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Manchester City win the Premier League 2023/24 season - 1st ever team to win 4 PL titles in a row

Updated Points Table (04-02-2024)​

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Brentford keep playing a blinder at moment, 5 big saves already.

Also an assist for maupays goal
 
Foden makes it 1-1

City have had 17 shots this half so it had been coming
 
FULL TIME: Brentford 1-3 Manchester City

Manchester City moved menacingly into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool, as Phil Foden's hat-trick was the catalyst for a convincing win at Brentford.

The hosts actually took the lead through Neal Maupay's breakaway goal in the 21st minute, but it took a heroic performance from Bees keeper Mark Flekken to keep the reigning champions at bay with a string of stunning saves until Foden struck in first-half stoppage time.

Foden's goal gave City the added momentum they needed and he grabbed his second eight minutes after the break when he stole in behind Brentford's defence to glance Kevin de Bruyne's cross beyond the exposed Flekken.

Brentford, despite being dominated, had fleeting chances to level, especially when Ivan Toney volleyed over from close range, but City were vastly superior and wrapped up the win 20 minutes from time when Foden took Erling Haaland's pass in his stride to steer the ball past Flekken.
 
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Premier League facing threat of legal action from club over rules around commercial deals

On Friday, rules regarding associated party transactions (ATPs) were tightened, aimed at clubs signing sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners.

ATPs can inflate revenue streams and allow more room for spending.

League officials have not named the club but informed all 20 of the threat at a shareholders' meeting in London.

The legal threat surrounds whether the Premier League's rules are compatible with competition law.

BBC Sport has been told the threat remains even though a vote on the proposed rule changes, following an earlier review, gained enough support to be passed after it had been rejected in November.

The changes will be introduced to the Premier League handbook in a matter of weeks but one contentious element around personal liability to directors has been removed.

It is understood the vote was not unanimous.

Sources have pointed to that disagreement, plus ongoing charges against Everton, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City and behind-the-scenes complaints about the new Premier League TV deal, as evidence of fractured relationships within the Premier League and discontent with chief executive Richard Masters.

"Following a full review of the existing associated party transactions rules and fair market value assessment protocols, clubs agreed to a series of amendments to further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the system," said a Premier League statement.

Meanwhile, the Premier League is still not in a position to put a funding package to the English Football League (EFL).

Funding of around £900m has been agreed but issues over where the money should come from and stipulations around cost controls in the Championship have stalled completion of the deal, much to the frustration of EFL clubs.

However, sources have said there is now momentum behind the discussions and pointed to a good-natured gathering of some Premier League and EFL clubs on Wednesday as evidence of the scope for agreement.

Clubs were also told there would be no pre-season Summer Series in 2024 because of a combination of time constraints, the European Championship and Copa America.

Source: BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Premier League facing threat of legal action from club over rules around commercial deals

The Premier League is facing the threat of legal action from a club over amended rules around commercial deals.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
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Erling Haaland scored his first goals since November to help Manchester City see off a determined Everton side and move top of the Premier League.

The Norwegian has had to wait to find the net since his return from the foot injury that sidelined him for most of December and January, but he made up for lost time here.

His first goal was a brilliant first-time finish that gave his side a crucial breakthrough in the second half, and he made sure of the three points when he ran clear to slot past Jordan Pickford late on.

Until then, Everton's organisation and resilience had frustrated the defending champions, who had not managed a shot on target until Haaland struck with 19 minutes to go.

The visitors failed to clear a corner and the ball fell for Haaland at the back post to smash home a fierce first-time strike that Jordan Pickford got a hand to, but could not keep out.

Haaland was not done there, and made the most of the space Everton left pushing for an equaliser when he galloped on to Kevin de Bruyne's through-ball, held off Jarrad Branthwaite and found the bottom corner of the net.

City's time in top spot may be limited - Liverpool can reclaim their place at the summit later on Saturday when they host Burnley at Anfield - but their return to the head of the table for the first time since 24 November is a reward for their impressive form.

This was their 10th successive win in all competitions, including the Fifa Club World Cup and FA Cup, and their sixth in a row in the Premier League.

Everton, meanwhile, remain stuck in the relegation zone and have now gone seven league games without a win.

Haaland's wait is over​


Haaland's opening goal was his first for 419 minutes in the Premier League and ended his longest scoreless run in the competition, as well as his longest streak of unsuccessful shots - 17.

He had missed five league games and 10 in all competitions at the turn of the year while recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, but remained top of the scoring charts even before ending his mini-drought.

In his absence, City faltered at first but, since Christmas, they have begun to find their stride even without Haaland's goals. If he is back in the sort of form that saw him score 36 league goals last season, they will be even harder to stop.

De Bruyne's return from injury has also been a huge boost and he was the catalyst here after coming off the bench just before the hour mark.

The Belgian upped City's passing tempo and increased the pressure on Everton's tiring legs, punishing them at the end with the precise pass for his side's second goal.

Calvert-Lewin's drought goes on​


Everton boss Sean Dyche was watching from the stands because of a touchline ban and must have been pleased with his side's efforts, despite the end result.

His gameplan worked perfectly for more than an hour but Everton's resistance could not last, and their cause was not helped by their failure to make the most of the few chances they created.

It meant they left Manchester without any reward for a battling performance, something Dyche has seen a lot of from his side this season.

Their high press forced some defensive errors from City in the first half, but the Toffees were let down by some wild finishing in front of goal.

Jack Harrison sliced one shot high and wide when a cross bounced into his path and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's weak chipped effort when he found himself in space was just as bad.

While Haaland's drought is over, Calvert-Lewin has now gone 18 games without a goal and, until he finds his shooting boots, Everton's main attacking threat remains set-pieces - of which they had very few at Etihad Stadium.

Source: BBC Sport

 

Fulham 3-0 AFC Bournemouth - MATCH REPORT​

Rodrigo Muniz scored twice as Fulham claimed their first Premier League win of 2024 to move above Bournemouth in the table.

The Cottagers dominated the early stages and opened the scoring when Bobby De Cordova-Reid capitalised on a Lewis Cook slip and side-footed into the bottom corner.

Neto produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny the lively Willian soon afterwards, but the Cherries goalkeeper was powerless to stop Muniz doubling Fulham's lead from De Cordova-Reid's downward header.

Marcos Senesi's sublime turn and finish halved the deficit early in the second half, only for Fulham to restore their two-goal advantage when Muniz met Willian's far-post delivery two minutes later.

Dominic Solanke wasted the best of several good Bournemouth opportunities before half-time, side-footing over the bar when unmarked before Fulham's second of the game.

Marco Silva's side climb above Bournemouth into 12th, dropping the Cherries to 13th.

Source: BBC
 

Liverpool 3-1 Burnley - MATCH REPORT​

Liverpool returned to the top of the table as they got back to winning ways against struggling Burnley in front of a club record league crowd at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side were looking to respond after last weekend's defeat by Arsenal and took the lead through Diogo Jota's header from a corner which Burnley keeper James Trafford failed to claim.

The Clarets, who have been in the relegation zone for most of the season, levelled before half-time through Dara O'Shea superb header before Luis Diaz restored the lead in the 52nd minute.

Burnley had several chances to equalise before Darwin Nunez's header from Harvey Elliott's cross sealed the points.

On a tetchy afternoon, both Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany were booked for by referee Tim Robinson for protesting after decisions went against their teams.

Liverpool were without first-choice keeper Alisson because of illness but stand-in Caoimhin Kelleher made a fine save to deny David Datro Fofana an equaliser when the score was 2-1.

Liverpool, watched by a new club record attendance of 59,896, had briefly been replaced by Manchester City at the top of the table following their 2-0 win over Everton in the early kick-off.

But the Reds are two points clear - albeit having played one game more than their nearest rivals - while Burnley remain 19th.

Source: BBC
 

Luton Town 1-3 Sheffield United - MATCH REPORT​

Sheffield United secured a vital Premier League win at relegation rivals Luton.

Cameron Archer beat Gabriel Osho for pace on the right flank and slotted into the bottom corner before James McAtee converted from the penalty spot as the Blades led by two league goals for the first time this season.

Carlton Morris got one back for Luton, scoring a spot-kick shortly after the break.

Vini Souza restored United's two-goal cushion with a well-struck finish 18 minutes from time.

Chris Wilder's side remain bottom of the league, seven points from safety, while Luton are just above the drop zone in 17th position.

Source: BBC
 

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion - MATCH REPORT​

Brennan Johnson scored deep into additional time to deliver a come-from-behind Premier League victory for Tottenham against Brighton.

Brighton's Pascal Gross opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Danny Welbeck had been fouled by Micky Van de Ven, sending goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario the wrong way.

Tottenham responded well to falling behind, creating a raft of chances, but Jason Steele made several good saves to deny the in-form Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski, while James Maddison curled narrowly wide.

The momentum remained firmly in Spurs' favour when the second half got under way with Rodrigo Bentancur, Maddison and Timo Werner attempting efforts at goal as the majority of the action took place deep in Brighton territory.

They continued to probe and that pressure eventually told when Sarr latched on to a lovely through ball from Kulusevski before finishing at the second attempt after his initial shot was deflected on to the post.

Captain Son Heung-min was introduced after the equaliser, making his first appearance of 2024 for Spurs after returning from duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup, and the forward had a major hand in the winning goal as he laid the ball across goal for Johnson to convert.

The win moves Tottenham up to fourth, one point clear of Aston Villa who host Manchester United on Sunday, while Brighton stay eighth.

Source: BBC
 

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Brentford - MATCH REPORT​

Ivan Toney scored his third goal in four Premier League games as Brentford clinched a deserved victory over misfiring Wolves at Molineux.

Christian Norgaard put the Bees ahead just after the half hour with a close-range header from a corner.

Toney secured the points with a crisp finish from Vitaly Janelt's low cross 13 minutes before the final whistle.

Pedro Neto struck the post for Wolves but Gary O'Neil's side suffered a rare off-day in front of goal.

Brentford's victory - their first away win since 28 October - has given Thomas Frank's side a healthy six-point cushion above the relegation zone, with a game in hand.

Wolves remain in 10th after back-to-back home defeats and O'Neil will hope an injury to the influential Matheus Cunha, substituted in the 20th minute, is not serious.

Source: BBC
 
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Leandro Trossard made it 4-0 with a magnificent curling effort just before half-time

Arsenal secured their biggest Premier League away win with a ruthless dismantling of West Ham to move back to within two points of leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta's side stay third but are now behind second-placed Manchester City only on goals scored after wiping out a six-goal deficit on a stunning afternoon at the London Stadium.

It is West Ham's heaviest home Premier League defeat and joint-heaviest of all time, along with a 8-2 loss against Blackburn in 1963-64.

An extraordinary first half saw the Gunners race into a 4-0 lead, thanks to goals from William Saliba, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, leaving the home side stunned.

Saka waltzed through a static Hammers defence to score his second after the break, before Declan Rice made it 6-0 with a rocket of a shot from distance against his former club.

Arsenal cruise to stunning victory​

After the jubilation of last weekend's win over Liverpool, Arsenal produced another statement performance to restate their title credentials.

It is their joint-biggest margin of victory in an away league match and their first since a 7-1 win over Aston Villa in December 1935.

They had to wait 32 minutes to break the deadlock, when Saliba rose highest at the far post from Rice's corner to nod home from close range.

West Ham had been defensively disciplined up to that stage, but completely lost their shape as Arsenal ran in three more goals before the break.

The second came from the penalty spot when Saka ran on to a ball over the top and was fouled by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The England international, who missed from the spot against West Ham last season, converted this time for his 50th Arsenal goal.

Gabriel made it 3-0 with another close-range header from Rice's free-kick, before Trossard curled superbly into the top corner in first-half stoppage time.

The pace of the game dropped after the break but Arsenal's dominance remained, with Saka collecting Martin Odegaard's pass inside the area before rifling into the near post.

Rice then fired in a superb sixth from distance, though the England midfielder refused to celebrate on what was his second appearance back at his old club since his £100m summer move.

West Ham slump continues​

West Ham fans streaming out of the London Stadium before half-time will be a worrying sight for David Moyes, who has come under pressure from some sections of the fanbase this season.

The Hammers were looking to beat Arsenal three times in the same season for the first time in 99 years, after winning 3-1 at home in the EFL Cup in November and then 2-0 at the Emirates the following month.

But the Hammers have yet to win since that December night in north London, meaning they have begun a calendar year winless in their first seven games for the first time since 1997.

This game was lost in a disastrous 15-minute spell before half-time as West Ham's previously stubborn defence disintegrated, with the half-time break failing to inspire any sort of response.

With Moyes' contract expiring at the end of the season, a result from a limp performance like this will only add to the uncertainty about his future.

The Scot will be hoping West Ham's next four games, all against sides currently in the bottom seven, offer an opportunity to kick-start their faltering season.

Source: BBC Sport

 
Arsenal have since won all 4 games , while scoring 16 goals and conceding only 2. If they can keep this up, the title charge may well and truly be on.
 
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Scott McTominay's 86th-minute header gave Manchester United a priceless victory at Aston Villa as they fight for Champions League qualification.

United appeared to be clinging on for a point as Villa created a succession of chances after Douglas Luiz cancelled out Rasmus Hojlund's first-half strike.

But McTominay settled a thrilling contest when he got in front of Matty Cash and rose to meet Diogo Dalot's right-wing cross.

United manager Erik ten Hag punched the air in delight as his side moved to within five points of their hosts, who remain fifth, and six adrift of Tottenham.

It was the Red Devils' fourth successive victory in all competitions - their best run of the season.

The result was harsh on Villa, though. They were thwarted on numerous occasions by United keeper Andre Onana, and despite the urgings of the home support were unable to draw level a second time.
 
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Conor Gallagher scored twice as Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Blues dominated the opening period of the match but it was Palace who took the lead, with Jefferson Lerma picking up the ball on the edge of the area and rifling the ball into the top corner in the 30th minute.

Mauricio Pochettino's side could not muster a shot until the 45th minute as Palace looked to frustrate their opponents and pick up a much-needed win to ease the pressure on manager Roy Hodgson.

However, it took just two minutes of the second half for the visitors to level as Malo Gusto's cross was met by Gallagher - who was on loan at Palace in 2021-22 - and he smashed the ball past Dean Henderson to level the scores.

Chelsea continued to push for a winner and Gallagher secured it in stoppage time with a neat first-time finish, before Enzo Fernandez added a third with seconds remaining.
 
Oscar Bobb has won Budweiser Goal of the Month for his 91st minute winner against Newcastle in January.
 
Cagey game so far between Brentford and Liverpool

0-0

Brentford play Liverpool, City and Arsenal all close together
 
Liverpool 2-0 up

Pressure back on Arsenal and man city
 
Brentford 1-4 Liverpool FT

Mohamed Salah scored his first goal for Liverpool since New Year's Day as they beat Brentford to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Darwin Nunez put Liverpool ahead with a superb chip before Alexis Mac Allister poked in a second at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Salah, back from an injury sustained on Egypt duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, got on the scoresheet with a crisp finish.

Ivan Toney pulled a goal back for Brentford, but Cody Gakpo added the gloss for Liverpool.

Manchester City and Arsenal will move back to within two points of Liverpool later on Saturday if they beat Chelsea and Burnley respectively.

The only sour points for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp were more additions to a lengthening injury list.

Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota limped off before half-time, while Nunez was substituted at the interval.

This was a victory which oozed class as Liverpool, who might have identified this as a potentially tricky assignment, bid to win a 20th league title.

Nunez delivered its standout moment as he broke clear to latch on to Jota's header and then produced a breathtaking finish.

The Uruguayan audaciously chipped the ball over Mark Flekken as the goalkeeper narrowed the angle.

It is easy to envisage Nunez as the architect of chaos, inferring much of what he does is instinctive rather than calculated.

Yet here he showed here his intelligence and composure to set Liverpool on their way.

Klopp and his coaching staff have undoubtedly polished a player who was rough diamond when he signed for £64m from Benfica in 2022.

Liverpool's Anfield showdown with City on 10 March hangs ominously on the horizon.

It feels somewhat inevitable that Nunez and City striker Erling Haaland will be the central characters leading into that encounter.

Source: BBC Sport

 

Burnley 0-5 Arsenal - MATCH REPORT​

Bukayo Saka scored twice as Arsenal continued their blistering goalscoring form to thrash Burnley and close the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after four minutes, firing a crisp strike into the bottom corner following a pass from Gabriel Martinelli.

Saka converted from the spot after Lorenz Assignon fouled Leandro Trossard in the box.

The England forward got his second of the game just after the restart, latching on to a clever Odegaard pass then cutting inside and rifling a shot into the roof of the net.

Kai Havertz's scuffed effort was blocked in the box but Trossard was alert to curl in for his third goal in as many league games.

Jakub Kiwior's long throw down the line then found an unmarked Havertz, who ghosted in behind the defence and drilled past home goalkeeper James Trafford to complete a comprehensive win for the Gunners.

Arsenal, who have 21 goals in five straight wins, move two points behind leaders Liverpool, while Burnley remain in the relegation zone.

Source: BBC
 

Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa - MATCH REPORT​

Ollie Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa bounced back to winning ways with a narrow victory at Fulham in the Premier League.

Jacob Ramsey pinched the ball off Willian after a poor throw-in from Antonee Robinson and set up Watkins who slotted Villa into a 23rd-minute lead.

And the England forward deservedly doubled his tally when he buried Youri Tielemans' through-ball just after the restart.

The hosts were gifted a way back into the match as Rodrigo Muniz capitalised on a mix-up between Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Clement Lenglet.

But Unai Emery's side were ultimately able to hold on, having lost their previous two matches.

Source: BBC
 

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers - MATCH REPORT​

Joao Gomes scored twice as Wolves gained an excellent win at Tottenham - a result that saw Spurs drop out of the top four in the Premier League.

The visitors went ahead just before half-time when Gomes was left unmarked eight yards out and rose well to powerfully head home Pablo Sarabia's right-wing corner.

But Tottenham made it 1-1 after only 34 seconds of the second half.

Wolves failed to clear a Spurs throw-in and Dejan Kulusevski ran past Craig Dawson and prodded the ball through Jose Sa's legs.

Tottenham had fought back after conceding the first goal to beat Brentford and Brighton in their past two home games and Kulusevski had two chances to put the hosts in front this time.

However, Sa made an excellent save low down to his left and Nelson Semedo blocked a goalbound-effort to keep it level.

Those squandered chances proved significant as Wolves sprang a quick counter-attack with Pedro Neto pulling the ball back for Gomes to side-foot home what proved to be the winning goal.

Spurs began the day in fourth place, but Aston Villa's win at Fulham saw them move above Ange Postecoglou's side.

Source: BBC
 

Newcastle United 2-2 AFC Bournemouth - MATCH REPORT​

Matt Ritchie's first Premier League goal since 2020 earned Newcastle a dramatic point and denied Bournemouth their first top-flight victory of 2024.

Eddie Howe's team were trailing going into added time but second-half substitute Ritchie converted from close range after the visitors failed to adequately deal with Bruno Guimaraes' inswinging delivery.

Bournemouth will be deeply frustrated not to have claimed all three points at St James' Park after twice taking the lead in an entertaining and, at times, chaotic second period.

Dominic Solanke capitalised on a Martin Dubravka slip to break the deadlock, only for Newcastle to equalise seven minutes later through Anthony Gordon's contentious penalty.

Antoine Semenyo appeared to have earned Bournemouth their first victory since 26 December with a thunderous finish from the edge of the penalty area, but winger Ritchie had the final say against his former club.

Newcastle stay seventh in the table, while Bournemouth move nine points clear of the bottom three.

Source: BBC
 
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Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham United - MATCH REPORT​

Nottingham Forest climbed five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone and added to the pressure on West Ham United manager David Moyes with a deserved victory at the City Ground.

Taiwo Awoniyi gave the home side the lead just before half-time and Callum Hudson-Odoi made sure of the win in added time when he scored for the third consecutive game.

On-loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips was shown two yellow cards in three minutes as he had another game to forget for West Ham.

Forest move up to 15th while Moyes' side's failure to bounce back from the 6-0 thrashing against Arsenal last Sunday means they stay eighth.

Source: BBC
 
Rodri makes it 1-1, Chelsea punished for not killing game off
 
Dropped points for City, they do have a game in hand though
 
Sheff Utd 0 | 5 Brighton FT

Brighton thrashed 10-man Sheffield United, who stayed bottom of the Premier League and conceded five goals at home for the third consecutive game.

The game swung in the 12th minute when United's Mason Holgate caught Kaoru Mitoma in midfield with a horrific challenge just below the knee.

The Everton loanee was shown a yellow card, but the decision was upgraded to a red after intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR).

Against 10 men, Brighton attacked at will, taking the lead through Facundo Buonanotte, who bundled in a corner.

Danny Welbeck doubled the advantage, firing in a rebound after keeper Wes Foderingham denied Mitoma.

The hosts thought they had pulled a goal back just before the break through Ben Osborn, but his hooked volley has ruled out for offside.

Brighton got a deserved third midway through the second half when United defender Jack Robinson diverted Mitoma's cross into his own net.

Simon Adingra added two late goals, burying Pascal Gross' cutback and benefiting from a looping deflection.

BBC Sport

 
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Rasmus Hojlund scored for the sixth successive Premier League game as Manchester United survived a Luton Town display of fierce determination to stay in contention for the top four with victory at Kenilworth Road.

United's £72m summer signing from Atalanta has hit a red-hot streak after early struggles in front of goal and scored twice in the first seven minutes to set up a fourth successive league win for Erik ten Hag's side.

The 21-year-old pounced on Amari'i Bell's error after only 37 seconds to round keeper Thomas Kaminski and score, adding a second in the seventh minute, instinctively diverting Alejandro Garnacho's shot into the net.

Luton Town, in an uproarious atmosphere, responded with defiance and character, Carlton Morris swiftly giving the Hatters hope with a header as United struggled to cope with the intensity of the home side, especially in the opening half.

United lost defender Luke Shaw to injury before the interval, while Harry Maguire and Casemiro also went off at the break, but for all Luton's second-half endeavour it was the visitors who created the better chances, Kaminski denying Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, and a Hojlund hat-trick.

However, there was one more nervous moment for the visitors in stoppage time when Ross Barkley's glancing header clipped the top of the crossbar.

The win means United are now only five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
 
Kalvin Phillips hopes his red card in West Ham's defeat at Nottingham Forest signals the end of his run of "bad luck" in a Hammers shirt.

The England midfielder has endured a difficult start at West Ham since his January loan move from Manchester City.

He made mistakes that led to goals against Bournemouth and Manchester United before his dismissal at Forest.

"They say bad luck comes in threes, so let's hope I've had my three pieces of it and I can kick on now," he said.

"I wanted this to be a fresh start, to really get my head down and go for it. It's not gone as I would have hoped. Everyone can see that.

"But I know football. I'm experienced enough to know that if I get my head down and grit my teeth and do the basics right, that things will turn."

Phillips says he is "frustrated and gutted" at the dismissal and thinks his lack of match sharpness is a contributing factor to his slow start at West Ham.

The 28-year-old made just two starts for City this season prior to his move to the London Stadium on 26 January.

"There are certain things you need to do on a football pitch. OK, I was training with the best team in the world, but games get you sharper," said the former Leeds United midfielder.

Source : BBC
 
Tony Mowbray has temporarily stepped away as Birmingham City boss as he undergoes medical treatment for an unnamed illness.

Mowbray said he was told he requires treatment after undergoing a recent health assessment.

In a statement, the club confirmed Mowbray will step away "for a period of approximately six to eight weeks".

The 60-year-old is just in his second month in charge of Blues, having replaced Wayne Rooney on 8 January.

Mowbray, who took the Blues job after being sacked by Sunderland in December, was in the dugout for Saturday's home win against his former employers.

While he is stepping away from "on-site management" of Birmingham, Mowbray will continue to work with his assistant manager Mark Venus, who will be filling in for Mowbray.

"Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area," he said.

"I will continue to provide advice and counsel while undergoing treatment.

"The club has been incredibly supportive of me and my family and we are very grateful. I know that everyone will be respectful of our privacy at this time."

Since Mowbray took the job at St Andrew's, Blues have taken 10 points from a possible 18 and climbed to 15th in the table.

Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook said Mowbray's temporary replacements will be "given all the support they need" to continue the work started by the former Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Celtic boss.

"Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber, and family," Cook said.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming Tony back to the club to continue the excellent work that he has started."

Source: BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Tony Mowbray: Birmingham City boss temporarily steps away for medical reasons

Tony Mowbray temporarily steps away as Birmingham City boss as he seeks medical treatment for an unnamed illness.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

Crystal Palace have appointed former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager.​

The 49-year-old Austrian replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down on Monday so Palace could "bring forward their plans to appoint a new manager at the end of the season".

Palace are 16th in the Premier League after 10 defeats in the past 16 games.

Glasner has signed a contract until June 2026 and will be in charge for Saturday's home game against Burnley.

He was pictured watching Tottenham's defeat by Wolves on Saturday, with Spurs hosting Palace on 2 March.

Hodgson's coaches Ray Lewington and Paddy McCarthy will be in charge of Monday's game at Everton.

Glasner, who is yet to appoint a coaching team, watched the match from the Goodison Park stands.

Source: BBC
 

Sunderland have sacked head coach Michael Beale after just 12 games in charge, following back-to-back Championship defeats.​


The 43-year-old was given a two-and-a-half-year deal in December when he replaced the popular Tony Mowbray.

Beale lost six games during his short stint, including a 3-0 home FA Cup defeat by rivals Newcastle United.

Assistant Mike Dodds has been placed in interim charge of the Black Cats until the end of the season.

Source: BBC
 

Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace - MATCH REPORT​


Amadou Onana's header lifted Everton out of the Premier League's bottom three as they rescued a point against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.

Onana rose highest to head home from a corner in the 84th minute.

Jordan Ayew scored for Palace, who announced earlier on Monday that Roy Hodgson has stepped down as manager.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has replaced Hodgson, 76, who as taken ill during training on Thursday but is now out of hospital.

Ghana forward Ayew thumped a superb strike into the far corner past home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and looked to have sealed three points for Palace before Onana's late intervention.

Everton's best chance of the first half came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose between two Palace defenders but his header from a Dwight McNeil cross went wide of the post.

Chris Richards and Jean-Philippe Mateta had headers blocked on the line by Everton defenders James Tarkowski and Ashley Young before Palace went ahead.

Tarkowski's header from a corner was saved by Sam Johnstone who then reacted well to deny Abdoulaye Doucoure at the near post.

Source: BBC
 
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Team news - De Bruyne on City bench, Wissa starts for Bees

Man City v Brentford (19:30 GMT)

Pep Guardiola makes three changes to the Manchester City side that started the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Kevin De Bruyne joins Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku on the bench. In come John Stones, Bernardo Silva and 20-year-old winger Oscar Bobb.

Manchester City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Akanji, Rodri, Bobb, Foden, Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Carson, Ake, Kovacic, Doku, De Bruyne, Gomez, Nunes, Lewis

Thomas Frank also makes three alterations to the Brentford team beaten 4-1 by Liverpool.

Yoane Wissa starts for the first time since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mathias Jorgensen and Frank Onyeka are also recalled.

Neal Maupay, Nathan Collins and Mathias Jensen drop to the bench.

Brentford XI: Flekken, Onyeka, Ajer, Mee, Roerslev, Jorgensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Reguilon, Toney, Wissa

Subs: Strakosha, Maupay, Jensen, Ghoddos, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard, Baptiste, Yarmoliuk
 
Man city 0 0 Brentford - HT

Brentford giving a good account of themselves so far
 

Premier League clubs to meet in February about EFL funding deal​


Premier League clubs will meet on 29 February to have another attempt at agreeing a funding deal for the English Football League (EFL).

Agreement over how the 'New Deal' should be financed has proved elusive over the past few months.

Some clubs have felt the 'bigger' members of the top flight should pay a greater percentage.

The overall sum, which will be partly tied to future TV revenues, is expected to be around £900m over six years.

There had also been disagreement over financial regulations to be implemented in the Championship.

There is no guarantee of a conclusion to the matter on 29 February and there is potential for a further meeting on 11 March should it be needed.

However, sources at a Premier League shareholders' meeting in London earlier this month expressed increased confidence over a positive outcome.

News of the short notice nature of the next meeting comes as the government prepares to publish legislation around the installation of an independent football regulator.

MPs had demanded a model be agreed or the top flight risked having a settlement forced on it.

A report by the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee in June said if no funding plan is reached soon, the government should bring forward a move to set up an independent football regulator (IREF) "to impose a deal".

The plan for a regulator, recommended by a fan-led review, has been confirmed by the government. It should ensure a fair distribution of money filters down from the Premier League.

Source: BBC
 

Manchester City 1-0 Brentford - MATCH REPORT​

Erling Haaland scored a vital winner 19 minutes from time as Manchester City eventually broke Brentford's stubborn resistance to close to within a point of the Premier League summit.

What looked set to be a night of frustration at Etihad Stadium for Pep Guardiola's men turned on a moment of huge fortune.

Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer appeared to have the situation under control when Julian Alvarez played a pass into the visitors' half as City countered.

But as Haaland began the chase, Ajer slipped and could not regain his feet as the Norwegian sped past.

The 23-year-old kept his cool to beat Mark Flekken with a precise shot. It was Haaland's 22nd goal of the season and means he has now scored against every Premier League opponent he has faced.

More importantly, it secured a victory that took City above Arsenal into second spot and kept a record fourth consecutive title in their own hands given they still have to visit Liverpool on 10 March.

While the result was not exactly harsh on Brentford given City's dominance, the manner of it was unfortunate. Thomas Frank's side were much more organised than they were in the heavy defeat against Liverpool at the weekend.

However, with six points from their last 11 games, they are only five points off the relegation zone and still searching for the sustained improvement that will get them away from trouble.

Source: BBC
 
Brentford are exploring new investment in the club to continue its quest for progress.

Brentford have established themselves in the Premier League after promotion from the Championship in 2021.

The Bees were in League One when owner Matthew Benham took over in 2012.

But it is thought that Brentford have employed bankers Rothschild to analyse the current situation and explore new investment interest that could lead to a full or partial sale.

Benham feels that greater investment is needed and Rothschild recently acted for the Glazer family around the partial sale of Manchester United to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The bank is also working with West Ham director Vanessa Gold around the part sale of her stake in the east London club, and also advised Tottenham's independent directors around a £150m capital injection in 2022.

A Brentford spokesperson said: "Given the recent rise and growth of our club and the changing shareholder landscape within the Premier League, it's no surprise that there has been interest in investment opportunities at Brentford FC.

"While Matthew Benham's commitment to the club remains as strong as it ever was, it is only natural, and perhaps even essential, for us to carefully explore what new investment could potentially mean for the future of Brentford FC.

"We must not stand still and we remain absolutely determined to safeguard the long term future of Brentford FC and to remain competitive in the world's most challenging and successful league."

BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Brentford explore new investment opportunities

Brentford are working with bankers Rothschild to explore potential new investment interest.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
1708551561755.jpeg

Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League after coming from behind to beat Luton at Anfield.

Luton led at half-time through Chiedozie Ogbene's header as Liverpool, and Luis Diaz in particular, spurned chance after chance.

The Reds were rampant after the break and their pressure paid off when captain Virgil van Dijk showed desire and determination to get his side on level terms by powering home a header from a 56th-minute corner.

Just two minutes later Liverpool led as Cody Gakpo nodded in from close range as Alexis Mac Allister fired in a cross from the byeline.

Diaz, with his ninth shot of the game, finally got his reward for relentless work with the third goal in the 71st minute.

The Colombian danced his way into the box and coolly side-footed beyond Thomas Kaminski at the near post to give the hosts some breathing space on what had initially looked like a night when they could slip up in the title race.

Harvey Elliott, making his 100th appearance for the club, rounded off a fine second half when he pounced on a loose ball in the 90th minute to claim the fourth.

It made it three wins on the bounce for Liverpool after losing 3-1 at Arsenal last month and built further momentum as they gear up for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

Jurgen Klopp's men boast a four-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City, although they have played a game more than the defending champions, while Luton remain third from bottom.
 

Aston Villa 4-2 Nottingham Forest - MATCH REPORT​

Douglas Luiz scored twice as a scintillating attacking display earned Aston Villa all three points against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.

Villa took the lead in the fourth minute with Ollie Watkins tapping in his 14th Premier League goal of the season after brilliant work down the right by Leon Bailey.

Luiz then scored twice in 10 minutes, first slotting home a Jacob Ramsey cut-back in the 29th minute, before heading in John McGinn's right-wing cross.

Moussa Niakhate chested home his first Forest goal in first-half stoppage-time, before Morgan Gibbs-White dinked over the advancing Emi Martinez three minutes after the break.

Bailey secured the three points for the hosts, tapping into a vacant net after Watkins' effort was saved following Forest losing the ball high up in their own half.

The result sees fourth-placed Villa open a five-point lead on Tottenham, who are not in action this weekend, and a eight-point gap to sixth-placed Manchester United, who lost 2-1 against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Forest remain 16th, four points clear of the relegation zone.

Source: BBC
 

Crystal Palace 3-0 Burnley - MATCH REPORT​

Crystal Palace scored three second-half goals to beat 10-man Burnley in manager Oliver Glasner's first game in charge of the club.

The Eagles dominated possession in the first half but could not find a breakthrough before Josh Brownhill was shown a straight red card.

James Trafford played a ball to Brownhill, who was under pressure from Jefferson Lerma, and he brought down the midfielder when he was through on goal.

The visitors made it to half-time with the score level and held on for over 20 minutes of the second period before Palace made the breakthrough.

Jordan Ayew put in an excellent curling cross and defender Chris Richards met it with a diving header into the bottom corner to give the home side the lead in the 68th minute.

That was before Matheus Franca, introduced as a second-half substitute, combined well with Tyrick Mitchell down the left and his low cross was put away by Ayew from close range in the 71st minute.

Jean-Philippe Mateta then made sure of all three points when he confidently dispatched a penalty past Trafford after Franca was brought down by Vitinho.

Burnley striker David Datro Fofana had a late goal ruled out for offside as Palace secured a crucial victory.

The win moves Palace eight points clear of the relegation zone and makes Glasner just the second Palace manager to win their first Premier League game in charge.

Source: BBC
 

Manchester United 1-2 Fulham - MATCH REPORT​

Manchester United were given a harsh reality check at Old Trafford as Alex Iwobi's injury-time effort gave Fulham only their second Old Trafford victory since 1963.

Four days after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke of United attempting to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch at the top of the English game, they suffered a major blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Without injured striker Rasmus Hojlund, the hosts were ineffective in attack until the final minute of normal time, when Harry Maguire seemed to have rescued a point for the hosts.

But Iwobi had the final say deep into nine minutes of stoppage time, restoring an advantage initially given to them by Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, who lashed home the loose ball after his header from a Fulham corner had been blocked by team-mate Timothy Castagne.

Source: BBC
 

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Everton - MATCH REPORT​

Lewis Dunk's stoppage-time header condemned Everton to another Premier League draw as 10-man Brighton salvaged a point at Amex Stadium.

Both goals came from central defenders as Dunk headed home Pascal Gross' cross five minutes into time added on to cancel out Jarrad Branthwaite's superb opener.

Branthwaite had produced a forward's finish to break the deadlock, arrowing a first-time shot into the top corner from 15 yards when a free-kick fell at his feet.

It seemed Everton were on course for a vital victory in their battle to avoid relegation when Brighton's Billy Gilmour was then sent off for a studs-up lunge on Amadou Onana's ankle.

But Dunk's header extended the Toffees' winless league run to nine games and they sit just a point above the relegation zone, having played a match more than 18th-placed Luton.

Source: BBC
 
Manchester City moved a point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a hard-fought victory over Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium.

City started slowly but took the lead midway through the first half when Phil Foden steered home after Erling Haaland's shot was saved by Neto.

The visitors dominated the rest of the half but were fortunate not to be pegged back early in the second, Marcus Tavernier scuffing a shot into the ground from Antoine Semenyo's cross before shooting wide after fine work from Dominic Solanke.

Solanke had a header punched off the line by Ederson as Bournemouth continued to apply pressure, while Haaland had another shot saved by Neto with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Second-half substitute Enes Unal headed agonisingly wide in stoppage time for the hosts, as City held on to consolidate second place ahead of crucial games at home to Manchester United and away to Liverpool in early March.

Bournemouth, now without a win in their last seven league matches, stay eight points above the relegation zone but drop a place to 14th.

Pep Guardiola's team were made to work hard for three points against Brentford on Tuesday, and they were perhaps a little fortunate to get the win from a testing encounter at Vitality Stadium.

Haaland got the all-important goal against the Bees and the Norwegian should have given the visitors the lead here, sending a right-footed shot off target after running on to Foden's exquisite cushioned pass.

Haaland was denied by Neto midway through the first half, but Foden - who has now scored in his past five appearances against the Cherries - was on hand to guide home his 16th goal of the season. That is his joint-most in a single campaign.

John Stones, operating in a more advanced role than usual, was outstanding in the first half in particular, repeatedly marauding upfield and almost setting up Rodri for a second City goal not long after Foden's opener.

The visitors rode their luck after half-time as Bournemouth pushed for an equaliser, with a combination of wasteful finishing by the hosts and smart goalkeeping from Ederson securing City a hard-earned three points.

City have won all 14 of their Premier League games against the Cherries - the best 100% record by one team against another in top-flight history.

Their next five league matches - all against teams currently in the top seven - will go a long way to defining their campaign.

Bournemouth fail to take chances again
Bournemouth were unfortunate not to arrest their winless run at Newcastle last time out and they made a lively start against the champions, Milos Kerkez testing Ederson with a dipping shot inside 10 minutes.

It proved to be their only effort until Ryan Christie's shot was parried by Ederson in first-half stoppage time, but they carved out the better opportunities in the second half and should have equalised through Tavernier 10 minutes after the break.

Solanke then sent a header straight at Ederson from a corner, but the City keeper - standing over a yard behind his line - only just managed to punch the ball clear before it crossed for a goal.

Dango Ouattara dragged a shot wide in the closing stages and Bournemouth fans thought Unal had rescued a point in added time, but the Turkey international's header only rippled the side-netting.

Source: BBC
 
Arsenal underlined their Premier League title credentials as they recorded their sixth consecutive win with a dominant display against Newcastle.

The result sees Mikel Arteta's side sit two points behind leaders Liverpool and a point behind second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table.

The outcome of this contest appeared inevitable from the moment visiting defender Sven Botman turned the ball in after Gabriel's header from a corner had been well saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius.

While there was an element of bad luck to that for the Dutch defender, who simply could not get out of the way as his Newcastle team-mate Tino Livramento tried to clear, there was little else about Arsenal's performance that was owed to good fortune.

The Gunners' intensity and fluent passing repeatedly carved Eddie Howe's side apart, particularly down the Magpies' left flank with Livramento and Botman enduring difficult evenings.

Kai Havertz swept in a deserved second shortly after, with Gabriel Martinelli making the most of indecision in the Newcastle defence to cut the ball back into the German forward's path.

With Arsenal continuing to press, Bukayo Saka twisted and turned Livramento one way and then another before dispatching a left-foot shot into the bottom left corner add to the hosts' advantage.

Arteta also enjoyed the luxury of being able to take off his captain Martin Odegaard, Havertz and Saka well before full-time after Jakub Kiwior's effort deflected past the helpless Karius from another Declan Rice corner.

Newcastle, who remain eighth in the table, managed a late consolation courtesy of Joe Willock's looping header, but there was little else for the visiting supporters to cheer.

Source: BBc
 
1708891975504.png

Pablo Sarabia's first-half header gave Wolves a hard-fought Premier League win over bottom club Sheffield United at Molineux.

The Spain winger was left totally unmarked as he registered his third goal of the campaign for the hosts, flicking Rayan Ait-Nouri's left-wing delivery into the top right corner.

The result lifts Gary O'Neil's side up to eighth in the table and boosts their hopes of appearing in Europe next season.

It was far from a vintage display from Wolves, with Sarabia's header their only effort on target until a stoppage-time shot from Joao Gomes, in a contest that saw their determined opponents sit deep and attempt to counter with pace on the break.

And the manner of the Blades' performance, although not the outcome, will have pleased boss Chris Wilder, who saw his side carve out several good opportunities.

James McAtee had two of Sheffield United's best chances. However, the on-loan Manchester City midfielder saw a tame first-half effort easily saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa and he fizzed a second-half shot just wide of the bottom right corner.

McAtee's left-wing cross also provided Rhian Brewster with an opportunity to level, but the forward, who had already blazed well wide earlier on from a good position, was unable to turn his effort past Portugal goalkeeper Sa.

However, Wilder would not have been pleased at the sight of two of his players - Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson - squaring up and jostling each other during the first half.

It was a moment of embarrassment for the visitors, who remain eight points adrift of safety and appear to be seeing their slim survival prospects fade with each defeat.
 

West Ham United 4-2 Brentford - MATCH REPORT​

Jarrod Bowen scored his first senior hat-trick to ease the pressure on West Ham manager David Moyes as his side claimed a much-needed Premier League win over Brentford.

The hosts had not won a game in 2024 before Monday night, with their last fixture at London Stadium a 6-0 loss to Arsenal that saw hundreds of home fans leave at half-time.

But West Ham responded in style as they went 2-0 up inside 10 minutes against the struggling Bees.

Bowen got his first goal in the fifth minute with a strike that went in off the post, before the England forward scored again two minutes later as he slotted in Vladimir Coufal's pass.

Neal Maupay swiftly halved the deficit with a scooped finish, then Brentford had claims for a penalty waved away when Mohammed Kudus nudged Sergio Reguilon over inside the box.

A nervous spell followed as Brentford threatened to level but Bowen headed home his third midway through the second half, much to the relief of the Hammers fans.

Emerson capped a perfect night for West Ham with a fantastic strike into the top corner and, although Yoane Wissa scored a second for Brentford, it was not enough to deny the hosts victory.

West Ham move up to eighth in the Premier League while Brentford stay 16th, five points above the relegation zone.

Source: BBC
 
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Kaoru Mitoma injury: Brighton winger set to miss rest of season with back problem​

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is expected to miss the remainder of this season with a back injury.

The Japan international, 26, missed the Seagulls' 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton because of the issue.

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi confirmed that Mitoma's season is now expected to be over.

"It's an important problem. I think two or three months, [so] finished [for] the season," said De Zerbi before Wednesday's FA Cup clash with Wolves.

"It's the back injury which kept him out against Everton."

After starring last season for the Seagulls as they qualified for the Europa League for the first time, Mitoma's campaign had already been partly disrupted by injury

At the back end of 2023, he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of action for a month, seeing him miss the majority of Japan's Asia Cup campaign. He returned as a substitute for their final two matches before Japan were knocked out in the semi-finals by Iran.

Brighton, who are still in the Europa League and FA Cup and currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, also have other injuries with which to contend.

De Zerbi confirmed strikers Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro will miss the fifth round FA Cup tie at Molineux while defender Joel Veltman and forward Danny Welbeck are set for late fitness tests.

Source: BBC
 
Premier League clubs have been warned that if they fail to reach a funding deal with the English Football League it will be imposed on them by the new Football Regulator.

The warning came from Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who was speaking at the FT Business of Football Conference in central London.

Top-flight clubs are set to meet at a nearby hotel on Thursday to try to thrash out a 'New Deal' funding package.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has pulled out of his own speaking engagement at the FT event in order to prioritise the meeting.

Frazer repeated on a number of occasions that the new regulator, who she insisted will be appointed 'in this Parliamentary session' was chiefly tasked with ensuring financial stability across the game rather than becoming involved in disputes.

But if they fail to reach agreement, she outlined what will happen.

"We don't want this to be an issue for the regulator," said Frazer. "It is clear football should resolve the issues for football.

"It is in the Premier League and EFL's interests to come to a deal but it is clear if they don't the regulator will."

Agreement over how the 'New Deal' should be financed has proved elusive over the past few months.

Some clubs have felt the 'bigger' members of the top flight should pay a greater percentage.

The overall sum, which will be partly tied to future TV revenues, is expected to be around £900m over six years.

There has also been disagreement over financial regulations to be implemented in the Championship.

Frazer said the regulator will have 'limited powers', which would not involve having a view on whether nation states are the right bodies to own Premier League clubs.

"All the regulator is doing is looking at financial stability," she said. "That is appropriate. Foreign investment is part of the economy and makes the game competitive.

"The Premier League is a massive cultural export. We don't want to do anything to damage that. Whether a foreign state should own the club is not in this bill. We want people who run clubs to run them well."

BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

EFL deal could be 'imposed' on Premier League clubs

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer warns Premier League clubs that if if they fail to reach a funding deal with the EFL, it will be imposed on them.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Wolves look set to avoid breaches of Premier League spending rules despite recording a loss of £67.2m for the financial year to 31 May 2023.

That figure follows on from a loss of £46.1m for the previous 12 months.

Former boss Julen Lopetegui was not allowed to spend heavily last summer, as Wolves tried to stay within Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

Clubs can lose a maximum of £105m over a rolling three-season period, or £35m per campaign, before facing sanctions.

Any clubs breaching those rules are at risk of a fine or a points deduction.

Lopetegui walked out six days before Wolves' opening Premier League match, having become frustrated with the club's summer recruitment strategy. His replacement, Gary O'Neil, has guided Wolves to ninth place in the league and to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Wolves avoided a charge for breaching the financial rules in 2023. Everton and Nottingham Forest were the only top-flight clubs charged, and both face hearings this month.

While the losses submitted to the Premier League - covering the period from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023 - are slightly smaller than in the actual accounts, as certain items can be discounted under league rules, Wolves were among the clubs needing to take special care to ensure they didn't risk a points deduction.

Everton's initial 10-point deduction, subsequently reduced to six on appeal, for breaches up to 2021-22, has focused minds.

BBC Sport understands Wolves believe they are set to be clear of breaches in 2024, albeit by a smaller amount than hoped, as the club decided to pay off long-serving full-back Jonny, who had been exiled from the first-team squad because of a breach of discipline.

Wolves' published accounts show they made a net profit of £82.98m from player trading.

O'Neil had hoped to sign an experienced striker in the January transfer window but Wolves pulled out of a deal for a player in Brazil because of unexpected demands from an agent.

Wolves' accounts show that non-player payroll costs were £14.5m higher than the previous year, because of compensation paid to head coach Bruno Lage following his sacking in October 2022 and Lopetegui's increased wages.

Chinese owners Fosun invested £64m during 2022-23, and have since put in a further £18m. It is understood these payments have been made initially in the form of loans but with the intention of turning them into equity.

Over the period in the most recent accounts, Wolves spent a net £160.7m on players, initially to bolster Lage's squad and then to bring in Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes as Lopetegui steered Wolves away from relegation trouble following his arrival in November 2022.

Wolves' overall wage bill rose from £120.5m to £141.5m, with turnover increasing from £165.66m to £168.57m.

It is anticipated this will rise during 2023-24 thanks to a combination of prize money earned from a likely higher Premier League placing, more live television appearances and a run to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

It is also understood every clause in Diogo Jota's record move to Liverpool in 2020 has now been triggered, taking the overall fee to £50m.

BBC Sport
 
Liverpool playing 1st out of the top 3, currently 0-0 away to Forrest. Could be dropped points
 
Nunez scores with last kick of game

Liverpool 1-0 up in injury time
 
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