John McGinn scored a second-half brace and Ollie Watkins struck for the fourth time in three games as Aston Villa secured a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, provisionally taking second place in the Premier League table.

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City despite reports that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has held talks about potentially taking over at the Etihad.

Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior -- reportedly the first choice target to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea -- said on Friday that he was taking no "notice" of the rumours.

Arne Slot says the first half of Liverpool's season has been a "constant battle", admitting the Premier League title race appears to be a duel between Arsenal and Manchester City.

Manchester United are not planning any comings or goings in the January transfer window despite chasing for a place in the Champions League next season, manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday.

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane was officially introduced to the squad on Friday after a "crazy 24 hours" following Enzo Maresca's exit, with Manchester City looming.

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to break their New Year jinx as the Gunners battle for their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Salah's future remains uncertain following his public outburst at being dropped by Slot and should the Egyptian depart, Liverpool will be in the market for a replacement.

Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the injured Alexander Isak.

Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach after 18 months in charge, the Premier League club announced Thursday.

Unai Emery said his failure to shake hands with opposing manager Mikel Arteta was because it was "cold" at the Emirates following his Aston Villa side's thumping 4-1 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa this month was a major stumble in their bid to win the Premier League title, but manager Mikel Arteta hopes re-watching the game may motivate his players when they face them again on Tuesday.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insisted he had to establish a formation at Old Trafford before asking his squad to demonstrate tactical flexibility as succumbing to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.

Tottenham ground out a much-needed three points for the under-fire Thomas Frank with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, while high-flying Sunderland were held 1-1 by Leeds on Sunday.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the Premier League champions have to improve a woeful record defending set-pieces if they are to continue an upturn in form.

Ruben Amorim conceded Manchester United were fortunate to beat Newcastle 1-0 on Friday but said his under-strength squad showed impressive spirit to withstand a second-half onslaught.

Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike's run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager's advice when it comes to improving his fitness.

Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is looking forward to the return of some key players from injury as he looks to push for multiple major titles, including the Premier League, he told the club's official website.

Despite a packed holiday schedule, footballers still found heart-warming moments on and off the pitch. Liverpool shared a cheerful Christmas Eve photo on Wednesday, showing the squad in buoyant spirits during training, dressed in red practice kits and Santa hats while linking arms on the pitch. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland joined the celebrations by dressing up as Santa Claus and posing with a sack full of presents. Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski struck a cosy note, posing with his family in matching red checkered pyjamas, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma smiled alongside his partner and child in front of a Christmas tree. Spain and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also shared a festive family photo in matching blue pyjamas, and Brazil winger Raphinha beamed with his family in a Christmas-themed snap. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, however, did it differently as he was seen in shorts on a beach next to a Christmas tree. While such moments offered festive warmth, football’s relentless calendar rolls on, with the Premier League and Serie A set to stage Boxing Day fixtures even as much of the rest of Europe pauses for a winter break. Photos: Instagram