Manchester City is struggling in the Champions League, having won only one of their last ten games. They were well beaten by Juventus, a team that has been on a poor run themselves. City now needs to secure points in their remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs, which is a stark contrast to their usual dominance. Injuries and an aging squad have also contributed to their poor form.
Manchester City's squad is aging, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker in their 30s and nearing the end of their contracts. The team has not sufficiently rejuvenated its squad in recent transfer windows, and there is uncertainty about the futures of several senior players. Injuries and a lack of depth have further exacerbated their struggles.
Arsenal secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Monaco, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice. The team has been impressive in the Champions League, sitting third in the league stage standings. Despite some criticism about their finishing, Arsenal's performance was dominant, and they are well-positioned to qualify automatically for the next round.
Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid was awarded without a formal vote, sparking backlash over human rights concerns and the logistics of hosting a winter tournament. The decision was criticized for its lack of transparency and the spectacle of the announcement, which included a bizarre round of applause. The tournament is expected to face scrutiny over LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and other human rights issues.
Ruben Amorim is in the early stages of assessing Manchester United's squad and determining which players fit his style and formation. The club is in financial difficulty, limiting their ability to spend in the January transfer window. Amorim has emphasized the need to work with the current squad and improve the academy, but the team's poor form and financial constraints present significant challenges.
Bukayo Saka has been a standout performer for Arsenal, scoring nine goals and contributing 20 goal involvements so far this season. His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have been vital for the team. Saka's form has been a key factor in Arsenal's strong Champions League campaign and their push for silverware.
The Times' Charlotte Duncker and the Athletic's David Ornstein join Teddy Draper to discuss the biggest stories in the morning's papers.They take a closer look at how bad it is for Man City following their Champions League defeat to Juventus and how an impressive Arsenal took a comfortable win over Monaco as Bukayo Saka netted twice. They also discuss Saudi Arabia being awarded the World Cup 2034 and how bizarre the whole exhibition was.