English Clubs

Manchester United’s surprise run at the top of the FA WSL was halted by Chelsea on Sunday with the Blues handing the Red Devils their first defeat of the season and taking their spot at the summit in the process.

The rise of United and legitimacy of its title challenge was highlighted this week by Tobin Heath’s decision to decline a call-up for the USWNT’s January camp in order to stay in Manchester for a couple crucial games, including today’s top-of-the-table clash.  

When football first returned after the Covid-19 pandemic had shut down all sports, players were told to stay away from their teammates during celebrations. For a short while, footballers heeded those warnings. 

Unfortunately, much like most Americans have slowly begun to ignore all Covid-19 precautions as deaths surge at alarming rates, footballers soon decided they could celebrate however they like without punishment.

What could have been a showcase battle between two Americans on Saturday turned into a horror show for one of them as Chelsea defeated 10-man Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage. Neither American had a particularly good day at the park, but the Antonee Robinson red card vs Chelsea proved killer for Fulham.

Manchester City’s transfer policy it quite transparent, but honestly it might be the smartest thing any club has ever done.

There is little doubt the two-time defending world champion USWNT is the best soccer team in the world, so it makes sense for Manchester City to throw all its money at World Cup-winning players. The Citizens signed their third American of the season on Saturday, making Abby Dahlkemper’s move official.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford said his former manager José Mourinho had helped him become more "savvy" in the box to win penalties.

Rashford's comments follow some debate over how many penalties his team are awarded, with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp saying United had more spot kicks in two years than he had in 5-1/2 at Liverpool.

Rashford said he had been denied several penalty claims while working under Mourinho and that the Portuguese had told him he had to become more aware in the box.

There have been a few false dawns but there is growing belief that Manchester United are on the cusp of reclaiming their place as the pre-eminent force in English football.

They are top of the Premier League table after New Year's Day for the first time since Alex Ferguson's glittering dynasty ended with his retirement in 2013, since when they watched first Manchester City and then Liverpool disappear into the distance.

Temperatures hit record lows across Hell on Tuesday afternoon after Sheffield United defeated Newcastle 1-0 in Premier League play. It has been a long long time since the last Sheffield win.

These record lows follow Saturday’s unprecedented blizzard that dumped snow all over the fiery landscape when Schalke defeated Hoffenheim 4-0 in the Bundesliga. Reports state that American Matthew Hoppe has claimed responsibility for the blizzard.

LONDON — Fulham manager Scott Parker has criticised the Premier League for re-arranging his side's game at Tottenham Hotspur for Wednesday, giving him only 48 hours to prepare his players.

Fourth-placed Spurs were scheduled to face Aston Villa on Wednesday but that match was postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak forced the closure of the Midlands club's training ground.

Instead, Tottenham's home game with Fulham, itself postponed two hours before kickoff on Dec. 30 after a COVID outbreak amongst the Fulham squad, has been squeezed in.