Arsenal 3:1 Chelsea- Mikel Arteta gets everything he asked for Christmas : A little bit of luck.

London derby on Boxing Day brought the best out of Arsenal players as goals from Lacazette, Xhaka and Saka sealed a much needed win for the Gunners against Chelsea.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, said he was "relieved" to finally get a league win and rightly so. His Arsenal team were winless in the Premier League for 56 days since that famous win at Old Trafford on 1st November. 

Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal's win

There was a blend of youth and experience in the Arsenal line-up as Arteta gave a first Premier League start to Emile Smith-Rowe and a first league start of the season to Gabriel Martinelli.

One word Mikel Arteta used more than 'percentage' in his recent press conferences was 'luck'. The Spaniard felt that Arsenal have been unlucky in this recent run of winless games and that was soon to chance on Boxing Day.

Arsenal made a bright start to the game with the youthful exuberance of Martinelli and Smith-Rowe. The debutant even had a chance to score early on but he couldn't sort his feet out to tap in Bellerin's cross. On the other end, Mason Mount saw his free-kick hit the post, a first sign of changing fortunes for the Gunners.

Lacazette scored from the spot

The big moment in the first half came around the half hour mark when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty! Reece James got the wrong side of Tierney and fouled him from behind and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot but after VAR replays it looked like Tierney was already going down when James made contact. The VAR decided to stay with the on-field call and Lacazette put away the penalty to give Arsenal a lead.

At the stroke of half-time the Gunners doubled their lead! Granit Xhaka unleashed one unstoppable free-kick from 25 yards out giving Chelsea's goalkeeper Mendy no chance. 

Arsenal went into the break with a two goal cushion and Chelsea were yet to register a shot on target.

10 minutes into the second half, the gunners scored their third goal of the game and it was a further proof that the 'Footballing Gods' were finally on Arsenal's side. Bukayo Saka's loopy right footed cross-cum-shot ended in the Chelsea's net. His muted celebrations and a smirk suggested he knew as little about it as anyone in The Emirates.

Lacazette and Elneny both had chances to score further goals with the Frenchman hitting his shot straight at Mendy and Elneny thrashing his effort against the crossbar.

Chelsea got one goal back in the 84th minute through Tammy Abraham and were awarded a penalty on the 90 minute mark. Jorginho's 'hop and kick' penalty was saved by Leno to avoid a dramatic finale at The Emirates.

This was Chelsea's 3rd straight away defeat in a row and Frank Lampard's side lost more ground of the Top 4 chasing pack.

This win will feel like a turning point in the season for Mikel Arteta, who'll now feel a whole lot better with results and luck turning in his favour.

Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Sigurdsson's penalty ends Chelsea's 17 games unbeaten run

A total of 2000 Everton fans were back at the Goodison Park to witness a gritty Toffees performance as they beat an in-form Chelsea side.

Frank Lampard's side were unbeaten in their last 17 games across all competitions but faced a tough trip to the blue half of Merseyside to keep this run going.

Chelsea were without wingers, Pulisic and Ziyech, both struggling with hamstring issues. Everton were facing an injury crisis of their own, with both their first choice fullbacks, Coleman and Digne out injured along with the ingenious James Rodriguez.

Chelsea knew a win would take them on top of the Premier League and started brightly in the exchanges of the game. However, the first chance fell to Richarlison. The Brazilian dribbled inside the box from the left wing but his tame effort was straight at Mendy. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot.

Everton were given a penalty on the 20 minutes mark after Mendy clattered into Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Premier League's top scorer won the header and chased the ball before the Chelsea goalkeeper brought him down. Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot, his first Premier League goal in 17 games, and Everton had a deserved lead.

Everton's goal woke Chelsea up as they chased an equaliser. Reece James came close to a leveler twice in a space of a minute. First, his free-kick was pushed away by Pickford and from the resulting corner, the ball fell to James on the edge of the box but his low volley was superbly saved by Pickford with a little help of the goalpost.

Chelsea were looking likely to get an equaliser as the first half came to a close with decent chances for Zouma and Werner, but Everton held firm and led Chelsea by a goal to nil at half time.

Everton were quicker off the blocks in the second half as they looked to increase their advantage. Richarlison had another effort saved by Mendy before Yerry Mina missed a free header from an inviting cross from Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icelander, soon was in the thick of action himself as his free kick went inches over the crossbar.

Carlo Ancelotti registered a win against his former club

All the Everton pressure looked to have paid off when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought down in the box and the referee whistled for another penalty but VAR overruled the decision as the English forward was offside in the build up to the penalty and Chelsea had a lifeline.

Everton were sitting back and hitting Chelsea on the counter attack and looked threatening everytime they had the ball. 

Chelsea were inches away from equalising, as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Mason Mount's fantastic free-kick had Jordan Pickford beaten but his effort hit the post and kept Chelsea at bay. 

Chelsea had more possession but Everton were more clinical. Everton held on to 3 big points and ended Chelsea's 17 games unbeaten run dating back from 20th September.

It was a good evening's work from former Chelsea Manager, Carlo Ancelotti, as his Everton team moved up to 7th place in the table. Chelsea missed out on an opportunity to go top of the table and stayed at 3rd position.

Arsenal 1-2 Wolves. Neto and Podence sink Arsenal to their 3rd consecutive home defeat in the league

Nuno Espirito Santo managed another feather in his cap as his Wolves team registered a famous win away at Arsenal. 

Goal-shy Arsenal had been struggling for goals in the Premier League of late, scoring just 1 goal in the last 5 PL games and that too was a penalty away at Old Trafford. Mikel Arteta started with Aubameyang up-top with Willock playing as a 'Number 10'.

Wolves started with 4 at the back for the second consecutive time with club captain Conor Coady returning to the team after a self isolation period.

The game got off to a worrying start after Raul Jimenez and David Luiz were involved in a fearful crack of heads. This nasty collision resulted in Jimenez stretched off straight to the hospital and David Luiz bandaged up. After a 10 minutes delay, the game was back under way.

Arsenal, who lost their last 2 home games without scoring, trailed at The Emirates again! Neto poked the ball in after Dendoncker's header hit the crossbar.

Podence scored the winner for Wolves.

The Gunners however, only trailed for 3 minutes, Gabriel rose the highest to head home a cross from Willian to put the hosts level at the half hour mark. 

However, Arsenal's defensive frailties were exposed again when Podence put Wolves ahead for the second time in the game. Adama Traore powered his way through the Arsenal midfield and played in Neto, whose shot was saved by Leno but Podence finished the rebound well to give Wolves a deserved lead again.

The Gunners were finding it hard to contain the Wolves wingers, who were constantly making runs behind the Arsenal defence and lacked the creative imagination to cause the Wolves defence problems. 

Arsenal were yet to win any of their 7 games under Artera when they were trailing at Half Time and had to overcome this bad omen as they went into the break trailing 1-2.

Mikel Arteta's team talk at half time looked to have worked as Arsenal started the second half on the front foot. Saka had a couple of half chances and Willian took aim from a free kick but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

Wolves were playing counter attacking football in the second half and used the pace of Neto and Traore well. Neto played through Podence but his shot was fantastically blocked by Bellerin and Arsenal were still in the game.

As the game entered the final quarter, Arsenal were looking the more menacing side. Substitute Reiss Nelson blasted his shot over the crossbar from close range but the best chance of the second half fell to Aubameyang, who couldn't head the ball on target from an inviting Bellerin cross.

Wolves held on for a famous 3 points and moved up to 6th in the table. Arsenal's poor home form continued as they languished in the 14th position.

Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid. A moment of madness by Arturo Vidal amidst a Real Madrid masterclass

A Real Madrid masterclass in Milano means Inter Milan's hopes of reaching the round of 16 hopes are hanging by a thread.

The Matchweek 4 of the UEFA Champions League served up a huge game as Inter Milan hosted Real Madrid in what was the stand-out tie in group B. Both the European giants were struggling to get a firm grip on the ground and this fixture had a feel of a 'must-win' game already.

The Spanish Champions made a few changes to the team that started in the reverse fixture with Ramos and Benzama missing through injuries. That meant a first ever Champions League outing for Martin ødegaard. Inter Milan started with their trusted front two of Lukaku and Martinez while Christian Eriksen started on the bench again.

After an impeccable minutes silence in the memory of Diego Maradona, the game got under way. 

They away side enjoyed the early possession of the ball and were soon given a rewarded for it! Nacho was brought down in the box by a clumsy tackle by Barella and Real Madrid had a penalty. Eden Hazard stepped up to give the Real Madrid the lead.

Vidal was sent off in the first half

The Italian side were struggling to contain Real Madrid's full backs and the visitors' constant switch of play from one side to another almost lead to another goal with Lucas Vazquez's long range shot hitting the post.

The flashpoint of the first-half came on the half hour mark when Arturo Vidal went down in the box and Inter players appealed for a penalty but the referee saw no foul and allowed the game to go on. Arturo Vidal was booked for protesting the decision but still continued to argue with the referee resulting in another booking and a sending off. Real Madrid went into the break a goal and a man up.

Inter began the second half with more intensity and created a couple of openings for themselves but found it difficult to breach the Real Madrid back four.

Eden Hazard scored from the spot

Zidane brought on Rodrygo in the 56th minute and the Brazilian got on the scoresheet within 30 seconds of coming on! Lucas Vazquez's cross from the right wing was met perfectly at the far post by Rodrygo to seal the game and 3 points for the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid secured their first even win against Inter Milan at San Siro and moved up to 2nd place in the table.

Inter Milan are yet to win a game in the group and are languishing at the bottom of the group having drawn to both Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia M'Gladbach and losing home and away to Real Madrid. 

Liverpool 3-0 Leicester City. Rampant Reds end Leicester City's unbeaten away run.

Headers' were the theme of the evening at Anfield as Liverpool brushed aside Leicester City with a comprehensive win.

The injury-ridden Champions hosted Leicester City in what looked like a tricky game on paper for the champions. Brendon Rodgers' side, who were unbeaten away from home so far in the league came into the game in good form, winning their last six games in all competitions. 

Liverpool started well and Kasper Schmeichel was forced into action early on in the game with both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota bringing the Danish keeper into action.

The Reds were rewarded for their good start when Jonny Evans scored an own goal from a Liverpool corner. The former Manchester United centre back was too engaged in a physical tussel with Sadio Mane and was unlucky to head the ball into his own net.

Liverpool looked back to their best

Leicester City had their best chance minutes after going behind. A fantastic run from the back by the impressive Fofana, who carried the ball into the midfield before feeding the ball to Vardy, whose cross was hit wide by Harvey Barnes.

Liverpool continued to be the better team and soon had a two goal cushion. An inch perfect cross from Roberton was met by a super header from Diogo Jota, who just can't stop scoring at Anfield! The Portuguese became the first Liverpool player ever to score in his first four Premier League games at Anfield and his goal meant Liverpool went into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The Champions started the second half as they ended first with pressing Leicester City high up the field and eliminating the threats from Tielemans and Maddison.

Firmino had a chance to kill the game off early in the second half when he met a pin point cross from Jota but his shot was saved by Schmeichel and his follow up header hit the post. The Brazilian had another chance to seal the points but his shot hit the post before being cleared off the line. The ball then fell to Sadio Mane, whose shot hit the crossbar and somehow the score stayed at 2-0. 

The Foxes were struggling to have a spell of possession and couldn't get their creative, flair players into action.

Firmino looked back at his best.

In the dying minutes of the game, Firmino finally got the goal that he thoroughly deserved after a brilliant performance. He rose the highest to win the header and seal three important points for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Liverpool got the win and joined Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table with 20 points. It was an evening to forget for Leicester City and Brendan Rodgers', who returned back to East Midlands empty handed.

Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool. A tale of two penalties as the Champions hold on to a draw against Manchester City.

The Etihad was set for 'The Game' of the Premier League. The title challengers Manchester City hosted the Champions Liverpool in what promised to be the biggest game of the season so far.

Jurgen Klopp started the ,mid-week hattrick hero, Diogo Jota alongside Firmino, ending the 'either or' dilemma. Jurgen Klopp was yet to beat Pep Guardiola's Man City at the Etihad, with Liverpool last winning on the blue side of Manchester in 2015.

FIRST HALF -

The game got off to a flying start with both teams playing their typical high tempo football. Liverpool started the better of the two sides and were soon rewarded with a penalty ! Sadio Mane dribbled into the box and was brought down by Kyle Walker. Moh Salah stepped up to score his 4th goal in 4 games to give Liverpool a rare lead at the Etihad.

Mo Salah scored from the spot.

City were struggling to get Kevin De Bruyne in the game and were yet to register as shot in the opening 20 minutes. The Belgium superstar though, eventually started to find his feet and played a delightful cross to Sterling who couldn't score past Allison. The shift on moment was clear to see as the home team got more and more into the game as the first half began to settle down.

On the half hour mark, Gabriel Jesus scored the equaliser for The Citizens. The Brazilian controlled Kevin De Bruyne's pass beautifully before poking the ball in from close range. 

The VAR was called into action when De Bruyne's cross appeared to have hit the outstretched arm of Joe Gomez and the referee, Craig Pawson was invited to have a look at the monitor himself and he deemed it to be a penalty. The ever reliable Kevin De Bruyne proved for once that he is human after all when he dragged his penalty wide and both teams entered the break, level at 1-1.

Kevin de Bruyne dragged his penalty wide

SECOND HALF - 

The second half got off to a frantic start with both teams going in hammer and tongs against each other in the Manchester rain. There were changes at both ends as the two Brazilian shot-stoppers were called into action to keep the score level.

An unmarked and onside Gabriel Jesus missed a free header from a tempting cross from Cancelo. The game was finely poised going into the final quarter as both teams had exactly 50% of the possession in the second half.

Liverpool were dealt an injury blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off due to a calf injury. Firmino was replaced by Shaqiri as Klopp's Liverpool searched for a decisive goal.

As the game drew to a close, in the relentless Manchester rain, both teams looked knackered after their mid-week exhaustions and looked like they'll settle for a draw.

Full time at the Etihad - Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool.

Manchester City failed to score more than once in the Premier League for five consecutive games for the first time in 11 years. Liverpool's winless streak at the Etihad continues. This results moves City up to 10th in the points table and Liverpool move to 3rd place.

Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United. Reds secure 3 points on a tricky night for the champions

Diogo Jota scored the winner on his Anfield debut

Sheffield United came at Anfield determined to kick start their season and they will be disappointed to leave without a point. The champions had to dig deep and come from behind on the night but secured 3 vital points to get level on points with Merseyside neighbours Everton.

Jurgen Klopp went with 4-2-3-1 formation with Salah leading the line for Liverpool. Allison was deemed fit to start and Fabinho started at centre back again in the absence of Virgil Van Dijk. The visitors who were yet to win a league game this season gave a first league start for the former Liverpool favourite Rhian Brewster, who supported Oliver McBurnie in attack.

The defending champions made another typically strong start to the game, bringing Aaron Ramsdale in action early on to deny an extravagant attempt to score from his own half by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right back saw Ramsdale off the line and decided to goal for goal from just inside his own half but the former Bournemouth goalkeeper scrambled back and tipped it over to top. 

However, against the run of play, Sheffield United got a penalty for a foul on Oliver McBurnie by Fabinho. The referee Mike Dean initially gave a free kick from just outside the box but VAR intervened and deemed that the contact had occurred on the line and Sheffield United were awarded a spot kick. Sander Berge scored from the spot to give Blades a lead in a premier league for the first time this season.

Berge scored from the spot for The Blades

The Champions pressed for the equaliser with Wijnaldum and Fabinho both having chances to level the scores but their efforts were off target. Liverpool chasing the equaliser opened up spaces for Sheffield United on the counter attack but McBurnie and Osberg both missed golden opportunities to double the visitors lead.

Sheffield United were left to regret these missed chances as Liverpool equalised through Roberto Firmino. A rare Anfield goal for the Brazilian, as he tapped the ball in the net after Ramsdale palmed away a Sadio Mane header straight into his path. Firmino's first goal this season for Liverpool meant both teams going in level at half time.

The hosts started the second half as they ended the first with Mo Salah curling one just over the crossbar. Around the hour mark,the Egyptian spelled his magic with a magical touch and a vollied finish but his Bergkamp like goal was rightfully cancelled out for offside. Liverpool were rewarded for their constant pressure as Diogo Jota marked his first Anfield start in the league with a goal. The Portuguese international met Sadio Mane's pinpoint cross with a perfect header to give the champions a lead for the first time on the night.

Sheffield United reacted positively to going behind and kept creating chances. Chris Wilder brought on McGoldrick looking for an equaliser and the Irish international almost made an instant impact seconds after coming on but his shot went over the crossbar. On the other end, Salah had the chance to seal the 3 points for the Reds as he turned away from John Egan and chipped the ball over Ramsdale only to hit the post.

Oliver Burke had a huge chance to steal a point in the stoppage time but he snapped his shot over the top in what was the last meaningful chance of the game.

Sheffield United remain winless after 5 games after a night of If's and But's at Anfield while the Reds from Merseyside get closer to the top of the table.

Marcus Rashford scored late on for Manchester United to register a win at the Parc des Princes and yes, you've heard that before.

Manchester United beat PSG away to start their Champions League campaign with a win.

Marcus Rashford and Manchester United's love story with Paris continued as Ole Gunnar Solskjær's travelling reds registered a crucial win in the opening fixture of their UEFA champions league.

The Manchester United manager was missing key players through injury and opted for a back five, with youngster Axel Tuanzebe making a start for the first time this season as well as a debut for the new signing Alex Telles. PSG were missing some important players themselves but the attacking trio of Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria were fit to start for the last season's runner ups.

The hosts dominated the ball in the early stages as David de Gea had to pull off crucial saves to keep the game level. First, a curling shot from a former-red Di maria and then a point blank save from Kurzawa. On the other end, Martial was fouled in the box by Diallo and the referee awarded United a spot kick. Bruno Fernandes who missed his penalty on the weekend against Newcastle United missed again but what followed was another VAR intervention. Navas was off the line and a retake was awarded which Bruno Fernandes put away to give United a 1-0 lead going into half time.

The second half started with PSG dominating the ball and trying to breach the United defence but the visitors had the best chances early on with Rashford going through on goal twice and failing to convert both of them. David de Gea was back to his stunning best when he denied Kylian Mbappe but the Spaniard was helpless when Anthony Martial headed the ball into his own net from a corner to get PSG level. 

Paul Pogba replaced Alex Telles to play the final quarter of the game and Manchester United started to look more threatening. In an end to end game both teams had their chances to win it but some fine tacking by Aaron Wan Bissaka and great saves by Keylor Navas and De Gea kept the game at 1-1. The game looked to be heading to a draw but then up stepped Marcus Rashford. The 22 year old received the ball at the edge of the box before hitting a hard low shot towards the bottom corner to restore Manchester United's lead.

This win takes Manchester United to second in Group H in these early Champions League stage. They'll face RB Leipzig at Old Trafford next as PSG will travel away to Istanbul to face Istanbul Basaksehir.

Bernd Leno heroics helps Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to enter the Carabao Cup Quarter Finals

Liverpool hosted Arsenal for a second time in 3 days as the premier league champions hosted Gunners for a place in the Quarter Finals of the Carabao Cup. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made a wholesale change to the team that lost to Liverpool just 3 days ago . Bukayo Saka, who is called up for the England squad, was given a start at Anfield along with Dani Ceballos who impressed in the second half on Monday. Liverpool made 9 changes to the winning team from Monday as only Virgil Van Djik and Mo Salah kept their places.

The first half was a very cagey affair with both teams midfield dominating the ball. Arsenal enjoyed early possession of the ball but the best chance in early stages went to Liverpool's Grijic who missed timed his volley after a cross from Jota. Arsenal had the ball in the back of the net from a well worked free kick but the referee disallowed it for a foul on Grijic during the build up to that goal. The best chance of a goalless first half though came right at the end when Leno made a diving save from Jota's shot and Minamino hit the crossbar from close range. 

The second half was more eventful as Liverpool pressed for an opener but Leno was like a wall that they could not break down. The German Keeper put on his 'A-Game' to deny Grujic and then Van Dijk. The Arsenal No.1 dived to his left to make a brilliant reflection save to deny Van Dijk from close range. The saving spree continued as Leno denied Jota on a couple of occasions, once brilliantly diving to his left. 

Arsenal's best chance came in the 70th minute when Holding won a header in the box unchallenged but hit it straight at Adrian who made a good save. A second half dominated by the goalkeepers came to an end with both keepers keeping their clean sheets as the game went to penalties.

On a day when Leno looked unbeatable, fittingly it was the German keeper who saved 2 penalties in the shootout after a host of brilliant saves in 90 minutes to put Arsenal in the Quarter Final draw.

Penalties- 

Milner - ✔️                     Lacazette- ✔️

Wijnaldum-✔️               Cedric - ✔️

Minamino - ✔️              Elneny - ❌

Origi - ❌                        Maitland Niles - ✔️

Jones - ✔️                        Pepe - ✔️

Wilson - ❌                     Willock - ✔️

Spurs best Chelsea on Penalties to enter the Carabao Cup Quarter finals.

 Jose Mourinho's love affair with the League Cup continued as Spurs beat Chelsea on penalties to enter the next round of Carabao Cup.

The 4th round match of The Carabao Cup between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea went into the penalty shootout with Tottenham winning 5-4 on penalties. Mason Mount missed his spot kick as Spurs entered the Quarter Final of the League Cup.

Spurs made 9 changes to their starting XI that faced Newcastle United on Sunday with only Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier keeping their places in the team. Spanish full back Sergio Reguillon made his Spurs debut as Dele Alli was omitted from the squad again. Chelsea's new Goal-Keeper Edouard Mendy made his debut for the Blues. Both teams were looking to get back to winning ways after drawing their Premier League games on the weekend.

Chelsea started the game well and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Timo Werner opened his Chelsea account with a well taken goal from the edge of the box. Azpilicueta's cross was well received and finished emphatically through a crowd of Spurs players. This was Werner's first goal for the Blues after his move from RB Leipzig where he scored 95 times in 4 seasons.

Lamela and Gedson Fernandes had a chance to equalise for Spurs but their attack looked toothless in the first half that Chelsea dominated.

Spurs made a fast start to the second half as Sergio Reguillon's shot was palmed away byMendy. Harry Kane was introduced in the 70th minute as Spurs began to press for an equaliser. 

Werner and Hudson-Odoi missed good chances to put the game beyond Spurs but missed their chances. Hudson Odoi skied his effort and Werner's low drive was saved by Lloris and they were left to rue their chances as Eric Lamela equalised in the 84th min, calmly finishing a Reguillon's cross to take the game into penalties.

Both the teams scored their first 4 penalties leaving it to Harry Kane and Mason Mount to finish the job. Kane calmly slotted the ball into the bottom. Mason Mount's spot kick hit the outside of the post and Spurs entered the quarter final of the Carabao Cup. 

Penalties - 

Eric Dier - ✔️                Tammy Abraham- ✔️

Eric Lamela - ✔️           Azpilicueta - ✔️

Højbjerg - ✔️                 Jorginho - ✔️

Lucas Moura - ✔️         Emerson - ✔️

Harry Kane - ✔️           Mason Mount - ❌

Premier League's 'Project Restart' under threat amidst growing players concern

The Premier League is planning to resume the 19-20 season on 12th June after a 3 month break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 'Project Restart' has taken it's first steps towards resumption as Premier League players will return to training in small groups this week.

Troy Deeney has said wont return to training

 Even though the Premier League is confident in it's plans for the return of football, the players don't seem convinced. Troy Deeney, is one the most vocal players against the restart of the league. The Watford captain has refused to return to training amidst concerns about the safety of his family. "My son is five months and he's had breathing difficulties. I don't want to come home and put him in more danger. You've got to drive in in your own kit, you can't have showers, then drive back in the same dirty kit you've got. If I'm putting my clothing in with my son's or my missus' it's more likely to be in the house", Deeney said on Talk The Talk podcast. 

Deeney is not the only player against the 'Project Restart', earlier this month Newcastle United players Danny Rose criticised the Premier League comeback plans and compared footballers to 'lab rats'. Earlier Sergio Aguero said that 'majority of players are scared' at the possibility of return to playing football, while Raheem Sterling said that players will need 4-5 weeks of training before returning. Many players are said to be against the idea of restarting premier league just to boost the morale of the people in UK during the lockdown.

Danny Rose has described footballers as 'lab rats'

Chelsea duo Willian and Tammy Abraham raised doubts about potential restart as well. Willian said to The Mirror," Honestly, from what I see, a lot of players - the majority, I'd say - are uncomfortable with the idea of returning right now." Tammy Abraham echoed the concerns of his Chelsea team-mate. He said, "My father has asthma and I do not want to put him in any kind of danger.'

UK Government wants to restart football to boost morale of people during the lockdown

The first coronavirus tests of the players were conducted on the weekend and 6 players from 3 clubs tested positive for deadly disease. This will only increase the growing concerns in the minds of the players.

Bruno Fernandes arrived at Carrington to undergo a coronavirus test

As the world's most watched league aims for a comeback, it still looks like the premier league might need some more convincing ideas and safety guidelines for all the players, to get them on board for the restart.

Socially distanced celebrations, commentators commentating from home and substitutes wearing masks. Everything about the much anticipated return of Bundesliga.

Bundesliga quietly returned to action on the weekend and all the football fans saw what their beloved sport will look like for a foreseeable future. The first 'sanitized' ball was kicked in the Revierdebry as Borussia Dortmund beat Schalke 4-0 at an empty Signal Iduna Park. The BVB coach Lucien Favre described the atmosphere as "very, very weird."

BVB players celebrating Halaand's goal

The pre-game warm ups were carried out in small groups as per the guidelines by the German Football League(DFL). The substitutes sat at a distance from each other, wearing masks. The 4th official wore a mask throughout the game as well, as all the precautions were taken for the smooth sailing of the first matchweek post the Covid-19 break.

Substitutes sat at a distance from each other wearing masks

In these unprecedented times, the commentators were working on the games from their homes as well. Some Bundesliga commentators like Ian Darke and Paul Dempsey posted a video of working on the game from their homes, on their twitter feed.

On a weekend when all the games were played under the guidelines, the first real issue came up when Hertha Berlin players celebrated a goal. Hertha Berlin defender Dedryck Boyata raised some eyebrows when he kissed team-mate Marko Grujic on his cheek. The DFL announced that the Bundesliga players won't be punished for not social distancing during goal celebrations.

Boyata celebrates with Grujic

Erling Halland scored the first goal for Borussia Dortmund in their win against Schalke and a bizzare celebration followed. The players stood at a distance from each other and clapped without getting into contact with each other. This scenario might be something that all football fans have to get used to in coming weeks. The BVB players did their usual salute to an empty 'Yellow Wall' at the end of the game to thank the fans for their constant support.

Borussia Dortmund won the the derby and kept up the pressure on Bayern Munich who won away 2-0 away at Union Berlin to remain 4 points clear at the top of the table. RB Leipzig were held 1-1 at home by SC Freiburg and dropped down to 4th spot, losing ground on the league leaders.

The first matchweek post Covid-19 was carried out well and football fans all over the world will hope other league will follow suit.

German Bundesliga set to be the first of the top-5 European Leagues to return post Covid-19 break.

All eyes of the sporting world will be on the German Bundesliga as it's set to be the first among the top 5 football leagues in the world to make a return post covid-19 break. The Bundesliga will return with a fascinating local derby as Title-Chasing Borussia Dortmund will host Schalke in a local derby on the 16th of May.

The DFL (Deutsche Fußball Liga) announced that the games will be played behind closed doors to avoid gathering of people as a precaution to the deadly Covid-19.The German Bundesliga has the highest average attendance of any other league in the World. Playing games behind closed doors will take away the excellent fan' culture in Germany. The teams have to play without the loud, vocal and passionate support for the rest of the season. Borussia Mönchengladbach are planning to have cardboard cutouts of fans to fill up the stadiums with other clubs looking the follow the trend.

A stumbling block among the discussion of resumption of football was whether the games should be played on neutral venues or as traditionally home and away. The German government eased the national lockdown just in time for the Bundesliga to continue playing games home and away. This will be a big boost for the clubs especially the ones in relegation scramble. The DFL announced that all the necessary measures and precautions will be taken at all the venues to ensure smooth running of football.

Games will be played behind closed doors 

In another big change, the managers will now be allowed to make five substitutes. This comes as no surprise considering the increasing number of precautions taken against Covid-19 to ensure smooth sailing till the end of the season.

Even though the plans to start the league are well in place, the ever lasting threat of the corona symptoms showing back exists. The DFL however are confident that there will be no such problems. "All the players will be tested and medics will be provided for each matchday", said a spokesperson. The Borussia Dortmund managing director, Carsten Cramer remained confident that there will be no problems of a player testing positive for Covid-19, he said," A positive test won't be a catastrophe as long as we have the rules and recommendations for how to get along with it."

Bayern Munich are 4 points clear at the top of the table 

Other leagues , especially the Premier League and La Liga will be looking intently at how the restart of Bundesliga is carried out as they prepare to start for life after Covid-19.

EURO 2020 postponed to 2021 due to Coronavirus crisis.

UEFA announced that the European Championships have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Euro 2020 was due in June and July. Along with the European Championships, all the international friendlies have been cancelled too.

EURO 2020 is postponed to 2021

UEFA president Alexsander Ceferin said," We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible enemy and fast-moving opponent. It is at times like these that the football community needs to show responsibly, unity, solidarity and altruism." He continued," The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and, in the spirit, UEFA has taken this decision."

12 cities all across Europe were selected for hosting the games with the final to be hosted at Wembley in London. The list of stadiums is - Wembley (London), Aviva Stadium (Dublin), Hampden Park (Glasgow), San Mamés (Bilbao), Johan Cryff Arena (Amsterdam), Allianz Arena (Munich), Stadio Olimpico (Rome), Parken Stadium (Copenhagen), Puskas Arena (Budapest), Arena National (Bucharest), Krestovsky Stadium (St. Petersberg), Olympic Stadium (Baku). The new dates proposed to host the EURO 2021 are 11 June and 11 July. UEFA also announced that they will refund all the tickets sold so far.

Along with EURO's the Copa America is postponed to next year fearing the rise of Covid-19 in South American countries. Conmebol said in a statement," It has not been easy to make this decision but we must safeguard at all times the health of out athletes and of all the agents who are part of the great family of South American football."

Nicolo Zaniolo was ruled out of EURO 2020 due to injury

The postponement of EURO 2020 acts as a blessing for a few injured players who were on the way to miss the illustrious competition due to injuries. Young stars like Italy's Nicolo Zaniolo and England's Marcus Rashford were in a race against time to declare themselves fit for EURO 2020. Now they will be looking to make an impact in the competition next summer.

English Premier League matches suspended due to coronavirus.

The inevitable news of the Premier League getting suspended was confirmed by the governing bodies of the league on Friday, 13th March. This news comes as no surprise as the havoc of the deadly coronavirus increases in UK. 

Premier League is postponed until atleast April

The Premier League held an emergency meeting after the head coach of Arsenal FC, Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus. Chelsea striker Callum Hudson-Odoi developed early symptoms for the virus as well and he went into self quarantine along with the entire Chelsea squad.

Mikel Arteta tested positive for Coronavirus

Other football leagues in the world including Bundesliga and La Liga are postponed as well. UEFA competitions like Champions League and Europa League are postponed and the Euro 2020 is under threat. Other sporting events like F1 grand prix in Bahrain and Vietnam have been cancelled. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is under a threat of suspension as well.

The Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said in a statement," In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of the players, staff and supporters are our priority."

Liverpool will have to wait a litle longer for a first league title in 30 years

The league will be planning a restart only when it will be safe for the players to return, a Premier League spokesperson said. Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top and 6 points away from winning the Premier League.

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United. Title Chasing Reds beat their rivals to go 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League

The day when Premium League turns Red. The biggest game of the season for two huge clubs. Title chasing Liverpool hosted Manchester United at Anfield in what always promises to be the game of games. The North West Derby between Liverpool and Manchester United was a cracking affair in which Liverpool came out 2-0 winners as they went 16 points clear at the top of the table and 30 points ahead of their rivals Manchester United.

Manchester United started with three at the back. Luke Shaw played as left center back with Brendon Williams at left full back. United player a similar formation like the one they played in October at Old Trafford in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool. United are still the only team to take any points away from Liverpool, who have won all of the other games this season in the Premier League.

It was a cagey first 10 minutes as United enjoyed some early possession but Liverpool struck first through Virgil Van Dijk's header in the 14th minute. Van Dijk rose the highest and hammered the ball in the top corner past a helpless David de Gea. Liverpool thought they have doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Firmino scored but it was given as a foul on De Gea by Van Dijk in the build up to the goal, similar to Calvert Lewin for Everton at Old Trafford earlier in the season, which was given as a goal. This however, was disallowed by VAR. Andreas Pereira had a huge chance to make it 1-1 as he missed a tap in from Wan Bissaka's cross in the 38th minute and just 3 minutes later De Gea made a magnificent save to deny Sadio Mane as teams entered half time with Liverpool leading 1-0.

The second half started with Liverpool dominating Manchester United. Mo Salah missed a sitter in the 46th minutes after Luke Shaw's slip. This was shortly followed by Jordan Henderson hitting the post just 2 minutes later. United had to weather the Liverpool storm in the first 15 minutes of the second half but had a huge chance of their own in the 68th minute when Martial missed from close range after a give and go with Andreas Pereira. Another chance fell to Fred whose shot was denied by Allison. United piled on the pressure later on but couldn't break Liverpool's defense who were aiming for the 6th clean sheets in a row in the Premier League. United had a corner in the 90th min and committed all men forward, Alison gathered the ball and released Mo Salah, who went one on one with De Gea and scored to make it 2-0 in the 93rd minute in front of the Kop to seal the 3 points for Liverpool.

This win takes Liverpool 30 points clear of rivals Manchester United in 6th place and 16 points clear of Manchester City in second place. The Kop sang "We are gonna win the league" and this could finally be the year after 30 years when Liverpool go on and win the Premier League.