Liverpool End Losing Streak as Van Dijk Slams Ridiculous Takes, Outside Noise After Win Over Aston Villa

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised what he called “absolutely ridiculous takes” and negative “outside noise” following the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield — a win that ended their four-game Premier League losing streak. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Van Dijk admitted the recent run of poor form had been difficult but praised his teammates for sticking together amid intense public and media criticism. “There is a lot of noise that you have no control over,” Van Dijk said. “Some of those takes are absolutely ridiculous. It’s about sticking together. We’re not going out there to lose games or disappoint fans — we work our socks off to win. But there’s no guarantee in this league. You have to stay calm and keep working.” The Dutch defender also reflected on how quickly the narrative around the team has shifted compared to last season. “Last season everything was sunshine and rainbows. Now, from the outside world, it sounds like we’re in a relegation battle — that’s how it works in football,” he added. Liverpool manager Arne Slot also acknowledged the crucial role played by the home fans, saying their backing lifted the players during a difficult spell. “The support means a lot, especially when things are tough,” Slot said. “It shows what makes this club special — the fans stand by the team even when we’re struggling.” The win provides much-needed relief for Liverpool after a run of six defeats in seven games across all competitions, restoring confidence as they aim to climb back up the Premier League table.

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Joao Pedro Ends Goal Drought As Chelsea Beat Tottenham 1-0

Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s Premier League showdown, with Brazilian striker Joao Pedro ending his goal drought to hand the Blues another memorable victory over their London rivals. Coming off a shock defeat to Sunderland last weekend, Enzo Maresca’s side showed intent from the start, pressing high and controlling the tempo throughout the match. Tottenham struggled to keep up with Chelsea’s intensity, rarely finding a way through a disciplined backline. The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Moises Caicedo dispossessed Micky van de Ven near the edge of the Spurs box and quickly squared the ball to Joao Pedro, who calmly slotted past Guglielmo Vicario from eight metres out. Pedro looked sharp and hungry for more, but Vicario stood firm, denying him on three separate occasions. The Tottenham keeper also made key saves from Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, preventing the scoreline from becoming more embarrassing for the hosts. At the other end, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had a quiet evening, making only one save all match. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Chelsea couldn’t extend their lead, though Maresca was satisfied with the result. “I am happy with the 1-0, with the three points, especially because we kept the clean sheet,” he said. “We know we’re a team that will always create chances, but it’s also important to be strong defensively.” Tottenham’s performance drew frustration from their supporters, with loud boos ringing around the stadium after the final whistle. Manager Thomas Frank admitted his side were outplayed. “It’s extremely painful,” Frank said. “Chelsea were good, and we were definitely second best. We performed badly, and the frustration is understandable.” The result lifted Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League table with 17 points from 10 games, one spot below Spurs on goal difference. It also extended their impressive record against Tottenham, having now won 13 of their last 14 league meetings. As the game ended, the travelling Chelsea fans mocked their hosts with the familiar chant, “Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again,” a reminder of the Blues’ long-standing dominance in this London rivalry.

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Amad Diallo’s Stunning Volley Rescues Point for Manchester United in 2-2 Draw at Nottingham Forest

Amad Diallo’s spectacular late volley salvaged a point for Manchester United in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, ending United’s three-game winning streak in the Premier League. With nine minutes remaining and Forest on course for victory, Diallo pounced on a loose header from Nikola Milenkovic to unleash a thunderous left-foot strike into the top corner. The Ivorian winger almost snatched all three points deep into stoppage time, but his effort was blocked on the line by Murillo. United had earlier taken the lead in controversial fashion when Casemiro headed home from a corner that replays showed should not have been awarded. The ball appeared not to have crossed the line before going out of play, prompting widespread frustration among Forest players and supporters. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean weighed in on the incident during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, saying: “It’s not out. The ball is nowhere near out. It’s just a guess by the referee.” The controversy deepened Forest’s sense of grievance, having conceded a similar goal from an incorrect corner decision against Bournemouth the previous weekend. Spurred by that sense of injustice, Forest came alive after the break. Morgan Gibbs-White levelled with a fine header three minutes into the second half before Nicolo Savona, the player controversially judged unable to keep the ball in play for Casemiro’s opener, bundled in Forest’s second to complete a quickfire turnaround. Bruno Fernandes struck the post as United pushed for an equaliser, but Forest threatened to extend their lead, with Igor Jesus heading wide and Callum Hudson-Odoi flashing a shot just past the post. However, Diallo’s late brilliance ensured Erik ten Hag’s side avoided defeat, though they missed the chance to climb into second place in the Premier League table. United now sit fifth. Forest, still winless under new boss Sean Dyche, showed resilience and attacking intent but remain 18th in the standings, a reminder that while performances are improving, results are still needed to escape the drop zone.

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Gyokeres And Rice Seal Arsenal’s 2-0 Victory Over Burnley To Extend Premier League Lead

Arsenal extended their Premier League lead with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, thanks to first-half goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta’s side took control early on when Gyokeres rose highest to head home his fourth league goal of the season from a superbly executed set piece, giving the Gunners a deserved lead. Declan Rice, heavily involved in the opener, doubled Arsenal’s advantage 10 minutes before halftime. The England midfielder finished off a swift counterattack with a powerful header that left the Burnley goalkeeper with no chance. The second half saw fewer chances as Arsenal managed the game with composure, limiting Burnley’s attacking opportunities. The hosts came close late on, striking the woodwork in stoppage time, but never truly threatened to turn the tide. The result marked Arsenal’s fifth consecutive league win, keeping them seven points clear at the top of the table. Burnley, meanwhile, remain in 17th place, just four points above the relegation zone.

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Amad Diallo’s Brilliant Volley Earns Manchester United 2-2 Draw Against Nottingham Forest

Amad Diallo struck a sensational 81st-minute volley to secure Manchester United a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in a pulsating Premier League clash at the City Ground. United had taken control in the first half when Casemiro rose highest to head home from a corner, though Forest players protested the decision, insisting the ball should not have gone out for a corner in the first place. The goal seemed to set Ruben Amorim’s men on course for a fourth consecutive victory and a move up to second in the table. But the home side flipped the script early in the second half. Morgan Gibbs-White powered his way past Amad to connect with Ryan Yates’ deep cross, heading Forest level. Just two minutes later, more trouble came for United when another cross from the right caused confusion in the box. Igor Jesus’ header deflected into a crowd of players, and Nicolo Savona reacted quickest to slot calmly past Sanne Lammens, putting Forest 2-1 ahead. United refused to collapse. Bruno Fernandes came agonizingly close when his low drive struck the base of the post. Moments later, Amad pounced on a looping clearance outside the area and unleashed a thunderous first-time volley that flew past Matz Sels to bring United level again. The Ivorian winger almost turned hero deep into stoppage time, but his close-range effort was dramatically cleared off the line by Murillo, denying United what would have been a stunning comeback win. Despite missing out on victory, the performance showed United’s growing resilience under Amorim, with Amad’s late brilliance ensuring they left Nottingham with a valuable point.

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Nigerian Singer to Drop FIFA U-17 World Cup Official Song

By BUNMi OGUNYALE A Nigerian singer and songwriter, Okereke Blessed Jordan, professionally known as Yarden is billed to drop the official song for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Yarden is known for his single Wetin which went viral on TikTok, earning him a debut on the TurnTable charts NXT Emerging Top Artistes at 9 for a total of 17 weeks. Lagos-raised artist Yarden is shaping the future of Afrobeats with a sound that fuses soul, rhythm, and global energy. Having burst onto the scene in 2023 with his viral hit Wetin, he is considered one of Nigeria’s most exciting up-and-coming voices, with music that embodies the fearless and borderless spirit of a generation of African artists shaping global sound. “TMRW’S GOAT is all about celebrating the energy, dreams, and spirit of young players who are writing their own stories,” shared Yarden. “The FIFA U-17 World Cup is where future legends are born, and this song is a reminder that greatness starts today. Working with Nour from Egypt made it even more special, it shows how music, just like football, can unite us across cultures and inspire the next generation.” The spirit of unity and competitiveness fostered by the track will be on full display as an exciting new chapter of FIFA U-17 World Cup history gets under way next Monday This year’s edition of the tournament is the first ever 48-team FIFA competition and will once again provide a priceless opportunity for the next generation of world football’s superstars to announce themselves on the global stage.

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The KingsMen Secure Malik For NBPL Playoffs

The reigning Nigerian basketball league champions, Rivers Hoopers, have bolstered their squad with the signing of Malik for the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs. Miller, a 6’4″ shooting guard, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the KingsMen, having played professionally since 2019 in Europe, Africa, and South America. With a strong background in international basketball, Miller has competed in top leagues, including the German Basketball Bundesliga, where he played for teams like Brose Bamberg and Hamburg Towers. His experience playing against diverse opponents has honed his skills, making him a valuable asset to Rivers Hoopers’ quest for a three-peat. Miller’s leadership quality is expected to be a significant factor in Rivers Hoopers’ quest for a third consecutive league title. His ability to inspire and motivate teammates, combined with his experience in high-pressure situations, will be crucial in guiding the KingsMen through the playoffs and eventual Final Four. He joins the trio of Kelvin Amayo, Isaiah Williams, and Peter Olisemeka as the KingsMen stack up for quality with an already incredibly competitive squad.

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Luciano Spalletti Appointed Juventus Head Coach After Tudor’s Sacking

Juventus have named Luciano Spalletti as their new head coach, replacing Igor Tudor after a disappointing run of results. The club confirmed the appointment on October 30, 2025. Spalletti returns to club football following his spell as Italy’s national team manager. His contract runs until June 2026, with the possibility of extension if Juventus secures a Champions League spot. Tudor was dismissed after an eight-game winless streak in Serie A, leaving the team under pressure. Spalletti, who guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2023, is expected to bring stability and guide Juventus back into title contention both domestically and in Europe.

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