Enzo Maresca keeps talking them down, but is it time to seriously consider Chelsea as genuine title contenders?

'We are not ready' - but are Chelsea genuine title contenders?

MOTD2 pundit Danny Murphy explains how Manchester United's match-winner Amad Diallo was the only player to have freedom and fearlessness in Sunday's Manchester derby.

Diallo's derby - how Amad made the difference for Man Utd

Manchester United keen on PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, Newcastle United looking at move for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen, Leicester City plan Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall return, plus more.

Man Utd keen on PSG's Kolo Muani - Monday's gossip

Luke Humphries kicks off his world title defence with a dominant 3-0 win over Thibault Tricole on the opening night.

Luke Humphries after winning his opening match at Alexandra Palace

Humphries begins title defence with emphatic win

Manager Ruben Amorim says the omission of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the Manchester United squad for their 2-1 win at Manchester City was not a discplinary issue.

Dropping Rashford & Garnacho not a discipline issue - Amorim

How well do you remember the week in football? Take our quiz.

Weekly football quiz: How well do you remember what happened?

Boss Thomas Frank praises Brentford's performance and says a draw with Chelsea would have been "well deserved" as they lose 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. 

Brentford very close to 'deserved' draw - Frank

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Vélez Sarsfield vs Huracán in the Liga Profesional Argentina

Vélez Sarsfield v Huracán

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Talleres de Córdoba vs Newell's Old Boys in the Liga Profesional Argentina

Talleres de Córdoba v Newell's Old Boys

Southampton sack manager Russell Martin after a 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday leaves the club nine points off Premier League safety.

Southampton sack manager Martin after Spurs thrashing

As Israel unveils plans to expand its Golan Heights settlements, Syrians living nearby say they want an end to conflict.

'We just need peace': BBC speaks to Syrians watching Israel's incursion

Controversy envelops the Champions Cup in round two amid weakened South African sides, the English teams fare better and Toulouse score even more tries.

Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat walks down the tunnel at Harlequins

'As South Africans we have to be better' - Champions Cup review

Head coach Enzo Maresca praises Chelsea's spirit but says they are "not ready to compete" for the Premier League title as they close in on leaders Liverpool following their 2-1 win against Brentford.

Chelsea showed spirit but not ready to compete for title - Maresca

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is "not good enough" after his side's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United, their eighth loss in 11 games.

I am not good enough - Guardiola

The flying objects were spotted flying "dangerously close" to Logan International Airport, said police.

A plane takes off from Logan International Airport in Boston. Skyscrapers and a river are pictured behind the plane.

Two arrested after 'hazardous drone operation' near Boston airport

There are currently three national parks in Wales - could a fourth soon be created?

Moel Arthur Iron-Age hill fort with a footpath pillar post in the foreground, heather, and then the hill of Moel Arthur with rolling open land behind it

Push for new national park on 75th birthday

Anna is one of several women who have told the BBC they feel unsafe on nights out.

Women marching through Cardiff City Centre at night with placards and speakers, calling for and end t oall violence against women and girls

Man posed as woman's boyfriend after she was spiked

A review of the front page stories from the daily and weekly newspapers in Wales.

Wales' papers: Minister wants port open, worker sacked by WhatsApp

The £3.6bn deal by Daniel Kretinsky is cleared after agreeing "legally binding" undertakings.

With her back to the camera a shorthaired woman wearing a navy sweater lifts a grey sack into the back of red Royal Mail van. 

Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire approved

Follow live text updates as England face New Zealand on day three of the third Test in Hamilton.

England facing huge defeat after New Zealand dominate day three

Southampton boss Russell Martin says he "won't pretend" to feel "really secure" in his job following their "really poor" 5-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

'Really poor' Saints lacked intensity - Martin

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou says he "couldn't be prouder" of his side following their 5-0 victory over Southampton at Saint Mary's Stadium.

Postecoglou 'couldn't be prouder' after 'outstanding' Spurs performance

It's time to celebrate Sports Personality of the Year - find out all the key details about the 2024 edition of the annual awards show.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year graphic on purple background

All you need to know about Sports Personality of the Year 2024

Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp card a final round of 65 to win the Grant Thornton Invitational mixed PGA/LPGA Tour event in Naples, Florida.

Tavatanakit & Knapp win mixed PGA/LPGA Tour event

Ruben Amorim shows he will confront issues head on after leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of his Manchester United squad.

'Amorim willing to meet Rashford drift head on'

Celtic captain Callum McGregor and defender Liam Scales reflect on their League Cup final win over Rangers.

Celtic 'can be proud after producing in difficult moments'

Humberside Police is investigating an incident which took place on Elgar Road, Hull on Saturday.

A Google street view image of Elgar Road, Hull. The street is narrow and has double yellow lines running down the left side. A row of parked cars are visible on the right side of the road. Rows of houses, front gardens, telegraph poles and street lights can also be seen on both sides of the image.

Police appeal after delivery driver assault

Video footage shows the devastation wrought by the strongest storm in decades to strike the French territory.

Rescuer amongst debris and fallen trees in the street

Watch: Cyclone Chido batters Mayotte leaving heavy damage

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary from the NFL as the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Detroit Lions.

Listen: NFL - Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions

Celtic find their way out of trouble to claim trophy as Rangers left to regret more what ifs, writes Tom English.

Six goals, 10 pens & 120 minutes of Old Firm chaos

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces a mammoth rebuild to revive the fading champions after shock Manchester United loss

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in despair during the derby defeat to Manchester United

'I am not good enough' - Guardiola faces daunting and major rebuild

Rescuers search through debris after the French Indian Ocean territory was hit by the worst storm in 90 years.

A man carries his belongings as rescue workers attempt to clear a blocked road, in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, within Labattoir, in Mayotte, France

Mayotte feels like nuclear war aftermath since cyclone, residents say

Great Britain's women win silver in the 4x100m medley relay on the final day of the World Aquatics Short Course Championships in Budapest.

Abbie Wood, Angharad Evans, Eva Okaro and Freya Anderson

GB win silver in women's 4x100m medley relay

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Estoril vs Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga

Estoril v Casa Pia

Manager Philippe Clement rails against the decision not to award Rangers a penalty for a tug on Vaclav Cerny in extra time of their League Cup final defeat by Celtic.

Clement's phone 'overloaded with penalty' incident

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts to his side's League Cup final penalty shootout victory over Rangers after an epic 3-3 draw at Hampden.

'Most important thing is being on podium at end'

Barcelona suffer a surprise defeat at home to Leganes to see their lead at the top of La Liga cut

La Liga leaders Barcelona lose to Leganes

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Defensa y Justicia vs Unión in the Liga Profesional Argentina

Defensa y Justicia v Unión

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Platense vs Gimnasia La Plata in the Liga Profesional Argentina

Platense v Gimnasia La Plata

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley says he felt like he had "been through a tumble dryer" after his side were beaten by 10-man Kilmarnock.

Heart of Midlothian Head Coach Neil Critchley looks dejected at full time during a UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Copenhagen and Heart of Midlothian at Parken Stadium

Hearts boss Critchley 'stunned and shocked' by loss to 10-man Kilmarnock

The scheme includes a secondary school and a new town park, according to the outline planning application.

A drawing of what the overall site would look like of the proposal

Plans for 620 homes and school near Gloucester 

The Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend marks the 80th anniversary of the band leader's disappearance.

May Rose wearing a yellow top with a pink and white flower brooch 

Town marks special Glenn Miller anniversary weekend

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from AC Milan vs Genoa in the Serie A

AC Milan v Genoa

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from PSG vs Olympique Lyonnais in the Ligue 1

PSG v Olympique Lyonnais

Pep Guardiola says he must find a "solution" to get Manchester City back to winning ways after they recorded their eighth defeat in 11 games against Manchester United. 




'I'm not good enough' - Guardiola says he must find 'solution' to Man City problems

About 70 jobs could be created if plans for the reuse of the the city centre site are approved.

Man wearing a face protection mask and carrying two large shopping bags stands outside the entrance to Debenhams at Browns of Chester

Harrods beauty store plan for historic site

Elite League leaders Cardiff Devils secured victory over Dundee Stars to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester Storm.

Cardiff Devils beat Dundee Stars to return to winning ways 

Blind dancers and support groups feel the sparkle and gain hope from an "amazing" Strictly series.

A beaming Chris McCausland, in a black blazer over a red shirt, holds his arms in the air as his dance partner, in a blue dress, holds the Glitterball Trophy aloft. The pair are surrounded by the Strictly cast who are cheering and applauding

McCausland's Strictly win 'opens doors' for all

The vicar told children that Father Christmas did not exist during a Religious Education lesson.

Stock image of a man dressed as Santa Claus with his arms held up in a questioning pose

Pupils 'sob' as vicar discusses existence of Santa

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says he never gave up believing his side could fight back from falling a goal behind against Manchester City.




'We have Fergie Time and magic happens' - Amorim revels in Man Utd fightback

Great Britain's women are beaten by the Netherlands in overtime as their hopes of reaching the 2026 Winter Olympics are ended.

GB beaten by Netherlands in qualifying decider

Chelsea move within touching distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a narrow victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea beat Brentford to close in on leaders Liverpool

Five first-half goals earn Tottenham a stunning victory at St Mary's Stadium to heap pressure on Southampton boss Russell Martin.

Sparkling Spurs thrash feeble Southampton

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from NAC Breda vs AZ in the Eredivisie

NAC Breda v AZ

The motorbike was presented to Ian Coates's family at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.

A row of Ian Coates' family and blood bike representatives standing behind a motorbike with fluorescent yellow livery and the word blood on the side.

Life-saving bike named after attacks victim

Watch highlights as Belfast Giants defeat Sheffield Steelers 3-0 in Sunday's top-of-the-table Elite League encounter at the SSE Arena.

Watch: Giants secure Elite League victory over Steelers

Defending champion Luke Humphries beats Thibault Tricole 3-0 on the opening night at Alexandra Palace.

PDC World Darts Championship: Humphries cruises past Tricole

The port will stay shut until at least Thursday because of damage caused by Storm Darragh.

A view of Holyhead Port in North Wales. We can see the overhead green road signs for motorists to know which lane to enter. Labelled 'freight'. We can see checkpoint boxes with the word 'check-in' above. Lifting barriers separating the two sides of the roads.

Postal service won't use storm-hit port at Christmas

The council says second home ownership has a "negative impact" on housing supply.

The sign welcoming visitors to the Forest of Dean District Council office in Coleford

Second homeowners face 100% council tax hike

The hub will be a focus for people experiencing the environment around Earnse Bay in Cumbria.

An artist's impression of the camping barn and cafe which will be built at the hub. The building has numerous windows to allow customers to look out.

Nature hub plans approved after changes made

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from RB Leipzig vs Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga

RB Leipzig v Eintracht Frankfurt

Carlisle United have scored 15 goals in 19 League Two games, but Mike Williamson believes more will come for the bottom-placed side. 

Carlisle United head coach Mike Williamson

Williamson sure goals will come for Carlisle

Footage taken by shoppers shows violence and disorder in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Scottish League Cup final.

A police officer in a high-vis vest wields a baton at football fans running past shoppers on Glasgow's Argyle Street. A woman with long brown hair and shopping bags looks on. Football fans can be seen running past in the background.

Fearful shoppers run to avoid charging football fans

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Gent vs Cercle Brugge in the First Division A

Gent v Cercle Brugge

The Grimsby Community Recycling Centre said the team had "gone all out" to create decorations. 

Father Christmas wearing a red, white and black outfit sits on the back of a sleigh made out of household waste. It looks like it is being pulled by two reindeer which are also made out of rubbish. The sculpture sits on a concrete platform next to a road at Grimsby tip. Waste bins and other containers are visible in the background.

Tip staff upcycle junk to spread Christmas cheer

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from AVS vs Benfica in the Primeira Liga

AVS v Benfica

Overnight closures mean drivers are diverted away from the roundabouts at Gateshead flyover.

Two road closure signs placed in the middle of the road ahead of the Gateshead flyover. Traffic cones block the road. The concrete bridge can be seen in the background.

Closed flyover prompts emergency traffic plan

Follow reaction from Sunday's late Premier League action as Chelsea beat Brentford and Southampton thrashed by Tottenham at St Mary's.

Premier League: Spurs hit Saints for five in first half and Chelsea win again

Brendan Rogers vows that Slaughtneil hurlers "will be back" despite suffering another agonising All-Ireland Club Hurling semi-final defeat as they were edged out 0-18 to 0-17 by Munster champions Sarsfields.

Brendan Rogers says Slaughtneil hurlers "will be back" despite suffering a fifth All-Ireland Club semi-final defeat

Watch: Rogers says Slaughtneil 'won't lie down' after latest heartbreak

England opener Maia Bouchier shows her character with a sublime century on Test debut, two months on from her World Cup disappointment. 

England's Maia Bouchier kisses the badge on her helmet after reaching a century on her Test debut against South Africa

'Redemption for mighty Bouchier but Knight's form a concern'

Ipswich Town beat Bournemouth 1-0 and will be away to three-time winners Manchester City in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.

Sophie Peskett and Bournemouth's Abby Jones

Ipswich through to face Man City in FA Cup

Glasgow Warriors' late fightback is not quite enough to overhaul Toulon in a gripping Champions Cup encounter.

Toulon celebrate while Glasgow's Kyle Rowe watches on

Glasgow edged out by Toulon in Champions Cup thriller

The development is the third phase of a wider scheme to build up to 1,000 homes in the area.

A CGI image of how the homes would look, featuring detached and semi-detached houses, and grassland outside them

Bid for nearly 200 homes in Warminster signed off

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Viktoria Plzeň vs České Budějovice in the Czech Liga

Viktoria Plzeň v České Budějovice

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Villarreal vs Real Betis in the Spanish La Liga

Villarreal v Real Betis

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Real Sociedad vs Las Palmas in the Spanish La Liga

Real Sociedad v Las Palmas

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Sint-Truiden vs Anderlecht in the First Division A

Sint-Truiden v Anderlecht

Full-back Huw Anderson scores a superb solo try as Dragons end Newcastle Falcons' four-match winning streak at Kingston Park. 

Dragons full-back Huw Anderson with the ball while being tackled by a Newcastle Falcons player 

Anderson solo try sets up Dragons win at Newcastle 

The force says it was called to a report of a group fighting in Bartholomew Square on 14 December.

A google street view picture of East Street, a narrow road with shops all the way down on either side.

Three teenagers arrested after fight in city centre

The work at St Margaret's Hospital in Epping will see the new centre open by December 2025.

A group of people standing in front of a construction site wearing hi-vis jackets and hard helmets. They are all smiling at the camera.

Work begins to build hospital diagnostic centre

At least one crew member was reportedly killed and footage showed an oil spill amid a heavy storm

Watch: Video appears to show Russian tanker sinking 

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner praises his side for their "efficient" 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Glasner praises 'efficient' Palace win

The foreign secretary's remarks come as the government announced £50m of humanitarian aid for Syrians.

UK in diplomatic contact with Syrian rebels, says Lammy

Fruity, nutty and slightly tangy, this deliciously rich, spiced cake symbolises love and affection – and making it is a true labour of love.

15 December 2024