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Christian Pulisic has been told by Thierry Henry that he must “try to make mistakes” in order to replicate his USMNT form in club action at AC Milan.

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American forward left Chelsea in summer windowTaking on a new challenge at San SiroHoping to put creative qualities to good useWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international enjoyed a bright start to his time in Italy following a summer transfer from Chelsea, with a flurry of pre-season assists followed by two goals in as many Serie A appearances. Pulisic was, however, benched for Milan’s opening Champions League fixture of 2023-24 against Newcastle.

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There is no doubting Pulisic’s creative ability, as he remains a talismanic presence for his country, but there are suggestions that the 25-year-old is too risk-averse in domestic football and needs to shake those shackles in order to become a superstar at San Siro.

WHAT THEY SAID

World Cup winner Henry – who represented the likes of Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls in his playing days – has told the new of what Pulisic needs to do in order to thrive: “As a creative player if you don’t try to make mistakes, you cannot succeed. I can see on the national team, [Pulisic] feels like, ‘I can make mistakes.’ When you play on the big club [team], you play the ball one time and it’s a mistake and the next time you touch it is 15 minutes after. People remember every time you touch the ball that you lost it. The international team, he plays with that confidence. We were all creative players, so you have to score. So if you feel like in your head you can’t lose that ball, then you might as well step out of the field and don’t play.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Pulisic was prevented from showing his true colours at Chelsea as he struggled to nail down a regular starting berth and will be eager to avoid seeing history repeat itself in Italy. Milan will be back in Serie A action on Saturday when playing host to Verona.

Leeds United remain top of the Championship despite suffering defeat against Stoke City last weekend, and with just a few days remaining in the transfer window to strengthen the squad Victor Orta is facing a race against time to give Marcelo Bielsa what he wants. 

Bielsa has made no secret of his preference to keep his squad tightly-knit and promote talented youth players to deputise for injured senior players. That attitude has served Leeds well so far but, considering how physically demanding the season has been and Bielsa’s history of faltering in the final months of the season, the club need at least one more signing to maximise their chances of clinching promotion.

The arrival of Kiko Casilla was widely regarded as a timely coup for the club, and if anyone is likely to join him at Elland Road this month it seems it will be Swansea City’s Daniel James.

Indeed, a recent report from the Daily Mirror suggests Bielsa has left Orta in charge of concluding a deal for James this month, with no further signings requested from the enigmatic Argentine.

Orta’s success in the final days of the transfer window has the potential to be season-defining in the context of Leeds’ promotion bid.

The succession of injury problems this season have been compounded by the departures of both Samu Saiz and Lewis Baker, and with the squad wearing thin the arrival of James could be priceless.

James is relatively inexperienced at this level but he has rapidly demonstrated a sound ability to perform well in the Championship, with his technical quality and willingness to work hard off the ball making him an ideal fit for Leeds.

His arrival would add greater depth in wide positions and consequently help to facilitate a permanent role for Pablo Hernandez at number ten, which is where Bielsa understandably wants him to operate.

The same report also claims that Leeds will happily walk away from the negotiating table if they believe a potential deal is not good value, but with promotion on the line it’s vital that Orta manages to strike an agreement to hand Bielsa a priceless asset during the final months of the season.

Orta has completed a handful of smart deals in the transfer market since becoming the club’s director of football, but a successful bid for James could be crucial in the context of Leeds’ bid to end their top-flight exile.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Mkyhailo Mudryk has revealed that he was wearing inspirational shin pads when finally breaking his Chelsea goal duck at the 24th time of asking.

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Ukrainian winger has struggled for end productQuestions asked of big money price tagOn the scoresheet in derby date with FulhamWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukraine international winger was acquired by the Blues in an £89 million ($107m) transfer deal during the January window. He has struggled to live up to expectations, with questions being asked of whether he could end up being a big money flop.

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Mudryk has stuck to the task of proving his worth, though, and got himself on the scoresheet during a derby date with Fulham. He is now being backed by those around him – including Stamford Bridge team-mate Levi Colwill – to become “one of the best players in the world”, with there still plenty of potential in his game to unlock.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mudryk will not be shying away from any challenge, with the jet-heeled 22-year-old revealing on social media that he has been sporting shin pads that display the message: “Can’t, Can’t, Can’t, Can.” He has now delivered recognisable end product and will be hoping that there is plenty more to come.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mauricio Pochettino has never doubted Mudryk’s ability to come good and told reporters after seeing the energetic forward score at Craven Cottage before being replaced at half-time as a precaution – with another injury the last thing that Chelsea need right now: “For ‘Mischa’ he scored his first goal in the Premier League, and for Armando [Broja] after a long period out, he scored again. I’m so happy for them, they deserve it. We need to understand that young people need time and need to settle. It’s about adaptation.”

USMNT defender Matt Miazga has accepted his actions were inappropriate, but believes MLS's punishment was harsh regarding his recent suspension.

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Miazga suspended by MLS for 3 gamesFCC eliminated from playoffs without himDefender responds over 'unfitting' punishmentWHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to media on Tuesday, the FC Cincinnati central defender claimed he thought MLS's punishment was unjust, but understood that his actions were inappropriate and that he let his team down. On November 4, Miazga confronted a referee postgame in the tunnel – and reports have been scattered since, but as a result of his actions, he was suspended for three games ahead of the Eastern Conference semifinals last weekend. Cincy fell to the Columbus Crew in extra-time, 3-2.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MIAZGA SAID

"I want to take responsibility for what happened. The intentions of what happened, my intentions didn't play out to what has actually happened. I take full responsibility… I felt the punishment didn't fit what had happened, but you know, I accept it and we got to move forward now."

"It was frustrating because you've been an in-form player all year and then all of a sudden, one of the most important games of the year you can't play. So that was frustrating, but I had confidence in my team that they can get the job done."

Despite crashing out of the playoffs in harsh fashion, the USMNT defender has optimism for 2024: "We're so close and it's a learning experience obviously for everyone involved, especially me as well. So, now there's that extra hunger for next year and extra motivation and, you know, we're a real team so we're excited for the challenges ahead."

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Initial reports claimed that Miazga was 'forcibly removed' from the official's room following their November 4 victory over the New York Red Bulls, but as more news surrounding the incident came out, the official's report was described as 'exaggerated' by The Athletic. Fast forward nearly three weeks and MLS's investigation into the incident resulted in suspension – 72 hours prior to kickoff in their most important playoff match of the year.

Following the announcement of his removal from their remaining matches on the calendar, the MLS Players Association released a statement claiming that the investigation contained 'falsehoods' and 'false narratives' to paint the MLS Defender of the Year in the wrong.

Now, following Cincy's removal from the playoffs, Miazga has taken responsibility for his actions, but admits his 'frustration' over the league's findings.

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USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR MIAZGA?

He will be suspended for two matches to begin the 2024 MLS season, but the dates for those matches will not be announced until next year. Until then, it will be a massive 'what if' for the defender, knowing that his side conceded three goals in a conference final without him.

Bayern Munich's clash with Union Berlin on Saturday has been postponed due to extreme levels of snow falling in Munich overnight.

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Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin postponedSnow fell overnight and expected throughout the day

Game to be rescheduled for later date

WHAT HAPPENED?

The two sides were set to meet at the Allianz Arena but the game will have to be rescheduled due to the weather conditions. Snow is expected to fall throughout the day and into the evening in Munich, making it impossible for the game to go ahead.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

Bayern stated that large portions of snow falling from the roof of the stadium would pose a risk to supporters and would not be safe to attend. The club also acknowledged that impact of the weather on public transport links made access to the stadium difficult, or impossible, for many swathes of supporters. The club also acknowledged that the Munich police had recommend that people do not leave their homes. Owing to these factors, the club stated that it cannot be guaranteed that the necessary security personnel will be able to reach the Allianz Arena.

WHAT BAYERN MUNICH SAID

In a statement, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, said: "We very much regret that we have to postpone the match, but the safety of our fans and the supporters of Union Berlin has absolute priority. In addition, access to the Allianz Arena is not guaranteed due to numerous road closures and various public transport cancellations. We will inform you about a possible new date as soon as possible."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN AND UNION BERLIN?

Bayern have stated that they will provide the information on the fixture's rescheduling as soon as a new date has been agreed between both clubs and the German Football League (DFL).

Manchester United minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe has echoed Sir Alex Ferguson by vowing to knock Liverpool and Manchester City "off their perch".

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Ratcliffe wants United to chase down City & LiverpoolBut says it will take three years to win another titleAlso defended the unpopular Glazer familyWHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford gave a series of interviews on Wednesday after finally completing his purchase of a 25 percent stake in United. As well as addressing the future of Mason Greenwood, Ratcliffe vowed to restore United to their former glories and chase down local rivals City and Liverpool.

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"In the north west we have two neighbours who are really impressive football clubs. I want to knock them all off their perch," Ratcliffe told the . "We are friends in the sense we're all in the north west but they are our biggest enemies. They are clearly our biggest competitors in the UK. [We are] a long way behind. It's not going to change tomorrow. People unfortunately need to give us time to get back. It will be two to three seasons. Patience is needed. Spending money lavishly in the summer is not the solution, it is much more complicated than that."

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Ferguson famously said his greatest achievement as United manager was "knocking Liverpool off their perch" after ending almost two decades of dominance from the Red Devils' greatest rivals. Since retiring in 2013, City have overtaken United as the premier force in Manchester while Liverpool have staged a resurgence, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. They currently lead the Premier League title race, closely followed by City and Arsenal, with United way back in sixth.

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Getty DID YOU KNOW?

To buy his stake in United, Ratcliffe had to beat off competition from Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was only interested in purchasing the club outright. Ratcliffe's deal instead allowed the much-hated Glazer family to remain in control of the club. And the INEOS chief risked the wrath of supporters by calling the Glazers "very nice people." He added: "I only know Joel and Avram and they are, despite what you might read in the press, very nice people, very courteous and they are avid supporters of Manchester United. I understand the frustrations and the anger [of supporters] but I am looking forward not backward."

Chelsea winger Myhailo Mudryk has been left puzzled after being stung by a “London is red” jibe from a selfie-hunting supporter.

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Ukraine star on international dutyHappy to pose for picturesWas linked with a move to ArsenalWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukraine international is currently away with his country preparing for Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Malta. He has been mingling with fans ahead of those games, with many eager to land themselves a photo and signature.

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One of those looking to get a picture with Mudryk reacted to getting their snap with the 22-year-old by shouting “London is red” after him as the £89 million ($109m) star prepared to board the Ukrainian team bus – leading Mudryk to quip back with: “Why are you asking for a photo then?”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Mudryk almost ended up in the red of Arsenal during the January transfer window of 2023, with Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin having told of how a protracted saga played out: “Arsenal contacted the player almost one-and-a-half months before they contacted us. Can you imagine, for example, to have Mikel Arteta, Oleksandr Zinchenko and the sporting director (Edu) calling you, to have Arsenal calling you almost every day, every two days, every three days? You can want or not want the move but you follow this kind of reception and contacts.

"If you talk about Chelsea, they called me at the end of December and asked if they can contact Mudryk because they are interested in him and want to talk with him. I said, 'No problem, you can contact him'. Overall, it was the same. Not approximately the same — it was the same figure. The fixed part, variable part, bonuses. But if you look inside the fixed part and bonuses, it was completely different. Therefore, in this case, Chelsea was much more serious and fair in some points.”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mudryk endured a tough start to his time at Stamford Bridge, going 24 games before scoring his first competitive goal for Chelsea, but he got off the mark in a derby date with Fulham and will be hoping to make a decisive contribution for the Blues when returning to west London after the October international break.

Premier League shareholders are meeting in London to discuss point deductions, FFP breaches and potential transfer rule changes.

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Toffees stripped of 10 points for breaking rules115 charges hanging over the championsIssues raised with associated clubs dealsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The meeting, which is taking place at The Churchill Hyatt Regency Hotel in west London, has been lined up a matter of days after Everton were stripped of 10 points as a result of their failure to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. The Toffees have slipped to joint-bottom of the table as a result.

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Everton are appealing that ruling, but things could get worse for them yet as Leeds, Leicester and Burnley are preparing to seek £300 million ($377m) in compensation as they believe bending the rules allowed the Toffees to preserve their top-flight status at the expense of law-abiding rivals.

(C)GettyImagesDID YOU KNOW?

The situation on Merseyside is expected to be one topic of discussion as Premier League stakeholders come together. West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady and Burnley chief Alan Pace were among those spotted arriving at the crunch talks.

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WILL MAN CITY BE PUNISHED?

Those in attendance are also expected to discuss Manchester City and the 115 charges hanging over them for allegedly breaking financial rules. The reigning English champions may have cause for concern after seeing Everton punished for far less than they were charged with back in February. The reports that Premier League board members will ask for updates on how that saga is progressing.

Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City were booed off by their own fans after a 0-0 draw with Rotherham as NFL legend Tom Brady watched on from the stands.

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Birmingham draw 0-0 with RotherhamOne win in eight under manager RooneyMinority owner Brady in attendanceGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues failed to beat 23rd-placed Rotherham United to continue their poor start under manager Rooney in the Championship. The hosts were fortunate to come away with a point as Rooney's tough start continued, with the West Midlands outfit winning just one of the eight games he has been in charge of. Seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady attended his second Blues game on Saturday, but the minority investor wasn't treated to the win he desired and even got to hear home fans booing his team after the final whistle.

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Birmingham sit 15th in the Championship, seven points outside the play-offs. When former manager John Eustace was sacked from his role in early October the Blues were sixth in the table. Rooney replaced him at the helm but the club has gone backwards since his arrival and fans are not happy with how things have been going. This could be an example of a team trying to make a statement signing before it ends up backfiring.

WHAT TOM BRADY SAID

Before the game, Brady checked in to St Andrew's and tweeted…

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WHAT NEXT?

Rooney's Birmingham travel to local rivals Coventry City in their next Championship game on Friday.

The diminutive Belgian made it two goals in as many games as he inspired the Gunners to a gritty 3-1 victory over their stubborn visitors

Leandro Trossard was the protagonist as Arsenal moved second in the Premier League courtesy of a gutsy 3-1 win over Burnley on Saturday, repaying Mikel Arteta's faith with a goal and assist after replacing Eddie Nketiah in his manager's Premier League XI.

Bukayo Saka went closest in a dominant first period when his strike was tipped onto the woodwork, but the hosts would have to wait until first-half stoppage time to make the breakthrough, as Trossard put his body on the line to bundle the ball home at the back post.

Burnley had threatened on occasion, and Arsenal were stunned early in the second period when Josh Brownhill's strike deflected in. However, it took Arteta's side just three minutes to restore the lead when William Saliba rose highest to meet a Trossard corner. Oleksandr Zinchenko then wrapped up the points with 15 minutes to go as he improvised with an exquisite finish on the bounce after the ball had come off the Burnley bar.

The shine was somewhat taken off the victory late on as substitute Fabio Vieira was shown a straight red card for an ugly, high foul on goal-scorer Brownwood.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made two very important stops in the first half which were ultimately key to the victory. He had no chance with the goal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):

Provided support in attack at every opportunity but was too easily shrugged off in the build-up to Burnley's goal.

William Saliba (8/10):

Made a sublime recovery challenge right at the start of the second period and rose majestically to restore the lead.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Not unduly tested but his half-clearance led to the Burnley leveller. Caused a problem from set-pieces.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (8/10):

Operated as an auxiliary centre-midfielder for the most part. Wonderful, technical finish to wrap up the points.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Jorginho (6/10):

Metronomic without setting the world alight, but that is generally his modus operandi. Took a heavy blow late on.

Declan Rice (7/10):

The bloke is ubiquitous. Generally a quiet shift defensively, but he still seemed to be mopping up at every single opportunity.

Kai Havertz (5/10):

Often found himself swarmed by defenders and headed a good chance over from close range. Didn't do anything wrong, per se, but very much no frills.

Getty ImagesAttack

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Tormented his full-back at every opportunity and was rewarded with yet another assist, this time nodding the ball across goal for the opener.

Leandro Trossard (8/10):

Forced to come searching for the ball initially but popped to make a telling contribution, putting his body on the line as he bundled the ball in. His corner was nodded in by Saliba, too.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Electric as always but for someone so talented he should perhaps be providing end product on an even more regular basis.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Fabio Vieira (1/10):

Not the desired effect! Shown a straight red card for an ugly, high foul on Brownhill.

Reiss Nelson (N/A):

Didn't see much of the ball as the red card two minutes after his introduction changed Arteta's gameplan.

Eddie Nketiah (N/A):

Ditto Nelson. Isolated up front as the 10 men were forced to see out the game.

Jakob Kiwior (N/A):

Brought on late to shore things up.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

The decision to start Trossard was richly rewarded, as his side reflected their manager's passion and bite with a gutsy display to recover from being hauled level and take all three points.