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Leeds United made it three defeats in succession in the Premier League when they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites had the lead at half-time thanks to a goal from Lukas Nmecha, who bundled the ball in from close range after Anton Stach competed with Emi Martinez for a high ball.

Unfortunately, though, the away side struck twice in the second half, both goals coming from Morgan Rogers, and walked away from West Yorkshire with all three points.

Daniel Farke only made one change to his starting line-up from the side that lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest before the break, and it backfired on the Leeds boss.

The Leeds change that backfired on Daniel Farke

The German head coach opted to take Jaka Bijol out of the team, after he won four of his six duels against Forest, and brought Pascal Struijk back into the side, possibly to have a natural left-footer in that position.

Whilst the Dutchman certainly opens up more passing angles as a left-footer on the left side of the defence, his defensive work left far too much to be desired against the Villans, and that is why the change backfired on the manager.

Per Sofascore, Struijk only won three of his eight duels, losing both of his ground duels, and did not complete a single tackle in the game, which shows that he struggled with the physicality of the match.

The one tackle that the former Ajax man did attempt was his late lunge on Ross Barkley, which resulted in the free-kick from which Rogers scored the winning goal.

Struijk was far from the only poor performer on the pitch, though, as Brenden Aaronson is another player who should be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up.

Why Leeds must drop Brenden Aaronson

The USA international had delivered a goal and an assist in the three Premier League matches prior to the international break, which made his inclusion in the side an understandable call from Farke.

However, the return to fitness of Dan James has thrown his place in the line-up into doubt, and their respective performances against Aston Villa on Sunday suggest that the Wales international deserves a chance from the start.

Aaronson, who was awarded a 4/10 player rating by LeedsUnitedNews, lower than Struijk’s 6/10 rating, failed to create a single chance for his teammates in 80 minutes on the pitch, per Sofascore, as he came inside and got crowded out all too often.

Minutes

80

19

Shots

3

3

xG on target

0.15

0.15

Crosses attempted

1

5

Key passes

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

Dribbles completed

1/5

1/1

Possession lost

12x

6x

As you can see in the table above, James offered more to the team on the right flank in 19 minutes than the American lightweight did in his 80-minute outing against the Villans.

The fact that the Welshman attempted five times as many crosses as Aaronson, in roughly an hour less on the pitch, speaks to the difference Leeds could make to their attack by bringing him into the starting XI.

Aaronson, for all his hard work, is not a natural winger who is going to hug the byline and test teams consistently with runs in behind and crosses into the box.

James, however, is that player and almost made an instant impact when his brilliant run and ball across the box led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin finding the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for a handball by the striker.

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The Welshman deserved an assist for his play. Now, he deserves a place in the starting line-up because Aaronson was even worse than Struijk in the defeat to Villa, as he offered little to the team in or out of possession, whilst Struijk, at the very least, completed 95% of his passes and made five clearances, per Sofascore.

Raúl Jiménez did not hold back after Mexico’s scoreless draw with Uruguay, calling out the Torreón crowd for repeatedly booing goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel and the rest of the squad. The Fulham striker said the atmosphere left the team “sad,” underscoring the growing disconnect between El Tri and its supporters.

Getty Images SportA frustrating night on and off the pitch

Mexico’s friendly against Uruguay offered little excitement on the field, but the stands became the center of attention. From the opening minutes, fans at the TSM Corona booed goalkeeper Raul Rangel, upset that local hero Carlos Acevedo was not in the starting lineup. The tense atmosphere overshadowed the match itself, turning the night into a reflection of current struggle to reconnect with its supporters.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJiménez lashes out at fans

After the final whistle, Jiménez spoke bluntly about the treatment his team received. 

“What’s sad is playing at home and getting booed – the ‘Fuera Vasco’ chants, and people shouting insults at our keeper. That’s what hurts,” he told reporters. “Maybe that’s why they always take us to the U.S.” 

His remarks underline a growing frustration within the squad over fan hostility.

Getty Images SportWider implications ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Beyond criticism, Jiménez urged the squad and supporters to move forward.

 “We have to keep going, work hard,” he said. 

The team now travels to Houston for a friendly against Paraguay, aiming for a calmer atmosphere and a chance to reset before competitive fixtures ramp up. Jiménez’s remarks also revive the broader discussion around fan behavior, coming as the Mexican Football Federation continues to face fines for discriminatory chants. With the World Cup set to begin in Mexico next year, the episode adds renewed scrutiny to supporter culture and matchday environments.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

The Mexican national team has arrived in San Antonio ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against Paraguay at the Alamodome.

Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has made an emotional return to competitive action after a torturous nine-month injury nightmare. After coming off the bench during the Champions League victory over Sporting CP to rapturous applause from the Allianz Arena faithful, his team-mates lined up to praise the Canadian's mental resilience during his 261-day rehabilitation.

Fonzie is back!

The 3-1 victory over the Portuguese champions will be remembered for Lennart Karl's record-breaking goal, but for the squad and the supporters, one of the night's biggest cheers was reserved for the 88th minute. Standing on the touchline, ready to replace Serge Gnabry, was Alphonso Davies – a sight many feared might not happen until 2026 given the severity of his knee injury.

The 25-year-old had not featured for the Bavarians since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Canada in March 2025, and his senior team-mates were quick to highlight the extraordinary attitude the full-back maintained during his darkest days.

AdvertisementKimmich: 'I wouldn't have managed it'

Speaking to reporters in the catacombs of the Allianz Arena after the final whistle, captain Joshua Kimmich offered a candid insight into the mental toll such an injury takes on a player. The midfielder admitted that he was unsure if he would have possessed the same fortitude as his team-mate to remain positive throughout the ordeal.

"The way I experienced him, how he went through rehab, that is exemplary. I wouldn't have managed it like that with this energy," Kimmich enthused, clearly moved by the return.

The German international went on to reveal details of how the Canadian kept himself integrated with the squad despite being unable to train, highlighting a specific role he played alongside fellow injury-hit star Jamal Musiala.

"He also always tried to be close to the team," Kimmich continued. "He has been with us in the dressing room for months, comes to the games, comes into the dressing room together with Jamal, turns on the music, tries to create a good mood. That is not something to be taken for granted."

It was 'a hard time for everyone' – Neuer

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who knows all too well the pain of long-term injuries having battled back from a serious leg break himself in the past, was equally effusive in his praise. The veteran shot-stopper emphasised that the defender's absence was felt not just tactically, but emotionally within the dressing room, and offered some sage advice for the next steps of his recovery.

"It is naturally a hard time," Neuer reflected. "I know that because I have also had severe injuries and I believe for him it is now very important that he stays cool and appreciates this joy of playing football and that he is with us in the team."

Neuer added: "We obviously also hope that he will remain healthy, but he did it superbly, even during that time."

Defender Jonathan Tah, who marshalled the backline effectively against Sporting, pointed to the unseen hours of work that made the comeback possible. Speaking in the mixed zone, he summarised the collective relief felt by the squad.

"I am very happy for him that he is back," Tah stated. "I believe it was a hard path of suffering that he had to walk and we are all happy that he is there again."

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AFP'Good to be back', says Davies

For the man of the moment, the reaction was simple and heartfelt. Taking to social media after the game, Davies posted a message on Instagram, capturing the relief of finally doing his job again.

"Good to be back! Doing what I love the most," he wrote.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon – a tournament his nation is co-hosting – his return to fitness is a massive boost not just for Bayern, but for Canadian football as a whole. For now, however, he will simply enjoy the feeling of grass under his boots and the applause of the Allianz Arena. The "injury hell" is over; the comeback has begun.

Sometimes a win is just that, other times it’s a statement, and Wednesday night felt like the latter for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side had the incredibly tough task of hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in what many saw as a clash between the two best teams in Europe this season.

The first half played out that way, with a goal each, but in the second 45, the Gunners blew the visitors away.

There were sensational performances across the pitch from the hosts, but two players really stood out above the rest, one of whom was Declan Rice.

Rice's performance against Bayern Munich

Arsenal needed their leaders to step up on Wednesday night, and that is precisely what Rice did.

The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere from the first minute to the last, especially in the second half, so much so, in fact, that he had Ally McCoist waxing lyrical about him nonstop towards the end of the game.

For good reason, though, as one minute he was clamping down on a Bayern player to stop an attack, and the next he was marauding up the pitch to create a chance for the Gunners.

It was the sort of display that led content creator Jamie Kent to describe the Englishman as “the best midfielder in Europe” and the Express’ Tom Parsons to award him a 9/10 match rating at full-time.

It might sound like hyperbole, but it’s really not, and his statistics prove as much.

For example, in his 94 minutes of action, the all-action monster produced a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.61, played three key passes, took one shot on target, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, took 66 touches, made one clearance, blocked one shot and recovered the ball five times.

In all, it was one of Rice’s best performances since moving to Arsenal, and just like one of his teammates, he proved he’s one of the best in the world in his position.

The Arsenal star who is one of the best in the world

What’s so great for Arteta and Arsenal is that there are plenty of other players you could single out for their performances against Bayern.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Eberechi Eze, for example, was incredible in the ten; Mikel Merino was unreal as a false nine, and Martin Zubimendi gave Rice the platform to thrive.

However, when it really came down to it, Jurrien Timber was the starter who really stood out alongside the former Hammer.

The Dutch international has been one of the team’s best players all season, but against the German behemoths, he really stepped it up a level.

On top of his usual incredible defensive performance, the former Ajax star was once again a dangerous outlet going forward.

For example, in addition to scoring the opening goal, he was constantly getting forward and helping make the right-hand side a real threat alongside Bukayo Saka.

Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old left quite the impression on the watching press, with Parsons also awarding him a 9/10 match rating and The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid dubbing him “the best right-back in the world at the minute.”

Once again, while it sounds like hyperbole, the full-back’s statistics prove otherwise.

In 81 minutes, he scored a goal, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won seven of eight duels, recovered the ball four times, wasn’t dribbled past once, completed 100% of his long balls and dribbles and won one foul.

Minutes

81′

Expected Goals

0.52

Goals

1

Tackles (Won)

2 (2)

Interceptions

1

Recoveries

4

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (4)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (3)

Long Balls

1/1

Dribbles

1/1

Ultimately, there is a long way to go this season, but Arsenal made a serious case for being the best team in Europe with their win over Bayern, and both Rice and Timber were key components of that.

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Manchester United are keen to secure a new midfield arrival and could now be set to turn to a star who Sir Alex Ferguson once likened to David Beckham.

The Red Devils are probing in their hunt to climb the Premier League table under Ruben Amorim and will hope that they can attack their festive schedule now that the international break is over, even if they need to navigate injuries and absences along the way.

Benjamin Sesko is set to be on the sidelines, and the former Sporting boss has confirmed that his summer striker signing is set to return around the same time that Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui exit for the African Cup of Nations.

He said on his potential return: “He’s going to stay a few weeks out. I don’t know how long but it is not that serious. We have to be careful with him. He is doing the recovery, he is feeling better, so in a few weeks I expect to have Ben.

“I think it’s going to be more or less at the same time. I don’t want to say for sure but when they are going to the camp, I expect to have Ben back.”

While the goals have been spread for Manchester United this season, there is always a cause to add more expertise in front of the target to alleviate pressure on the strikers, something Mbeumo in particular has brought to the club since his summer move from Brentford.

With the transfer window fast approaching, Amorim and INEOS will have their list of targets in place and ready to go, either for the January period or even beyond into the summer.

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Now, they have added a surprise name to their shortlist who is a popular figure among supporters, and news that he could be set to move to Manchester would certainly make headlines.

Man Utd eyeing surprise Scott McTominay return

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are eyeing a surprise return for Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who is also on the radar of Arsenal due to his exploits for club and country.

His career revival since leaving Old Trafford hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the Scotland international striking 17 times and registering eight assists in 51 appearances for the reigning Serie A champions.

Of course, McTominay’s exploits for the Tartan Army have also drawn worldwide attention, especially after his incredible overhead kick strike to help his country edge out Denmark for a place at the World Cup finals.

Happy in Italy, it is believed that Napoli has set a £60 million valuation of the 28-year-old, and unless something drastic were to happen, a summer 2026 transfer move appears to be the most likely outcome.

Manchester United have been in the market for a midfielder to add to their existing pool of options, though it would be a surprise if they were to bring in a former academy star with such a strong connection to the club, where his ascent was even likened to Beckham’s at Old Trafford by Ferguson.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made contact with Xavi as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, with the 57-year-old being dismissed after the 3-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday.

Pereira was given plenty of time to turn things around, but the loss against the Cottagers was the final straw for Fosun, with the Old Gold now eight points adrift of safety in the Premier League, having made a very poor start to the season.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was particularly critical of the performance after the match, describing it as “embarrassing.”

Wolves are still searching for their first top-flight victory, having collected just two points from their opening ten games, while they were also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Chelsea last Wednesday, with the Blues emerging as 4-3 winners at Molineux.

It is going to be a tall order for whoever replaces Pereira to dig the Wanderers out of trouble, but Fosun are now eyeing what has to be considered an ambitious move for Xavi…

Wolves make contact with Xavi to replace Pereira

That is according to a report from Spain, which states that is indeed not Gary O’Neil at the top of the wishlist. Wolves have now made contact with the former Barcelona manager, who they have identified as the main candidate to replace Pereira, given his experience of managing at an elite level.

Fosun see appointing the legendary midfielder as a golden opportunity, as they are admirers of his possession-based style of play, and believe the 45-year-old could restore confidence to the squad.

The Spaniard is the top target, but he is not the only manager on the shortlist for the Old Gold, who are working quickly to appoint a new manager, with Bologna boss Thiago Motta emerging as a potential alternative option, given the Italian side’s impressive start to the campaign.

It would no doubt be a major coup if Wolves were somehow able to tempt the former Al-Sadd manager into a move to Molineux, given that he is held in very high regard by Barca president Joan Laporta.

The Terrassa-born manager, who prefers to implement a 4-3-3 system, has won eight trophies as a coach, across spells in Qatar and La Liga, most impressively lifting the Spanish title in the 2022-23 season.

Xavi has been out of work since being dismissed by Barcelona over 18 months ago, but in truth it is difficult to picture him moving to Molineux, given the mess Wolves currently find themselves in, sitting bottom of the Premier League, having shipped 22 goals, the highest number of any side.

Wolves also targeting Brendan Rodgers as replacement for Pereira Related Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have made a very poor start to the season.

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