Merino and Saka down Brentford but Arsenal made to sweat on more injuries

Liverpool's defensive struggles continue as they prepare to face Leeds this weekend, following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth loss in seven Premier League matches. Manager Arne Slot faces increasing scrutiny as he seeks to halt the team's alarming decline.

This weekend in the Premier League, Arsenal will face Aston Villa, a team that has historically posed challenges for them, particularly after a previous match where Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead. With Arsenal currently leading the league, a victory at Villa Park would further solidify their title ambitions.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed the media ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham, confirming that Ismaila Sarr will not participate due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game against Manchester United. The match is set to take place at Craven Cottage with a kick-off time of 16:30 GMT.

Arsenal has confirmed a landmark agreement to sign Ecuadorian teenage twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente del Valle. The 16-year-olds are highly regarded in South America and are expected to bring significant talent to the club.

In a thrilling Premier League match, Manchester City narrowly defeated Fulham 5-4 at Craven Cottage, with Josko Gvardiol's crucial goal-line clearance preventing a historic comeback by Fulham. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur salvaged a point against Newcastle thanks to Cristian Romero's late equalizer, showcasing the intense competition in the league.

In a thrilling Premier League match at Craven Cottage, Manchester City secured a commanding 5-4 victory over Fulham, with standout performances from players like Josko Gvardiol. The match was marked by a series of dramatic goals, showcasing the attacking prowess of both teams. Max Rushden, alongside analysts Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Liew, and Will Unwin, discussed the implications of this high-scoring encounter on the Football Weekly podcast.

Fifa has failed to sell the TV rights for its inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, which is set to take place in London starting January 28, featuring Arsenal as the representative from Europe. This situation mirrors Fifa's recent difficulties in securing broadcast deals for other competitions, including the men’s Club World Cup.

Bayern Munich's former president has claimed that Pep Guardiola has already agreed to take over Manchester City in the future, suggesting a potential shift in managerial roles between the two clubs. This statement raises questions about Guardiola's long-term plans and the future of Manchester City under his leadership.