Transfer window winners and losers

The January transfer window has slammed shut for clubs in Europe and some top teams in Spain and England chose to remain largely inactive

Transfer window winners and losers

The January transfer window has slammed shut for clubs in Europe and some top teams in Spain and England chose to remain largely inactive

Man City deserved to beat Spurs

Manchester City put in their most assertive display of the season against Tottenham but still came away with only a point

City's best not good enough

City's failures in both boxes were apparent again as they could not put a Spurs side away despite dominating most of the game

What Pep can learn from Poch

Pochettino was the first man to undo Pep's City this season and he has worked assiduously to build the kind of team that his rival could envy

Sexy Goal Panel would improve football

Marco Van Basten is right - it's time to rip up the rule book. Here are our opening suggestions for changes to the Laws of the Game

Costa to China would scare Europe elite

Chelsea have been content to sell squad surplus to Chinese Super League clubs up to now but the threat of losing their star man is a game-changer

Conte reveals reason behind Costa's absence

The Blues's leading scorer was left out of the squad to face champions Leicester City but his coach insists there is nothing more to it than injury

Chelsea need to find foil for Costa

The Brazil-born hitman is leading the Premier League scoring charts but there is a suggestion that he might not be able to keep it up all season

PL paying DOUBLE the wages of Serie A

UEFA's latest Benchmarking Report reveals the extent England's mammoth expenditure and also confirmed Barcelona as the highest-paying team in Europe

Man United summon spirit of Fergie

Two goals in the last five minutes gave the hosts a result that they deserved and it was one which their former boss would have been proud of

RB Leipzig a nightmare rival for Bayern

The German record champions are down on their usual standards, despite being top of the league, but the team in second place could well overhaul them on Wednesday

Guardiola adapting to PL life

The Catalan has been dissatisfied with a number of aspects at the Etihad so far this season but Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal proves he is evolving in English football

Wenger's forgotten how to win

Recent displays have shown similarities in the pair's ideological approaches, but the difference is the Arsenal boss used to possess the wit to win league titles

Cesc & Willian show class for Chelsea

The duo had not started together in the league since defeat to Arsenal nearly three months ago but proved they were up to running the show in the absence of Eden Hazard

Moyes wants winter break

English football's traditional festive calendar makes massive demands on top-flight players and the ex-Manchester United boss would like to see a small rest break

Arsenal lose at School of Hard Knocks

Ronald Koeman's side recovered from going a goal behind to produce their standout result of the season thanks to gritty, determined play and a willingness to compete

Kane deal proves Utd not a big draw

Once the best Spurs players would have moved on to Old Trafford as the next logical step in their careers but times have changed and North London is a better place to be

Chape need your help to survive

The Brazilians are facing an uncertain future due to financial pressure stemming from the air disaster that left 19 of their players as well as their entire coaching staff dead

Man City too wasteful for PL title

Manchester City hit the target four times from 14 shots against Chelsea while their opponents scored three times from just four attempts

Pep & City can expose Chelsea's flaws

The Man City boss has had a full week to work out a strategy to beat Chelsea - such a long preparation time has been unavailable to him so far this season until now

Why you can't watch Clasico in the UK

Fans on British shores are again denied the opportunity to watch Real Madrid take on Barcelona at Camp Nou, and here's why...

Defoe the shining light for Sunderland

The 34-year-old is now ranked among the best forwards the Premier League has ever known based on goals scored but still struggles to command the respect he deserves

Spurs must shake failures at the Bridge

Spurs finished third last season but face a fight to re-align their season after a run of results that has seen them win only one match in their last nine

Gotze struggling to be the hero

The playmaker has endured a series of false dawns since scoring that goal against Argentina and has thus far failed to reclaim his tag as Dortmund darling.

Wenger responsible for Alexis fitness

The Arsenal manager goes into his showdown with Jose Mourinho as question marks hang over the fitness of his center forward, but he could do more to ensure that he stays in top form.

Young stars should avoid Man Utd

Depay's struggles, Martial's inconsistency and the treatment of Luke Shaw should have young talents asking if their interests would be best served at Old Trafford.

Arsenal wastes golden opportunity

Arsene Wenger's side preserved its unbeaten streak while Mauricio Pochettino's wait for a win goes on, but the Gunners slipped up from a position of dominance.

Arsenal to kick Spurs when they're down

Mauricio Pochettino's men have endured a difficult period while their rivals have only grown in confidence and Sunday's showdown gives the Gunners the chance to turn up the heat.

Ozil goal ranks alongside best ever

The World Cup winner netted a sensational late winner in Bulgaria that compares with anything seen before while Bayern needs to wrap up hot-shot Lewandowski's new deal.

Arsenal's hard work lies ahead

PSG's late winner in Basel sets up a showdown in London later this month with top spot in the group very much up for grabs.

Heaton back to haunt Man Utd

The former Red Devils goalkeeper was the star at Old Trafford to frustrate Jose Mourinho, while Mario Balotelli and Robin van Persie were in lethal form elsewhere in Europe.

Rashford up front, Zlatan out... now!

The Red Devils are famed for producing incredible talent — so why is Jose Mourinho wasting one of their most promising prodigies on the wing?

Mourinho's temper boils over

The Special One was sent to the stands as his team failed to break down Burnley on a day in which Tom Heaton was in miracle form.

Lippi on 'Mission Improbable' with China

Chinese football is going through a turbulent patch despite the runaway success of the Super League and performances will be expected to improve under 2006 world champion coach

Why are fans switching off from TV?

A plethora of entertainment options plus a shift in the viewing habits of a new generation means live soccer on the telly is not the draw it once was.

Manchester derby key for Jose & Pep

The Manchester giants tangle after an indifferent sequence of results with much more resting on the outcome of this cup match than what either Jose or Pep would like.

Bailly was Man Utd's only success story

The summer arrival from Villarreal will be out for at least a month and to date represented the sole piece of good business conducted in the summer transfer window.

Sevilla bares its title teeth

Jorge Sampaoli's side is going to stick with Spain's big three all season long while there was a title to be celebrated in Ireland this weekend.

Arfield leads Burnley smash and grab

The Canada midfielder did well to stay on the field before popping up with a late winner to send Everton fans home in disbelief.

Mourinho must deliver Man Utd result

The Special One takes his side back to Stamford Bridge for the first time since being sacked and for many reasons should be targeting three points — not merely one.

The men who could improve Messi

Argentina missed out on hiring the Sevilla coach and his Atletico Madrid counterpart, robbing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner of the chance to work with a world-class trainer.

What we learned in UCL this week

The son of the Manchester United legend is growing in stature for Leicester City by the matchday while Real Madrid's opponents have a lot to learn about good behavior.

Magic man Mahrez carrying Leicester

The Algerian combined with his club and international teammate to secure victory over Copenhagen and maintain his side's 100 percent record in the group

Copenhagen's Atlantic League doomed

The Danish champion has been involved in high-level discussions about a breakaway championship but that is not the answer to the club's issues.

Pep's PL intensity claims will change

The City boss took exception to my question, but the conversation which has followed shows us there's an interesting discussion to be had

'New Zlatan' on fire in Sweden

The teen sensation scored his ninth goal of the season after reportedly drawing the attention of the man himself while a player at the other end of the career spectrum was on form.

Guardiola gets to grips with PL intensity

The Catalan is more used to opposition rolling over for his teams at home but is having to cope with vigor at every turn on a three-game winless streak.

How Klopp got the best from Firmino

The Brazil forward was going nowhere under Brendan Rodgers but a change in attitude under the German coach has got the Brazilian fulfilling his potential.

Why Spurs are England's best

Mauricio Pochettino's side went into the international break with a fine 2-0 win against many pundits' tip for the title and must keep their momentum going against West Brom

Five things learned from WC qualification

The former Everton manager is rebuilding his reputation in charge of Belgium while a temper tantrum may well have opened the Italy door for Mario Balotelli.

Klopp revolution only just starting

The two-time Bundesliga winning coach celebrates his first year in charge of the Reds on Saturday having overseen a huge upswing in fortunes for the Merseyside outfit

Europe takeaways: Why always Mario?

The Italian striker was back in the thick of the action in Ligue 1 on Sunday, while there is a Jurgen Klopp-like revolution taking place in England's second tier.

Ronaldo one step away from glory

The Portugal captain caught light in the Euro 2016 semi-final, eclipsing his fellow Galactico in Welsh colours, and leading his nation to a first final since 2004

Icelanders in line for big-money moves

The Euro 2016 underdogs have become renowned for their teamwork but there is plenty of individual talent within the squad deserving of a chance at a higher club level

Germany remove weight of history

The reigning world champions have been below their best here in France but again have made it to the late stages.

'Other CR7 ' Quaresma finally shining

The duo emerged together at the start of the century with the Lisbon giants but while one went on to greatness the other stagnated on the international scene... until now

Sanches becomes Portugal's talisman

The teenage sensation will join Bayern Munich after Euro 2016 and played a vital role in prolonging his nation's stay in France after being introduced from the bench against Croatia

WATCH: Boys in Green take over Paris!

The nation's supporter are out in force to cheer on their team in France, and Goal's Peter Staunton was on the ground to catch the green invasion in all its glory

The greatest underdog story of all time: Leicester is bloody champion

Win the best league in the world after being listed at 5000-to-1 odds in preseason? No one does that. Well, except for Leicester City, which clinched the crown with two matches to spare.

New FIFA president assumes command amid growing financial crisis

Gianni Infantino, the man elected to replace Sepp Blatter, finds soccer's governing body has been hit with a financial bombshell.

Rooney leads Manchester United's old guard through testing Christmas period

Wayne Rooney scored twice and assisted another as United got back on track against Newcastle.

Club World Cup: Real Madrid deserves its place on top of the world

Los Blancos completed a memorable year with the clinching of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Club World Cup: Real Madrid is the best team on the planet

There's not a club in Europe that can match Real Madrid, so the best in CONCACAF was always going to struggle.

Champions League draw: Arsenal lucks out

Champions League draw: Arsenal lucks out, PSG and Monaco get rough route

The draw for the UEFA Champions League last 16 threw up some lopsided matches.

Record-equaling Ronaldo and Real Madrid keep on rolling

Two club records were equaled in Switzerland as Ronaldo drew level with Raul and the team had its 15th straight win.

Awesome Aguero foils Bayern and rescues Manchester City yet again

Sergio Aguero was in stunning form as his hat trick gave City the unlikeliest of victories.

Messi vs. Ronaldo fails to inspire in Portugal win over Argentina

Argentina and Portugal at Old Trafford barely rose above the ordinary.

Manchester City needs a miracle to advance in UEFA Champions League

Man City contemplating another Champions League group stage exit following a 2-1 defeat against CSKA Moscow.

Arsenal nowhere near elite as Dortmund provides Champions League lesson

Arsenal was outplayed by Borussia Dortmund from start to finish in UCL opener.

Chelsea lays down marker for misfiring Man City

Premier League

Diego Costa contributed two goals to the Chelsea cause as the club blew Everton away at Goodison Park. The 6-3 win was a clear sign to the rest of the Premier League that the Blues are scary good and ready for a title run.

Arsenal comeback

Concussion rules

The FA announced new rules on Tuesday concerning the treatment of concussions in soccer and now leads the way in how head injuries should be treated around the world. Soccer columnist Peter Staunton takes a closer look.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho and Chelsea went to the Vicente Calderon and defended well to earn a clean sheet against Atletico Madrid, but the EPL club has gained no advantage in the Champions League tie, writes columnist Peter Staunton.

Champions League

Former Barcelona and current Bayern coach Pep Guardiola will face Real Madrid once more in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, with Blancos fans hoping their club can finally get the better of him, writes Peter Staunton.

Manchester United pair delivers welcome boost to Moyes

Man United

There was a pre-planned protest against Manchester United manager David Moyes, but it scarcely registered as the Premier League club went about its business and defeated Aston Villa in convincing fashion on Saturday.

Manchester City

From his hoody and his team selection right through his inability to stir Manchester City into life from the bench, this was as lethargic as things have been for City under head coach Manuel Pellegrini, writes Peter Staunton.

Liga title hopes over for Barcelona

Barcelona out

Defending Liga champion Barcelona has been in poor form throughout 2014, and after a meek defeat at Real Valladolid on Saturday, the title will now be contested by the teams from Madrid, writes Peter Staunton.

Man United

Sitting sixth in the Premier League table, there is no realistic possibility of defending champion Manchester United winning the title. However, the club can repay fans with victory on the grand stage in the UEFA Champions League.

Manuel Neuer

It may have finished with Bayern Munich's two goals to the good but the UEFA Champions League tie against Arsenal at the Emirates was very much decided by the man in the German side's goal, writes Peter Staunton.

Jose Mourinho

Outspoken Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho recently said that he thinks Manchester City will win the English Premier League title this season despite already beating the club twice. He must be lying, right?