England

If you’re looking for a stern reminder of the threat posed by COVID-19 on even the fittest of athletes, look no further than Newcastle United and the lasting effects of an outbreak that initially began with a significant number of positive tests on Nov. 29. 

The day after, Newcastle’s entire first team squad went into self-isolation and a Premier League match against Aston Villa scheduled for Dec. 4 was ultimately postponed. It’s believed that the amount of positive tests ran into double figures.

United States international and twice World Cup winner Alex Morgan has ended her loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur and will return to the U.S., the Women's Super League (WSL) club said on Monday.

Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes scored two each as Manchester United turned on the style, thumping Leeds United 6-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to move up to third in the Premier League.

United are now on 26 points, above Everton on goal difference and trail leaders Liverpool by five points, having played a game less. It was the best display this season from United who responded to Leeds' well known pressing game and relentless running by playing through the press with crisp, swift passing and matching Marcelo Bielsa's side for work-rate.

Manchester United, top of the FA WSL, hammered Bristol City, bottom of the division, 6-1 on Sunday with Tobin Heath scoring a late brace.  

Millie Turner, Jessica Sigsworth and a Leah Galton double had given United a 4-0 lead by the 63rd-minute, but Ebony Salmon pulled one back for City in the 72nd. Heath restored the four-goal advantage seven minutes from time by curling one into the top corner from nearly 25 yards out.  

LONDON — Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah each netted twice in a scoring masterclass as the visitors thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 to record their first away win in the Premier League since September and move a provisional six points clear at the top.

It marked the first time the Reds had won away in the top-flight by a margin of seven goals and was their biggest league victory since they hammered Palace 9-0 at Anfield in 1989 when they won the old top-flight First Division title.

31 years after beginning his managerial career as a player-coach, Sam Allardyce is back at the club where it all began: West Bromwich Albion. When he started at West Brom, Allardyce was the reserve team coach for a second division side, now he will be tasked with managing a team stuck in the depths of the Premier League relegation zone.

Son Heung-min was awarded the 2020 FIFA Puskás award on Thursday after it was deemed his incredible solo run against Burnley was the best goal of the year. Ironically, Son’s goal wasn’t scored in the calendar year as he torched Burnley’s entire team back in December of 2019.

Get in there, Sonny! Son Heungmin's breathtaking goal against Burnley wins him the FIFA #Puskas Award

LIVERPOOL, England — Roberto Firmino headed a 90th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table over the London club.

Liverpool has 28 points while Spurs are now second on 25 points with both teams having played 13 games. Southampton and Leicester are both on 24 points.

Roberto Firmino Goal vs Spurs

BOBBY! LIVERPOOL LEAD! pic.twitter.com/6de9Awilcz

I like to wait until clubs and players come face-to-face with Newcastle United before I pass judgement on them — I have yet to form an opinion on such things as Bayern Munich and Lionel Messi — but I’m now ready to give you the Tifo Football breakdown of Marcelo Bielsa’s freewheeling side: They’re much better than Newcastle.