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          <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 12:13:59 EST</pubDate>
          <lastBuildDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 12:13:59 EST</lastBuildDate>
          <managingEditor>jreynolds@fieldlevelmedia.com (Jeff Reynolds)</managingEditor>
          <webMaster>jreynolds@fieldlevelmedia.com (Jeff Reynolds)</webMaster>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Relegation on the line for Spurs vs. Everton</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=257497</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Tottenham Hotspur can guarantee Premier League survival on Sunday when they host an Everton side whose manager would enjoy helping Spurs' relegation rivals instead.

Tottenham (9-17-11, 38 points) already had one chance to guarantee their place in the league next season on Tuesday but lost 2-1 at London rivals Chelsea.

But manager Roberto De Zerbi's squad should still feel hopeful given how the final day of the Premier League regular season sets up. 

A win would secure their place no matter what West Ham does at Leeds United. Practically speaking, a draw also would do the job, since the Hammers begin the weekend two points back and a 12 -goal scoring differential.

"We can't change our style, our mentality," De Zerbi said. "I think also we have the qualities and the players good enough to play a good game and to stay up."

And since the Italian De Zerbi took over, Spurs have still earned eight points from their six games, with their two losses both coming by a single goal on the road against opponents competing for European places.

"We can't change our style, our mentality," De Zerbi said. "I think also we have the qualities and the players good enough to play a good game and to stay up."

Richarlison pulled a second-half goal back for Spurs in the loss at Chelsea, setting up a dramatic final 15 minutes. It was the Brazilian's 11th goal of the campaign -- and his second in three games -- and he also had the assist inthe  Spurs' 1-0 win over Wolves on April  that was the club's first in the league in 2026.

Everton (13-14-10, 49 points) enter in 12th place with little left that is tangible play for. Technically, the Toffees could finish as high as eighth with a victory and a lot of help elsewhere. Realistically, that's extraordinarily unlikely after their 3-1 home loss to Sunderland last Sunday.

But manager David Moyes could lend his former club a hand with a season-ending away victory. Scottsman spent portions of seven years as West Ham boss, helping the club to the 2022-2023 UEFA Europa Conference League crown, only the club's second-ever major European trophy.

He departed a season later and took the Everton job for a second time in early 2025, but clearly still has a connection to the East London outfit.

"I'd love to keep West Ham in the league if I can," Moyes said on Friday. 

He added: "It's more important I get Everton that top finish and we get a few more million ?pounds because of our league position."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 12:11:21 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>MLS: New England Revolution at CF Montreal</media:title>
                    <media:description>Aug 24, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; A corner flag is seen prior to a match between New England Revolution and CF Montreal at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images</media:description>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City after 10 seasons</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=257408</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Pep Guardiola is stepping down after a decorated decade as the manager at Manchester City, the Premier League team announced Friday.

Guardiola, 55, will coach his farewell match on Sunday against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, where the North Stand will be renamed to The Pep Guardiola Stand. A statue of Guardiola also has been commissioned.

Guardiola was under contract through June 2027 but is exercising a break clause in his contract. He will transition to a role as a global ambassador, providing technical advice to clubs in the City Football Group (including New York City FC of MLS).

"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving," Guardiola said. "There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.

"This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the color of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did, too.

"We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way."

Under Guardiola's guidance, City's impressive haul of 20 trophies included six Premier League titles -- including four straight from 2020-21 to 2023-24 -- along with three FA Cups, the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

Guardiola is expected to be replaced by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, The Athletic reported.

Manchester City won this season's FA Cup and Carabao Cup but finished second to Arsenal in the Premier League.

Guardiola managed FC Barcelona (2008-12) and Bayern Munich (2013-16) before coming to Manchester. 

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 12:15:26 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Group Stage-Wydad AC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Tottenham out to secure Premier League spot in test at Chelsea</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=257124</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Tottenham Hotspur could confirm their spot in next year's Premier League -- and trigger West Ham's relegation -- if they can earn an historic away win Tuesday at a Chelsea.

After a miserable winless run of 2 1/2 months, Spurs (9-16-11, 38 points) have taken eight points in five league games since the March 31 appointment of manager Roberto De Zerbi. They are unbeaten in their last four matches.

Six different players have scored during those four matches -- away wins at Wolverhampton and Aston Villa, and home draws to Brighton and Leeds. Tottenham has climbed back above the West Ham (36 points) with a match in hand.

An conceded penalty kept Mathys Tel's 50th-minute strike from being a match winner in a 1-1 draw with Leeds. De Zerbi believes his side will carry confidence into the match at Chelsea, where they were last victorious in 2018.

"In the last four we made eight points," De Zerbi said. "And if you analyze the performance, I think we could make more points than eight, and for that we have to be confident, be positive."

Former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher was one of those six goal scorers, contributing the opener in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa on May 3. He'll be making his first appearance at Chelsea since moving to Atletico Madrid for the 2024-25 season.

The Blues (13-13-10, 49 points) come in off Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup Final defeat to Manchester City, followed by Sunday's promising announcement that legendary former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will take over as permanent manager next season.

The loss to Manchester City, which was decided by Antoine Semenyo's brilliant back-heel goal, prevented Chelsea from directly qualifying for a European place. But they could still pull even on points with Brentford for eighth place and a Europa Conference league berth with a victory to set up a dramatic final day.

Center back Levi Colwill's recovery from an August ACL surgery has helped steady a back line that has only conceded twice in two matches, drawing at Liverpool 1-1 in the Blues' last league fixture on May 9.

But interim manager Calum McFarlane admits he will think carefully about whether to give the 23-year-old England international a second appearance in four days.

"We need to be careful with Levi," McFarlane said. "He's obviously off the back of a very serious injury and has performed well in those two games. We'll see how he looks today, how he reports, and we'll make a decision on that." 

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 15:59:21 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Semifinal-Paris Saint-Germain at Real Madrid C.F.</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso looks dejected after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Reports: Chelsea to hire Xabi Alonso as new head coach</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=256963</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Chelsea is set to hire Xabi Alonso as their next head coach, according to multiple reports.

He is finalizing a four-year contract and was the club's top target, per The Athletic.

Alonso was hired as the head coach of Real Madrid in 2025, but both sides mutually agreed to part ways in January. His overall record with the club was 24-6-4.

Liam Rosenior was Chelsea's previous head coach. He was hired in January, but he was fired in April after a scoreless, five-game losing streak. Calum McFarlane has been serving as the club's interim manager.

Chelsea lost in the FA Cup final on Saturday 1-0 to Manchester City. They hold a Premier League record of 13-13-10 with 49 points.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 15:56:58 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Semifinal-Paris Saint-Germain at Real Madrid C.F.</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso before a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham parting ways with Jay Rodriguez, Andy Cannon</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=256879</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham announced that striker Jay Rodriguez and midfielder Andy Cannon will not be re-signed after their contracts expire this summer.

"They are released with the club's sincere thanks for their efforts and contributions during their time at the football club," the team said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Wrexham will pick up the option on Aaron James, keeping the defender under contract until the summer of 2027. James has one goal in nine appearance for the Red Dragons. The club also extended the contracts of fellow homegrown players midfielder Alex Moore and forward Rio Owen.

Rodriguez and Cannon will join Reuben Egan, Callum Edwards, Tom Kelly and Max Purvis as players who will part ways with the Red Dragons. None of the four have made a first-team appearance for Wrexham.

Rodriguez, who will turn 37 in July, scored two goals in 17 League One games after arriving from Burnley in 2025, helping Wrexham earn their third consecutive promotion. However, he made only seven appearances -- all as a substitute -- after missing the early part of this season with an ankle injury.

Cannon, 30, has not played for Wrexham since suffering a knee injury in February 2025, playing 17 times on loan for Burton Albion since returning in November. He scored 10 goals in 86 games across all competitions for Wrexham since joining the Red Dragons from Hull City in December 2022.

Six players were made offers to become first-year professionals with Wrexham: Sammy Chesworth, Tommy Clayton, George Cruise, Dafydd Edwards, Oliver McTweed and Joe Rees.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 17:53:25 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Wrexham at Chelsea</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's Andy Cannon and fellow midfielder Sebastian Revan (53) walk off the field after the match against Chelsea at Levi's Stadium. Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Arsenal keeping guard up against desperate West Ham</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=256342</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Arsenal will try to take a giant step toward their first Premier League title since 2003-04 on Sunday when they visit a West Ham United side fighting to avoid relegation.

After Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday night, league leaders Arsenal (23-5-7, 76 points) now control their own destiny in the title race. If they win their last three league matches, Manchester City will not be able to catch them.

The Gunners will be considerable favorites in those final three matches; at West Ham, home to Burnley on May 18 and then at Crystal Palace on May 24.

Arsenal will have to balance the need for focus with the excitement of reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, following a 1-0 home win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night to complete a 2-1 semifinal aggregate victory. The Gunners will face Paris St. Germain on May 30, six days after the league finale.

"I was in a really high emotional state after the game, obviously, because we know what it means to everybody, to the club," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "Straight after the game, you have to believe me, straight after that, my concentration, my focus, my energy was, 'OK, West Ham, what do we have to do on the mental side, physically, tactically, technically, to prepare in the best possible way to go there and win the game?' That's it."

The best news for Arteta is that his squad arguably is as healthy as it has been all season. Tuesday's match-winning scorer Bukayo Saka has returned from a hamstring injury, and Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz also are available after question marks in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the Hammers (9-17-9, 36 points) enter Sunday a point beneath the relegation zone following a 3-0 defeat at Brentford last Saturday, combined with Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 victory at Aston Villa the following day.

That setback followed a run where West Ham took seven of nine points to surge in front of Spurs. That included back-to-back home wins, a 4-0 romp of Wolves on a brace each from Konstantinos Mavropanos and Valentin Castellanos, and a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton via Callum Wilson's late winner.

Another home victory could put the pressure right back on Spurs, who play Monday night at home against Leeds United.

"We realize it is up for us to deliver, but it is a big game," Hammers manager Nuno Espirito Santo said. "We want to think about Everton, think about Wolves, think about the first half against Brentford, about the positive things we can do. This has to be our mindset.

"Anything that happened before doesn't change it. We can only affect what's ahead of us."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 11:08:26 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka</media:title>
                    <media:description>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring in a match on Aug. 26, 2023.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Matthew Childs</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester City look to extend win streak, take on Everton</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=255867</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester City will try to keep pace with Premier League front-runner Arsenal on Monday night when they pay a visit to an Everton side still on the fringes of the European picture.

City (21-5-7, 70 points) will begin the day six points back of Arsenal with two matches in hand after the Gunners dispatched Fulham 3-0 on Saturday. The Cityzens won't be even on games played until May 13, when they make up a postponed match against Crystal Palace that was delayed because of City's triumphant League Cup run.

As a result, there continues to be the appearance of a chase, although the teams would finish level on points if they win out.

Manager Pep Guardiola insists it shouldn't matter.

"It's normal, so it's the calendar," Guardiola said on Friday. "Sometimes you play first. Sometimes behind. It is what it is. So, nothing changes in these stages, and you know exactly what you have to do."

City have won six in a row in all competitions, the last three by a single goal: A 2-1 home league win over the Gunners on April 19, a 1-0 league victory at Burnley three days later, and a 2-1 FA Cup semifinal triumph over Southampton on April 25. 

Erling Haaland scored once in both league fixtures to bring his EPL-leading total to 24. In the FA Cup semifinal, Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez scored inside the final 10 minutes to complete a late rally.

Everton (13-13-8, 47 points) finished Saturday in 11th place, but only four points out of seventh, which currently would earn a berth in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Should City win the FA Cup, it could be the top eight English league finishers who earn a spot in Europe.

And if Everton could return to continental competition for the first time since 2017-18, it would conclude a much-improved first season at their new Hill Dickson Stadium, after bringing the curtain down on historic Goodison Park last May.

"We still believe there could be something out there for us. And we'll keep pushing," manager David Moyes said. "Building Everton back up is a process which I think is going to take quite a bit of time, but I think the first year or so here, we've certainly put decent foundations down. And hopefully we can continue to build on it."

The Toffees are looking to avoid a third consecutive league defeat for the first time this season after a 2-1 home loss to derby rivals Liverpool on April 19 and a 2-1 away defeat at West Ham last weekend.

Beto, one of two Everton players with eight goals, departed the former contest late with a head injury and missed the latter fixture working through the league's concussion protocol. He should be available Monday night, Moyes said.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 17:10:49 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City forward Erling Haaland (9) celebrates scoring their second goal with midfielder Rodri (16) during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham's Premier League promotion bid falls short</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=255769</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham fell agonizingly short of a fourth consecutive promotion Saturday, putting their Premier League dreams on hold for another season.

The Welsh club, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, finished in seventh place in the English League Championship following a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Middlesbrough. 

Hull City (21-15-10, 73 points) leapfrogged Wrexham (19-13-14, 71 points) to finish sixth and claim the fourth and final spot in the promotion playoffs along with Millwall, Southampton and Middlesbrough. Table-topper Coventry and runner-up Ipswich Town earned automatic promotions.

All four goals Saturday came before halftime. Wrexham led 2-1 after Sam Smith's goal in the 41st minute, but David Strelec netted the game-winner for Middlesbrough just two minutes later.

Wrexham's remarkable rise saw them climb from the fifth-tier National League in 2022-23 to League Two in 2023-24, League One in 2024-25 and the Championship in 2025-26.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 12:19:29 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien in action against Ipswich Town's Jens Cajuste on Feb. 13, 2026.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Jason Cairnduff</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>George Dobson, Lewis O'Brien, Wrexham</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <title>Arsenal eager to regain form vs. Newcastle United</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=255166</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Suddenly struggling Arsenal will try to reclaim first place in the Premier League when they host a Newcastle United squad that also is slumping.

Arsenal (21-5-7, 70 points) have only one win in their last six matches (1-4-1) across all competitions, including back-to-back league defeats.

The latter, a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last Sunday, paved the way for City to move into first following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. City earned the distinction based on the second tiebreaker of more goals scored.

It marks the first time since the very early stages that Arsenal haven't occupied the league's top spot. But manager Mikel Arteta says there's not a significant change in mindset.

"No, because before the psychological effect was that we were getting chased for many months," Arteta said. "So, what is better, what is worse? At the end of the day, we know what is the best thing: to win the next game. So the psychological effect is tough regardless of where you are because you have to win the game."

Arsenal will be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who has missed about a month with an Achilles injury. The Gunners have posted a 34-3-9 record in Saka's 46 appearances across all competitions.

Newcastle United (12-15-6, 42 points) makes the trip to London mired in a four-match losing run that began with a 7-2 thumping at FC Barcelona in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. (Barcelona won 8-3 on aggregate.)

The Magpies followed that with consecutive 2-1 defeats to derby rivals Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the first and last of those at home.

"We're all feeling that pain at the moment. It's been a difficult period for us," manager Eddie Howe said. "We've prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence. We've lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we've had."

Newcastle will continue without winger Anthony Gordon, set to miss a second straight league fixture with a hip injury.

But Bruno Guimaraes, who leads the Magpies with nine goals, could return to Howe's starting lineup after he came off the bench in last weekend's loss to Bournemouth to end a two-month absence caused by a hamstring injury.

--Field Level Media


--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:16:46 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>MLS: 2023 MLS All Star Game-Arsenal FC at MLS All Stars</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mikel Arteta</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/21059342.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <title>Top clubs collide as Arsenal visit Manchester City</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=254556</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[The Premier League title could well be on the line when leaders Arsenal visit second-place Manchester City on Sunday.

In fact, that's exactly how City manager Pep Guardiola sees it.

"If we lose, it's over," Guardiola said Friday. "They are so strong in all departments. Duals, physicality. If you allow them to make a good process by not being aggressive they make a good build-up."

Both teams can still control their own destiny with a victory, given that City (19-5-7, 64 points) has one more match remaining than the Gunners (21-4-7, 70 points). But a loss would leave Guardiola's men with nine points to make up in six matches, a nearly impossible task without an Arsenal collapse of historic proportions.

Yet the mood around the first-place North London club has been one of nerves over the last month, during which a combination of other competitions and the March international window has limited both clubs to only one league game.

Those came last weekend, when Arsenal suffered a stunning 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth the day before City earned a 3-0 win at Chelsea.

City also beat the Gunners 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup Final on March 22 on Nico O'Reilly's second-half brace.

And Arsenal have the decisively longer injury list, one that again includes striker Bukayo Saka (lower body) and midfielder Martin Odegaard (knee), two players who have worn the captain's armband in recent matches.

Both teams also still have other competitions to think about: City an upcoming FA Cup semifinal against Southampton and Arsenal a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid.

Given that context, Guardiola's counterpart, Mikel Arteta, appeared to disagree slightly with the City manager's assertion that this game could unilaterally decide the title.

"I don't know, there are six games to go," he said. "It's a really important one for both teams, and it will incline the balance a little bit, but winning a game in the Premier League is so tough for everybody, so after this one, they will still have some very difficult matches for all of us, and we'll have to wait and continue whatever happens."

If Guardiola's squad has a weakness, it is that it remains too reliant on striker Erling Haaland for goals.

The Norwegian international has 22 in the league, one ahead of Brentford's Igor Thiago for the league lead. But he has found the net only once in his last five league appearances as City has taken 11 points, settling for draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham prior to the win over Chelsea.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:30:21 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>pep guardiola</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Manchester City, Chelsea attempt to set aside distractions</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=253920</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester City aim to boost their title aspirations when they visit Chelsea on Sunday in a match between sides dealing with intrasquad drama.

For second-place City (18-5-7, 61 points), the focus has surrounded the future of captain Bernardo Silva to the point of overshadowing the pursuit of leaders Arsenal.

Earlier this week, manager Pep Guardiola's assistant Pep Lijnders suggested the versatile 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder would be departing following the season.

While Guardiola pledged his desire to see the former AS Monaco man extend his City tenure beyond his ninth season, he also expressed gratitude for contributions that have spanned six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League crown.

"I have said many times, in the big games it is not about playing good or bad, it is about being yourself and being not afraid. We have had this since day one when he arrived from Monaco," Guardiola said. "He has been an incredible signing for us, incredible. I love this club and I would love if he could stay and finish his career here, but I do not know. He will decide what he will decide. It is his decision."

As for Chelsea (13-9-9, 48 points) boss Liam Rosenior is navigating fallout from remarks by defensive midfielder Enzo Fernandez that some interpreted as a desire to move to Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old Argentine will serve the second of a two-match, team-imposed ban against City. But going forward, Rosenior says any issues with the fourth-year Chelsea player have been resolved.

"I said from every single step along this way, I'm not questioning Enzo's character, I'm not questioning who he is as a person," Rosenior said. "I believe people make mistakes and you can't overstep the punishment for the mistake. I think we've made a sanction, we made a decision, I made a decision, and what I want for Enzo is for him to come on here and have an outstanding career."

Both teams return to league play having encountered setbacks before the March international break.

City slayed Arsenal 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup on March 22, then romped past Liverpool 4-0 in last weekend's FA Cup quarterfinal. However, Guardiola's men settled for draws against West Ham and Nottingham Forest in their last two league fixtures and enter the weekend nine points back of the Gunners with seven matches to play and one in hand.

It's been even worse for sixth-place Chelsea, who followed a promising start under Rosenior this winter with four consecutive losses heading into the break, two in the league and two in a round-of-16 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Blues are coming off a 7-0 rout of Port Vale in the FA Cup quarterfinals last weekend and are one point behind fifth-place Liverpool.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:12:16 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-253920.xml</guid>
               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-734nw/26565761.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="734">
                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva (20) celebrates after scoring in the first half against Al Hilal FC during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Bernardo Silva</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Superstar F Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool at season's end</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=252152</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Liverpool superstar forward Mohamed Salah announced on Tuesday that he will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season after a nine-year run as one of its greatest players.

The club confirmed the news later, saying that it had agreed to forego the final year of the two-year extension Salah signed at the end of the 2025 season.

"Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them," Liverpool said in a statement.

The 33-year-old, nicknamed the "Egyptian King," joined Liverpool in 2017. Salah has 255 goals (third in club history) in 435 appearances, and his 281 combined goal contributions (189 goals, 92 assists) in 310 Premier League appearances are the most in league history.

His total of 191 goals in Premier League career matches (including two with Chelsea in the 2013-14 season) is fourth all-time.

"I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life," Salah said in a video posted on X. "Liverpool is not just a football club. It's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit that I can't explain in words to anyone not of this club."

Salah helped lead the Reds to Premier League titles in 2019-20 (their first top-division crown in 30 years) and 2024-25 as well as the FA Cup (2022), League Cup (2022-24) and UEFA Champions League trophy (2019).

"We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our lives," Salah said in the video. "I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present.

"And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always."

The "toughest times" he referenced might include in December, when second-year manager Arne Slot didn't play him for three consecutive matches. Salah said at the time that he was being thrown "under the bus" for the team's poor play, suggested he had no relationship with Slot and questioned his future with Liverpool.

After being left off the squad for a Champions League match with Inter Milan, Salah later became a regular starter again. He has 10 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances this season.

"Leaving is never easy," Salah said in Tuesday's video. "You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home, to me and to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."

Last May, Salah scored a league-best 29 goals and won the Premier League Golden Boot for the fourth time in his career, matching the record set by former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Salah also was awarded the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award, after leading with 18 assists. His 47 combined goals and assists were the most ever in a 38-game season.

It was the second time Salah has completed the Golden Boot-Playmaker sweep in his career. Salah became the first player ever to win the Golden Boot, Golden Playmaker and Player of the Season awards in a single campaign.

Salah also claimed the Golden Boot in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2021-22.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:48:36 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-252152.xml</guid>
               <media:content url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/S26691f1a-84b6-4d08-8903-0141d50410ef.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1489" height="1100">
                    <media:title>Liverpool's Mohamed Salah</media:title>
                    <media:description>Liverpool's Mohamed Salah applauds fans after a match against West Ham United on Feb. 28, 2026.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/David Klein</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mohamed Salah</media:keywords>
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <title>Sunderland chasing derby sweep vs. Newcastle United  </title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=251861</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Newcastle United will look to rebound from a deflating Champions League performance and avoid being swept in this season's Tyne-Wear derby fixtures when Sunderland visits in Sunday's early kickoff.

The Magpies (12-12-6, 42 points) suffered a 7-2 drubbing in the second leg of their round-of-16 series against FC Barcelona and exited the competition 8-3 on aggregate.

It was a promising performance on Wednesday for 45 minutes, with Anthony Elanga scoring twice before halftime and Barcelona taking the lead for good when Lamine Yamal converted a penalty deep in first-half stoppage time.

"We have a bit of work to do, psychologically, with the players off the back of what was a really strange game to digest and review," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said. "I think the players will hopefully have learned from a lot of similar games this season, in the respect of, we've had a crazy group of games where we've had to leave one game very quickly and focus on the next. That's a skill, I think, to be able to park it and move onto the next one."

That loss followed a promising 1-0 league win at Chelsea last weekend in a match decided by Anthony Gordon's early goal, a result that took Newcastle up to ninth in a crowded mid-table and two points above 13th-place Sunderland.

The Magpies will continue without captain Bruno Guimaraes and defender Fabian Schar, who won't return from injuries until at least after the international break. Attacker Sandro Tonali is questionable after he was forced off early in Barcelona.

Sunderland (10-10-10, 40 points) earned a 1-0 victory on Dec. 14 in the first league fixture in this derby in 10 seasons on the strength of a 46th-minute own goal.

That was one of nine clean sheets Regis Le Bris' Black Cats have kept in their return to Premier League competition, a trend that has them realistically safe from relegation with eight matches to play.

And Le Bris said he expects a similarly testy occasion as his side chases its first sweep of the fixture since the 2014-15 season.

"We have the foundations, the game model. But you have to manage the expectation," he said. "You have to have the margin in your brain to be ready. If you overload your brain, it will be much harder to manage."

Sunderland has scored only four times in its last eight across all competitions while dealing with a growing injury list.

Enzo Le Fee, who has four goals and four assists in league play, is among the half-dozen players questionable for the encounter.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:44:41 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-719nw/27368498.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="719">
                    <media:title>NFL: London Games-Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars</media:title>
                    <media:description>Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Newcastle United player Anthony Gordon. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>newcastle united player </media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/27368498.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Tottenham Hotspur fighting off relegation in match vs. Liverpool</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=251226</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Spiraling Tottenham Hotspur will look for a result that could reverse their fortunes on Sunday when they visit a Liverpool side fighting to stay in the European places.

Spurs (7-14-8, 29 points) have lost six in a row in all competitions and five straight in the league. And the last four have come under caretaker manager Igor Tudor, appointed on a contract only until the end of the season with the expressed purpose of making sure Tottenham avoid relegation.

Now the 16th-place North Londoners enter the weekend only a point above the line, and on the heels of an embarrassing 5-2 defeat Tuesday at Atletico Madrid in Leg 1 of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 series.

"Like everything in life, you can choose how to see the situation," Tudor said. "So, you can stay and cry or you can fight. You can be the victim or you can say I can change something. This is the message I want to start and what I communicated to the players."

But Spurs still are extremely short-handed in their battle, with more than a dozen players still unavailable to injury and suspension.

Captain Cristian Romero and defensive midfielder Palhinha were added to that list after a late collision against Atletico that forced Spurs to finish with nine men, and neither will return until at least the return leg next Wednesday, Tudor said.

Liverpool (14-9-6, 48 points) also absorbed a midweek UCL Leg 1 defeat, 1-0 at Galatasaray, on Tuesday. And the Reds enter the weekend in sixth place, three points out of the four automatic places in next year's competition.

A surprising 2-1 loss at last-place Wolves halted a three-game winning run in the league, leaving the Reds three points behind Aston Villa and Manchester United, and behind Chelsea on goal difference. But Liverpool will have chances to make up ground when they play all three of those sides over the final four weeks of the season.

In the interim, Reds manager Arne Slot said Spurs' poor form hasn't added to the pressure to earn a result at Anfield.

"I think if Tottenham would be No.1 in the league at the moment, every fan would expect us at home to win," Slot said. "We're expected to win. That has nothing to do with the form of the other team or where they are in the league or the quality they have."

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed Tuesday's clash with an unspecified ailment, but is more likely to return Sunday than not. Italian attacker Federico Chiesa is a matchday decision after also missing Tuesday's clash with an illness.

-Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:35:03 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-762nw/26568919.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="762">
                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Juventus FC at Real Madrid C.F.</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 1, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Juventus coach Igor Tudor before the match during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Igor Tudor</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/26568919.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Liverpool, Wrexham to meet in post-World Cup exhibition at Yankee Stadium</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=250128</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[International soccer will continue in the United States after the conclusion of the World Cup this summer.

Reigning English Premier League champion Liverpool and Wrexham will play a preseason match at Yankee Stadium in New York on July 29, one of three U.S. games for Liverpool. 

Liverpool also announced via social media that it will play matches against Premier League teams Leeds United and Sunderland in the United States.

Geodis Park in Nashville will host the match with Sunderland on July 25, and Leeds United will face Liverpool Aug. 2 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Kickoff times were not announced.

This will be the third visit for Liverpool to the current Yankee Stadium.

Wrexham, a Welsh club which has been popularized by the docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham," has been owned since 2021 by American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who now goes by Rob Mac.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:33:06 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien in action against Ipswich Town's Jens Cajuste on Feb. 13, 2026.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Jason Cairnduff</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>George Dobson, Lewis O'Brien, Wrexham</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T96202cf4-ffc1-431a-97cf-6793bc13d81f.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Aston Villa, Chelsea looking to rebound from recent defeats</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=250028</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Fourth-place Aston Villa will try to solidify their hold of a UEFA Champions League place and reverse their recent slide on Wednesday when they host sixth-place Chelsea in Birmingham.

Villa (15-7-6, 51 points) enter the midweek slate in better position despite having earned only one victory in their last five league games and scoring only four times in their last six across all competitions.

The rough patch reached a new bottom over the weekend in a 2-0 defeat at last-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who won for only the second time this season.

And it has coincided with an extended absence for captain John McGinn, who injured his knee in a 1-0 league loss to Everton back on Jan. 18.

"We need other leaders. John McGinn, of course, is very important, but he's not available for (Wednesday)," Villa manager Unai Emery said. "He's progressively getting better, but we have enough players to keep our consistency, to get our performance and to feel comfortable with the players we have.

"I believe, of course, even when we are not achieving it, I continue believing in them."

England internationals Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers lead the Midlands side with eight league goals apiece, but neither has scored in the last three league fixtures.

Chelsea (12-7-9, 45 points) enter the match after their own reality check, a 1-1 draw on Feb. 21 at a Burnley side that looks likely to be relegated and a 2-1 home loss to league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

The Blues finished both matches with 10 men, after defender Wesley Fofana and forward Pedro Neto each received second bookings in those matches, and Neto will serve his one-match ban on Wednesday.

It's the first real taste of adversity for the club since the 41-year-old Liam Rosenior took over as manager and won his first four league games, and eight of his first 11 overall.

But even though some Chelsea faces have become familiar, Rosenior stressed that it's still an inexperienced group, with the youngest average starting 11 age in the Premier League at 23.4 years old, according to Transfermarkt.

"The beautiful thing about having a young team is that sometimes you need to go through experiences to improve," Rosenior explained. "This is a massive learning experience for my group -- and I do not want it to be an experience where we fail in what we want to achieve. But these setbacks we're having, we have to learn from them because if we do, we have proven, even in my short time here, that we can be an elite team for a long time."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:21 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Newcastle United</media:title>
                    <media:description>Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Newcastle United - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - January 30, 2024 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores a goal that is later disallowed.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/Chris Radburn</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins</media:keywords>
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Arsenal host Chelsea, looking to maintain lead in EPL</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=249725</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Arsenal will look to move another step closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years Sunday when they host a Chelsea side managing its own improved run of form under new manager Liam Rosenior.

The Gunners (18-3-7, 61 points) maintained their five-point lead over Manchester City with an emphatic 4-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, though City still possess a match in hand.

Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres each had a brace as Arsenal pulled away following a first half that ended tied at 1-1.

The performance took Gyokeres to 10 league goals in his first English campaign after his move from Sporting Lisbon this summer. Five of those have come in the Sweden international's last five league appearances.

"Well, I think one thing leads to another," explained Gunners manager Mikel Arteta. "When you score the first one, the performance is good, you have more time with your teammates, you understand the games, the opponents, the league better, everything helps."

The result stretched Arsenal's winning run to five matches in the North London Derby and their unbeaten streak to eight. Against Chelsea, the Gunners have gone 10 unbeaten while winning seven in all competitions, including both legs of their EFL Cup semifinal in November and January.

But fifth-place Chelsea (12-6-9, 45 points) have looked improved under incoming manager Rosenior, even if the decision to replace Enzo Maresca caught most off guard.

The Blues have posted an 8-2-2 mark under his direction in all competitions, with those EFL Cup losses the only defeats. In the league, Chelsea have taken 14 points from six games, a pace that would see them above Arsenal if it were extended over the whole season.

Still, they begin three points behind Manchester United in the quest for the final UEFA Champions League spot next season. And it may get tougher from here, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and a round-of-16 UCL clash with Paris Saint-Germain looming.

Rosenior doesn't see it that way.

"The Premier League is so difficult every week. Every week, the challenges that you face, the different tactical problems that you have, the physicality of the league, I don't judge one game as harder than the other," he said. "For me, I'm happy with this group, I'm happy with the start that we've made. We've won eight out of 12, it should be 10 out of 12. That's not bad."

Rosenior also confirmed captain Reece James will be available after the defensive midfielder sustained a minor injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Burnley.

--Field Level Media


--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:13:04 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23883052.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Liverpool at Arsenal</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 31, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a game against Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mikel Arteta</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23883052.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham's Sheaf out with knee injury; Rathbone, Dobson sign extensions</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=249290</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson announced that midfielder Ben Sheaf could miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury suffered in Saturday's 5-3 win over Ipswich Town.

Sheaf, 28, joined the Red Dragons from Coventry City last summer. 

"Ben's not looking good and that's a real blow for us," Parkinson said Monday. "As much as there was a feeling of excitement after the win; the coaching staff and I had that always in the back our minds.

"The initial prognosis is it will be 10 weeks and a damaged medial ligament. We know have to move on and Ben will get the best possible treatment."

The news came just hours after the club announced that midfielders Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson have signed news deals that put them under contract with the Welsh side until the end of the 2028 season.

Both joined Wrexham in the summer of 2024 and played key roles in the club's promotion from League One to the Championship last season.

Rathbone, 29, returned in December from a serious ankle injury suffered during the club's preseason tour of Australia and New Zealand. He has six goals in 16 appearances since his return, and has eight goals in 42 league appearances with Wrexham.

The Manchester United academy product joined Wrexham from Rotherham United, and has made 64 overall appearances for the Red Dragons.

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign a new contract. It's a special day for me and my family. I'm over the moon," Rathbone said. "My time here has been great so far. It's probably the best football I've played in my career. 

"I want to keep playing, keep improving, and create more special moments for this club."

Dobson, 28, has played in all but three of the club's 33 league matches this season after making 48 appearances last season. He has three goals in 83 overall appearances with Wrexham.

"It's been an amazing 19 months. I've loved every minute of it. It's been a fantastic journey so far," Dobson said. "I'm delighted to extend, and hopefully we can create many more special memories."

Dobson played for Parkinson at Sunderland, and also made 144 appearances for Charlton Athletic.

"They're both really good lads, and good players, who've made significant contributions for us last year and this season," Parkinson said. "They both typify what we want at the club -- they play with real heart and commitment every single game, and it's great that they've got new deals."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:47:40 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-249290.xml</guid>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's George Dobson and Lewis O'Brien in action against Ipswich Town's Jens Cajuste on Feb. 13, 2026.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Jason Cairnduff</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>George Dobson, Lewis O'Brien, Wrexham</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T96202cf4-ffc1-431a-97cf-6793bc13d81f.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Spurs aim to damage Arsenal's weakening hold on first place in EPL</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=249089</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Premier League leaders Arsenal will try to respond from a disappointing midweek draw when they play in the North London Derby on Sunday, visiting a spiraling Tottenham Hotspur side playing its first match since the firing of manager Thomas Frank.

In one of the more shocking results of the season, Arsenal (17-3-7, 58 points) gave back a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie's goals put the Gunners well in front with less than an hour gone, only for that lead to eventually evaporate entirely with Tom Edozie's stoppage-time equalizer.

The result took the Gunners' lead to five points over Manchester City, who have a match in hand entering the weekend, and marked the second straight league match in which Arsenal squandered a lead.

That may add to the nerves in North London. Arsenal have actually dropped only seven points from winning positions this season, good for eighth fewest in the league and better than City's 11. And manager Mikel Arteta believes those nerves still can be channeled positively as the Gunners attempt to win their first league crown since 2003-04.

"I think it's becoming more and more exciting because that means that you are closer," Arteta said. "The more repeatedly you are in these kinds of positions, you're going to win it. ... So, first of all, you have to be there, and then in April or May, it will be decided who is the best, who can get over the line."

Meanwhile, Spurs (7-11-8, 29 points) simply are looking to distance themselves from the relegation scrap, beginning the weekend in 16th place and five points above the line.

Frank was dismissed following consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle United. Interim manager Igor Tudor is working with a significantly depleted squad, saying he had only 13 players in training after taking over following Frank's dismissal.

Spurs defender Pedro Porro won't recover from his hamstring ailment in time for the Sunday clash. However, leading scorer Richarlison (hamstring) and striker Dominic Solanke (throat) could be available.

Tudor is imploring his fans to make the difference in a game that could provide a morale boost far greater than the three points at stake.

"The message is, give us support," Tudor said. "The players need this. It is an amazing game to restart. I heard a lot of good things about them, about the love they have for the players. I am sure they will give us support and we show them that we care and we want to switch, we want to make a change immediately."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:27:40 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka</media:title>
                    <media:description>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring in a match on Aug. 26, 2023.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Matthew Childs</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Arsenal, Bukayo Saka</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T4c19c0ca-62fc-43c7-a170-b5e08c5a7b31.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Wrexham to host Chelsea in FA Cup's fifth round</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=248711</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham will play host to eight-time champion Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup in a match that was announced during Monday's draw.

Wrexham beat Premier League club Nottingham Forest in penalty kicks in the third round and Championship rival Ipswich Town, 1-0, on Friday to reach the round of 16 for the first time in 29 years. Up next is Chelsea, which lost three consecutive FA Cup finals from 2020-22 but blanked Hull City 4-0 on Friday in its first match of this year's tournament.

The match will take place the weekend of March 7-8, and will mark the first FA Cup meeting between the sides since 1982. They have played a pair of friendlies over the past few years, once at Kenan Stadium in 2023 and in Santa Clara, Calif., in 2024.

Owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, Wrexham has already earned a record three consecutive promotions. The Welsh side is currently in the playoff picture in the Championship as it seeks a spot in the Premier League next season.

Premier League leader Arsenal will next play at League One side Mansfield, which reached the fifth round for the first time since 1975 with a win over Burney on Saturday. Arsenal is seeking is first FA Cup title since 2020.

Manchester City will next face Premier League rival Newcastle as it seeks a third consecutive spot in the FA Cup final, while 2022 champion Liverpool will travel to Wolverhampton.

FA CUP 5TH ROUND DRAW
Fulham vs. Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City vs. Sunderland
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Leeds United vs. Norwich City
Mansfield Town vs. Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool
Wrexham vs. Chelsea
West Ham vs. Brentford

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:42:40 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-248711.xml</guid>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham Manager Phil Parkinson</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson after a match against Ipswich Town at the SToK Racecourse on Feb. 13, 2026. Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Phil Parkinson, Wrexham</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T3b9c66c0-53ba-4d8b-bf8f-bbd42397ffeb.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Arsenal prepare to defend top spot against surging Brentford </title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=248347</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Arsenal will look to restore its six-point lead atop the Premier League table on Thursday when the Gunners visit Brentford, which is eyeing European qualification after its own strong run of form.

Arsenal (17-3-5, 56 points) saw its league lead reduced to three points Wednesday when second-place Manchester City defeated Fulham 3-0.

In the seventh-place Bees (12-10-3, 39 points), the Gunners face a club that is still evolving in its first season under new boss Keith Andrews.

For example, Brentford went with three center backs in seven of their first 20 games across all competitions, including a 2-0 loss at Arsenal on Dec. 3.

But Andrews selected a four-man back line in the Bees' last 10 fixtures, over which they earned 19 points in nine league matches. And Mikel Arteta admits it's hard to prepare for how Thursday's opposition may approach the contest.

"I think it's happened a lot of times already this season for us," Arteta said of playing a team with a new manager. "At the end, you learn the lesson that not only with the change of manager, but what you expect a manager to do against you as well, because it has changed a lot this season. So we focus more on us and what we want to achieve, the way we want to play, the things we want to happen in the game in relation to what they do tactically."

The Gunners have won four in a row in all competitions, including consecutive league victories against Leeds and Sunderland with a home League Cup semifinal victory over Chelsea in between.

Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench and scored a brace in Saturday's 3-0 home win over Sunderland to bring his total to eight league goals in his first EPL season.

The Bees enter on the back of consecutive league victories, 1-0 at Aston Villa and 3-2 at Newcastle, with Dango Ouattara scoring the winner in both to bring his league total to five goals. All have come in victories, and three have been matchwinners for the Burkina Faso international in his first season with Brentford following three with Bournemouth.

"He's in good form," Andrews said. "His approach to what we do and how we go about it is very selfless, which is an important part of what we ask from the players on certain occasions. He defends selflessly and the quality he has is in no doubt."

Igor Thiago leads Brentford with 17 league goals, second in the Premier League, after converting from the spot at Newcastle.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:13:24 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Liverpool at Arsenal</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 31, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a game against Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mikel Arteta</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23883052.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Snoop Dogg to attend first Swansea game as co-owner</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=248345</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Snoop Dogg announced that he will attend his first Swansea City game in person since the American rapper became a co-owner of the Welsh club last July.

Snoop Dogg, who is currently in Italy as an honorary coach for Team USA at the Winter Olympics, will be in attendance when Swansea City plays host to Preston North End on Feb. 24.

"From the moment we talked about me becoming an owner, I have been looking forward to the chance to be with you all at the Swansea.com Stadium," the 54-yer-old told the club's website.

"I have heard so many great things about the atmosphere, especially when we play under the lights.

"When I watched the Wrexham game (in December), where we showed we are the capital of Welsh football, the noise in the stadium sounded incredible even from over 5,000 miles away. I can't wait to be a part of it."

A 20-time Grammy nominee and an Emmy award winner, Snoop Dogg will be on the pitch before the match to lead supporters. He is also scheduled to visit local community leaders and "experience life in our city and region."

Snoop Dogg joined an ownership group that also includes former Real Madrid star Luka Modric and has since added American television star and businesswoman Martha Stewart as owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen elevate the club's profile.

"We want to take Swansea to the Premier League, and to do that we are going to need money -- that's the reality of the game these days," Snoop Dogg said in January.

"I want to introduce sponsorship deals and publicity that will make them a global name."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:49:37 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/28169845.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Olympics: Curling-Mixed Doubles Round Robin</media:title>
                    <media:description>[US, Mexico &amp;amp; Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, ITALY; Snoop Dogg watches a match of Korey Dropkin of United States with Cory Thiesse of United States against Brett Gallant of Canada and Jocelyn Peterman of Canada  during the curling mixed doubles round robin competition during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Issei Kato/Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Issei Kato/Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>snoop dogg</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/28169845.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
               </media:content>
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester City arrive at Liverpool amid EPL road losing streak</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=247987</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester City will try to keep their Premier League title hopes alive when they visit a resurgent Liverpool in the late afternoon kickoff on Sunday at Anfield.

Pep Guardiola's City squad (14-5-5, 47 points) enter the weekend in second place, six points behind an Arsenal side that could add to their lead when they host Sunderland on Saturday.

And the Cityzens be looking to snap a three-match winless league run away from home, with their last league road win coming in late December. Most recently, City gave back a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. Before that came a 2-0 loss in the Manchester Derby and a scoreless draw at Sunderland.

Manchester City's form has been much better at home, where they most recently thumped Newcastle United 3-1 on Wednesday in the second leg of their comfortable Carabao Cup semifinal aggregate victory. But no matter the venue, Guardiola admits his players haven't been consistently in the form he would like.

"Not yet. At top, top level, high, high level? No," he said. "We have moments, real moments, not enough consistency to be there, but we still are there. So, 14 (remaining) games in the Premier League is an eternity, from my experience it's a lot and everything can happen."

Guardiola suggested Erling Haaland -- who again leads the Premier League in scoring with 20 goals so far -- will be available after a minor injury limited him to an appearance off the bench against Newcastle. However, it's unclear if the Norwegian star will start the match.

Sixth-place Liverpool (11-7-6, 39 points) likely are beyond contending to repeat as league champions, but they are now within two points of the UEFA Champions League places after a run of only one loss in 12 league matches (5-1-6).

The Reds have had a full week to prepare for City following one of their most decisive league performances of the season, a 4-1 thrashing of visiting Newcastle United last Saturday.

Hugo Ekitike registered a brace to bring his total to 10 goals in his first Premier League season. And Liverpool continued showing the decisive finishing form they displayed in a 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag on Jan. 28 that helped secure a third-place finish in that competition's league phase.

"The last two games we've been really good in both boxes and then people start to notice that our football might be better as well," Liverpool manager Arne Slot said. "But that football part has always been for 95% of the minutes we played, for me, far above an acceptable level. But both boxes have been not good enough throughout maybe 95% of the time.

"Now in the last two games that was, and then all of a sudden there's not only the performance, but the result looks different as well."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:45:33 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>FA Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool</media:title>
                    <media:description>Soccer Football - FA Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2025 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/Toby Melville</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike, Crystal Palace, Premier League, Community Shield</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T5b6f0520-259a-4c7e-86e8-daf631c1cc83.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
               </media:content>
          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham brings back F Davis Keillor-Dunn with transfer from Barnsley</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=247516</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Forward Davis Keillor-Dunn is returning to Wrexham, joining the club on transfer from League One's Barnsley for an undisclosed fee on Monday.

Keillor-Dunn, 28, who has 13 goals in 24 appearances for Barnsley this season, made six appearances for Wrexham during the 2019-20 season, scoring a goal against Bromley. He has now returned to the Welsh side with a contract that runs through the end of the 2028-29 season.

"If there's one club that's calling, it's Wrexham you want to go to," Keillor-Dunn said. "When I heard of the interest and spoke to the manager (Phil Parkinson), there was only one place I wanted to come - and that was back here.

"There was something that made me think in my heart that I would probably come back here. The way the club is progressing at the minute, there's no better time to come. Just to get in the building and through the door, I can't tell you how happy I am."

Keillor-Dunn began his professional career with Scotland's Ross County in 2017, scoring four goals before going on loan to Falkirk. He spent time at Oldham Athletic, Burton Albion and Mansfield Town before signing with Barnsley in 2024. He earned the club's Player of the Year award after scoring 19 goals in his first season with Barnsley.

"We'd like to welcome Davis to the club," Parkinson said. "He's a player whose development we've been watching closely over the last 18 months at Barnsley, and we're looking forward to him joining the squad."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:36:53 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham Signs Davis Keillor-Dunn</media:title>
                    <media:description>Forward Davis Keillor-Dunn is returning to Wrexham on a transfer from Barnsley.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Wrexham AFC</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Davis Keillor-Dunn, Wrexham</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T7ba446f7-8b23-496d-8d35-25f26ea86bb8.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham grant Elliot Lee's request with Doncaster loan</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=247515</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham granted Elliot Lee's request with Monday's announcement that the midfielder has been loaned to League One's Doncaster Rovers for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Lee, 31, was an integral part of Wrexham's record-setting three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship, scoring 41 goals while appearing in 149 games. However, he appeared in only three EFL Cup games and none in the Championship this season following the offseason signings of Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass.

A November knee injury that required surgery sidelined Lee for two months. Upon his return to training last month, manager Phil Parkinson said the club would "respect" Lee's desire to explore options during the transfer window.

"I'm really pleased," Doncaster manager Grant McCann said in a statement. "We've been chasing Elliot all month and we had to be patient but we've got it done.

"Elliot is a top player at this level. He's been instrumental in Wrexham's rise up the divisions and the triple promotions, playing a huge part, scoring important goals.

"It's an excellent signing for the football club and he'll bring plenty to us."

Lee began his career with West Ham United and played for several clubs before moving to Championship side Barnsley in 2016. He eventually joined Wrexham as a free agent in July 2022 and is under contract through the summer of 2027.

"I'm delighted to get it over the line," Lee said. "There's been a lot of talk over January and I've been in contact with a few clubs and spoke to a few managers but after speaking to the gaffer this is where I want to come and play football so I'm really excited."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:29:15 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23922757.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Wrexham at Chelsea</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 24, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Wrexham midfielder Elliot Lee (38) walks off the field after the match against Chelsea at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>elliot lee</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23922757.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
               </media:content>
          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>With UCL league phase in rearview, Liverpool, Newcastle square off</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=247270</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Liverpool and Newcastle United have both secured advancement in the UEFA Champions League. But each could use a good result when they meet at Anfield in Saturday's late kickoff if they intend to return to the continental competition next season.

Sixth-place Liverpool (10-7-6, 36 points) qualified directly for the round of 16 by winning five of their last six continental fixtures to finish third in the UCL league phase. That included a 6-0 home win over Qarabag of Azerbaijan on Wednesday night paced by Alexis Mac Allister's rare brace.

Mo Salah also scored his first goal since his return from the African Cup of Nations after striking four times in the tournament for Egypt. Liverpool manager Arne Slot's hope is that, with a goal or an assist in three of his last four club appearances, perhaps Salah could regain the form that saw him register 47 league goal involvements en route to the 2024-25 Premier League title.

"I think it's always about the team and the team has to make sure he gets in good positions," Slot said of Salah, who only has four goals and four assists in the league this campaign. "I think that's what we are doing more and more -- not only with him but with many players."

Liverpool may no longer be in realistic contention for a second consecutive league crown. But with 15 matches to play, they're only two points off the pace for the fourth and final automatic berth to next year's Champions League.

The ninth-place Magpies (9-8-6, 33 points) are also in that discussion despite a run of one win in six across all competitions that dates back to Jan. 10.

Wednesday's 1-1 draw at reigning UCL champions Paris St. Germain felt like a victory, with Nick Pope saving Ousmane Dembele's early penalty and Eddie Howe's men eventually pulling level through Joe Willock in first-half stoppage time.

Injuries also kept captain Bruno Guimaraes (ankle), fellow Brazilian midfielder Joelinton (groin) and English defender Valentino Livramento (hamstring) out of the pivotal contest, which helped Newcastle seal a 12th-place league phase finish and a seeded playoff phase spot.

Guimaraes was able to make the midweek trip to Paris for moral support, and while it feels unlikely he'd return for Saturday's contest, Howe did not rule it out.

"It's slightly unknown at the moment. He did really well to be with us in Paris -- that was down to the fact he was desperate to support the players," Howe said on Friday. "He did very, very light training. He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so we'll see how he is today. This will be where we decide (for Saturday)."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:07:45 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Liverool, Mohamed Salah</media:title>
                    <media:description>September 20, 2023 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during training </media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/Carl Recine</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Liverool, Mohamed Salah</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T0147c92b-77bb-4135-9793-5d1072ce7ec9.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <category>Top Story</category>
               <title>Wrexham sends Paul Mullin on loan to Bradford City</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=247240</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham striker Paul Mullin will join League One's Bradford City on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Mullin, 31, is under contract through the summer 2027 but did not figured into Wrexham's plans in the club's playoff push in the Championship. The fan favorite returned to Wrexham at the beginning of the year when his loan with League One's Wigan Athletic ended early.

Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson acknowledged multiple times this month that the club was working to determine the best situation for Mullin, who helped the Welsh side earn three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship. 

Mullin scored five goals in 26 matches across all competitions for Wigan Athletic, and now joins a Bradford City side looking to snap a three-match losing streak as it seeks a second consecutive promotion.

"We're really pleased for Paul, it's a good opportunity to part of a team challenging at the top of the league," Parkinson said.

Mullin will join fellow January signings Louie Sibley from Oxford United and the Newcastle United pair of Harrison Ashby and Joe White.

"I am over the moon and cannot wait to start," Mullin told Bradford City's website. "When the opportunity came to come to Bradford, I absolutely jumped at it. I am fortunate to be offered the opportunity to come and play for this massive club in Yorkshire and play in front of all the supporters.

"Hopefully we can win as many games as possible, but to score in front of all the fans, this time on their side, would be really special."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:22:34 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Wrexham Exetends Paul Mullin's Contract</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's Paul Mullin celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates against Boreham Wood at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Britain - April 22, 2023</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Ed Sykes</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Paul Mullin, Wrexham</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T8a1fc562-3680-4d8d-99b3-0c561282d071.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Reports: Wrexham discussing record $26M Sidiki Cherif signing</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=246955</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham are in talks about signing striker Sidiki Cherif to a Championship-record $26 million transfer fee, according to multiple reports.

The current league record signing came last August when Ipswich signed Sindre Walle Egeli for a reported fee of around $24 million.

Cherif, 19, has four goals in 19 appearances in his first season with Angers in France's Ligue 1 and is under contract with until 2029. Crystal Palace is also reportedly interested in acquiring Cherif, but have so far balked at Angers' asking price.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson flew to watch Cherif play at Paris FC on Sunday night, with Football Insider reporting the Welsh side first sent scouts to watch him play in November. Cherif is one of three potential signings before Monday's transfer deadline, according to The Athletic. Cherif did exit the scoreless draw with an apparent ankle injury.

"There's lots of names we get linked with and some have got some truth and some of them haven't," Parkinson said last week. "At this stage of the window there's inquiries, there's talks going on. Sometimes they come to fruition and sometimes they don't, that's all I can say on any transfer targets at the moment.

"I'm firmly concentrating on the players we've got."

Wrexham earned a record three consecutive promotions to return to the Championship for the first time in 43 years this season. Following Saturday's 3-2 come-from-behind win against Queens Park Rangers, Wrexham is in sixth place in the table with 44 points through 29 matches.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:52:11 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-246955.xml</guid>
               <media:content url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/S8d3b290c-eea6-45a8-82d6-634acc69aaf8.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1123" height="771">
                    <media:title>Angers SCO's Sidiki Cherif</media:title>
                    <media:description>Angers SCO's Sidiki Cherif in a game against Paris St Germain on Aug. 22, 2025.
</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/Christian Hartmann</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Sidiki Cherif </media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/T8d3b290c-eea6-45a8-82d6-634acc69aaf8.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester United look to keep momentum going vs. Arsenal</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=246626</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester United will look for a second big win in as many weekends when they visit league leaders Arsenal in the late kickoff on Sunday.

Caretaker manager Michael Carrick earned the first victory of his current tenure as the Red Devils (9-5-8, 35 points) deservedly beat visiting Manchester City 2-0 on Jan. 17 thanks to second-half goals by Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

Yet even that derby win is tempered by the reality that fifth-place Manchester United are again in a period of transition following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim early this month.

Carrick is expected to stay in his role only until the end of the season. And veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, one of the few consistent performers during an era of instability, announced this week that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Both men apparently will do everything they can to leave the club in a better position for those who follow in their footsteps, as evidenced by Casemiro's excellent 81-minute shift in the derby.

"I think the announcement for Case was for clarity as much as anything," Carrick said of the midfielder, who turns 34 next month. "It was kind of decided anyway before I arrived, so it's not just a knee-jerk decision. But the type of personality, the character that he is, I think it shows you, the performance last week, where he is mentally and how much it means for him to be here and finish the season strong."

Arsenal (15-2-5, 50 points) were held to a scoreless draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend but still added a point to their lead on Manchester City and Aston Villa.

They followed that result with a 3-1 win at Inter Milan on Tuesday night, with the recently returned Gabriel Jesus scoring his second and third goals in all competitions this season before substitute Viktor Gyokeres added his ninth to seal the contest.

With Kai Havertz also back from an extended absence, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta hopes the best may be yet to come for Gyokeres in his first season in the Premier League after his summer transfer from Sporting Lisbon.

"He started without a preseason and (with) a lot of minutes and a lot of responsibility on him," Arteta said. "Now the fact that we have other options as well, I think it's something really positive, especially for the squad, and you could see the other day, Gabi scoring two goals, Viktor coming on and making an impact to win the game."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:03:02 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/19519415.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022-Brazil at Switzerland</media:title>
                    <media:description>Nov 28, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Brazil midfielder Casemiro (5) moves the ball against Switzerland in the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Stadium 974. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Casemiro</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/19519415.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham re-signs M Matty James</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=246274</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham announced that midfielder Matty James has re-signed with the club for a deal that puts him under contract through the 2027 season. 

James, 34, signed an 18-month contract with Wrexham after being released by Bristol City in October 2024. He has gone on to score three goals in 61 appearances across all competitions, while helping Wrexham earn its promotion in the Championship this season.

James has played in every game this season.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to sign a new contract. I want to say thank you to all the players, staff and fans for the support I've had since the first day I came here," James said.

"I'm looking forward to playing more football at this great Club."

A former England Under-19s international who has played for Manchester United, Leicester City and Bristol City, James has served as a captain for Wrexham. He also scored in the club's recent win at Derby County.

"It's great that Matty has signed another contract with the Club," manager Phil Parkinson said.

"I think it's very important as he's got real leadership qualities both on and off the pitch and I'm delighted that he's staying with us for another year."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:43:02 EST</pubDate>
               <guid isPermaLink="false">PREMStory-246274.xml</guid>
               <media:content url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/Se939b125-3aa0-470c-9c21-12d64ab255e5.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1251" height="1100">
                    <media:title>Wrexham Midfielder Matty James</media:title>
                    <media:description>Wrexham's Matty James celebrates after the match against Sheffield United at SToK Racecours on Dec. 26, 2025.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Action Images/Ed Sykes</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Matty James</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://duukrpmulo8y1.cloudfront.net/Te939b125-3aa0-470c-9c21-12d64ab255e5.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
               </media:content>
          </item>
          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham captain James McLean leaving club</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=246073</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham is losing another popular player from the team's rise through the English football leagues, with James McClean leaving to "pursue another opportunity."

McClean, 36, is under contract through the summer of 2027, but the Irish Independent reported that a permanent transfer has been reached with his hometown club Derry City in the League of Ireland's Premier Division.

"Jimmy's going on to pursue another opportunity that he's looking at," Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson said.

It is a similar situation as that of Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin, who are both under contract through the summer of 2027. Wrexham announced earlier this week that Lee is also pursuing other opportunities, while Mullin's future with the team remains uncertain following the early end of his loan to League One's Wigan Athletic with the new year.

McLean has scored eight goals while the winger made more than 100 appearances for Wrexham, helping the club with the most recent of its historic three consecutive promotions. He has made 19 appearances in the Championship this season, but has not featured since a Dec. 19 loss to Swansea City during which he was levied with a three-week ban for violent conduct in the 2-1 loss.

Williamson told BBC Radio Wales Sport that Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac will support McClean's desire to return to his home club. McClean played for Derry City from 2008-11 and made 188 appearances before departing for Sunderland. He went on to play for Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Stoke City before joining Wrexham in 2023.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:48:35 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23922732.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Wrexham at Chelsea</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 24, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Wrexham midfielder James McClean (23) and Wrexham goalie Arthur Okonkwo (1) walk off the field after the match against Chelsea at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>james mcclean</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23922732.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester United  in search of spark vs. Manchester City</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=245956</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester United continue life after Ruben Amorim when they host derby rivals Manchester City in Saturday's early kickoff.

Amorim was dismissed from his post as manager following the Red Devils' first result of the new year, a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Jan. 4 that made it only three wins in 11 matches.

But there has been little in terms of obvious improvement under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

Despite a second-half brace from Benjamin Sesko, seventh-place Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at Burnley on Jan. 7 in their last league encounter.

Sesko scored again four days later, but the Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Even so, with Manchester United (8-5-8, 32 points) entering the weekend in seventh, Carrick still is hopeful he can help the team compete for a European place. And they may have an advantage now, with only the league to focus on for the remainder of this season.

"We want to be top of the league. I mean, that's pretty obvious to say," said Carrick, who won five league titles during more than a decade as a Man U player.

"But we got to take some small steps towards that. And European football, obviously, would be a step forward, and we've got to keep pushing."

Carrick is in his second stint as a caretaker boss, having previously inhabited the role in 2021.

But City manager Pep Guardiola confesses he isn't entirely sure what to expect from Saturday's opponents as his second-place side try to close their six-point gap on league leaders Arsenal.

"When you don't have any info, you can't give any info to the players so you focus on yourself," Guardiola said Friday. "Maybe with the lineup (announced) tomorrow we will have an idea. You can see what he did at Middlesbrough or the first part at Man United, but tactics are about the players and who they have will be different to Middlesbrough. So what they are going to do I don't know."

City (13-4-4, 43 points) are coming off consecutive victories outside league play -- a 2-0 triumph at Newcastle United in Leg 1 of the EFL Cup semifinals, and a 10-1 FA Cup win over third-tier Exeter City -- but have been held to draws in their last three league meetings.

Erling Haaland's 20 league goals represent nearly half of City's total of 45. And Guardiola's back line continues to be short-handed because of injuries to John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:14:09 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-791nw/26566427.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="791">
                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Pep Guardiola</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/26566427.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
               </media:content>
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          <item>
               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Wrexham to 'respect' Elliot Lee's transfer request</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=245895</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed that the club will "respect" midfielder Elliot Lee's desire to explore his options during the January transfer window.

A fan favorite as Wrexham earned three consecutive promotions over the past three seasons, Lee has not made an appearance in the Championship this season. That has followed the signings of Nathan Broadhead and Josh Windass, while Lee has also been recovering from November knee surgery, only recently returned to training.

"Elliot's had a good week and a half of training and wants to go on loan and get some game time, so we respect that," Parkinson said. "There was a club which was very close to agreeing a deal and they've gone elsewhere for a different profile of player, but I'm sure there'll be other clubs looking at Elliot."

Lee is under contract through the summer of 2027.

Elliot, 31, joined Wrexham as a free agent in July 2022, going on to score 41 goals over 149 appearances for the club. He has been with the Red Dragons during their promotion journey from the National League to League Two, League One and now the Championship.

Wrexham has parted ways with several players who made enormous contributions during the club's rise. That includes Paul Mullin, who recently returned to the Welsh side after his loan with League One's Wigan Athletic ended early to begin the new year.

The striker with 110 career goals for Wrexham appeared in a friendly against Liverpool Under-21s this week, but Parkinson would not commit to whether Mullin will continue with the club. Since he has not made an appearance for Wrexham this season, Mullin remains eligible to leave on loan. He is also under contract until the summer of 2027.

"With Mulls, he needed the game on Tuesday because he hadn't had a lot of starts recently," Parkinson said. "He's trained well and played well on Tuesday. It's that situation where we need to find the right route for him from now until the end of the season and we're just working with him on that."

Wrexham current sits ninth in the Championship standings, one point out of a playoff spot.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:36:18 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23922757.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Wrexham at Chelsea</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 24, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Wrexham midfielder Elliot Lee (38) walks off the field after the match against Chelsea at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">David Gonzales-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>elliot lee</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23922757.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <title>Liverpool looking to slow Arsenal's massive momentum</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=245097</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Premier League leaders Arsenal host defending champions Liverpool on Thursday in a fixture that shows just how quickly things can change in England's top flight.

When these sides last met on the third matchday of the EPL season on Aug. 31, it was Liverpool still riding the high of their 20th league title and only their second since 1990.

Dominik Szoboszlai's 83rd-minute tally lifted the Reds to 1-0 win, part of a seven-match winning streak in all competitions (five in league play) as Liverpool began their title defense.

Half a season later, Arne Slot's men now find themselves searching for other motivations this season as a second consecutive league title grows increasingly unlikely.

The fourth-place Merseysiders (10-6-4, 34 points) enter the return fixture 14 points adrift of the Gunners after a disastrous October and November that included a four-match losing streak and nine losses in 12 across all competitions.

England record transfer signing Alexander Isak has only scored twice in 10 appearances and remains sidelined with lower leg fracture.

And Slot admits the biggest value of this fixture might be to boost momentum for a potential deep run in the FA Cup or UEFA Champions League.

"Of course that would mean a lot, because if you win those games that tells you that you can compete in the latter stages of the FA Cup and the Champions League with any other team as well," Slot said. "I think we've shown already that we can do this because we've beaten, for example, Arsenal at home and I can come up with many other games that we've won against very strong teams. But we also know that it's going to be a special game for them as well."

The Gunners (15-2-3, 48 points) have won five in a row in the league to extend their lead to six points over Manchester City and Aston Villa following a 3-2 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday powered by Declan Rice's second-half brace.

And forward Kai Havertz could be nearing a long-awaited return from a knee injury that has kept him out since August. 

"We are obviously monitoring his load," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "He has been out for a long time for two different reasons, and he is very close. He trained this morning again, and hopefully we are going to have him available in the best version of Kai Havertz."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:07:38 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Real Betis at Liverpool</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Liverpool manager Arne Slot talks with Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic (43) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Barry Reeger-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Arne Slot </media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Slumping Chelsea set to begin new era with clash vs. Manchester City   </title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=244700</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Fifth-place Chelsea will begin life after manager Enzo Maresca when the team visits third-place Manchester City in Sunday's late kickoff.

Despite what has overall been a promising season from Chelsea (8-5-6, 30 points) while fielding the youngest average squad in the Premier League, the Italian was dismissed following a run of only two wins in nine matches (2-3-4) across all competitions to close 2025.

That included only two points from the Blues' last three league fixtures -- a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Dec. 20, followed by a 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa on Saturday and a 2-2 home draw to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Maresca's dismissal became official on New Year's Day. And while club ownership led by American businessman Todd Boehly searches for a permanent replacement, Chelsea U-21 manager Calum McFarlane has been promoted to be the caretaker boss of the senior team.

"I'm quite relaxed about it, to be honest," McFarlane said of stepping into the role. "I'm sure as we get closer to the game it will maybe be more nerve-racking. I'm just focused on coming in and preparing the team as best we can.

"I haven't worked at this level before, of course, but the lads today were brilliant, and it fills you with confidence we are all in it together and it's a team effort."

McFarlane will be charged with getting more from a squad that has played more than half its league matches without the now-healthy Cole Palmer, the Blues' leading scorer in the previous two campaigns. The team also has not fielded a single player above age 28.

Meanwhile, Maresca's departure has led to speculation that he could eventually be the replacement for City manager Pep Guardiola when the latter's contract expires following the 2026-27 season.

Guardiola survived his worst season in Manchester in 2024-25, having built considerable equity with six league titles won already, including a league-record four in a row before Liverpool finally snapped City's streak last season.

With City (13-4-2, 41 points) four points behind league leader Arsenal, he playfully pushed back against speculation that Maresca could succeed the legendary Spanish coach.

"Oh, my God! I have a contract," Guardiola said. "I've said a thousand million times. I know you are bored of me, 10 years here. I'm pretty sure of that! I will leave one day, I promise you."

City had won eight in a row -- including seven in the league -- before being held to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Thursday. And while Erling Haaland leads the Premier League with 19 goals, the most encouraging part of that recent run is that four of those wins came without him scoring.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 09:21:44 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Final-Chelsea FC at Paris Saint-Germain</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC head coach Enzo Maresca looks on after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Enzo Maresca</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Scorching Aston Villa set to test extended winning streak at Chelsea</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=243985</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Third-place Aston Villa will see their lengthy winning streak put to its stiffest test on Saturday when they visit a fourth-place Chelsea side that is getting closer to full strength.

Unai Emery's Villa (11-3-3, 36 points) have won 10 straight in all competitions, including seven in a row in the Premier League, to climb up into their current position three points adrift of Arsenal and one behind Manchester City.

The last eight of those wins have come by a single goal, including home triumphs over Arsenal early this month and Manchester United last Sunday.

A breakout campaign from 23-year-old England international Morgan Rogers has been a key ingredient, with the attacker registering braces in consecutive matches, including Sunday's 2-1 triumph, to reach seven goals for the season.

But Emery is aware that even those opponents at home may not present the same challenge as a visit to the young squad of Chelsea in this particular moment.

"They beat Liverpool at home, they competed fantastically against Arsenal, drawing, and they beat Barcelona as well in the Champions League and the last match at home against Everton," Emery said. "They are feeling strong at home. How we are feeling now is very important with our momentum. (Saturday) is a very huge test for us. It's a huge test at Chelsea, a huge test away, a huge test of how we are going to respond away against a team like Chelsea."

Chelsea (8-4-5, 29 points) are unbeaten in their last three, most recently earning a 2-2 draw at Newcastle last Saturday. Blues manager Enzo Maresca expects striker Liam Delap and attacking midfielder Estevao Willian both to be available after they both missed the Tyneside clash, with Delap in consideration for the first time since he departed a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth early on Dec. 6.

Maybe more importantly, dual-threat Cole Palmer may be ready for his first 90-minute performance after Maresca has gradually increased his minutes in the five matches since his return from an extended layoff.

Palmer only has two goals this year, but he was easily Chelsea's most important attacker over the last two seasons, registering 56 total goal involvements in that span.

"He played for an hour against Everton, then he did more than 70 minutes against Newcastle," Maresca said. "So I think the progression is there, he's feeling good and I think he could play for 90 minutes now."

With Delap also looking for his first league goal since his summer move to Chelsea, the Blues have been buoyed by five goals and three assists each from Joao Paulo and Pedro Neto.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:08:27 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23855228.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>MLS: Leagues Cup Showcase-Aston Villa at Columbus Crew</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 27, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the Leagues Cup Showcase game against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>unai emery</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Aston Villa aim to continue unbeaten streak in clash vs. Manchester United</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=243497</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Third-place Aston Villa will look to extend its six-match Premier League unbeaten streak when it hosts a seventh-place Manchester United side whose manager says is still combating club culture issues despite on-field improvement.

The Villains (10-3-3, 33 points) have won nine consecutive matches across all competitions, including their UEFA Europa League campaign, and in the Premier League are only six points back of leaders Arsenal.

And yet the margins have almost always been slim for manager Unai Emery's squad, with the last five league wins -- including beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium -- coming by a single goal. Last Sunday, Morgan Rogers' second-half brace propelled the Villains to a dramatic 3-2 win at West Ham, giving the 23-year-old a team-leading five league goals for the season.

But perhaps those narrow margins are helping to keep the mentality of Emery's side in the right place, because they're a consistent reminder of how quickly things can go sideways in arguably the world's most competitive league.

"How we are now, we can feel proud of everything we are doing, but we must understand being humble," Emery said. "If we are getting less focus, getting less work, getting less intensity in everything we are doing, we are going to lose, but not (just) against Manchester United."

For Manchester United (7-4-5, 26 points), Bruno Fernandes has five goals and seven assists, while Bryan Mbeumo leads the Red Devils with six league goals since his move from Brentford.

And manager Ruben Amorim is pleased at the improvement in his side's attack. With 30 goals scored already, Man U are on pace to match last season's total output by February.

But a social media saga involving Amorim's matter-of-fact assessment of teen prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi has provided the latest distraction for the Portuguese manager in a year full of them, with both players appearing to take exception to his words with respective online posts.

"I think it is a little bit (of) the feeling of entitlement we have in our club," Amorim said. "Sometimes, strong words (are) not bad words. Sometimes, difficult moments are not bad things for the kids. We don't need to be always with accolades in everything, in every situation."

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, will miss only his second match of the season as he serves a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Meanwhile, Villa hope goalkeeper Emi Martinez can return after missing two consecutive matches (and three of four) with nagging back issues.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:04:17 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23855228.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>MLS: Leagues Cup Showcase-Aston Villa at Columbus Crew</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 27, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the Leagues Cup Showcase game against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Unai Emery</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23855228.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Sunderland, Newcastle renew Premier League rivalry after decade</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=242786</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[As ninth-place Sunderland prepare to host 12th-place Newcastle United in the first Tyne-Wear Derby league fixture in nearly a decade, both sides will be trying to harness the hype in the right manner.

While Newcastle earned a 3-0 win in a third-round FA Cup match in January 2024, the sides haven't met in Premier League play since the 2015-16 campaign that ended with the Magpies' relegation.

Newcastle won the League Championship the following season to ensure a quick EPL return, only for the Black Cats to suffer the drop in 2016-17 and remain in the lower tiers until their promotion playoff triumph last spring.

Considered by many to be a relegation favorite, Sunderland (6-4-5, 23 points) instead have exceeded all expectations in their Premier League return.

And although they lost decisively at second-place Manchester City last weekend, they've performed well in general against the league's best. They recorded draws against leader Arsenal, defending champion Liverpool and third-place Aston Villa, and defeated fifth-place Chelsea.

"We came from Bournemouth, Liverpool, Man City," manager Regis Le Bris said of the Black Cats' recent schedule. "So we play against the best teams in Europe every weekend. So it wasn't so different I think. We are preparing for this fixture properly with the right level of analysis on one side. But on the other side, we want to play our game. And it will be really important."

Wilson Isidor leads the Black Cats with four goals. And Le Bris' side has leaned heavily on defense to earn results, teams combining for only 35 goals scored across their 15 league fixtures.

Newcastle (6-5-4, 22 points) is on a four-match league unbeaten run (2-0-2) following a turbulent start to the campaign.

Nick Woltemade and Bruno Guimaraes have five league goals each to fill the scoring void left by Alexander Isak's deadline day transfer to Liverpool. In his first season in England, the 23-year-old Woltemade is only seven goals shy of his previous best in the German Bundesliga.

Despite a midweek trip to Germany for a 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen in their latest UEFA Champions League fixture, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said the main challenge Sunday will be keeping his players clear-minded rather than energized.

"The arousal levels are absolutely key because you can be too high or too low. I don't think there will be many too low in preparation for this game but finding that place where the players play at their best is my challenge," Howe said. "Of course, you don't want the players to overthink things. It's a very important game but we've got to focus on our performance so all of these things will be important."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:50:46 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23669031.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: Copa America-Brazil vs Colombia</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 2, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (5) dribbles against Colombia midfielder Jefferson Lerma (16) and defender Davinson Sanchez (right) during the second half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Bruno Guimaraes</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23669031.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Pesky Aston Villa vie to continue ascent vs. Arsenal</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=242058</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Premier League leaders Arsenal will face yet another potential statement match when they visit a third-place Aston Villa side led by former Gunners manager Unai Emery in Saturday's early kickoff.

With the exception of Wednesday's 2-0 win over Brentford, Arsenal's recent schedule has been a gauntlet of glamorous opponents.

On Sunday, they earned a 1-1 draw across town at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. Before that, it was a 3-1 home win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League first phase. And before that, a convincing home derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

But in Emery's Villa side, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta faces a group that has posed problems the past two seasons, taking seven points from their four league meetings. And in his Spanish managerial compatriot, he may face a foe who still carries extra motivation in this fixture since his own run in charge of Arsenal (10-1-3, 33 points) ended unceremoniously in 2019.

"I don't know," Arteta said, when asked if he thought the fixture meant a bit more to Emery. "I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level, everywhere he's had an impact, it's all been remarkable. So I don't know, that's a question for him. But in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he's good enough in himself."

Arteta has his own concerns amid a relentless campaign that, despite an 18-match unbeaten run, has not come without issues, particularly in the injury department. But that landscape is improving, with Martin Odegaard returning midweek from an extended absence and regulars Declan Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard all questionable for Saturday.

Villa (8-3-3, 27 points) have overcome an uninspiring start to climb their way up the table after a string of four consecutive league wins and six in all competitions.

Donyell Malen has emerged as a legitimate threat off the bench in the role vacated by Jhon Duran, leading Villa with four league goals despite only four starts. Morgan Rogers, Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins have also scored three league goals each.

But Emery's group have been consistent more than overwhelming, with their last three wins over Leeds, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton coming by a single goal. Their overall plus-6 goal differential is less than that of fourth-place Chelsea and fifth-place Crystal Palace.

"This is the Premier League, the most difficult. And it was so, so difficult to beat Brighton, it was so difficult to beat Wolverhampton," Emery said Friday. "I can remind it for us and for you, and I was not feeling favorite against Wolverhampton, and I told you it, and tomorrow, I am not feeling favorite, but as well, I know we can win."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:46:51 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23855228.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>MLS: Leagues Cup Showcase-Aston Villa at Columbus Crew</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 27, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the Leagues Cup Showcase game against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Graham Stokes-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Unai Emery</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/23855228.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Returning Cole Palmer, Chelsea brace for Arsenal</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=241460</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Second-place Chelsea will welcome Cole Palmer back into the squad then they host league leaders Arsenal in a crucial clash on Sunday.

Chelsea (7-3-2, 23 points) enter in their best form of the season, posting a 5-0-1 record in their past six matches across all competitions. 

Their best performance may have been their last, a 3-0 UEFA Champions League first phase victory over FC Barcelona. Estevao and Liam Delap scored second-half goals after the Blaugrana turned in an early own goal and went down to 10 men just before halftime.

Now Palmer finally is set for his first action since September after recovering from a groin strain and then a toe fracture. 

His return, after leading Chelsea in scoring the previous two seasons, should give the Blues' title aspirations further credibility. But manager Enzo Maresca is urging patience in expectations for the 23-year-old, who has scored or assisted on 57 Chelsea league goals since his arrival from Manchester City.

"He can help us a lot," Maresca said. "He is probably our best player and we are happy he is back. Now we have to give him time to be 100 percent fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good things for this club in the future."

Meanwhile, Arsenal (9-1-2, 29 points) have ridden a nine-match league undefeated run to surge into the top spot in the table.

And if they can pull off a third straight victory Sunday, it might represent their best three-game stretch of the season. 

But the Gunners will have to continue overcoming injuries to do so. Most recently, striker Viktor Gyorkes (unspecified) and defender Gabriel (groin) have joined the ranks of the unavailable, with neither expected to return by Sunday. Leandro Trossard (unspecified) also is questionable, having departed not long following his opening goal in the 4-1 win over Spurs.

Eberechi Eze has seized upon that opportunity to give his best performances since joining the Gunners, scoring a hat trick against Spurs and then giving a game-winning assist versus Bayern.

More generally, yet another victory would suggest Arsenal have the depth required to capture the league crown at last.

"Those are statements that we are talking about every three days," manager Mikel Arteta said. "After beating Spurs at home, then we have to make a statement against Bayern Munich, we've done that and now we have to go to the next one. That's where we are, we knew the importance of the week, not only that, but what is coming after three days is going to be exactly the same, nothing is going to change. But we are super motivated for the game."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:11:54 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-872nw/26637383.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="872">
                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Final-Chelsea FC at Paris Saint-Germain</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates with the golden ball trophy after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Cole Palmer</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/26637383.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Arsenal plot to continue hot streak vs. Tottenham Hotspur</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=240671</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[League leaders Arsenal will try to continue their recent North London Derby dominance on Sunday at home against fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who enter the fixture for the first time with manager Thomas Frank in charge.

Arsenal (8-1-2, 26 points) are unbeaten with five victories in their last six in the fixture, all played in Premier League competition. The last three matches finished as one-goal wins against previous Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou's squads.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta believes his team has gotten the emotional approach right in those encounters, no easy feat in a fixture that can include overwhelming intensity.

"Yes, that emotion requires something else, and you cannot be too high, but, at the same time, that game demands that in every ball and every action, you have to be at it a bit more than in any other game," Arteta said. "We have found a really good balance, we played well, some days we have won, some days we've been a bit lucky as well to win, that's fair as well to say. So on Sunday we need a really, really good performance to beat them."

But one of the leaders of that effort, Brazilian center back Gabriel, will be out for weeks, Arteta said, after picking up a knee injury on international duty. Several other recent injury absentees, including team scoring leader Viktor Gyorkes, will be late decisions.

Meanwhile, Tottenham (5-3-3, 18 points) could see attack-minded players Papa Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani return after they sat out international action to recover from their respective ailments.

And Frank's squad also brings something into the fixture that Postecoglou's Spurs sides never possessed: the Premier League's best away record, with only two points dropped from five fixtures.

That said, with Dominic Solanke still out, Spurs remain light on goals -- Richarlison leads the team with four -- and haven't previously fared well with the unruliness the North London Derby often brings.

Frank says his side must learn to adapt to that latter aspect, particularly as a decided underdog that thrives on the counter.

"I'll definitely embrace controlled chaos or chaos we like to create, if that makes sense, because I think chaos is also good," Frank said. "You can also be too disruptive, too fixed, stop-start. So, we need a bit of chaos. I think we all need that. Chaos is transitions. Chaos is high pressure, you win it. Chaos is set pieces, second phase. And all those elements are areas we would, of course, like to exploit if we can in that situation."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 10:08:13 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/21059344.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>MLS: 2023 MLS All Star Game-Arsenal FC at MLS All Stars</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mikel Arteta</media:keywords>
                    <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/180-180/21059344.jpg" width="180" height="180" />
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Man City's Pep Guardiola set for milestone match vs. Liverpool</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=239097</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Pep Guardiola's second-place Manchester City will look for an important victory in the 1,000th match of his managerial career when a resurgent Liverpool side visits on Sunday.

Guardiola previously led Barcelona and Bayern Munich to three domestic titles apiece. But the Spaniard who also was a Barca player says it's City -- where he's won six league titles and one UEFA Champions League crown -- that has defined his coaching career.

And he sees plenty of poetry to facing the Reds, who have provided the most consistent challenge in England, in the benchmark match.

"I have been here longer than ever in this country, the impact it's had on my life," Guardiola said Friday. "Barcelona is my club and Bayern was incredible as well but Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country and especially Jurgen (Klopp), it could not be better. The destiny and universe has decided for this."

Guardiola also can relate to Liverpool's recent skid.

A year ago, it was City who went into a stunning swoon during November and December, losing four in a row and six out of eight across all competitions to open the door for Liverpool to win their 20th league title.

Now it's City (6-3-1, 19 points) who have won six of seven in all competitions, with Erling Haaland scoring 18 goals in total and 13 in the league.

And it's the Reds (6-4-0, 18 points) who had lost four in a row and six of seven across all competitions to open the door for Arsenal to take command in the title race. Arsenal are six points above City and seven in front of Liverpool and two others.

Liverpool arrested that slide last week with a pair of home wins, a 2-0 league victory over Aston Villa followed by a 1-0 Champions League triumph against Real Madrid.

But there's a sense manager Arne Slot's squad still is operating beneath its potential.

Alexander Isak still hasn't scored in the league since Liverpool paid Newcastle a British-record fee for his services at the end of the primary transfer window. Mo Salah -- who scored against Villa -- leads Liverpool again with four Premier League goals, a respectable tally but far behind last year's pace.

In that context, Slot says it's too early to think about Sunday as pivotal to any title aims.

"I only focus on ourselves, and our main focus is on consistency at the moment," he said. "We've lost a few games, much more than we usually do, and now we've won two so our focus is on getting consistent and improving, improving, getting players fit and then we will see where that will lead to. But at this moment of time, it's definitely not the only focus we have."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2025 11:52:47 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Pep Guardiola</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Manchester City aim to stall Bournemouth’s surge up table</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=238270</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Second-place Bournemouth will attempt to continue their surprising Premier League start when they visit fifth-place Manchester City on Sunday.

The Cherries (5-1-3, 18 points) join league leaders Arsenal as the only EPL sides to lose just once through nine games, with arguably their most impressive victories coming in late August at Tottenham and home against Brighton in mid-September.

Antoine Semenyo has become the latest striker to blossom under manager Andoni Iraola. Semenyo's six league goals follow the career-best 11 he scored in 2024-25.

And while the Cherries have outperformed metrics like expected goals so far, City manager Pep Guardiola isn't about to write off the legitimacy of their position in the table or weigh in on whether they can maintain their spot.

"That's a question for Iraola," Guardiola said. "I would say it's just nine games but also in previous seasons they're consistent. The team, manager, players, a tough opponent, but we know that."

Guardiola would be as much of an authority as anyone, having led City (5-3-1, 16 points) to six league titles in total, including four in a row in an unprecedented streak that was halted with Liverpool's triumph last season.

His side is currently six points back of Arsenal -- and two behind Bournemouth -- after seeing a five-match league unbeaten run broken last weekend at Aston Villa.

City have one of the world's top scorers at their disposal in Erling Haaland, who leads the EPL with 11 goals and was cleared to return Sunday after a minor knock in the Villa defeat.

And they've remained unbeaten in both their other competitions so far, taking seven points from three UEFA Champions League matches and recently seeing off second-tier Swansea City 3-1 in the EFL Cup fourth-round tie in midweek.

Bournemouth haven't had to balance multiple commitments since a second-round EFL Cup defeat way back in August, and perhaps that shows in a virtually clean injury report.

Brazilian striker Evanilson was the only question after he was forced to miss last weekend's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Iraola says he'll be available Sunday.

"So now it's very difficult for me to make decisions because I have to leave some players out of the squad," Iraola said. "But it's good, because we are in a lovely place in that sense and we can approach the game in different ways, and I will have to think very well (about) what's going to be the possible starting XI and the options from the bench."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:15:50 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Round of 16-Al Hilal FC at Manchester City</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>pep guardiola</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
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               <title>Chelsea eager to keep strong form vs. surging Sunderland</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=237584</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Fifth-place Chelsea will try to continue their strong run of form on Saturday when they host a newly promoted Sunderland side that sits seventh after surpassing early expectations.

Chelsea (4-2-2, 14 points) have won four straight matches in all competitions, with half of those coming in the first phase of UEFA Champions League play.

Their league performances have been just as impressive. They dealt a second loss to a Liverpool side that entered Stamford Bridge leading the league, then hammered Nottingham Forest 3-0 in a result that cost Trees manager Ange Postecoglou his job.

Even so, the Blues are ahead of Sunderland (4-2-2, 14 points) only on goal difference. And manager Enzo Maresca says there's nothing fraudulent about the Black Cats, who are contesting their first Premier League season since 2016-17.

"I think they have shown since the start of the season that they are a very good team," Maresca said. "They play together, they work together, and they play as a team. In terms of results, they have the same points as us, so they are showing how good they are. It's a Premier League game, and I don't think any game at this level is easy."

And while Chelsea have been good, they're also decidedly less than full strength. Versatile attacker Cole Palmer (groin) and summer striker signing Liam Delap (hamstring) have both been injured for the majority of the early campaign. Palmer is not expected back until at least next month, while Maresca said Delap could be available next week but will miss Saturday's match.

Without them, it's been an attack by committee, with three goals each from Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo leading five Blues who have scored multiple times.

Objectively, the quality of Sunderland's results are less impressive, with three of their four wins coming against sides currently in the relegation zone.

But in contrast to sides like Luton Town and Burnley, whose failed recent attempts at Premier League survival featured an attack-minded tactical setup, Sunderland have built their strength through the back, keeping four clean sheets and conceding only six goals.

"I think it's important to build consistency, especially in this league," Cats manager Regis Le Bris said. "If you are solid, to protect your goal, you don't concede many goals, I think it's better to build confidence and to be able to be competitive."

Le Bris will be without Paraguayan center back Omar Alderete, who originally returned from international duty with a thigh injury but has since been treated for concussion symptoms.

French striker Wilson Isidor has three of Sunderland's nine league goals.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:56:09 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Final-Chelsea FC at Paris Saint-Germain</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC head coach Enzo Maresca reacts on stage during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Enzo Maresca</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Liverpool eager to bounce back at Chelsea, stay atop table</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=236041</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Liverpool will look to respond from consecutive losses on Saturday when they visit a Chelsea side that has sputtered so far amid injuries and two red cards through their first six English Premier League matches.

Manager Arne Slot's Reds (5-1-0, 15 points) still enter the weekend with a two-point lead over Arsenal after dropping their first EPL points in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Following that disappointment, in which Federico Chiesa equalized late only for Eddie Nketiah to restore Palace's lead deep in stoppage time, the Reds failed to find the net in a 1-0 UEFA Champions League loss at Turkish power Galatasaray on Tuesday.

But Slot disputed the idea that the performance in Istanbul had any hallmarks of an emotional hangover.

"If the reaction is after you lose against Palace you lose another game, you can argue if that is positive," Slot said. "But I saw a team that wanted to try, from the first second until the last second, everything to get a result. Different to the Palace game, we won much more second balls, we were -- like in the Palace game -- close to a result."

Liverpool also is still waiting for its first goal from British record signing Alexander Isak, who completed his move from Newcastle at the end of the summer window for a reported fee of around $170 million.

Hugo Ekitike, another summer acquisition, leads the Reds with three league goals.

Chelsea (2-2-2, 8 points) have lost back-to-back league fixtures away to Manchester United and home against Brighton and Hove Albion.

They finished both with 10 men against Brighton after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and defender Trevoh Chalobah, respectively, were sent off for denying obvious goal-scoring opportunities. The latter is suspended for Saturday's clash.

The Blues also are without star attacker Cole Palmer (groin) and summer acquisition Liam Delap (thigh) among a handful of injury casualties.

And manager Enzo Maresca believes those factors have obscured performances that are better than Chelsea's eighth-place standing.

"I think we started very, very well in terms of results and performance," Maresca said. "I think most of the games where we didn't get the points is because they were games very complicated for us in terms of, unfortunately, red cards. But no doubt that also the injury situation, we have at this moment I think eight players out. So it's a mixed combination, but we don't have any doubt that slowly, slowly we're going to be again where we need to be."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:18:51 EST</pubDate>
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               <media:content url="https://cdn.imagn.com/image/thumb/1100-733nw/23834806.jpg" type="image/jpg" medium="image" width="1100" height="733">
                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Real Betis at Liverpool</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (11) celebrates a win against Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Barry Reeger-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>liverpool salah 2024</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Defensive-minded Arsenal out to squash scoring-limited Newcastle United </title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=235590</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Arsenal will try to continue their strong defensive record on Sunday when they visit a Newcastle United side still struggling to score goals since the departure of Alexander Isak.

Arsenal (3-1-1, 10 points) have allowed just two scores so far in league play. And Manchester City's Erling Haaland became the first and so far only Premier League player to score against Arsenal from open play in the ninth minute of last weekend's 1-1 draw.

Manager Mikel Arteta says the club's stinginess is a credit not only to his rearguard, but to the approach of all 11 players on the field.

""We start from our frontline and the amount of pressure and work that they put into any defensive line, any goalkeeper, is tremendous," Arteta said. "So it's something collective, it's a team sport and in anything that we do, everybody has a pivotal role in that."

Even so, the Gunners still find themselves five points back of Liverpool and already managing injuries to several key players.

However, Arteta said attacker Bukayo Saka should be fit for Sunday's clash and that his removal following a heavy challenge in Wednesday's 2-0 League Cup win vs. Port Vale was planned.

Newcastle (1-1-3, 6 points) have scored only three goals so far in the league amid the saga that eventually saw Isak move to Liverpool for a reported fee of $170 million.

The Magpies moved for Stuttgart's 23-year-old Nick Woltemade as a replacement at the transfer deadline. He's scored once so far in two league appearances after he had 12 goals in a breakthrough Bundesliga campaign.

That said, Newcastle have won their last three against Arsenal at St. James' Park, including the second leg of last year's Leagues Cup semifinal en route to the club's first major honor in 70 years.

And they've been very competitive so far in two home matches against global footballing powers, a 3-2 league loss to Liverpool in the second game of the Premier League season, and a 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to FC Barcelona on Sept. 18.

"It has always been a competitive game against Arsenal, and there has been an edge to those games as both teams want to win," said Magpies manager Eddie Howe. "The more competitive we are, the better we play. We need to bring that to the game on Sunday."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2025 12:37:41 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: International Friendly Soccer-Liverpool at Arsenal</media:title>
                    <media:description>Jul 31, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a game against Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Mikel Arteta </media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
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               <category>News</category>
               <title>Arsenal hope to have stars back for showdown with Manchester City</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=234952</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester City will try to finish a challenging week unblemished when they visit an Arsenal side hoping to see some of its injured stars return to match fitness.

After a difficult start to the season, City (2-2-0, 6 points) returned from the September international window in impressive form.

Last weekend, Erling Haaland's brace propelled City to a 3-0 home win over Manchester United, a result that halted a two-match Premier League losing streak.

Then on Thursday night, Haaland and Jeremy Doku scored after halftime in a 2-0 home victory over reigning Serie A champions Napoli to open their UEFA Champions League campaign.

City still enter the weekend six points back of Liverpool in the early Premier League standings as manager Pep Guardiola's reworked squad begins its bid to win another league title after seeing a run of four consecutive crowns halted last season.

But Guardiola is still placing the most importance on his squad's overall development at the moment, rather than the match-by-match results.

"Seeing the team growing up, that is my only concern right now, making a step forward," he said on Friday. "We are not going to win the Premier League on Sunday and we are not going to lose the Premier League on Sunday."

Arsenal's only defeat so far came at Liverpool at the end of August in a tightly contested 1-0 contest decided by Dominik Soboszlai's brilliant late free kick.

That's the only goal Mikel Arteta's Gunners (3-1-0, 9 points) have conceded this season. They rebounded from the defeat with a 3-0 home win against Nottingham Forest in the league last weekend and a 2-0 Champions League victory at Athletic Club in Bilbao Spain, on Tuesday.

There is a chance that forward Bukayo Saka, midfielder Martin Odegaard and defender Ben White could all participate this weekend after recent injuries.

"Everything has been modified so far for them (in training)," Arteta said of the trio. "There are still a few things to clear and (Saturday) we'll have more information on whether they are part of the squad or if they have a chance to be part of the squad."

Saka, who scored 47 Premier League goals across the previous four seasons, hasn't played since the second weekend due to a hamstring issue. However, Arsenal's summer reinforcements have helped weather his absence, including striker Viktor Gyorkes, who has a team-high three league goals so far.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:03:14 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka</media:title>
                    <media:description>Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring in a match on Aug. 26, 2023.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Reuters/Matthew Childs</media:credit>
                    <media:keywords>Arsenal, Bukayo Saka</media:keywords>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester City, United attempt to switch season into higher gear</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=234352</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Gianluigi Donnarumma could make his debut in the Manchester City net against visiting Manchester United in Sunday's Manchester Derby.

City (1-2-0, 3 points) completed the move for Donnaruma from Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee reportedly of at least $35 million, just as the primary transfer window closed earlier this month.

He'll be in an open competition for the No. 1 spot with James Trafford after City sold Ederson to Fenerbahce.

Trafford started City's first three matches this season, but back-to-back defeats heading into the international window could cause manager Pep Guardiola to change course immediately.

"He's so tall and so huge. All the keepers want to save balls and give confidence to the team and personality and he's a big presence on the bigger stages," Guardiola said. "He did it in the UEFA Champions League last season at Villa Park and Anfield."

City lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham and 2-1 at Brighton to fall already six points behind reigning champions Liverpool as the early season table shakes out.

Erling Haaland has three goals, and City's only tally since a 4-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend.

City also is winless in the last four derbies, earning only a point in the last two league fixtures while also losing the 2024 FA Cup final 2-1 to United and playing to a draw in the 2024 Community Shield.

And it's the first time in five years that United (1-1-1, 4 points) has entered the Manchester Derby above City in the table, though they haven't exactly proved convincing in their own start.

"I think we are a better team (compared to last season)," manager Ruben Amorim said. "If you see any aspect, the data, we are a different team. We are ready to play the game but we have to show on Sunday."

A stoppage-time penalty from Bruno Fernandes -- and a disallowed goal for Burnley via semi-automated offside technology -- helped United to a 3-2 home win two weekends ago that was its first victory of any sort this season.

That came on the heels of an embarrassing exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the EFL Cup.

But Amorim's group at least is creating chances at a better early clip than last season, even while some of the finishing is left wanting.

To that end, recently acquired striker Matheus Cunha will be among those absent to injury Sunday and unable to score his first EPL goal in a United shirt.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 12:21:37 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup 2025-Semifinal-Paris Saint-Germain at Real Madrid C.F.</media:title>
                    <media:description>[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (1) celebrates after midfielder Fabian Ruiz (8) scores their third goal during a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Preview</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Liverpool, Arsenal protecting perfect records early in season</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=233016</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Liverpool and Arsenal will both try to remain perfect in the Premier League on Sunday when they meet in Merseyside, England.

Liverpool (2-0-0, 6 points) have had the far more adventurous route to their flawless record, twice giving back late leads only to score match-winning goals even later.

Last Monday, it was Mo Salah setting up Rio Ngumoha deep in second-half stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, in a contentious environment fueled by the transfer saga surrounding Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

But the good news for Reds manager Arne Slot is that so far, his side appears less reliant on the veteran Salah for their attacking production, thanks in no small part to their summer transfer business.

In particular, former Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Hugo Ekitike is off to a quick start at Anfield with two goals and an assist, including Liverpool's second tally at Newcastle.

"I think he has already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game," Slot said Friday. "Not only scoring goals but also being part of build-up situations where he was someone that started the attack or was part of us starting an attack. I'm talking about a difference a bit more than last season, although when (Luis Diaz) played there he was also a lot of times part of our build-up."

Meanwhile, Arsenal (2-0-0, 6 points) have yet to concede in the new campaign and last Saturday romped to a 5-0 home victory over Leeds United that was realistically decided when Bukayo Saka scored the Gunners' second goal in first-half stoppage time.

But Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are already dealing with injuries, with the former two expected to miss at least several weeks.

That will put the focus on summer signings like Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, who were acquired in part to help Arsenal combat exactly these kinds of situations.

Gyokeres scored his first two Premier League goals -- including one from the penalty spot -- against Leeds. Eze has yet to debut for the Gunners after completing his transfer from Crystal Palace for a reported fee just north of $80 million this week.

"It's the start of the season and we lost three of our main players, but that's the reality," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "A very unfortunate situation, three very different situations. But that's why we keep insisting, like everybody else, you need a big squad to be able to cope and sustain the level."

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:53:51 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>FA Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool</media:title>
                    <media:description>Soccer Football - FA Community Shield - Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2025 Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">REUTERS/Toby Melville</media:credit>
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               <dc:creator>Field Level Media</dc:creator>
               <category>Story</category>
               <category>Recap</category>
               <category>News</category>
               <title>Manchester United suffers historic loss to Grimsby Town</title>
               <link>https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=232848</link>
               <description xml:space="preserve"><![CDATA[Manchester United suffered a historic loss Wednesday, losing to fourth-tier Grimsby Town 12-11 on the road in a marathon shootout that eliminated Man U. from the English League Cup.

Man U., which needed two goals in the final 15 minutes just to get into the shootout, remains winless to start its campaign. The club settled for a 1-1 draw against Fulham following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in its first two Premier League matches, which leaves them in 16th place in the standings.

It was the side's first loss to a fourth-tier team, which happened in front of 8,647 joyous spectators in Cleesthorpes -- 120 miles east of Manchester.

The heavy favorite fell behind the League Two team 2-0 in the first 30 minutes thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire scored for Manchester United to trigger the shootout, but Mbeumo's equalizing attempt hit the crossbar to put the wraps on the 12-11 win for Grimsby.

The two teams had not faced one another since 1948.

Man U. placed nine shots on goal and had 70 percent of the possession time compared to Grimsby Town's four shots on goal and 30 percent possession, but Man U. manager Ruben Amorim told the BBC that he thought "the best team won; the only team that was on the pitch."

"We were completely lost."

United finished last season 15th in the standings, their worst finish since being relegated in 1974.

--Field Level Media]]></description>
               <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:17:23 EST</pubDate>
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                    <media:title>Syndication: Peoria Journal Star</media:title>
                    <media:description>Justin Hart of Morton, a member of The 309 soccer fan club, sports a Manchester United F.C. flag as he watches the Peoria City USL 2 team battle the Des Moines Menace on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Shea Stadium in Peoria. Manchester United is a popular soccer team in the top-tier English Premier League.</media:description>
                    <media:credit role="photographer">MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK</media:credit>
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