THE RESTORATION OF BIAFRA NATION

  Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, has blocked defender, Rhys Williams, from leaving Anfield on loan in the January transfer window. Williams was handed his senior debut at Liverpool in September. The 19-year-old, who is wanted by several Championship clubs, including Middlesbrough, has made nine first-team appearances in all competitions for Liverpool. According to The Sun, Klopp has now decided to keep Williams at the Reds following his impressive performances in recent weeks for the Premier League champions as long-term injuries, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are yet to return to the squad. Williams was solid in the Champions League and was outstanding on his Premier League debut earlier this week as Liverpool defeated Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield. The youngstar spent last season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North.

  Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has singled out winger, Daniel James, for praise following the Red Devils’ Premier League 6-2 win over Leeds United on Sunday. Solskjaer said James, who was handed a start, was quick and sharp against Leeds United. Goals from Scott McTominay (2), Bruno Fernandes (2), Daniel James (1) and Victor Lindelof (1) gave Man United all three points against Leeds. Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas scored two consolation goals for Marco Bielsa’s men at Old Trafford. “I think you saw what he [ Daniel James] did for us today, of course,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “Starting off on the front foot, he’s so quick and sharp. “For me, I don’t know if it’s inside or outside, but it’s either a penalty or a free-kick for Dan [James] when he gets his arm, and he gets a yellow card for diving.” “That’s shocking refereeing.” He added. “He’s been biding his time, been patient, been working hard and he’s still as fit as a fiddle, and I was very, very pleased for h...

  Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has said Karim Benzema is playing “on a different level” after helping Los Blancos to another win. Benzema scored one and laid on two assists, as Madrid made it five straight wins in all competitions by defeating Eibar 3-1 in LaLiga on Sunday. It was the 30th time the French striker has scored and assisted in the same league game. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (44) has done it more often for Madrid in the 21st century. “Benzema is a match winner because what he’s doing is on a different level, not just because of the goals,” Zidane told a press conference. “I always repeat myself saying the same thing about Karim. It’s not only his goals, he’s a focal point in our game. He’s very important for us and when he scores, it’s even better, obviously, but he’s very important for our team.” Madrid are now joint top with city rivals Atletico, with 29 points, although Diego Simeone’s men have played two fewer games.

  Manchester United midfielder, Scott McTominay, on Sunday made Premier League history after scoring two goals in his side’s 6-2 victory over Leeds United. The Scotland international scored a brace in the first three minutes as Man United thrashed Leeds at Old Trafford. McTominay’s goals against Marco Bielsa’s side mean he has now become the first player in Premier League history to score twice inside three minutes, Metro UK reports. Bruno Fernandes (2), Daniel James (1) and Victor Lindelof (1) were also on target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas did score for Leeds. The victory over Leeds means Man United are now in the third position on the Premier League table with five points behind leaders Liverpool.

  Arsenal’s board have decided to back manager Mikel Arteta in the January transfer market, amid fears the club will be caught up into a relegation battle, Daily Mail reports. But the underfire Arteta has another problem on his hands, as it has emerged that there is disquiet from members of his squad. After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Southampton in midweek, the pressure on the Spaniard intensified after the Gunners lost 2-1 at Everton. In the short-term, the Arsenal hierarchy are unequivocally backing Arteta despite their alarming slide down the table. Funds will be made available for him to strengthen the team when the transfer window re-opens, with a creative midfielder a priority for the Gunners. However, before then, Arteta has to start getting results, starting with a Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City on Tuesday. Arsenal will then clash with Chelsea on Boxing Day.

  Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has predicted Monday’s night Premier League clash between Chelsea and West Ham. Frank Lampard’s men have dropped off in the title race after suffering back-to-back defeats against Everton and Wolves. Berbatov, speaking to BetFair, admits that their London derby against the Hammers is a “must-win” fixture. “This is a must win for Chelsea in my opinion, I think they are going to have a tough time in this one but I think they will just edge it, they need to. “West Ham have been playing well and I think they will certainly take the game to Chelsea. Prediction 2-1,” Berbatov said. A win for Chelsea will see them climb as high as fifth place.

Real Madrid defeated Eibar 3-1 on Sunday, to keep pace with Atletico Madrid atop the LaLiga table. The visitors took the lead when Karim Benzema shot past Marko Dmitrovic in the sixth minute. Benzema then set up their second goal minutes later for Luka Modric. Eibar pulled one back after a poor Real Madrid giveaway landed at the feet of Kike, who curled the ball over Thibaut Courtois’ head to make it 2-1. Lucas Vazquez added one more right before full-time to ensure Zinedine Zidane’s men left with maximum points. The result sees Real stay level on points with leaders Atleti, who have a superior goal difference over their city rivals.