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The teenage striker scored twice off the bench to secure a spot in the quarter-finals

It turns out that Liverpool's youngsters might just be able to play a bit. Another youthful lineup – stripped of Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah – turned in a memorable performance for Jurgen Klopp's men, as Jayden Danns scored twice to mark a 3-0 win over Southampton in the FA Cup.

Sekou Mara had the ball in the net inside 30 seconds for the visitors, but saw his effort ruled out by the offside flag. Liverpool, for their part, created admittedly little in the first half, a group of youngsters looking their age in attack. But they woke up on the stroke of half time, debutant Lewis Koumas' strike deflecting off the heel of a defender and rolling into the bottom corner.

Southampton should have equalised early in the second half, but a timely poke from Ibrahima Konate diverted a cross away from danger when Mara had the goal gaping.

Danns added a crucial second with 15 minutes remaining, chipping the goalkeeper off an angled pass from Harvey Elliott. The teenager completed his brace with a simple finish into an open net – wrapping up a cup win to send Liverpool into the next round of the FA Cup. Klopp's memorable farewell tour might just be special.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):

Made a couple of important stops early on. Calm with the ball at his feet. Another quality showing.

Conor Bradley (8/10):

So assured on the ball and diligent in his pressing in an inverted full-back role. He's really starting to look the part in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jarell Quansah (8/10):

Impressive once again – especially in his individual duels. Completed 97 per cent of his passes, too.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Won his headers, put in some valuable tackles. A planned substitution at the break saw him get some valuable rest.

Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):

Ate up ground, played some neat passes in the final third. Ate up minutes to give Andy Robertson a valuable night off.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Joe Gomez (6/10):

Tried out as a No.6 after playing in Alexander-Arnold's inverted role on a handful of occasions. A bit mixed throughout, and looked confused when he ventured into the final third.

James McConnell (6/10):

Not involved much on the ball, but did enough work off it. Looked leggy when he was taken off – which is understandable given his age.

Bobby Clark (7/10):

A composed showing in central midfield. Assisted the first, and was generally tidy on the ball. Good for him to get the whole 90 in.

GettyAttack

Harvey Elliott (8/10):

Busy in and around the box, always looking for a killer pass. Deserved his assist. He's seized the moment well, given the Reds' lengthy injury list.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

Failed to capitalise on a good chance in the first half. Missed another in the second. Forced it a bit at times.

Lewis Koumas (7/10):

Diligent on the left wing. Rather fortunate to score on his debut – given the deflection – but that will take little away from the moment.

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GettySubs & Manager

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

Made a vital intervention to prevent a Southampton equaliser early in the second half. Tackled well and looked steady in key moments.

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

Didn't really have much to do in his 30 minutes on the pitch.

Jayden Danns (8/10):

Took his goals wonderfully, and was constantly involved. He looks a real talent.

Trey Nyoni (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Kaide Gordon (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Jurgen Klopp (8/10):

Once again forced into a number of changes with a glut of injuries to contend with. His side were poor in the early goings, but really grew into the game, and ended up good value for the win. The FA Cup dream stays alive.

The Italian is taking football in a new direction and would be even better placed to change the game at the Etihad

It was almost a year ago that Roberto De Zerbi visited the Etihad Stadium for the first time. He arrived already under some pressure after taking two points from his first four matches after replacing Graham Potter, who had been head-hunted by Chelsea for his fabulous record with the Seagulls. De Zerbi had already been criticised by Graeme Souness for having had seven jobs in nine years and no Premier League experience, accusing the Italian of just brushing up on his Brighton knowledge on Google.

His Brighton side fell to another defeat at the hands of Manchester City but after the 3-1 loss to the champions, De Zerbi was given the Pep Guardiola seal of approval.

"The game was one of the toughest we could have faced because they propose a type of game that we are not used to, I would say a few teams are not used to," Guardiola said. "Outstanding the way they [Brighton] play. I’m a big admirer of Roberto and the way they play. We felt it, the players know it, how difficult it was."

Guardiola has a habit of overpraising his opponents after City victories but this time he was not exaggerating one bit and he had seen evidence of what was about to come from this most talented and forward-thinking of coaches. Brighton slaughtered Potter's Chelsea 4-1 in their next game and barely looked back, storming to sixth place in the Premier League and qualifying for Europe for the first time.

De Zerbi's stock has rocketed as a result and it is only a matter of time before he too is head-hunted by a bigger club. And there is every chance that club could be Man City, who may have to find a successor for Guardiola in the next two years as the Catalan's contract expires in 2025.

As De Zerbi prepares to face City on Saturday, GOAL explains why the Italian is the ideal man to take the baton from Guardiola whenever he chooses to step down…

Getty ImagesInspired by Guardiola's Barcelona

De Zerbi would surely love nothing more than following Guardiola at City as the Catalan's work with Barcelona is what convinced him to dive into the world of coaching when he was winding down his career as a journeyman midfielder.

While De Zerbi was playing out his final years with Avellino and then Romanian side Cluj, Guardiola was presiding over spellbinding football with Barcelona, romping to three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues while playing an irresistible style that had barely been seen before.

"I became a coach for Guardiola because I loved his Barcelona," De Zerbi said last May. "I studied him a lot, I didn't copy him but I took when I started to be a coach, before when I finished to be a player. Pep is still number one."

De Zerbi took his first step as a head coach with Palermo in September 2016, just when Guardiola began his stint with City. He only lasted three months in his first job and in his second role with Benevento he inherited a team who had lost every game of the season. De Zerbi made unwanted history as he presided over a 14th consecutive defeat, the worst ever start to a season in Europe's top five leagues for 87 years.

But things soon turned and although he could not avoid relegation he ensured they ended the campaign in dignified fashion with six wins. It was enough to secure him a job with Sassuolo and it was there that De Zerbi really built his reputation, overseeing a thrilling style of play and successive top-eight finishes in Serie A.

AdvertisementGetty Pep adopts De Zerbi's ideas

Brighton, who are the envy of all of Europe when it comes to recruitment, were attracted to the Italian and after one season in charge of the Seagulls everyone, even Souness, was convinced of De Zerbi's qualities as a coach. Still, Guardiola went a step further when he doffed his cap to the Italian ahead of City's visit to Brighton in May, just after they had clinched the Premier League title.

"Pay attention to what I'm going to say. I'm pretty convinced I'm right in what I'm saying, I think Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years," Guardiola said

"There is no team playing the way they play, it's unique. I have the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect them to do it in this short space of time."

The City coach, in one of the great role reversals, said he was now being influenced by De Zerbi as he was preparing for the FA Cup and Champions League finals. He even likened him to a Michelin starred chef.

"He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents, he monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time. One of the teams I try to learn a lot from," he added.

"It is unique, like a Michelin-star restaurant unique. In Catalonia there was El Bulli with Ferran Adria, the best cook for many years and he changed the cuisine. Brighton are playing with something special. The way they move and it’s an incredible challenge to prepare for the two finals."

GettyMore goals than City this season

De Zerbi's Brighton are the only team in the Premier League who can come close to City in certain metrics. Since he took charge of the club in September 2022, the Seagulls have the second-best possession stats with 61.6 percent, only trailing City's 63.8%. They are also only behind City when it comes to making sequences of nine or more passes, with 843 compared to City's 1018 and make the joint-fewest share of long passes in the league.

Brighton have scored 82 goals since De Zerbi took over, only trailing City's 88 and Arsenal's 90. This season, Brighton lead the Premier League's scoring charts with 21 goals from eight matches, four more than City.

And they visit the Etihad at a time when City are at their least creative. They had just four shots in their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal before the international break, their lowest amount in a Premier League game for 13 years. Brighton, meanwhile, had 14 shots in their compelling 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

There is an argument to make that right now De Zerbi is a more exciting coach than Guardiola, albeit less successful. And if he is capable of playing this way with Brighton, just imagine what he could do with the talent and financial might City have.

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(C)Getty Images'My work is my passion'

There are further similarities between De Zerbi and Guardiola beyond their style of play and that is in their obsession with the game. When he was coach of Barca, Guardiola once missed his daughter's dance show in order to sit in a small dark room and watch videos of his side's next opponents. The match he was preparing for was not a big Champions League knockout game or a Clasico against Real Madrid. It was against Levante.

De Zerbi, whose wife still lives in Italy and whose daughter is at university in London, lives alone in Sussex and can feed his football habit with no restrictions. When he gets home from a long day's work at Brighton's training ground, he chooses to watch football on TV with his assistant coach.

"Football is a hobby, work, passion, it’s my life," he told the . "The problem is when there aren’t any games. I love to spend my time with my assistant watching the Champions League, and for us it’s an honour playing in the Europa League this season because if you live for football and can play in the middle of the week, it’s an honour, a pleasure. I think I’m really lucky in life because my work is my passion. I’m enjoying working."

The 30-year-old has been mocked over the fact that the team he left is now top of the Premier League – but he made the correct call

The online trolling of Harry Kane began as soon as the full-time whistle blew in Bayern Munich's shock DFB-Pokal second-round loss to third-tier Saarbrucken. Having already suffered defeat in the the DFL-Supercup in his very first outing for the Bavarians back in August, this latest blow in his bid to lift a team trophy for the first time in a 14-year professional career was viewed as further evidence of Kane being cursed; destined to retire without any major honours to his name.

What the keyboard warriors found particularly amusing was the fact that Kane had quit Tottenham during the summer in a desperate pursuit of silverware – and yet the north Londoners now sit proudly on top of the Premier League. And there would certainly be a cruel irony in Spurs winning the title for the first time since 1961 the season after the loss of their all-time leading scorer.

So, has Kane made a monumental error? Has he left Tottenham at precisely the wrong time? And for the wrong club?

Getty Images'I don't agree with his move'

Michael Owen certainly thinks Kane has jumped ship too soon. The Ballon d'Or winner believes the all-round attacker should have seen out the final year of his Spurs contract before joining Barcelona, Real Madrid or whomever he wanted on a free transfer next summer.

"I don't agree with his move from Spurs to Bayern," Owen told . "If he was so desperate to leave and to win trophies, then he could easily have stayed for another season and then had the world in his hands by going on a Bosman transfer.

"That way, if Spurs miraculously started playing well and looking like title challengers, he could have always [extended his contract], but, regardless, he would have had his destiny in his hands and gone to any club he wanted, all while he was getting closer to that Premier League goalscoring record and creating the perfect legacy with the club he's been at all his life.

"Bayern are undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in the world but for me to win a trophy, I don't think there's anything really special about going and guaranteeing yourself a Bundesliga trophy. Bayern will win the league with or without Kane, so I don't think that was particularly a reason to leave."

AdvertisementGetty'I was crying my eyes out'

Owen's perspective should obviously be respected, given he knows a thing or two about leaving a boyhood club for one of Europe's elite. He was painfully torn over swapping Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer of 2004.

"I didn't sleep for a week beforehand," he previously told GOAL. "And even on the drive to the airport, I was crying my eyes out, I don't mind telling you."

But Owen's view of the Kane transfer is understandably coloured by the negative outcome of his Madrid move. He scored goals in La Liga – 13, to be precise – but he realised long before the end of his one and only season in Spain that he was never going to be a first-choice during the dying embers of Florentino Perez's ultimately disappointing Galactico era. So, keen to avoid jeopardising his place in England's starting line-up ahead of the 2006 World Cup, Owen pushed for a return to the Premier League.

His goal was to rejoin Liverpool, who had just won the Champions League without him, much to the delight of some bitter Reds supporters who were still furious with the forward for leaving. But he instead ended up at Newcastle, and then Manchester United, as the second half of a once-glittering career was derailed by one incessant injury issues.

Getty ImagesKane gamble 'will pay off'

However, as Owen said himself to GOAL, "You never can plan your career perfectly. You think you're going to be a Liverpool player for life but then you think, 'Oh my God, it's Real Madrid, I'll regret this forever if I say no.'

"So, while I didn't get the chance to spend the rest of my career at Liverpool, I had an incredible experience in Madrid."

It's slightly curious, then, that Owen has come out so vehemently against Kane's Bayern switch, given his compatriot is demonstrating the same level of ambition. Furthermore, all of the early signs are that it is a transfer that will work out far better than Owen's short spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

For starters, Kane represented a hugely significant signing for Bayern. He wasn't merely an expendable element of a vanity project. He was their top transfer target, the belated Robert Lewandowski replacement, the complete No.9 they needed to sign at all costs to turn Thomas Tuchel's team into legitimate Champions League challengers.

And that's precisely why a club renowned for its relatively prudent approach to the transfer market committed to a nine-figure fee (including bonuses) for a 30-year-old with less than 12 months left on his contract. Bayern, as Lothar Matthaus pointed out, had probably slightly overpaid in the circumstances but he, like the club, presumed that the gamble "will pay off".

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Getty'You notice his aura immediately'

Kane is certainly proving value for money so far, with 12 goals in his first nine Bundesliga outings, including two hat-tricks – and a strike from the halfway line that even David Beckham felt compelled to comment upon.

Kane's also netted in two of his three Champions League appearances, though, with his crucial strike in last month's win at Galatasaray prompting Tuchel to come up with a rather novel and amusing way to hail his striker's ludicrously composed finishing.

"Harry has beer calm," the former Chelsea boss told . "If you have scored 4,800 goals in your career, then you just have less [of a] pulse! He has a very natural self-confidence and knows that he doesn't need many chances."

Indeed, Leon Goretzka says that Kane is a humble, "wonderful guy", the England captain has an "aura" about him that inspires confidence in everyone around him. "You notice it immediately in the dressing room," the midfielder said. "He helps us so much. He's a leader."

Leroy Sane is clearly loving linking up with Kane, with the former Manchester City winger enjoying the best season of his Bayern career to date, while the promising young striker Mathys Tel is already benefiting enormously from learning from one of the best finishers of the modern era.

"He's a role model for me," the teenager recently told the Bundesliga's official website. "It's important to have people to learn from technically and in terms of finishing, and, often I don't even have to ask him. He just comes over to me and tells me: 'Mathys, you can do that, or that'.

"He pays close attention to the little details and he's looking to help me in any way he can. He's supporting me a great deal."

Interestingly, when asked what he admired most about Kane, Tel responded, "His mentality. He is very strong mentally. He's very calm."

Expectations are sky-high for a team unlike any we've seen in MLS history as the new campaign gets under way

Let's make it clear from the beginning: Lionel Messi isn't feeling any pressure. He's felt real pressure before, at Barcelona, in Argentina, in Qatar. The same can be said of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. They're all used to pressure, used to not being able to accept failure as any sort of option.

But this sort of pressure is new for MLS, and it's sure as hell new to Inter Miami. The world's eyes are fixed on South Beach, and as the Herons enter their fifth MLS season, it promises to be unlike anything the club or the league has ever seen.

Messi-mania arrived last season, giving us a taste of the circus the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner brings with him. But that's what last season was: a taste. By the time Messi arrived, the club's MLS Cup hopes were already all but dead. He did his best to resurrect them before an injury ruled him out for too many crucial games. Ultimately, the club was undone by what happened before Messi arrived.

He's here now, though, and he has all of his friends with him. No MLS season has had this much hype, and no team has been under the microscope more than Inter Miami. Anything less than transcendent success won't cut it for a club that is now built upon a promise of more.

GettyIntroduction to Messi

It feels so long ago, Messi's arrival. So much has happened in the months since he showed up on that rain-soaked night at DRV-PNK Stadium.

His initial run was storybook, to say the least. At the time, Inter Miami were the last-place team in MLS, but Messi dragged them all the way to a Leagues Cup trophy anyway. It was a heroic run, one with fabulous free-kicks, incredible passes and, more importantly, wins.

Messi did the heavy lifting, but he didn't do it alone. Busquets and Alba were there to add guile and experience; Robert Taylor morphed into a superstar for a time, scoring goal after goal; youngsters like Benjamin Cremaschi took a massive leap forward, no doubt lifted by the confidence Messi instilled in them.

The wheels fell off by the end. An injury to Messi saw him miss key MLS matches, and by the time he returned, it was too late. A chance at the MLS Playoffs was gone. Next year, they said, will be the year.

It's now next year. The 2024 season kicks-off on Wednesday, and as it begins, Inter Miami remain talking point of MLS.

AdvertisementBusy offseason

With the foundation laid by Messi's arrival, the club went into the offseason needing just a few minor tweaks to what was already one of the most star-studded squads in MLS history. Calling the signing of Suarez a 'minor tweak', though, feels like selling it a bit short.

Suarez's arrival has given Inter Miami a legendary No. 9 to go with the ex-Barcelona super-team they've already assembled. Now, there are questions about Suarez, notably about the health and durability of his knees, but if fit, the Uruguayan still has the guile and talent to tear apart any MLS defense.

He wasn't the only arrival, though. Julian Gressel, one of the best pure crossers and passers in MLS, was also brought in, reuniting him with Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, his ex-Atlanta United boss.

The club lost some key pieces, notably Kamal Miller, who was traded to the Portland Timbers. To replace him, Miami brought in Nicolas Freire on loan, seemingly a like-for-like centerback replacement. Midfield looks set for a shakeup, too, with ex-captain Gregore leaving to open up room for Federico Redondo, who may or may not be coming soon depending on whether Miami can circumvent MLS' spending rules to get a deal over the line.

Either way, it was a busy offseason for Miami, who added a bit more firepower to an already-loaded attacking team.

Getty ImagesHighest of ceilings

MLS has never seen a team this stacked. This team has four ex-Barcelona stars, including perhaps the best player of all time. That player is fresh off a Ballon d'Or win, and he's now playing alongside the No.9 that he lit up Europe with for so many years.

The roster also features several USMNT veterans and hopefuls, rising South American youth internationals and proven MLS winners. It's an unbelievable collection of talent, with Messi's gravitational pull convincing several players to put money on the backburner to sign up to play alongside him.

In terms of depth, there's plenty. Suarez's knees are a concern, but he can be spelled by Leo Campana, a double-digit goalscorer in each of his first two MLS seasons. Taylor, last year's revelation, likely won't be starting, while homegrown starlet Cremaschi may make an even bigger leap this year once he returns from injury. The bench has MLS experience, but also includes young talent that could be ready for a breakout at any point.

Overall, there's no team in MLS with a higher ceiling. If Messi is Messi and Suarez is Suarez, no opponent will be able to keep up with that. Even if they aren't, players like Campana, Gressel and Diego Gomez can pick up some slack.

Still, despite all of that talent, there are holes, and preseason exposed them…

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GettyPreseason warning signs

MLS teams can get by with lesser defenders.; it happens all the time. Teams spend big in attack and just try and survive at the back. It leads to some shootouts and chaos, but that's relatively normal for this league.

But what we saw out of Inter Miami in preseason should scare those in charge. There's a difference between lackluster defending and disastrous defending. All preseason long, we saw the latter.

You can chalk some of that up to preseason fitness issues. Some you can also attribute to the competition, as Miami were facing some pretty good teams. Still, time and time again, we saw this backline carved up, and with the attacking talent in MLS, opponents will be salivating at the chance to attack this Miami backline.

It's not just the backline, either. Miami's front two of Messi and Suarez offer nothing defensively. Busquets, meanwhile, for all of his intelligence, isn't the most mobile, meaning he needs players around him to do a bit of running. Redondo could be that man, as could Creamschi once he's healthy, but the club's defensive issues start at the very front and are felt throughout the team.

Martino will almost certainly figure it out. The club has experimented with back fours and back threes, with Martino looking to find the best way to set his team up. The addition of Freire will help, as will the growth of youngster Tomas Aviles. Even so, though, preseason set off some alarm bells.

If there is one thing that will prevent Miami from contending atop MLS, it's their defense.

After ticking off Champions League and Bundesliga debuts, the 18-year-old looks set for a breakthrough season in Bavaria

When Germany took to the famous Wembley pitch in July for the Euro 2022 final against England, they did so with a team stacked full of young talent – one that, despite their eventual extra-time defeat, promises an incredibly bright future for one of football’s most successful nations.

After the Lionesses' triumph, a tearful Lena Oberdorf – the 2020 NXGN winner – collected the Young Player of the Tournament award at the tender age of 20. Right-back Giulia Gwinn, still only 23 years old, would earn a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament alongside Oberdorf and Klara Buhl, the 21-year-old who sadly missed the final due to Covid.

With 19-year-old Jule Brand starting the final and a trio of 22-year-olds – Nicole Anyomi, Sydney Lohmann and Lena Lattwein – all featuring from the bench, this was a tough day for Germany but also one that showed how much potential there is for the years to come.

That is not restricted to those involved in that tournament, either. As Germany’s triumph at the UEFA Under-17 Championship during the same summer showed, this country has exciting young players in abundance.

One who has really risen to the fore in this 2022-23 season is Bayern Munich’s Franziska Kett, the 18-year-old who is making a serious impact at one of Europe's biggest clubs.

But who is she and why is she set for a breakthrough campaign? NXGN has all you need to know…

GettyWhere it began

Born in Bavaria, Kett would play for FC Edenstetten before moving onto her hometown club of Deggendorf. The young forward played with the boys in the Regionalliga and it was there that she was spotted by Bayern Munich.

“She was the only girl in her boys' team, quite a good boys' team, and she stood out,” Bianca Rech, the sporting director of the German giants, tells NXGN. “She's a really quick and fast player. She has something special, I would say.”

After that, it was “a very easy decision” to approach Kett to sign for Bayern, Rech says. “You could see her talent and that she had big potential to be a great player in the future.”

As a young teenager, Kett would move to Munich, attend a sports school and live in a house with other young sportspeople as she set about making her mark at Bayern, an experience which would naturally help her mature.

She was also involved with the youth national teams from a young age, starting in the U15s.

AdvertisementFC Bayern MunichThe big break

After a couple of torrid years with injuries, Kett signed her first professional contract in March 2022, four days after being included in a first-team squad for the first time in a league fixture against Hoffenheim.

She was on the bench the following week, too, for the Women's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, but would have to wait for the start of the 2022-23 season for her senior debut – in a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.

Marking her first senior start with a goal, in a win over Meppen in October, the 18-year-old was also included in Alexander Straus' lineup for the game against Barcelona at Camp Nou in November. It was her full debut in the Women’s Champions League.

GettyHow it's going

Kett is now a fixture in this Bayern team, be it off the bench or from the start.

“Every time she comes on the pitch, she has an impact on the game and shows her quality,” Rech says, with the teenager having netted her second goal for the club in the win over Essen at the end of November.

She’s also an important player for her country, constantly a livewire for Germany’s U19s, and the feeling within the federation about her potential is a good one.

“She's ambitious but also down to earth,” Kathrin Peter, head coach of the country’s U19 and U20 teams, tells NXGN. “She's maybe the silent type and a little bit reserved when you meet her, but she knows her goals and she has a really clear mind.

“When you talk to her, you know that she has her aims and she's really ready to give her all for them. She's only 18 now and, overall, a really great person that is fun to work with.”

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GettyBiggest strengths

There’s a lot to like about Kett’s game, on both sides of the ball. Her work ethic is impressive for a young attacker, with her not shying away from her defensive responsibilities.

As for when she’s on the front foot, she’s so difficult to stop that there is a growing bank of images of defenders hanging off of her shirt, trying to find a way to halt her progress.

"She's really explosive and her dynamic is combined with outstanding technique,” Peter explains. “Some players can run fast but have problems with the ball at high speed, others have a really good technique but do not have the speed. Franzi is just comfortable on the ball even at high speed. On top of that, she can use both feet and also has great finishing skills.”

"She doesn't think too much and is strong in one-v-one situations,” Rech adds. “She fits perfectly in the system [under Straus]. She's a very dangerous player in the final third and can almost play every offensive position.”

That ability to use both feet helps to make her a versatile forward as well as a dangerous one and adds an element of unpredictability to her game that can be a big asset.

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes fired Portugal ahead against Iceland on Sunday with a beautiful strike from the far corner of the box.

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Portugal host Iceland in Euro 2024 qualifier Fernandes scores first-half openerPerfect response to Man Utd criticsWHAT HAPPENED?

Iceland were holding Portugal at 0-0 with half-time fast approaching in the Euro 2024 qualifying clash, only for Fernandes to pop up with a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock. He controlled a back-heel pass from Bernardo Silva out in front of him before unleashing a superb shot that flew into the far corner of the net, with Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson unable to get near the ball despite a full-stretch dive.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Portugal were already safely through to next summer's European Championship, having won all of their opening nine games in Group J. Fernandes is now up to six goals and seven assists in qualifying outings, and appears to be saving his best performances for the international stage. The 29-year-old midfielder has faced criticism for his performances at Manchester United this season, with Erik ten Hag's side having slipped way off the pace in the Premier League – but supporters will hope he can transfer his form for Portugal back to his club ahead of a busy festive period.

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Getty ImagesWHAT'S NEXT FOR FERNANDES

Fernandes will likely return to Ten Hag's starting XI when United take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday. The Red Devils will then turn their attention to the Champions League, with a must-win encounter against Galatasaray on the cards.

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Newcastle fans on Twitter have been running the rule over their 3-0 win against Cardiff, as an incredible performance from Fabian Schar lifted the Magpies out of the relegation zone.

Newcastle are now two points clear of Saturday’s visitors from Wales, as Rafael Benitez’s side put in perhaps their best performance of the season.

The Toon Army were the better side for most of the afternoon, and centre-back Schar broke the deadlock in atypical fashion, wading through the Bluebirds’ defence like Lionel Messi before slotting into the bottom corner.

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below…

Schar, who has proved to be an absolute bargain since signing for just £3m this summer, then added a second from close range after a Matt Ritchie corner.

Ayoze Perez netted the third in a momentous win for the Magpies, but Schar is taking much of the credit for the result.

As well as his two goals, the 27 year-old won three aerial duels, made two tackles and five clearances.

You can find some of the best reactions from Newcastle fans on Twitter below…

The Colombia international marked his first start since October with a goal, but Jurgen Klopp's side needed late drama to secure all three points

Liverpool survived a spirited Tottenham fightback to move up to fifth in the Premier League with a remarkable 4-3 win at Anfield. Diogo Jota’s stoppage-time strike secured victory for the Reds, seconds after substitute Richarlison looked to have grabbed a point for Spurs.

Liverpool had been 3-0 up inside 15 minutes and threatening to run riot, with Curtis Jones sliding in his first of the season, Luis Diaz marking his first start since October with another and Mohamed Salah converting from the penalty spot.

Tottenham, though, rallied and pulled one back through Harry Kane before half-time, before staging a spirited second-half fightback. 

Son Heung-min set up a nervy finale before Richarlison, on to huge boos as a former Everton man, forced in a 93rd-minute leveller.

Jota, though, would have the final say, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and on the sideline.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

Big save from Kulusevski at 3-1. Contributed a fair bit to the sense of unease by taking his time with the ball at his feet.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

Glorious assist for Jones and was Liverpool's best distributor all day.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

Looked edgy as Spurs fought their way back into the game. Won some big headers late on.

Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

Cleared off the line from Son but was beaten by Perisic for Kane's goal and couldn't settle his backline down in the second half.

Andy Robertson (5/10):

Switched off towards the end of the first half and put his team under pressure. Then played Son onside for the second goal. Not a great afternoon for the Scot.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Fabinho (5/10):

Had it pretty easy to start with, and looked at home. Things got a bit tougher thereafter and he wasn't great.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Neat and tidy, and worked hard. Lost his way a bit as Spurs got a foothold.

Curtis Jones (8/10):

Lovely finish to set the ball rolling, and his work-rate and tidiness stood out. Is enjoying a really good run.

Getty ImagesAttack

Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Kept his nerve from the spot after missing his last two, and was a constant threat.

Luis Diaz (8/10):

Back in the team and back in the goals. Lovely finish to make it 2-0 and his running power and link-up play was too much for Spurs to handle throughout.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Involved in everything early on, assisting Diaz's goal and winning the penalty. Some of his link-up play was glorious.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Diogo Jota (7/10):

Huge winning goal after a low-key cameo to that point.

Jordan Henderson (5/10):

Unable to settle things down.

Darwin Nunez (6/10):

Worked hard without the ball.

James Milner (5/10):

His experience was needed late on, but he conceded a soft free-kick from which Spurs levelled.

Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

Must have got his team talk right as his side flew out of the blocks. Will wonder what happened after 3-0, mind. Booked late on by his favourite referee, Paul Tierney.

Though their Blaugrana home kits are iconic, Barca have also delivered some tasty alternative strips over the years

Barcelona's red and blue stripes may be famous, but the Catalan club has shown throughout its history that it can still put together an impressive away shirt. Indeed, the Blaugrana have been toying with creative and colorful designs for nearly 50 years, coming up with some absolute beauties at various points.

From the bright yellow donned by the famous "MSN" attacking trio, to the classic Cruyff diagonal stripe shirt of the 1970s, Barca have donned some classics.

And so following the release of Barcelona's new away kit for the 2023-24 season, GOAL takes a look at some of the best away and third kits to have ever been worn by the Spanish giants…

Getty Images10Ronaldinho's toe poke genius (2003-05)

Ronaldinho loved a long-sleeved Barcelona kit. He had plenty of memorable moments in them, highlighted by a now-famous Man-of-the-Match performance at Santiago Bernabeu that brought Real Madrid fans to their feet.

This shirt, meanwhile, was associated with another iconic moment, the Brazilian's toe-poke finish from outside the box against Chelsea in the 2005 Champions League last 16. Although Jose Mourinho's Blues would go on to win, this kit is associated with one of great European goals.

Advertisement9Catalan stripes (2013-14)

This strip was a special one for local Barca fans. For the first time in the club's history, Barcelona donned a kit based on the Catalan flag. There were other details that connected it to the club's local roots, too, including the "Mes que un club" motto stitched onto the back of the neck lining.

Outside of the local area, the kit split opinion. And as some publications pointed out, the Blaugrana enjoyed limited success in the shirt, going winless in their first five contests wearing it.

Still, its homage to Barcelona's Catalan heritage made the kit important in its own right.

Getty Images8Soon to be a classic? (2022-23)

Can a kit released so recently be considered among the best ever? This gold strip from the most recent season certainly makes a case.

It's one of the best shirts Nike has designed for Barca for some time, with its bold colourway paying homage to some of Barcelona's memorable kits of the early 2000s (more on that later), as well as the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Olympic Games that were held in the city.

And it will be associated with success, too. The Blaugrana won back the Liga title in 2023, an achievement that will forever immortalise this kit.

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Getty Images7R9 in a Kappa classic (1996-97)

Ronaldo only played for Barcelona for one year. And in those 12 glorious months, he donned some memorable kits. The home shirt, an effortlessly cool reimagination of the classic 80s strip, is one of the best ever. And the away one wasn't bad, either.

The Brazilian wore it while playing out one of the best individual seasons in Barcelona's history. Ronaldo scored 47 times in 49 appearances, including 34 in the league. And although his time in Catalunya ended after one year, he will forever be associated with breathtaking goals and classic kits.

Birmingham City have opened the door for Wayne Rooney to join Tom Brady at St. Andrew’s, with manager John Eustace surprisingly sacked.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Blues riding high in the second tierHave parted company with bossLinked with ex-England captainWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues currently sit sixth in the Championship table, with an 18-point haul from 11 games enough to have them perched inside the play-off places. The Blues enjoyed a 3-1 derby win over West Midlands rivals West Brom last time out, but Eustace has now been axed as the club prepares to head in a different direction.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

Birmingham have said in a statement on the club’s : “It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club. With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace. Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the Club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Blues have also said that “a new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace". It may be that Manchester United legend Rooney is charged with the task of guiding the second tier club forward.

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Rooney has walked away from his role at MLS side D.C. United, with the ex-England captain and former Derby boss planning a return to his homeland. His profile would fit the bill at St. Andrew’s, with Birmingham drawing up ambitious plans after already seeing NFL icon Brady invest in the club alongside Knighthead Capital Management LLC.