Explained: Why Arsenal v Newcastle is taking place at 8pm on a Saturday

Arsenal and Newcastle's Premier League fixture will take place at 8pm on a Saturday due to a new rule.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Arsenal's clash takes place at unusual timeGunners played in Europe in midweekNew rule dictates kick-off timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners and the Magpies will go head-to-head on Saturday as Mikel Arteta's side attempt to continue their title push, and Eddie Howe's aim to climb back into contention for European qualification. On Saturday, there is no early kick-off, with games instead kicking off at 3pm, 5:30pm and 8pm, because Arsenal played in the Champions League in midweek, losing 1-0 to Porto.

AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION

A new rule to protect player welfare in the Premier League states that any team playing in Europe on a Wednesday night must not play at 12:30pm on a Saturday. has the rights to air that fixture, and will instead air Arsenal's game at 8pm. will air Manchester City's clash with Bournemouth at 5:30pm.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The reverse fixture saw Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 at St James' Park. Anthony Gordon scored in the 64th minute on November 4.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Arsenal go into the game sitting third and have won their last five fixtures, while Newcastle are eighth, and have not lost any of their last four games. As a result, one can expect a ding-dong battle on Saturday night.

Crystal Palace fans think Mamadou Sakho is one of their best ever centre-backs

[ad_pod ]

Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to discuss where Mamadou Sakho ranks amongst their best ever centre-backs, with many suggesting that the Frenchman stands alone at the very top of the pile.

The former Paris Saint-Germain captain arrived in south London in a £26m deal from Liverpool back in 2017, following a stunning six-month loan spell prior to the permanent deal in which he was nominated for the club’s Player of the Season award.

Since then, he has formed a formidable partnership alongside James Tomkins at the back, which has been the foundation of what is currently the fifth best defence in the Premier League, behind only Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Sakho can, however, be a controversial figure amongst Palace fans, as he often tends to do outlandish things such as back-heel the ball inside his own box and play risky passes – real heart in mouth stuff.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

His commanding performances at the back, in which he combines solid, body-on-the-line defending with composure and the ability to play the ball out of defence, have clearly impressed the Palace fans, and they think he ranks as one of their very best according to their reactions on Twitter…

VIDEO: 'He's quite good' – Man City boss Pep Guardiola delivers hilarious response to Kylian Mbappe transfer question

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reacted hilariously when asked what he felt about Kylian Mbappe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Guardiola responded to Mbappe transfer questionMbappe was linked with Man CitySet to join Real Madrid in the summerWHAT HAPPENED?

Last week reported that a representative of Mbappe caught up with City Football Group officials in Manchester. The person was reportedly spotted at the club's training ground where the team where preparing for their Champions League clash against Copenhagen.

In a press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked if the French forward would join the Cityzens next summer and his opinion about the star player to which the Catalan coach responded, "I think he's quite good. He has a future."

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP(C)Getty imagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 25-year-old has already communicated his decision to his team-mates to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the current season. He reportedly has an agreement with Real Madrid and will be unveiled as a Los Blancos player in July.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

After dropping two crucial points in the Premier League against Chelsea at home, Guardiola's side will aim to get back to winning ways against Brentford on Wednesday.

'I'm not completely surprised' – Ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has not been caught off-guard by the club's current form, says he 'expected more' from Blues last campaign

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says he is not surprised by the team's struggles under Mauricio Pochettino this season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Blues off to difficult startHave won once in PL this seasonLampard says no quick fix for issuesWHAT HAPPENED?

The London side hoped to recover from a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, in which they sacked two managers – Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter – before bringing club legend Lampard back for the remainder of the season.

However, the Blues have endured a rough start to the season, having won just once in the Premier League this season since Pochettino was appointed coach in the summer.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Lampard says the team should have performed better than the 12th-placed finish in the league that they accomplished last season, but maintains that there is no quick fix for their issues, suggesting Pochettino needs time to get his team in shape.

WHAT THEY SAID

"I'm not completely surprised with some of their difficulties, having lived it first hand at the end of the season. I came into a club where it had been eight months of results you don't expect from Chelsea, and that's working with two, in my opinion, very good managers, top managers, in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

"I felt I could see some of the issues there, which were issues probably with confidence from results. When you're with Chelsea if you don't win that builds, that nervousness. And maybe some motivation amongst the squad which I think was probably through having such a big squad, unprecedented numbers. A lot of players felt their time was up at Chelsea or it was coming or maybe Chelsea were going to move them on and I lived that feeling."

"So I think you have to affect it by hiring a very good manager in Mauricio Pochettino and then recruitment. So, there's big, big changeover, but there is no magic wand as such in football and the Premier League is the most unforgiving. I expected more in terms of points but I never felt it would be an instant turnaround."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Chelsea are in action against Fulham on Monday.

Ivan Toney price revealed! Brentford demand big fee for striker as Arsenal and Chelsea line up January bids

Brentford have revealed the amount they will demand to sell Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Brentford reveal the price for ToneyDo not plan to sell him in JanuaryArsenal and Chelsea interested in the strikerWHAT HAPPENED?

Toney is currently serving an eight-month suspension after admitting to breaching the FA's betting rules earlier this year. His suspension ends on January 17 after which he will become available for selection. While the Bees cherish their star forward and want to retain his services, Toney has been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window with both Arsenal and Chelsea interested in signing him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite Brentford's reluctance, they could allow the England international to leave if they get a transfer fee in the region of £60 million ($76m) or more, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. On Friday, Brentford manager Thomas Frank told reporters that he would love to see the 27-year-old at the club on February 1, the day after the January window closes.

DID YOU KNOW?

The former Newcastle striker was the third-highest scorer in the Premier League last season behind Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland and England captain Harry Kane. He notched up 20 goals in 33 league appearances.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRENTFORD?

Thomas Frank's side have suffered three defeats in their last five Premier League matches and are currently 11th in the league with 16 points from 13 matches. They would aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they face Luton Town at home.

Triple joy for Chelsea! Blues scoop up three prizes at London Football Awards as Lauren James, Aggie Beever-Jones and Cole Palmer honoured

Lauren James, Cole Palmer and Agnes Beever-Jones won a hat-trick of honours for Chelsea at the London Football Awards.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Chelsea trio win at London Football AwardsJames claims WSL player of the year titlePalmer & Beever-Jones claim rising star gongsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

In the 10th edition of the event, Chelsea star James, 22, won the Women’s Super League Player of the Year title after scoring 12 goals this season; while fellow Blues Palmer, 21, and Beever-Jones, 20, picked up the Men’s and Women’s Young Player of the Year awards respectively. The former has scored 12 goals and bagged nine assists in all competitions and "super sub" Beever-Jones, who succeeded James as this year's young winner, has seven goals to date. It's clear all three Chelsea youngsters have a bright future ahead of them.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

On the men's side, Arsenal's Declan Rice won the Premier League Player of the Year, Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou won Manager of the Year, and Goal of the Season, which was voted for by the public, went to Crystal Palace's Michael Olise for his strike against Luton Town last November.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

In the other categories, former manager Harry Redknapp won the Outstanding Contribution to London Football gong, John Berylson received the Power of Football Award, Charlton Athletic's Alfie May won the EFL Player of the Year prize, and Spurs stopper Guglielmo Vicario clinched Goalkeeper of the Year. Pan-Disability Football (Sutton United Foundation) picked up the Community Project of the Year honour.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT?

James and Beever-Jones are set to return to WSL action on Sunday when table-topping Chelsea travel to Leicester City, whereas Mauricio Pochettino's men make the short trip to London neighbours Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League.

A chance to coach Dennis Bergkamp's son! Non-League Bromley join forces with Football Manager to offer one fan a place in Andy Woodman's staff

National League side Bromley FC have joined forces with 'Football Manager' to offer one fan the chance to join the club's coaching staff.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bromley come up with unique opportunity for fansWinner of 'Football Manager' competition to become coachOpportunity to work with Dennis Bergkamp's sonGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

National League outfit Bromley FC have joined forces with popular video game series Football Manager and are launching a competition for fans that will see the winner offered a full-time role on Andy Woodman's coaching staff as a ‘Support Performance Tactician’.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

‘The Everyday Tactician’ is a competition organised by Xbox and Football Manager to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the video game. The winner of the tournament will be inducted into the club's coaching team.

As a bonus, that lucky fan will also get an opportunity to coach Mitchel Bergkamp, the son of Arsenal legend Dennis. Mitchel joined the non-league side in January.

WHAT DID ANDY WOODMAN SAY?

Bromley manager Woodman has said of the venture: "At Bromley FC, we pride ourselves on being a community club, so we're very much looking forward to welcoming an enthusiastic supporter to our backroom staff. There are definitely plenty out there who know how to guide us to glory in the Football Manager game, so we're excited to welcome someone who can replicate that in the real world."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Mitchel Bergkamp, who previously took in a spell at Watford, has scored one goal in nine National League appearances for Bromley this season, helping them rise to fourth in the table.

WATCH: 'How many injuries have we got?!' – Kieran Trippier involved in heated row with Newcastle fans after shock Bournemouth loss

Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier was involved in a heated exchange with his own fans during the club's match against Bournemouth.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Trippier involved in a heated exchange with fansNewcastle went down 0-2 against BournemouthMagpies suffered two more injuriesGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

English international full-back Kieran Trippier was seen confronting a set of Newcastle United fans after the club's Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday which they lost 2-0 courtesy of Dominic Solanke's brace. Trippier got involved in a heated exchange with the supporters and eventually, he had to be pulled back by his team-mate Joelinton.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT DID KIERAN TRIPPIER SAY

Speaking to after the game, the 33-year-old explained, "The fans are emotional, of course they are. They have travelled a long way, they spend a lot of money to come and watch us. I was just having a chat with one of them, I said we are giving everything. There is no need to panic, we are still in a good position in the league, we are still in the Champions League, Carabao Cup quarter-finals, there is no need to panic. We got beat, we do apologise for that result, but the most important thing is that the lads are giving everything. We are giving more under the circumstances."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Eddie Howe is already dealing with injuries to star players like Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak and on Saturday, Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar had to leave the pitch with hamstring injuries.

Two Birmingham fans arrested for alleged misogynistic chanting towards referee Rebecca Welsh during Wayne Rooney's first win in charge

Two teenage Birmingham City fans were arrested for misogynistic chanting at referee Rebecca Welch in the club's win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Referee Rebecca Welch target of abuseTwo teenagers arrestedClub condemns discriminationWHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-olds were detained after being overheard by officers directing abuse at Welch during Saturday's Championship fixture at St Andrew's. The arrests overshadowed Wayne Rooney's maiden win as Birmingham manager since his appointment last month.

AdvertisementWHAT WEST MIDLANDS POLICE SAID

A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We have arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee during Birmingham City’s home game at St Andrew’s today

“Our officers heard the chants being directed at the official and acted quickly to arrest the two, who are both 17.

“They are currently in custody on suspicion of a public order offence as we carry out enquiries. We don’t tolerate any form of hate and it is important hate crime is reported to us."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ahead of Saturday's fixture, Birmingham had reminded supporters about acceptable behaviour via its website and social media after Welch had received misogynistic abuse when she took charge of the club's defeat to Preston North End in January. That game marked the first occasion in which a female official had refereed an English second tier game. Welch went on to make further history by being appointed as fourth official for Fulham's defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League earlier this month.

On Sunday, Birmingham expressed their disappointment at the arrests, stating: "Birmingham City strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will support the police with their enquiries."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REBECCA WELCH?

The history-making Welch will take charge of the Championship fixture between Hull City and Rotherham United on Tuesday. The game is her sixth appointment as a Championship referee

Revealed: The eight Premier League clubs who voted against blocking Newcastle signing Saudi Pro League players on loan

Eight Premier League clubs voted against a rule change that would have blocked Newcastle signing players on loan from the Saudi Pro League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Vote to block related-party loans defeatedEight clubs do Newcastle a favour12 voted in favour of the banWHAT HAPPENED?

Premier League clubs have voted on a potential rule change that would have banned clubs signing players from related teams in the January transfer window. The move came amid speculation that Saudi-owned Newcastle United want to sign Ruben Neves from Pro League Al-Hilal side as a replacement for Sandro Tonali. Manager Eddie Howe has already admitted he likes the midfielder and revealed his club would be against any motion to block such transfers. The PIF own Al-Hilal and three other top clubs in Saudi Arabia in the form of Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

A total of eight Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, voted against the ban. Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City and Saudi-owned Sheffield United opposed the motion along with Chelsea, Everton, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Burnley, as reported by Martyn Ziegler for . The decision means that Premier League sides can sign players from partner clubs on loan this winter, despite concerns that such deals provide certain teams with an unfair advantage.

DID YOU KNOW?

Al-Hilal are currently top of the table in the Saudi Pro League, four points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and top of their AFC Champions League group. The club would surely be reluctant to part ways with club-record signing Neves, particularly after losing star man Neymar to a long-term knee injury.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

The news is likely to be a boost to Howe and Newcastle who can start to firm up plans for the January transfer window. The loss of summer signing Tonali to a 10-month ban for betting offences has been a blow and a replacement may well be sought when the window reopens.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus