England

It wasn’t that long ago (three weeks really) that Jack Wilshere was seen as a Europa League and Carabao Cup specialist winding down the final days of his contract at Arsenal. Once hailed as the future of Arsenal’s English-infused era of dominance and the answer to decades of hurt in the Three Lions’ midfield, Jack the lad became a Mr.

DeAndre Yedlin showcased his ever-growing defensive game again on Wednesday in Newcastle United’s 0-1 defeat to Manchester City at Saint James’ Park. The 24-year-old native of Seattle was part of a Newcastle back five that had to contend with Pep Guardiola’s traveling circus of attacking freaks, but the right back won three defensive aerials, two tackles and made two interceptions while also providing the cross that led to Newcastle’s best chance of the first half.

Manchester City out-possessed Newcastle United 78%-22%, out-passed them 824-228 and outshot them 21-6, but Raheem Sterling’s goal off another sublime Kevin De Bruyne assist was the only difference in Wednesday night’s encounter at Saint James’ Park.

City’s winning streak hit 18 matches while the gap on second-place Manchester United grew to 15 points, but Rafa Benitez’s charges could’ve put a halt to their run in a manner which would’ve had Pep Guardiola guzzling his traditional post-match champagne. 

Earlier today, The Telegraph reported that Liverpool and Southampton have agreed to a $100.5 million transfer fee for defender Virgil van Dijk. This fee would break the transfer fee record for a defender, previously set by Manchester City and Kyle Walker. Van Dijk will also be Liverpool's club record signing.

Goal's Melissa Reddy, generally a pretty reliable source of Liverpool news, also reported a deal was imminent.

Burnley’s sensational quest for European football continued apace Tuesday with an improbable 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Ashley Barnes gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the third minute after a free kick into the box was eventually scrambled home, then Steven Defour went direct with a sensational effort in the 36th minute, leaving David de Gea fanning the air.

It's a SportsCenter Top 10 certainty.

Southampton were more than obliging opponents for all good things Tottenham on Tuesday, allowing Spurs to run rampant at Wembley while securing a multitude of accolades. Harry Kane scored goals number 37, 38 and 39 of the 2017 Premier League calendar year, breaking Alan Shearer’s record from 1995. The goals also pushed Kane three above Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in the race for the 2017-18 EPL Golden Boot.

We demand more Friday night lights at the Emirates. After the Gunners opened the season in August with a wildly entertaining Friday night win over Leicester City, the Arsenal vs Liverpool match in North London was arguably even better to start the festive fixtures on Friday. Liverpool scored the first two goals before three goals in five minutes from Arsenal, only for the Reds to equalize in a fantastic 3-3 draw between two of the best clubs in the English Premier League. 

It’s the festive season in the English Premier League. While most leagues are hibernating for the holidays, the world’s richest league doubles its fixture list. All 20 clubs play an immense amount of games and everyone’s depth is challenged to the limits. But one club is taking particular offense this year, with Manchester United’s official website complaining about fixture congestion.

Bristol City will be taking its fantastic goal GIFs straight to the Carabao Cup semifinals, joining Premier League giants Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal after knocking off defending champion Manchester United on Wednesday.

A 2-1 victory in the Bristol City vs Man U quarterfinal spurred remarkable scenes at Ashton Gate, with local fans storming the field and one man even giving a kiss to match winner Korey Smith.