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Don't bank on a Chris of life

Christopher Nkunku could make his Chelsea debut from the bench tomorrow night — but Mauricio Pochettino has urged the club's fans to be patient with the summer signing. 

After recovering from a knee injury suffered in pre-season, Nkunku, 26, was an unused sub for Saturday's 2-0 win over Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.

And while Poch has confirmed the fit-again striker will be in his squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, he is not expecting miracles. 

The Blues boss said: "Maybe he can play 20 minutes. 

"How I saw him before Saturday in my mind I had 1% to 2% of doubt. That's why I didn't want to take a risk. 

"I need to be 100%, then things can happen.

"It was good for him to feel in the warm-up, being involved with the team. But why take a risk when it was 2-0?"

Virgil bites back

Virgil van Dijk insists he was not being arrogant in dismissing Manchester United's negative display at Liverpool. 

The Reds skipper provoked a stinging response from former United midfielder Roy Keane when he said only one team played to win during the goalless draw. 

Sky Sports pundit Keane claimed the comments smacked of arrogance and disrespect before adding: "He needs to remember he's playing for a club that have won the title once in 30-odd years."

Van Dijk, 32, explained there was honesty but no arrogance in his words on a frustrating afternoon when Liverpool had 34 shots but failed to score for the first time since April. 

He said: "I like Keane. If he said that, it's fine. 

"He is Man United throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that. 

"Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. 

"We had the opportunity and we couldn't score and that's the frustrating part."

Fine for City

Manchester City have been fined £120,000 after their players surrounded ref Simon Hooper during the 3-3 draw with Tottenham earlier this month. 

Hooper made the contentious call to bring the game back after he initially played advantage following Emerson Royal's mistimed challenge on Erling Haaland. 

Haaland was able to get back to his feet and release Jack Grealish but the match official blew his whistle to end City's hopes of scoring a potential last-gasp winner. 

The Norweigan striker, 23, expressed his frustration at full-time before making his feelings clear with a post on social media site X.

And the FA have now dished out a substantial fine to the Premier League champs.

A statement said: "Manchester City have been fined £120,000 after their players surrounded a match official at the Premier League game against Tottenham on December 3.

"Manchester City admitted they failed to ensure their players did not behave in an improper way during the 94th minute. 

"An independent regulatory commission imposed this sanction following a hearing."

Black Cats turn to Beale 

Sunderland have appointed Michael Beale as their new head coach until the summer of 2026. 

The Black Cats believe the ex-Rangers boss is the right man to lead them back to the Premier League after parting ways with Tony Mowbray earlier this month. 

Beale, who left the Gers two months ago, said: "It's a huge honour to be joining the Sunderland family."

Action Jackson

Nicolas Jackson was delighted to notch his seventh Premier League goal of the season as Chelsea saw off Sheffield United on Saturday. 

The striker, 22, has had his fair share of critics since joining the Blues during the summer but he tapped home against the Blades to make it 2-0 and secure three precious points. 

Jackson, who struck after Cole Palmer had broken the deadlock at Stamford Bridge, told the club's website: "It was nice to be on the scoresheet. 

"There have been hard times and some criticism but that's how life is. 

"Now I have scored I hope to continue to help us win more games and win for the fans."

The Vill to succeed

Unai Emery called on his Aston Villa players to keep up their positive form after Sunday's 2-1 win at Brentford. 

The Bees opened the scoring through Keane Lewis-Potter before Ben Mee's red card allowed Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins to strike late on, with Boubacar Kamara also dismissed late on in a feisty affair in West London.

With Villa's unbeaten league run now standing at six games, Emery is determined to ensure his third-placed side maintain the momentum. 

He said: "Let's keep going. We are moving on because on Friday we will face Sheffield United at home and it's a new challenge. 

"We have to try to keep consistent across 38 matches."