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Ange Postecoglou insists he will relish the prospect of taking injury-hit Tottenham to Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend. Spurs make the trip to the Etihad on a three-match losing run and with their list of absentees into double figures with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur among those sidelined. Tottenham boast a good record against Pep Guardiola’s City with five wins from their last eight meetings, but that has come from playing a more pragmatic style compared to Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy. Even with a growing injury list, the Australian is not about to ditch his possession-based, front-foot tactics any time soon despite a seemingly daunting visit to last season’s treble-winners. “It’s always a challenge playing against City or any team Pep manages. You love that, you relish that, that’s the arena you want to be in, measuring yourself against the very best,” Postecoglou stated. “Yeah, great if things were a bit smoother for us but it is what it is and I still think during this period for us, even last week, there were moments in the game when we played some fantastic football. “We’ve got to crack on, we’ve got to get on with it. We can’t take our eyes off what we’re trying to achieve here. For me that’s always paramount to everything I do, every decision I make. “Every time we put a team out there it’s about us becoming the team we want to become. Through that process there’s going to be some challenges, as there is now, some tough times and you just have to stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve. “For me these are the important times because this will show what kind of football team we want to be. You can sort of shy away, say we have injuries, we’re playing Man City away but you’re either going to be a club that tries to knock off the big clubs or you are a big club. You are one or the other. It's always a challenge playing against City or any team Pep manages. You love that, you relish that, that's the arena you want to be in, measuring yourself against the very best Ange Postecoglou “My hope and my ambition for this club is to make it a big club and to do that you have to be successful and win things. To win things you have to have a plan, stick to it and believe in it.” Postecoglou confirmed that Bentancur is set for a “couple of months” on the treatment table with a torn ankle ligament sustained in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. While disappointed for the Uruguay international, Postecoglou has been impressed by his attitude after only returning from an ACL injury last month. He added: “We’re still getting some information, but it’ll be well into early next year. A couple of months at least. “Talking to him yesterday, he’s such a positive guy. If it was me I’d be a hell of a lot grumpier around the place. “He’s got a really positive outlook. He knows that he’s been through a tough time and now he’s got to go through a shorter tough time but he also knows that, and he felt it when he was out there, that he hasn’t lost anything as a footballer. “That’s the important thing. I think that’s given him the incentive to be back as quickly as possible and again make an impact for us.” This week has also seen talk of sin bins being introduced in football after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) backed the idea that temporary dismissals of players for offences such as dissent and specific tactical fouls could be implemented. But Postecoglou responded: “Bin it mate, bin the whole idea. Just forget about it.” Read More Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praises Ange Postecoglou’s impact at Spurs Para thrower Funmi Oduwaiye ‘always knew I was destined for great things’ He’s doing well – Erik ten Hag sticks up for under-fire Andre Onana Cameron Norrie links up with coach Stephen Huss in bid to rediscover form Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes more VAR ‘would ruin the game’

Mikel Arteta has called for patience with VAR and wants to see the technology remain in the Premier League despite the Arsenal boss facing a Football Association charge following recent criticism of the system. After last month’s 1-0 loss at Newcastle, Arteta labelled the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s matchwinner “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” while Arsenal followed up his comments with an official statement backing his take. Arteta has since been charged by the FA and will find out if he faces any punishment for his comments next week. Arsenal, who sit top of the Premier League after a late win at Brentford last weekend, host Wolves on Saturday – themselves having been stung by controversial VAR calls this season. Having already been told of incorrect decisions going against his side this term, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil turned on VAR after their 3-2 loss at Fulham on Monday. Fulham were awarded two penalties which O’Neil was not happy with and he asked “what is the point” of VAR – but Arteta has urged tolerance despite his own misgivings over the technology. “I think we can improve it and we are trying to do that,” Arteta said. “All those things that are happening I think are probably necessary to improve it and we have to take it that way. It has been a big change. “Technology is taking a huge responsibility in games and it needs time. If we use it the right way, we are listening to people, we are open, we are humble and we are trying to be constructive, I think we will get to a really, really good place.” Arteta also revealed that recent VAR issues have been leading conversations between managers, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe the latest to be left fuming following a late penalty award in their Champions League draw at Paris St Germain. “I have sympathy with all my colleagues because I know how beautiful and how challenging the job is,” added the Spaniard. “Those moments in front of the camera are not easy ones. You see that in many, many situations already this season as well as last season. We’re here to make the game better and make clubs better. We all need to win to do that. “It’s a topic that comes up for sure. We talk about many things but that’s one of those as well because at the end it has a huge impact on results and our job depends on that.” Having thrashed Lens 6-0 on Wednesday to seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Arteta is expecting an altogether different challenge as Arsenal look to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory over Wolves. “It will be different, it won’t be the same. We cannot expect the same,” he said. “This team is going to be different to last season and hopefully very different to the season next. That’s part of the evolution. Leaving some of the things in the past to the new things. That has a transition. We want to still be competitive and win matches and I think the team is competing really well. “They have a lot of quality over there. It’s not a coincidence what they’re doing. They perform really well against the top sides and that says a lot about the coaching staff, what Gary is doing, the way they have prepared and how they control opponents.” Read More Gabriel Jesus responds to Arsenal rumours of signing new striker Arteta reflects on ‘genuine dream’ of watching Arsenal’s victory over Lens Arteta praises ‘really convincing’ Arsenal after Champions League rout Arsenal show how Champions League should be done – Man Utd and Newcastle take note... Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes he still has something to prove in Europe Arsenal vs Lens LIVE: Champions League result and reaction

Pep Guardiola believes the Premier League is better for the arrival of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. Postecoglou has made a positive impact since taking charge at Spurs in the summer, with the Londoners having gone unbeaten through their first 10 games while playing in a dynamic style. Guardiola’s treble-winning Manchester City are the next side to come up against the Australian’s troops as they host Spurs on Sunday. The City manager said: “He came here and, from nothing, in few months you recognise perfectly his team. “Even the games that they didn’t win lately, I’ve been impressed how good many, many things they do are, how many chances they create and how aggressive (they are) in all departments. “Every team plays with the desire of the manager. His have done in the past, in Japan, of course in Glasgow with Celtic and now. I think he makes football a better place. “As a manager and a spectator I enjoy a lot watching them play with the approach they have. I think all the Spurs fans and the people in England can admit that his impact has been quick and really good.” Spurs have gone slightly off the boil since their blistering start, losing their last three Premier League games. Guardiola, however, does not expect Postecoglou’s approach to change and is preparing for a tough encounter. The Spaniard, whose side are a point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, said: “Absolutely not (will they change). This is not going to happen. I’d be surprised. “It is a more difficult competition to win now, every season it is getting better. There are more teams involved and every single game is so difficult. “Since I arrived, when (Mauricio) Pochettino was in Tottenham always, Spurs have been there. They’re a fantastic team. “Of course they have important absences but I saw the first 15, 20 minutes against Aston Villa and they created an amount of chances. It’s really good for football, definitely. “I encourage our fans to come to the stadium because we will have fun.” Guardiola and Postecoglou have crossed paths just once before, when City faced the Australian’s former side Yokohama F Marinos in a pre-season friendly in the Japanese city in 2019. He took care of me really well. He didn't offer me a glass of wine, but it was fine! Pep Guardiola Guardiola said: “When we played in Japan I saw some clips before we started. I said, ‘wow, there are things that I like’. “I said to the players we’re going to face a good team with challenges, intense build-up, intense and high pressing. “It was the first time I met him and since then I’ve followed him and seen how good he has done in Glasgow with Celtic, winning trebles and winning a lot of games and now look, in a short time he is there.” Guardiola said he enjoyed meeting with Postecoglou, even if one ritual was not adhered to in Japan. “He took care of me really well,” he said. “He didn’t offer me a glass of wine, but it was fine!” Read More Para thrower Funmi Oduwaiye ‘always knew I was destined for great things’ He’s doing well – Erik ten Hag sticks up for under-fire Andre Onana Cameron Norrie links up with coach Stephen Huss in bid to rediscover form Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: Playing at Anfield is a ‘nightmare’ for opponents Top seeds England could face Scotland and Wales as teams await Euro 2024 draw Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction

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Man Utd have confirmed Tyrell Malacia has undergone another surgery on his knee injury.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended under-fire Andre Onana and insisted the Cameroon international is among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Onana has repeatedly been in the spotlight since United spent £47million on the 27-year-old this summer to replace David De Gea, and although it had been felt his form was improving in recent weeks, Wednesday’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray was a clear setback as he was at fault for two goals. Onana also made a mistake for a goal in United’s Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich, but while he has struggled in Europe, Ten Hag pointed to the statistics that say Onana is second in saves made, save percentage and goals prevented in the Premier League. “If you analyse it well then you see he is the second best goalkeeper in the Premier League based on stats, so his expected defending goals is the second best in the Premier League,” Ten Hag said. “He’s doing well. Also he knows that in the Champions League he makes some mistakes but all over you see the first five months he is doing particularly well.” Onana will face another major test on Saturday evening when United travel to Newcastle, who are on a five-game winning streak at St James’ Park. But Ten Hag does not expect Onana to suffer any hangover from Wednesday night. “You have seen how he is reacting on a bad performance like in Munich,” Ten Hag said. “At Burnley (three days later) he was outstanding. He is a strong character, he is a personality and he will deal with it.” United said on Friday that left-back Tyrell Malacia, yet to feature this season after knee surgery, is on course to return early next year after requiring a second operation. Mason Mount was also back in training on Friday but there is no timeframe yet for the midfielder’s return. Mount’s absence has helped open the door for 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who excelled in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park and was impressive again in Istanbul. “He showed on Sunday (at Everton) he was ready,” Ten Hag said. “It looks like he always has time. He's doing well. Also he knows that in the Champions League he makes some mistakes but all over you see the first five months he is doing particularly well Erik ten Hag on Andre Onana “He is scanning, he is running free, he is scanning to see the options and make the right decisions. He can delay, can speed up, he makes the right decisions.” Saturday’s trip to the north east is a third straight away game for United, and another intimidating atmosphere after they faced an angry Goodison Park and the bear pit that is Galatasaray’s Rams Park. “I really respect them,” Ten Hag said of Newcastle. “It’s a difficult team to play but it’s a good challenge and I like to play against it. “We have to rise to the occasion, be our best against them because the way they play is very organised.” United go into the game on the back of five wins in their last six Premier League games, having put a rocky run of domestic form behind them to close in on the top four. It stands in contrast to their European form, but Ten Hag believes performances have been good across the board. “On Wednesday, we played very good, also in Copenhagen,” he said. “Even in Bayern Munich we played very good. But we have to do some things better. “Eliminate individual errors, defensive transition, but we can sort this out and I would be more concerned if we didn’t play well.” Read More Cameron Norrie links up with coach Stephen Huss in bid to rediscover form Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: Playing at Anfield is a ‘nightmare’ for opponents Top seeds England could face Scotland and Wales as teams await Euro 2024 draw Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes more VAR ‘would ruin the game’ Min Woo Lee continues fine form in hunt for home double

Everton have appealed against the club’s 10-point deduction in the Premier League. An independent commission imposed a 10-point deduction on Everton with immediate effect after breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. The club were sanctioned on November 17 for a breach of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules and have 14 days to lodge an appeal. The club confirmed they were “shocked and disappointed” by the ruling, which left them in the relegation zone, having previously sat 14th in the table and eight points above the bottom three. A statement from the club read: “Everton Football Club has today lodged with the Chair of the Premier League’s Judicial Panel its appeal of the decision by a Premier League Commission to impose a 10-point deduction on the Club. An Appeal Board will now be appointed to hear the case.” The decision has been criticised by many, including mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who hit out at the Premier League by claims that it is guilty of “regulatory malpractice” and “abuse of process”. The league responded by insisting that it “entirely refuted his allegations.” Burnham, an Everton season-ticket holder, wrote an open letter to Premier League chair Alison Brittain in which he said there had not been a fair process when enforcing the deduction. Everton were deemed to have breached Profit and Sustainability Rules by an independent commission, which determined they had losses of £124.5m over three years – £19.5m over the permitted threshold. But Burnham, a former Secretary of State for Health, was critical of the Premier League for adopting a sanctions policy in August, after Everton had been charged and before their case was heard. “The fact that the Premier League sought to introduce a new sanctions policy in the middle of this process amounts, in my view, to an abuse of process,” he wrote.

England, Scotland and Wales could be paired together in Saturday’s Euro 2024 finals draw. The Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg will host the draw ceremony, which gets under way at 5pm UK time. Gareth Southgate’s England, runners-up at Euro 2020, will be one of the favourites to win the tournament, with in-form Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham set to be the shining light in a strong line-up. Their performances in qualifying, where they topped Group C ahead of reigning European champions Italy, have earned them a place among the top seeds for the draw in what could be Southgate’s final bow as England boss. His contract will be up next December and his future beyond that is uncertain. Scotland are in Pot Three, while Wales are one of the 12 play-off hopefuls occupying three spots in Pot Four. Rob Page’s side still have two big hurdles to overcome in order to join England and Scotland at the finals. They must first beat Finland on March 21 then also see off Poland or Estonia on March 26 to book their passage to Germany. Page said at the time of the play-off draw on November 23: “The form we’re in at the minute and with the ‘Red Wall’ at home, we’ll take anyone on in Cardiff. “It’s a great opportunity for us: we’re two wins at home away from another qualification to a major tournament. We’re hoping now for two big efforts.” The placing of England, Scotland and Wales in different pots keeps open the possibility of them all being drawn together. England faced Scotland in the group stage of Euro 2020 and Wales at the same stage at last year’s World Cup in Qatar. England and Wales also met at the group stage in Euro 2016. From an England perspective, a ‘Group of Death’ would arguably include Denmark, the highest-ranked side in Pot Two, and the Netherlands or Croatia from Pot Three. A rematch with Italy would round out a tough-looking pool for Southgate’s men, with the Azzurri alongside Wales in Pot Four. Southgate, speaking after England’s final qualifier away to North Macedonia, said: “There looks like being really strong teams in Pot Two and Pot Three looks like it could be very strong. “In the Euros we had Croatia in with us, who proved to be one of the best teams in the world over the last few years, and we managed to navigate that, so we’ve just got to be ready for whatever comes our way.” Scotland were extremely impressive in qualification, finishing runners-up to Spain in Group A and booking their place in Germany with two matches to spare. “It’s always nice to qualify for a major tournament,” Clarke said after last month’s final qualifier at home to Norway. “Obviously the last one was Covid-restricted so we missed that connection and that feel with the fans. “It’s great for everyone in the country that we have something to look forward to next summer.” Pot One also contains last year’s World Cup finalists France, a Portugal team who won all 10 of their qualifying matches and a vulnerable-looking host nation Germany, who sacked their coach Hansi Flick in September following a 4-1 friendly defeat to Japan. Read More Pakistan appoint Salman Butt to first official role since spot-fixing conviction Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes more VAR ‘would ruin the game’ Min Woo Lee continues fine form in hunt for home double On this day in 2021: Johanna Konta retires from tennis Unai Emery eager to top group after Aston Villa reach ECL knockout stages You’ve got to dream big: Lewis Dunk eyes Europa League glory with Brighton

First look at Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa, Bronny James has been cleared to play basketball, the Pistons went 0-16 in November and more in the Roundup.