Today in Football – Things You May Have Missed

Football never sleeps. During any of the 86400 seconds in a 24-hour day, somewhere in the world someone is doing something related to the beautiful game, whether that’s scoring a last-minute winner in a high-profile match, posting their expert take on social media or simply booting a ball against a wall with their mates.

It’s therefore impossible for any human being to keep up with everything that’s going on in the game, and it’s often those little yet most intriguing moments, like a fan’s alternative viewpoint of a penalty save, or a three-second yet incredibly telling interaction between two arch-rivals, or thread on X explaining why N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in professional sport, which make football so great.

GIVEMESPORT have created our live blog to help solve that problem, providing the best social media has to offer and the greatest football mini-stories from the last 24 hours.

1st February: Blackburn Rovers’ Bizarre Corner Routine

New corner routine emerges in Championship fixture

Blackburn Rovers attempted an experimental corner kick routine during Friday night’s Championship clash against Preston. Rather than surrounding the opposition goalkeeper – as is often the case – Blackburn’s players positioned themselves on the corner of the 18-yard box.

Seven Preston players went man-to-man with the Blackburn players, while three others – plus the goalkeeper – remained in their zonal positions. One of the Blackburn players broke away and picked the ball up from a short corner before whipping it to the back post. It didn’t lead to a goalscoring opportunity on this occasion, but it’s fascinating that coaches seem to be paying more attention than ever before to set-pieces – perhaps after seeing the success that Arsenal have enjoyed this season. That said, it hasn’t prevented some fans on social media from describing the eyebrow-raising tactic as “utter, woke nonsense”.

31st January: Ruben Amorim’s Kind Gesture to FCSB Manager After Man Utd Win

The Portuguese boss made a friend after the Europa League encounter

Manchester United ended the league phase of the Europa League with a routine 2-0 win against FC Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night. Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim received praise for the tactical switch he made to give Kobbie Mainoo more attacking freedom. However, the 40-year-old’s best moment in Romania appears to have come away from the pitch. FCSB manager Elias Charalambous spoke of the kind gesture Amorim extended to him after the game:

30th January: PSV Go Viral For Making a Mockery of Liverpool in Final Moments of Their 3-2 Victory

The Dutch side made the Phillip Stadion their playground after the Reds went down to 10 men

After Liverpool youngster Amara Nallo’s red card in the 87th minute of PSV Eindhoven’s 3-2 victory on Wednesday, the Eredivisie leaders decided to play a different kind of game. Rather than pushing for a fourth goal, PSV toyed with the Reds, passing the ball around like it was a casual kick-about in the park.

With only 10 men, Arne Slot’s side struggled to find a way out of their own penalty box. It’s safe to say that PSV took full advantage of the numerical superiority, fitting in a few extra rounds of rondo practice before their next training session.

PSV manager Peter Bosz was not happy with his team’s antics, saying after the game, per talkSPORT: “I thought it was terrible. I’m really annoyed. It’s misplaced, they shouldn’t do that. It was a kind of rondo they played there, with a back heel and a no-look pass. If I had been in that position, I would have sawed them off below the knees.

“You just shouldn’t do that. I don’t think it’s respectful to the opponent. I haven’t spoken to them about it yet, but I will. I do like entertaining the crowd, but in a different way. I think we would have entertained the crowd before without all that craziness.”

29th January: Ollie Watkins Produces One of the Worst Penalties You’ll Ever See in the Champions League

Striker missed the golden chance to bag his second of the night

Ollie Watkins, in Aston Villa’s Champions League encounter against Celtic, produced one of the worst penalties you’ll see all year – but luckily for Unai Emery and his men, it came when his side were a goal ahead against the Scottish side.

In calamitous fashion, the typically potent striker missed the chance to increase his side’s cushion by two – and bag his second of the affair – from 12 yards out. With Kasper Schmeichel diving to his left, it left a gaping hope for the Englishman to slot home.

Though, his foot gave away upon impact with the ball and the double hit sent his penalty spinning high above the crossbar, exuding a sigh of relief from those in the away end of Villa Park. Those in the home section, however, were in utter disbelief.

29th January: Fans in Disbelief at Neto’s Positioning vs Girona

‘That is an absolutely horrible piece of goalkeeping’

Arsenal goalkeeper Neto earned his debut for the Gunners against Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday night – but has been subject to dismay after making a terrible decision in the 28th minute to allow Arnaut Danjuma the opportunity to put his side ahead.

Typically seen as a back-up behind the ever-reliable David Raya, the ex-Barcelona veteran advanced off his line plenty of times during the affair’s early sparring – all to relatively good effect – but he was left in no man’s land just shy of the half-hour mark.

Caught just outside his 18-yard box, the Girona winger had the task of curling it round Neto and into the vacant goalmouth, slotting it. Neto attempted to dive but was fortunate to not make contact with the forward as he was bearing down on goal.

Fans, on X (formerly Twitter) have displayed their disbelief at the Brazilian’s poor decision making. “That is an absolutely horrible piece of goalkeeping.” one said as another added “Neto showing his inner Onana.” A third wrote: “Wow, Neto is shockingly bad.”

27th January: Liverpool Transfer Target Spotted in Crowd During Win vs Ipswich

The young defender was seen at Anfield as the Reds beat the Tractor Boys 4-1

Liverpool fans believe that a future signing was spotted watching the Premier League leaders at Anfield, as Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato was seen in the stands during the 4-1 win over Ipswich on Saturday. The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest young defenders in European football in recent months, having broken into the first team in Amsterdam and featured in 17 Eredivisie games this season.

While the wonderkid has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, his appearance on Merseyside, which was seemingly confirmed by a photo posted to one of his friends’ Instagram accounts, has Liverpool fans salivating at the prospect of signing the Dutchman as the long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

“My dream signing this January,” said one fan on social media, while another added “Wow. Really hope there’s something in this, no doubt he’ll be a massive player one day.”

A third spotted to the news simply saying: “Omg please,” encapsulating the desire from supporters to see Hato play in the red of Liverpool in the future.

27th January: Postecoglou’s Three-Word Response to Fan Criticism After Loss to Leicester

Tottenham boss taunted as his side walked down the tunnel

Tensions rose between the Tottenham Hotspur supporters and Ange Postecoglou in the aftermath of their 2-1 loss to relegation-threatened Leicester City on Sunday. As the players and coaching staff were heading down the tunnel, a member of the home contingent shouted, “You’re taking us down, we’re going with you!” towards the former Celtic boss. Another told him to ‘f*** off”.

After hearing what was said, Postecoglou backtracked and, upon reappearing, looked above to decipher which fan it was. In response, Athens-born Postecoglou uttered “Who said that?” while giving the collection of then-silent fans a death stare. The torrent of criticism is not new given just last month, the Greek-Australian was refrained from approaching visiting fans after a war of words.

26th January: Fans Spot Heartwarming Nicolas Jackson Gesture to Abdukodir Khusanov

The young defender struggled on his Man City debut but fans have praised Jackson for his support

Fans have sung the praises of Nicolas Jackson after spotting what the Chelsea striker did following Abdukodir Khusanov’s horror start to his Manchester City debut. The young defender is a new addition at the Etihad and was thrown straight into the starting XI as Pep Guardiola’s side hosted the Blues on Saturday.

Unfortunately for Khusanov, he couldn’t have asked for a worse start as he made a mistake that led directly to the visitors opening the scoring before being booked moments later for a rash challenge on Cole Palmer after giving away possession. The 20-year-old continued to struggle before being taken off early in the second half.

The youngster appeared emotional on the pitch after his early errors, but Jackson was on hand to lend some support as he was seen tapping the defender in encouragement after his ropey start. The Senegalese knows exactly what it is like to face backlash in English football, having had to prove critics wrong from the moment he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but his act of solidarity with his opponent has received nothing but love online.

26th January: Jamie Vardy Trolls Tottenham With Brutal Goal Celebration

The Leicester icon scored in front of the home fans and instantly caused havoc with his mockery

Jamie Vardy was at it once again after equalising for Leicester City in their all-important Premier League contest against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Richarlison had given the hosts the lead, but Vardy’s goal right after half-time was followed by another from Bilal El Khannouss to give the Foxes the lead in North London and apply even more pressure onto Ange Postecoglou.

Scoring wasn’t enough for the veteran striker though, as he made sure to add more salt in the wounds by reminding the Spurs fans just how many Premier League titles their side had won by pointing to the badge on his shirt and gesturing that he had one to his name. The pair were infamously embroiled in a heated title battle back in the 2015-16 season, where Leicester defied 5000-1 odds to be crowned champions.

This isn’t the first time Vardy has mocked the North London club either, as the 38-year-old was seen making the same gesture in reverse fixture at the King Power Stadium during the first weekend of the season.

‘He has done it to me’

Not for the first time this season, Michael Oliver was at the centre of attention during an Arsenal match. The referee controversially sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly, sparking much outrage from fans and pundits alike.

Less controversially, in the same game, he also sent off Wolves’ Joao Gomes for two bookable offences. The second challenge was undoubtedly worthy of a yellow, but the midfielder strongly argued against his first card. Oliver punished Gomes for kicking the ball away.

While it might have seemed a little harsh in the eyes of the Brazilian midfielder, Leandro Trossard was quick to remind him that he had suffered the same punishment at the hands of Oliver. Earlier on in the season, the Arsenal winger was sent off vs Man City after kicking the ball away. With that in mind, the Belgian appeared to say to Gomes: ‘He has done it to me’

25th January: Why Kids in Saint Kitts Love Cole Palmer

Chelsea star’s family come from the Caribbean island

Kids in the Caribbean island Saint Kitts are absolutely in love with Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Speaking to some local children, BBC Sport captured the young fans expressing just how highly they rate the England international.

One said: “He’s the best footballer in the world, because his left foot is better than [Lionel] Messi.” Another added, “He’s the next GOAT,” before another shot back: ‘He ain’t the next GOAT – he’s already the GOAT.”

It might seem strange that supporters would have such loyalty to the Manchester-born Three Lions ace but there is a good reason behind it. Indeed, Palmer’s father has family from the nation – specifically his grandfather, Sterry Cole – and he even wears the Saint Kitts flag on his boots.

He once explained: “We would do that every single day whatever the weather — and my dad’s family is from St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. He hates going out in the cold. But he’d do it for me anyway. That’s why I got the St Kitts flag on my boots, as a little tribute to him and his family.”

23rd January: Jack Butland’s Comical Own Goal Against Man United

It’s one of the howlers of the season

For much of Manchester United’s performance against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night, Ruben Amorim’s side showed the sort of energy and enthusiasm you’d expect from a good old-fashioned game of sleeping lions. It looked set to be a game of fine margins at Old Trafford and, in the end, they had to rely on opposition goalkeeper Jack Butland to give them a favour.

As Christian Eriksen whipped a corner into the box just nine minutes into the second half, the former Premier League shot-stopper somehow managed to punch the ball into his own net. It came just as their Scottish visitors were beginning to get comfortable in the match – but his moment of madness completely undid their good work.

23rd January: Thierry Henry’s Gold Reaction to Shirt Brest Sent Micah Richards

Henry couldn’t believe his eyes

Champions League outfit Brest wanted to thank CBS Sports pundits Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for the attention they have given them in the Champions League this season, and so decided to send the duo a shirt each. The pair were given the shirts on Wednesday evening, with Henry getting his name and iconic number 14 on the back.

Richards, however, was not given his name on the back of his shirt. Instead, he unveiled a jersey which had ‘brest lover’ and the number two on the back. Henry, upon glancing across and seeing his colleague’s shirt, could not believe his eyes. The Frenchman had to get up and walk away from set when Richards asked later on in the segment: ‘What happens when Brest play Nice?’

23rd January: Clip of Bernardo Silva Watching Ousmane Dembele in Tunnel Goes Viral

Dembele later embarrassed Silva on the pitch with a nutmeg

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva has gone viral for his amusing reaction to spotting Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele in the tunnel at half-time. With the score poised at 0-0 and all three points up for grabs at the Parc des Princes, Silva couldn’t help but to quickly look round the corner at Dembele jogging on the spot to keep warm as he prepared to come on for the second 45 minutes of action.

He popped his head round the corner before swiftly returning to the away dressing room – perhaps to inform Pep Guardiola and his team of the Frenchman’s impending introduction. Two quick goals from the away side saw them gain control of the affair but Dembele, who also produced a mesmeric nutmeg on the City midfielder in the second half, kick-started his side’s comeback just three minutes later.

Goals from Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos compiled further misery on Guardiola’s Champions League hopes as the Ligue 1 outfit ran out 4–2 victors in the end. Per FotMob, the seasoned 30-year-old Silva accrued a rating of 4.7 – the worst of all 22 players who began the encounter. Elsewhere, the tricky wide man earned himself a rating of 8.6.

21st January: Barcelona’s Raphinha Scores One of the Strangest Goals of All Time

Barcelona’s Raphinha scored yet another goal for Hansi Flick’s men against Benfica but, in truth, the winger knew very little about it. The Portuguese side earned a commanding two-goal cushion in what had a chance of being one of the shocks of Tuesday evening, but a moment of madness offered the Spaniards a glimmer of hope after a monumental gaffe from Benfica goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin.

With the score poised 3-1 to the home side at Estadio da Luz, Trubin opted to go long from a goal kick but failed to clear further than the eventual goalscorer. The Ukrainian’s under hit pass strangely hit the head of Raphinha, who was as confused as the rest of us, as the ball hit the back of the net. It was so surprising that TNT Sports’ commentators were late to comment on what had just happened.

Benfica soon went 4-2 up through a Ronald Araujo own goal – but Barcelona’s all-action approach failed to wane and their effort finally paid dividends. Robert Lewandowski dispatched from the spot to grab his second of the affair before Eric Garcia drew his side level with a header. Raphinha, who is one of the most in-form players in Europe, scored in the 96th minute to cap off a dramatic night in Portugal.