On Sunday, Manchester United announced a starting XI at West Bromwich Albion which included seven players who were at the club when Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Former defender Gary Neville launched a scathing attack on the Old Trafford transfer policy since the Scottish legend’s departure – branding it ‘disjointed’ and ‘not good enough’. Here, Sportsmail shines a light on United’s £630m recruitment strategy and examines whether Neville was right to point the finger.
Former world No 1 Luke Donald has condemned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. The British golfer was nominated for the award in 2011 but became disenchanted with the process after a questionable montage of his achievements. He took to twitter to answer fellow British golfer Eddie Pepperell who had questioned the integrity of the event.
Speaking on talk SPORT this weekend, former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney said this City side still have a way to go to match up to Sir Alex Ferguson's 2007/08 team.
Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will only return to management if he is offered a big club in the Premier League 'just to spite Manchester United'.
It is understood the 23-year-old was allegedly racially abused and attacked as he arrived to prepare for City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT THE WACA: It ended, as it so often does, in an airless room in the depths of the Lillee-Marsh Stand at the WACA Stadium in Perth.
SIMON JONES - TRANSFER COLUMN: Sportsmail reported last week that Inter Milan have posted an interest but United's valuation could scupper the prospect of a January deal.
Romelu Lukaku has had his £250,000 Rolls Royce Ghost painted in Manchester United's red and black colours. Lukaku had purchased the lavish 155mph supercar in black and white but spent a small fortune on modifying its appearance to reflect his side's famous colours. The United striker's girlfriend Sarah Mens was spotted taking the new look motor out for a spin round Hale village on Monday afternoon.
From the gloom, one by one the expensive sports cars and glitzy 4x4s emerged, carrying their household names to training. Manchester United's players arrived at their Carrington base on Monday amid thick fog covering the north-west city. Despite training taking place in the late morning, all car headlights were set to full beam in order to navigate through the wintry cloak.
Ever since Andre Ward hung up the gloves following successive wins against Sergey Kovalev, there has been a lot of debate as to who is now boxing's pound-for-pound king.
Lanzini is the second Premier League player to be hit with a simulation charge after Everton's Niasse was adjudged to have dived in their match against Crystal Palace earlier on in the season.
The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown live from Ashton Gate on Sky Sports on Wednesday. It will take place after the quarter-final between Bristol City and Manchester United.
Thrilled Australia captain Steve Smith (pictured, left, holding the urn with his fiance Danielle Willis) savoured an 'amazing' feeling as a victorious Ashes captain after his team wrapped up the series 3-0 with a dominant win over England in the third test at the WACA today. Smith was joined by his team-mates in the dressing room celebrations, including David Warner (pictured, centre, with his wife Candice and their daughters Ivy and Ind), Nathan Lyon (drinking a beer, top right) and Mitchell Starc (bottom right, with former Australia bowler Mitchell Johnson).
Former England captain David Gower did his best to brighten up a dark day for cricket in this country by appearing on television in a ghastly jumper in the aftermath of their Ashes humiliation.
Australia regained the Ashes from England with a resounding innings and 41-run victory at the WACA in Perth. We round up some of the things you may have missed.
Victory for Steve Smith's side at the WACA ensured the home side regained the Ashes at the first attempt, with England now heading to Melbourne hoping to avoid another whitewash Down Under.
PAUL NEWMAN AT THE WACA: Australia regained the Ashes Urn from England with a resounding innings and 41 run victory in Perth as they took an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
The question Joe Root needs to ask himself right now is quite simple: how good do I want to be? Because he’ll know that he’s better than the shot he played on day four at the WACA.
RICHARD GIBSON AT THE WACA: England arrived at the ground to discover that the tarpaulin covers had come loose during one of a multitude of blustery showers, creating damp patches.
Their 4-1 victory over last season's runner's up, who finished eight points clear of Pep Guardiola's side, further confirmed their dominance thus far, if it needed any more confirmation. Their 16th straight win – league record – and 17th of the season so far sees City well clear of the chasing pack and looking unlikely to have their run halted anytime soon.
NEW It happened in the 35th minute of the game on Saturday and was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video. Tarkowski has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge.
Zinedine Zidane 's side claimed their fifth trophy of 2017 when they defeated Brazilian club Gremio 1-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday - but Barca won't be congratulating them.
The Crystal Palace midfielder was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after getting in an altercation close to Mishiko in Reigate, in Surrey.
Manchester City continued their inexorable march towards the Premier League title by thrashing Tottenham. There were also wins for Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
MATT LAWTON AT THE ECHO ARENA: Nobody was more surprised than Sir Mo Farah. He said he was too busy moving house but, if truth be told, he probably didn’t make the journey from London to Liverpool because he never expected to win. Indeed, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award had become a source of some frustration for Farah over what he regarded as a failure by the British public to recognise his achievements on the running track. After winning a fourth Olympic gold medal in Rio last year he expressed his disappointment.
Bradley Lowery's parents thanked the British public for "helping them get out of bed" as they deal with their son's death during an emotional night at BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. The Sunderland fan died in July after a brave fight with neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer - that captured hearts around the sporting world. During a number of appearances as mascot, Bradley struck up a close friendship with the then Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe and the pair led out England for a World Cup qualifier at Wembley in March.
Sir Mo Farah was shocked on Sunday night when he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, upsetting odds offered by one bookmaker of 50-1.
CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER AT THE ECHO ARENA: BBC Sport too often lack the stomach to stand shoulder to shoulder with their news colleagues and so it proved again here.
Sir Mo Farah stole the headlines as he defied the odds to win Sports Personality of the Year 2017, but, for many viewers, it was Jonathan Rea who was the real party-crasher on Sunday.
Arsene Wenger will rotate his squad to face West Ham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup ahead of a vital festive period in the Premier League. The boss led his side in a training session at London Colney on Monday morning but conceded some of the club's biggest stars may be absent on Tuesday night. The Gunners face a tough test at home to Liverpool on Friday night and it appears Wenger may look to give certain players a rest.
Often footballers' Christmas parties are associated with bad fancy dress and falling out of expensive nightclubs in the early hours of the morning.
The Football Supporters' Federation has launched a petition calling on Premier League broadcasters Sky Sports and BT Sport to give fans adequate notice of fixtures that will be moved for TV.
Sergio Aguero is playing with a heel injury as Manchester City nurse their all-time top goalscorer through the season. Sportsmail understands City doctors are treating it on a daily basis.
Sanchez has only a few months left on his deal at the Emirates, and has shown little indication of wanting to remain at Arsenal. He is said to favour a move to Premier League rivals City.
Antoine Griezmann caused an online stir on Sunday evening after posting an image of himself painted up black to replicate an NBA basketball All Star. The Atletico Madrid star was attended an '80's party' as he informed fans on social media, uploading an image of himself onto both Twitter and Instagram. Griezmann could be seen donning a Afro wig while wearing an NBA vest, striped shorts and clutching a basketball by his side.
Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard is dating Instagram model Jena Frumes - and she flew over from Los Angeles to Manchester to help him celebrate his 25th birthday on Friday. Jena, who has 2.6million followers on her Instagram account, posted a picture wearing a United shirt last week and then posted an Instagram story together with Lingard during the birthday celebrations. One picture was of the pair posed up with a birthday cake that featured Lingard in action for United, while another featured Lingard in front of gold balloons that spelt his nickname 'J Lingz.'
Kobe Bryant will become the first NBA player in history to have two jerseys retired by the same team when his No 8 and No 24 are lifted to the Staples Center rafters on Monday evening.
OLIVER TODD AT THE VITALITY STADIUM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumped in to defend Philippe Coutinho after the Liverpool playmaker refused to clarify his future at the club.
Jose Mourinho sent his scouts to follow the 20-year-old's progress last season. Malcom, who moved to Bordeaux from Corinthians in 2015-16, has been in sensational form this season.
MailOnline Sport has teamed up with EA SPORTS to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to Manchester United v Burnley on Tuesday, December 26 (3pm kick-off).
MailOnline Sport has teamed up with EA SPORTS to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to Everton v Manchester United on Monday, January 1 (5.30pm kick-off).
Conor McGregor shot to superstardom when he crossed codes and stepped into the ring with Floyd Mayweather last summer. From the Irishman's toxic green Lamborghinis to his suit with the words 'f*** you' emblazoned on it, he is determined to be no shrinking violet. The circus surrounding his pre-fight press appearances almost threatened to make a mockery of the money-spinning encounter.
Manchester City will hand Pep Guardiola a new contract in the summer, confident he is building a dynasty that could deliver a decade of success at the Etihad Stadium.
Jose Mourinho has taken a thinly veiled swipe at Pep Guardiola over City’s celebrations. The manager said his muted reaction to his team’s goals at West Brom was due to mental stability.
Claude Puel has unfinished business in the League Cup ahead of Leicester’s tie against Manchester City. Puel’s Southampton lost the final to Man United in February.
The Premier League has been blessed with players capable of defence-splitting passes. But in Kevin De Bruyne, we have a midfielder whose passing is on another level.
PSG are nine points ahead of both Monaco and Lyon going into a home clash against Caen on Wednesday, when there is a full round of games before a three-week break. Neymar and Co braved the wintry conditions at their Ooredoo Training Centre as coach Unai Emery put them through their paces ahead of their meeting with the mid-table outfit this Wednesday.
CLERMONT 24-21 SARACENS - CHRIS FOY IN CLERMONT: AT This was their seventh successive defeat, but the real Saracens resurfaced at Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday. There was more agony for them but plenty of pride, too. They had become a rabble in the record 46-14 loss at home to the same French opponents six days earlier, but this was no repeat of that surrender. Instead, it was an almighty fight to the finish.
Michalak ends his career as France's all-time leading scorer with 436 points from 77 caps, having won Six Nations Grand Slams on three occasions in 2002, 2004 and 2010.
WILL KELLEHER AT THE RICHOH ARENA: Elliot Daly scored two tries as Wasps kept alive their hopes of progressing to the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 21-3 victory.
NIK SIMON AT WELFORD ROAD: The centre came through unscathed but his side ended the year bottom of Pool Four after an ill-disciplined showing against Munster.
The Everton midfielder took to the sub-zero conditions of the cryotherapy chamber ahead of Monday night's clash with relegation-threatened Swansea on at Goodison Park. The Frenchman posted on his Instagram alongside his Toffees team-mates, with Gueye clearly feeling the effects of their time in the chamber more than his colleagues.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has slammed the club's recruitment in recent years, describing it as 'disjointed' and 'not good enough'. The club have failed to build a stable defence.
US Office star Mindy Kaling has been revealed as one of the 25 investors in the American consortium which owns Swansea. The American actress had a one per cent controlling stake.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho admits he must wait to discover the severity of Antonio Valencia's injury. The skipper limped off with a hamstring problem during Sunday's 2-1 win.
The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher soon after scoring the opening goal in Saturday's 4-1 win at Watford following a collision with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
George Foreman delivered a few (68, in fact) knockout blows during his incredible boxing career, but the former world heavyweight champion added one more to his tally on Saturday night. Foreman was a guest of honour at the Toyota Center and sat court-side to watch NBA franchise Houston Rockets take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a regular season game. But in an organised stunt, he was approached by their mascot Clutch the Bear, who was wearing a boxing robe as well as comically sized gloves.
They're disappearing from view! Manchester City train in thick fog ahead of Leicester clash
They're almost out of sight in the table and on the training field...
United forward Lingard dating Instagram model Jena Frumes... and she jetted in from LA to celebrate his birthday
Lingard turned 25 this week and she came over
You've urn-ed that! Aussies crack open the beers in dressing room to celebrate with family after sealing Ashes win
Three Tests and three wins for dominant hosts
Red Christmas! Liverpool stars dress up for festive bash after Bournemouth victory
It was a classy affair for the in-form side, with one player in a velvet bow-tie
Leaf blowers, nasty bruises, Smith catch controversy and Root trolled by Pietersen...
Ten things you missed from the final day of the third Ashes Test in Perth
Is Mourinho right to snub Henrikh Mkhitaryan?
Now share your opinion
Ditching the Gray in favour of pink! Watford striker poses with Little Mix partner in matching coats for night out
He danced in club after Huddersfield defeat
Griezmann sparks Twitter outrage by blacking up as the Harlem Globetrotters star for 80s party
Atletico Madrid striker issues apology for outfit
Oxlade-Chamberlain tries to deflect talk over Coutinho's future as he hits out over questions on Brazilian's future
Winger turns frosty on Barcelona links
Mario-ho-ho: Balotelli leads celebrations in a Christmas hat as his 10th Ligue 1 goal fires hosts sixth
Nice striker helps side to victory over Bordeaux
Sports Personality of the Year red carpet: England boss Southgate turns out to support Kane's bid in Liverpool
England striker was up for top award
'Find someone who loves you as much as I love De Bruyne'
Mendy hijacks City team-mate's interview with kiss on the cheek after impressive Spurs win
Celtic lose for first time in SEVENTY league games as Hearts put Rodgers' side to sword
The shock 4-0 defeat was the Hoops' first since 11th May 2016
Starc's 'ball of the 21st century', Broad's worst ever figures and the Barmy Army's Ashes rain dance
Eight things you missed from day four in Perth
Another knockout for Foreman! Boxing legend delivers blow to Houston Rockets mascot
The 68-year-old showed he can still throw a punch at recent NBA match
Pires on how Wenger convinced him to turn down Real Madrid and why the current Arsenal side have more quality than the Invincibles
Lifts the lid on his career
Cowabunga! PSG players deal with pitch invaders dressed as the Ninja Turtles
A handful of PSG fans staged a pitch invasion during a game
A regular-sized apple in the big one for McGregor as he goes Christmas shopping with partner Dee Devlin
Conor McGregor walked around New York
'Park the bus, park the bus, Man Utd!': City players launch jibe at their local rivals after beating Spurs
They copied the chant their fans sang
Stoke City's clash with West Ham delayed by an HOUR due to major power outage at the Bet365 Stadium
A power surge has affected mains supply
De Bruyne dedicates goal to Silva with '21' gesture and Kane takes a nasty shot to the face
SIX THINGS YOU MISSED from City's win against Spurs
Green apologises on air for Rebekah Vardy 'childminder' joke amid sexism accusations
5live commentator said Jamie Vardy 'has his childminder back'
SIX THINGS YOU MISSED as Palace run out 3-0 winners over Leicester
Zaha 'milly rocks' while Benteke's scoring drought was his longest
Lampard braves cold as he returns to his old stomping ground for a kickabout in London
Lampard donned shorts and a pair of boots at his old stomping ground
Aussie fans dress up as Stokes - SIX THINGS YOU MISSED from day three in Perth
Not even four of Stokes could rescue England from this position
Slaven away: Bilic working hard to get bak into the game: 'I'm not a broken man. I'm ready to go again,'
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY JOE BERNSTEIN
Saunders taunts 'weight-drained p***y boy' Lemieux after stripping naked at heated weigh-in
Pair to battle for WBO middleweight title
Rakitic stuns Barca team-mates by nailing long-range shot into basketball hoop
Croatian shows off his skill as stars take part in a precision test
Rooney awarded Goal of the Month for Everton star's stunning strike from own half against West Ham
The former England captain rolled back years
Gray receives touching Instagram tribute from Little Mix girlfriend: 'Gosh I just love this face'
The duo have displayed their love
Bairstow headbutts his helmet after reaching his century while Johnson shows rivalry with Broad will never fade away
5 THINGS YOU MISSED
Heavyweight world champion Joshua shows off slick robotic dance moves and ability in the ring
Practicing more than his boxing routines
Peacock loved Strictly but sprinting remains his first love: 'I'm still an athlete, not a celebrity'
Paralympic champion opens up on his dancing escapades
Pogba shows off new 'hair is burning' haircut as the Man United star gets over suspension
France star kills time with new trim as he waits out his ban
Everton striker Calvert-Lewin signs new deal at the club along with Kenny and Holgate
Toffees tie down exciting young trio on long-term deals at Goodison Park
Chelsea striker Morata enjoys romantic day out in London shopping for baby clothes with newly-pregnant wife
Spain star hits the shops with Alice Campello
'This sport is tougher than I thought': Conor Benn - son of legendary fighter Nigel - shows off battered face
Knocked down for first time in his boxing career
Mayweather rides an elephant in Thailand as the Money Man continues to enjoy his retirement from boxing
Spent time in Phuket with giant pal
Premier League? You're having a laugh! Guardiola warns City WILL get even better after they break record with 15 wins in a row
Soaring ahead
Australia fans get red hot in Perth as Stokes watches from New Zealand - SIX ASHES THINGS YOU MISSED
England's batsmen finally got up and running
Bolt enjoys boat trip in Thailand with girlfriend Kasi Bennett as former sprinter takes a holiday
Fastest man in the world now the slowest on the beach
Bonucci consoles Donnarumma after AC Milan fans unveil banner slating his 'parasite brother' and '€6m' deal
Fans launched a scathing attack on the keeper
Violence in Belgrade: Red Star fans clash with Partizan rivals in stands
The iconic and fiercely passionate Belgrade derby erupted into scenes of violence
Wilshere returns from the wilderness to make first start for 577 days as Martial misses a sitter for Man United
Five things you missed from the Premier League
'I'd rate my career a seven out of 10... I lost four finals': 16-time world champion Taylor ready to bow out in style at Ally Pally
Preparing to retire
United defender Rojo shows off gruesome head wound suffered in clash during derby
Marcos Rojo and David Silva clashed heads during the feisty fixture
Smith posts recovery photos after his EAR was nearly ripped off during a clash of heads in Vegas bout
Horror injury but ear is in better shape now
Barcelona midfielder Rakitic enjoys loved-up trip to Disneyland Paris with wife Raquel Mauri
Pair tied the knot back in 2013 and looked very much in love
'This s**** about to get heavy, I just settled all my lawsuits, f*** you, Eddie' - Fury raps to Eminem and takes aim at Joshua's camp
Ready to rumble?
Arteta's hat trick: City coach hides wound from flying bottle during derby tunnel row
Took private jet for 20-MINUTE flight to Swansea
No need for a left-hand drive car? Dortmund star Aubameyang puts his custom Lamborghini on sale for £250,000
Metallic paint finish and a personalised logo
'To me to you': Hazard and Willian reverse man of the match award after Huddersfield win
The Belgium star reluctantly accepted the award on Tuesday night
'Scholesy was my No 1': Real Madrid's Kroos says he was better than Lampard and Gerrard
Midfielder Kroos was taking part in a candid Q&A session on Twitter
What do you know, Diego? Argentine great Maradona attends football workshop with schoolkids in Kolkata
He also unveiled a 12ft statue of himself.
More festive cheer for Everton as Barkley says it's 'not long now' until he's back in action
Everton midfielder shared picture over his left hamstring on Instagram
Ribery appears in court after agent claims £3.1m in unpaid commission
Frenchman insists his signature had been forged on document
Liverpool star Firmino gets kiss of approval after he buys his wife a brand new Porsche
He's never been one to hide his affection for Larissa Pereira
Lallana back in full training with Liverpool as Klopp hints at pre-Christmas return
England midfielder has already had one aborted comeback
Giroud and Wilshere start snowball fight as Arsenal stars wrap up warm in training
Gunners squad trained on a freezing-cold day at London Colney
Maywether cruises through retired life as he enjoys idyllic kayak ride in Thailand
Boxing legend soaked in the sunshine and the surroundings in Asia
'Ibra, you talk a lot but you move a little': What City staff 'told Zlatan during tunnel bust-up' with United rivals
There was a huge row post-match at Old Trafford
Baby Blue! Morata set to be a father as he announces pregnancy with wife Alice
He took to Instagram to announce the news with the help of his wife
Double date night! Barcelona stars Iniesta and Rakitic hit the town with their wives as they celebrate Anna Ortiz's 31st birthday
Been pals for years
Real who? Mbappe leads PSG in buoyant training session the day after they are pitted against Madrid in Champions League
Not fazed by last 16 draw
Football can learn from SUMO WRESTLING, says Wenger following City and United's derby day tunnel bust-up
'The winner doesn't show happiness out of respect'
Pep strolls around Manchester with wife Cristina after painting the town blue
He enjoyed the cold weather after the intense victory at Old Trafford
Maradona unveils 12ft statue of himself holding World Cup in India... but its dodgy likeness risks ridicule
Will there ever be a good football statue again?
'Finally got hold of the cheat who cost the Reds two points': Liverpool icon Carragher bumps into Calvert-Lewin
Striker won penalty that earned Everton a draw
Terry runs up and down Holte End at Villa Park as defender continues recovery from foot injury
Not the normal way to rehab an injury
Liverpool stars spread festive cheer to young supporters with surprise visit to Alder Hey Childrens Hospital... and pose with Everton fan
No derby backlash
Leicester are the Arctic Foxes as stars celebrate third straight victory with snowball fight in training
Riyad Mahrez and Ben Chilwell were involved
He's still got it! Brazil legend Ronaldinho rolls back the years with a stunning goal from inside his own half
He dazzled at a charity match in Sao Paulo
Something to hide, Mikel? City coach Arteta covers face after being struck by bottle in tunnel brawl at Old Trafford
Spaniard suffered a cut head during incident
How's that for a get well soon message?
Tottenham's Kenyan supporters' club march through streets with banners as Wanyama returns to training
'Thought I was clever sheltering my car!': Owen discovers his Bentley snowed in as cold snap hits home
Tree branch collapsed on former striker's motor
City stars gather for dressing room photo after beating rivals United courtesy of Otamendi winner
There was even confetti to celebrate with
Their signings took the Mickey in the summer... and now PSG's players have visited Disneyland
Most of the squad decided to make the trip to Disneyland Paris
Balotelli scores winning goal for Nice against Nantes with fine volley... and celebrates with a pitch invader
The Italian striker helped out the pitch invader
Snow ballers! Players enjoy the wintry weather as Carroll builds a snowman with his son
The weather matched the festive season and these players took advantage
Henderson outpasses entire Everton team, Big Sam goes long ball after just two seconds and 'Fab Four' merchandise goes on sale
THINGS YOU MISSED
BARCELONA 4-0 DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA - PETE JENSON AT NOU CAMP: Luis Suarez scored his eighth and ninth league goals of the season in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Deportivo, and he might have had a hat-trick if only La Liga had goal-line technology. His 'rabona' shot just before half-time looked to have crossed the line but was pushed out by goalkeeper Ruben Martinez and without help from 'Hawkeye' the match officials gave the benefit of the doubt to the defending team. It made no difference to the result as Barcelona moved 11 points clear of Real Madrid having played a game more. Suarez got a brace as did Paulinho and Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
Hearts ended Celtic's 69-game unbeaten domestic run in stunning fashion with a 4-0 hammering of the Ladbrokes Premiership champions at Tynecastle. A much-changed home side surged into a two-goal interval lead as 16-year-old Harry Cochrane fired in his first goal for the Edinburgh club in the 26th minute before former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty added a second with a fine finish nine minutes later.
MIKE KEEGAN AT THE KING POWER STADIUM: Redemption for Christian — not that he felt he had sinned in the first place. Palace’s Benteke took a standing ovation from the delighted supporters.
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil pulled off the kind of goal most others cannot, making the weekly wage he is requesting of £300,000 seem quite reasonable.
Jose Mourinho appeared to mix up the current West Brom manager with his predecessor in his post-match interview following Manchester United's 2-1 win at the Baggies on Sunday.
MailOnline Sport has teamed up with EA SPORTS to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to Arsenal v Liverpool on Friday, December 22 (7.45pm kick-off).
Igor Tudor has been widely criticised after Galatasaray allowed an eight-point lead in the standings to slip away before they dropped to second place on Sunday.
This was win No 16 in a record run. With games against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Watford to follow, that figure is likely to reach 20 as the new year gets under way.
NICE 1-0 BORDEAUX: Mario Balotelli doesn't shire away from the spotlight, as so many in the Premier League found out, and continued to prove his doubters wrong on Sunday with the match-winner against Bordeaux. The Italian, scoring his second winning goal - also by a volley against Nantes last weekend - was on hand to fire home in the first half, as he fired Nice into sixth in Ligue 1.
Kevin De Bruyne has earned plenty of admirers this season but perhaps nobody is more smitten than Benjamin Mendy. The Manchester City midfielder was instrumental in his side's 4-1 win over Tottenham but his interview after the match didn't go to plan. Mid-way through a question, Mendy hijacked his team-mate's questioning by leaning in and kissing him on the cheek.
Brazilian superstar Kaka has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to a close an incredible career which saw him turn out for some of the world's finest sides.
Swansea manager Paul Clement has warned of the need for the club to invest in January, but insisted their quest to avoid relegation is not being compromised by fear.
NEW Steven Naismith has set his sights on returning to regular first-team football and winning his Scotland place back. The Norwich striker has been back training after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
IAN LADYMAN: Given what happened in the Potteries on Saturday, the verbal volley aimed at Marko Arnautovic by Mark Hughes as the player left the field was perhaps the least surprising moment.
Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic insists he is happy at Lazio and doesn't care that scouts from some of Europe's leading clubs have been watching him.
West Brom have fought off interest from Leicester to complete the permanent signing of Egyptian centre back Ahmed Hegazi. The Baggies have activated a £4.4million option in Hegazi's loan deal.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY KIERAN GILL: Peter Wright switches on some daytime TV inside his hotel room, sits at the desk and surveys the suitcase full of cosmetics scattered in front of him. The warrior is ready for his warpaint. This time, his wife, Jo, is treating him to a Christmas theme ahead of the World Championship in London, with a bauble, a mistletoe and a pair of lips on one side of Peter's head.
Billy Joe Saunders has laid down a challenge to the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBC middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin after he defeated David Lemieux in Canada on Saturday night. Saunders retained his WBO middleweight title with one of the finest overseas performances by a British boxer in living memory.
The Hurricanes flyer — known as the 'Bus' — has touched down 46 times in 54 Tests to date; a faster strike-rate than any player from any leading nation in the history of the game.
China's Cao Yupeng missed a match-ball black that might haunt him for years to come as Australia's Neil Robertson took the Scottish Open title on Sunday evening.
Brian Cookson, the former president of British Cycling and the International Cycling Union (UCI), has been accused of destroying what little credibility the sport has left.
Rhys Webb scored twice as Ospreys completed a European Champions Cup double over struggling Northampton with a 32-15 bonus-point victory at a wet Liberty Stadium.
DECLAN TAYLOR IN MONTREAL: Billy Joe Saunders retained his WBO middleweight title with one of the finest overseas performances by a British boxer in living memory.
The former UFC lightweight champion, Dos Anjos, praised Lawler’s toughness post-fight and insisted that the dominant victory would be enough to secure his title shot against Woodley.
Sportsmail's racing expert Robin Goodfellow dishes out his tips ahead of Monday's meetings at Ffos Las, Musselburgh, Plumpton and Wolverhampton.
Tragedy marred Cheltenham's final meeting of the year when David Pipe-trained Starchitect suffered a fatal injury when seemingly bound for victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.
MICHAEL WALKER: Stare at this photograph long enough and what emerges from behind the action of a Tottenham v Manchester United match from 1972 — where the White Hart Lane tea ladies chat as the match goes on — is face upon face of transfixed fans, their attention solely on the action. These are supporters — men, women, girls, boys — with their eyes on the ball. They are straining to see its destination. They are lost in the music of the game. It is an image that captures what it means to be a fan. That term ‘fan’ stems from ‘fanatic’, a derivation that makes sense when you hear of 21 Gateshead supporters travelling 774 miles to watch their non-League team play Torquay on a Tuesday night in December.
As a kid, I was a glory-hunter like all my mates. We’d draw two goalposts and a crossbar on the playground wall and want to be the player who scored the winning goal.
I'm sure, like me, you will have noticed the smile on Eddie Jones's face on Saturday night when Watson cut through the Toulon defence for the first of his two Bath tries.
CHRIS FOY: Jim Mallinder's downfall at Northampton is further proof that coaches have a shelf- life, in any role. After a decade in charge of the Saints, it was time for a change.
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