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Man City set win record, Lukaku lifts Man Utd

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David Silva scored twice as runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City won 4-0 at Swansea City on Wednesday to set a new English top-flight record of 15 consecutive victories.

Pep Guardiola’s side, 2-1 winners at second-place Manchester United on Sunday, won comfortably at the Liberty Stadium to eclipse the mark of 14 successive wins set by Arsenal in 2002.

United bounced back from their derby defeat by beating Bournemouth 1-0, while slip-ups for Liverpool and Arsenal allowed Tottenham Hotspur to steal into fourth place by beating Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0.

“Winning 15 games in a row gives us a lot of confidence. If people are happy watching us, that is the best gift,” Guardiola said.

“You suffer and enjoy, like a manager you see many things. When the team play good, we are happy.”

City remain 11 points clear of United and have now scored 52 goals in their 17 league games to date as they stride towards what seems like an inevitable title coronation.

Guardiola made four changes to the team that had prevailed at Old Trafford in a game marred by an angry post-match brawl that is being investigated by the Football Association, with Sergio Aguero earning a recall.

Silva broke the deadlock at bottom club Swansea in the 27th minute by flicking in Bernardo Silva’s cross from the right.

Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick made it 2-0 shortly after and David Silva added a third early in the second half, neatly chipping Lukasz Fabianski following a give-and-go with Raheem Sterling.

Aguero put the cherry on the cake in the 85th minute by surging away from a posse of defenders and finishing with a low shot.

Romelu Lukaku scored the game’s only goal as United got back to winning ways against Bournemouth.

The Belgian striker, who is alleged to have been heavily involved in the derby dust-up, headed in Juan Mata’s 25th-minute cross and pointedly failed to celebrate.

“I am pleased with the three points. It was a difficult match,” United manager Jose Mourinho told the BBC.

“They had one more day’s rest than us, they were fresher than us and mentally fresher because a big match takes more from our players.”

Arsenal drift
Tottenham jumped from seventh place to fourth courtesy of their 2-0 win over Brighton at Wembley, which arrived courtesy of an overhit Serge Aurier cross and Son Heung-min’s fourth goal in four games.

Spurs, for whom Erik Lamela made his first start in 14 months, are four points below third-place Chelsea in the last Champions League berth.

“I think it’s fantastic for us,” said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.

“Three victories in a row — so important for us. I’m happy with the performance.”

Liverpool are fifth, on goal difference, after a 0-0 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Jurgen Klopp recalled Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino following Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw with Everton and thought Dominic Solanke had poached a late winner, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball.

West Brom have now gone a club-record 16 games without a win in all competitions, but the point took Alan Pardew’s side out of the relegation zone.

Arsenal dropped to seventh, a point below sixth-place Burnley, after a goalless draw at David Moyes’s improving West Ham United.

Second-bottom West Ham almost won it at the death, but Javier Hernandez’s shot from Mark Noble’s pass hit the bar and bounced just short of the line.

“We had so much of the ball, but it was very frustrating because we could even have lost it at the end,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Everton remain unbeaten under new manager Sam Allardyce following a 1-0 win at his former club Newcastle United, Wayne Rooney settling the game with his seventh goal in eight league games.

Newcastle had Jonjo Shelvey sent off in stoppage time for two bookable offences.

Claude Puel enjoyed a successful return to his former club Southampton as in-form Leicester City won 4-1 at St Mary’s to notch up a fourth successive win.

Japanese forward Shinji Okazaki scored twice for Leicester, with Riyad Mahrez and Andy King also on target, while Maya Yoshida replied for the hosts.

 

SPORTS

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Forward Isaac Okoro Out For Two Weeks With Shoulder Injury

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Forward Isaac Okoro out with shoulder injury | fab.ng

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without forward Isaac Okoro for at least two weeks after he sustained a shoulder injury during Monday’s dominant 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. This is an injury that will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks to assess his readiness to return.

Okoro, now in his fifth year with the Cavaliers, has been a reliable contributor this season. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

Notably, he is shooting with exceptional efficiency, achieving career-high percentages in both field goal accuracy (49.5%) and three-point success (49.2%).

His performance reflects a steady improvement in offensive consistency while maintaining his reputation as a strong defender.

Selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro built his career on stellar perimeter defence.

This season, opposing players have struggled to score against him from beyond the arc, shooting just 35.7% when he is the primary defender.

This defensive mark is the second-lowest of his career, following the 35.5% he held opponents to during the 2021-2022 season.

Okoro’s value to the Cavaliers was underscored when he signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension in the offseason. This secures his place on the team through 2027.

His blend of defensive prowess and improving offensive contributions has made him a key piece of Cleveland’s lineup.

Currently, the Cavaliers boast the best record in the NBA at 23-4, thanks to their well-rounded roster and consistent performance.

Despite Okoro’s absence, the team will aim to maintain its winning momentum while he recovers and prepares for a return to action.

Check out more sports news here.

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SPORTS

Africa’s Best Player Ademola Lookman Credits Atalanta for His Rise to African Football’s Pinnacle

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Lookman credits Atalanta for his football development | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, has acknowledged the significant role that Serie A club Atalanta has played in his footballing journey.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international outshone Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, and Simon Adingra to claim the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech.

Before this achievement, Lookman secured a remarkable 14th position in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

His exceptional season with Atalanta, culminating in a hat-trick during the Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, undoubtedly contributed to this recognition.

When enquired about the impact of his career transitions from the English Premier League to the Bundesliga and subsequently to Serie A, Lookman shared his insights:

“I think the environment that the club (Atalanta) gave me has been very key to obviously my growth as a player. 

“And also, just timing, you know, I’ve always believed in myself and to be able to achieve great things. But, yeah, the time has come and, you know, just blessed to be here.”

Lookman’s Journey from Waterloo to African Football’s Elite

Ademola Lookman’s footballing journey began at Waterloo, where he ascended through the youth ranks.

His talent caught the eye of Charlton Athletic, who offered him his first professional contract. In 2017, he made a significant move to Everton, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal.

However, limited opportunities at Goodison Park led him to seek a fresh start at RB Leipzig. A series of loan spells to Fulham and Leicester City followed.

This is where he showcased his abilities, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in various competitions.

In 2021, Lookman made a pivotal decision by signing a four-year contract with Atalanta, joining fellow Africans Jeremie Boga and Moustapha Cisse.

This move proved to be a turning point. He flourished in Serie A and earned a more prominent role in the Nigerian national team.

Reflecting on his career, Lookman acknowledged the impact of his infamous Panenka penalty miss during his time at Fulham.

He emphasised how he transformed this setback into a source of strength. Also, he expressed his hope that his recent achievements would inspire future generations of footballers.

“Yes, they were not very happy with me, but, you know, they gave me a lot of love and support after especially the coach, Scott Parker,” he continued.

“He helped me a lot to overcome that time but like I said on the stage it’s about turning your pain into power.

“I’ve managed to do that over the past couple of years and continue to do so. To the kids out there aspiring to improve and achieve in life: life may knock you down, and it may not deal you the best cards.”

Lookman Joins Nigeria’s Elite Footballers

Ademola Lookman’s triumph as African Player of the Year marks a significant milestone in Nigerian football history.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to claim this prestigious honour. This follows in the footsteps of football legends Rasheed Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.

Despite representing England at various youth levels, Lookman pledged his allegiance to Nigeria. This includes the victorious 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup campaign.

He made his Super Eagles debut in March 2022, contributing to their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification bid.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

His brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and match-winning goal against Angola in the quarterfinals highlighted his impact on the team.

As Lookman continues his stellar form, he is set to feature for Atalanta in their upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Cesena. Just four days later, they will host Empoli in a Serie A encounter.

Atalanta, led by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, currently occupies the top spot in the Italian Serie A table with 37 points from 16 matches. They hold a two-point advantage over their closest rivals, Napoli.

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SPORTS

Everton Confirm Majority Takeover By Friedkin Group To End Moshiri Tenure

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Everton confirm majority takeover by Friedkin Group | fab.ng

The Friedkin Group has acquired a 94.1% stake in Everton, becoming the Premier League club’s new majority owner. The American group paid over £400 million to end Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent tenure.

The Premier League has approved the agreement reached in September. This makes Everton the 10th club that Americans own in the division.

“Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club,” said incoming Executive Chairman Marc Watts.

“We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this.

“While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Dan Friedkin leads the Texas-based Friedkin Group and owns Serie A club Roma. The club has a reported net worth of £6.16 billion. Friedkin will serve as Everton’s board chairman, while Watts will manage the club’s operations.

The American group put forward a list of priorities for Everton. They aim to strengthen the first team, develop the academy, improve the women’s side, and enhance the club’s global reputation.

Dan Friedkin wrote an open letter expressing his pride about becoming Everton’s new majority owner.

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group,” the 59-year-old said.

“Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.

“Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.

“We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”

Everton’s first match under new ownership will take place against Chelsea on Sunday, December 22nd. Members of the new ownership group are expected to attend the match.

Check out more sports updates here.

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