Football

Manchester United strengthened their grip on the Champions League qualification battle with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, driven by a standout creative display from captain Bruno Fernandes and a decisive second-half surge.

Chelsea captain Reece James has signed a new long-term contract running until 2032, reaffirming his commitment to the club he joined as a child and strengthening Chelsea’s plan to build around homegrown leadership.

Antoine Griezmann has spoken publicly about speculation linking him with an MLS move to Orlando City, saying he is happy at Atletico Madrid and intends to stay as he targets silverware under Diego Simeone.

Trent Alexander-Arnold said Real Madrid drew motivation from being cast as underdogs against Manchester City, as Federico Valverde’s first-half hat-trick powered a 3-0 win and left the tie poised for a decisive second leg.

Igor Tudor refused to comment on whether he deserves to remain Tottenham head coach after becoming the first Spurs boss to lose his first four games, as a chaotic 5-2 defeat at Atletico Madrid reignited scrutiny over his handling of young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

West Ham United progressed to the FA Cup last eight after a 2-2 draw with Brentford was settled by a penalty shoot-out, where Dango Ouattara’s attempted Panenka was saved by Alphonse Areola and proved decisive.

Tottenham’s 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace left them one point above the relegation zone, with Micky van de Ven’s first-half red card and penalty proving the decisive turning point in a collapse that extended a club-record winless league run.

Bukayo Saka’s early, deflected finish proved enough for Arsenal at the Amex Stadium as the leaders held firm under sustained Brighton pressure to move seven points clear at the top, albeit having played a game more than Manchester City.

Wolves beat Liverpool 2-1 at Molineux thanks to Andre’s deflected stoppage-time strike, after Rodrigo Gomes opened the scoring and Mohamed Salah briefly levelled.

Matt Targett struck twice inside the opening 26 minutes as Middlesbrough ended a three-game winless run with a 3-1 Championship win at Birmingham City, before David Strelec’s header sealed the points after Marvin Ducksch had pulled one back.