hag-sacked-by-manchester-united-news-and-reaction-live?page=with:block-671f89308f08eb7baa5eb48c#block-671f89308f08eb7baa5eb48c">said</a>.He added: "The fact that they are 14th is unacceptable. You can't be in 14th after nine or 10 games with the level of spend that's occurred without being under significant pressure - and that's what's happened."Ten Hag signed a three-year contract to become Manchester United's coach in April 2022 after a successful spell at Ajax. He was the fifth permanent coach - and eighth overall - appointed after legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Ten Hag ended his first season on a positive note. He oversaw United's League Cup triumph - the club's first major trophy since 2017 - months before they sealed a Champions League berth by finishing third in the Premier League.He also dealt with the unsavory departure of team legend <a href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> that season. The Portuguese superstar fell out with Ten Hag after criticizing the club and the coach in a revealing interview. Ronaldo ultimately left in late 2022 to play in Saudi Arabia.The next season, United finished bottom of their Champions League group. They also regressed in the league, finishing a disappointing eighth, their lowest position in the top flight since 1990.Ten Hag managed to end the season on a high, though, as United captured the FA Cup with a surprise win over rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. That singular victory was largely credited with saving Ten Hag's job at the time amid swirling rumors about his future.However, the club's failure to show meaningful progression continued this season and ultimately led to Ten Hag's departure.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England.

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Manchester United sack Ten Hag after dropping to 14th in table

Barcelona fans embracing the club's reported interest in Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams didn'...

Barcelona fans embracing the club's reported interest in Athletic Bilbao star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/170285" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/170285">Nico Williams</a> didn't sit well with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/96238" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/96238">Raphinha</a>.The Brazilian winger thought it was "disrespectful" after a picture of a fan wearing a Barcelona shirt with his No. 11 and Williams' name plastered on the back went viral last summer."I saw those (posts) with the shirt on Instagram," he told reporters Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41940843/nico-williams-barcelona-shirts-showed-disrespect-raphinha">Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN</a>. "I thought it was a joke in bad taste, and it was disrespectful. People need to respect the players that are here. We're here giving our best and fighting for the club. To see a photo like that wasn't very nice for me. I took it as a lack of respect.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Of course, people are free to do what they want, but I did feel a little hurt in that moment."Barcelona were heavily linked with Williams last summer after the 22-year-old's impressive Euro 2024 campaign with winner Spain. Williams excited fans with his pace and creativity on the left wing for La Roja, ending the tournament with two goals and one assist in six games.Raphinha's future at Barcelona was in doubt amid speculation, but the summer ended with Williams staying at Bilbao.The inaction has paid off for Barcelona, as Raphinha responded by opening the season with six goals and six assists in 12 games in all competitions, while Williams has one goal and two assists in 12 games.However, Raphina said he didn't use it to motivate him for this season."It wasn't an added motivator to start the season in the way I did," he said. "I was anxious to give my best for the club. Seeing how many years of my contract I have here (until 2027), it was a crucial point. I started the season knowing to play here, I have to adapt to different positions and a different style of play."In the past, I gave 100%. Now I give 200%, and I'm always willing to do that for this club. (It has been) part mental and part tactical, but also it's very important for me to have the confidence of the coach and my teammates. My mentality at the beginning of the season was different from other years - I knew I had to adapt to a new position to play here."

Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha arrives to give a press conference at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on October 22, 2024, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich.

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Lionel Messi is living in the moment at this late stage of his career.  As he nears the end of hi...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> is living in the moment at this late stage of his career.As he nears the end of his second season with Inter Miami, the 37-year-old says he values happiness and his health, insisting he's not looking far into the future or worrying about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina."I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead," Messi said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41850481/lionel-messi-value-happiness-2026-world-cup-argentina">ESPN's Lizzy Becherano</a>, after Spanish publication Marca presented him with the America legend award Thursday. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy."When I get to do what I love I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well."Messi fueled speculation over his future after Argentina's World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on Tuesday, saying: "I know these can be my last games."But his performance that night - recording a hat-trick and two assists - showed how important he remains to Argentina. La Albiceleste sit atop the South American qualifying table after 10 games, and Messi leads all CONMEBOL players with six goals in seven games.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also a big reason why Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield as the best regular-season team in Major League Soccer this year. Despite missing two months due to injury, Messi has contributed 17 goals and 10 assists with one game left to play before the playoffs begin."The step I took to come here (to Inter Miami) didn't mean retiring," Messi said. "We came here to try and keep making this team big, to help the development by winning titles, which we have, and we're close to clinching more."

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after he scores the fifth goal for his team during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Mas Monumental Antonio Vespucio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 15, 2024.

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Messi not looking ahead to 2026 World Cup, trying to 'enjoy every day'

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Gianluca Nesci

Supervising Editor

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Gordon Brunt

News Editor

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Anthony Lopopolo

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