Roberto Firmino’s extra time winner hands Liverpool their first ever Club World cup trophy against a stubborn Flamengo.

The Brazilians kept the Englishmen at bay till extra time before Saidio Mane and Firmino combined in the 99th minute to give Liverpool the lead.

Firmino, guilty of missing some clear cut chances during normal time delivered huge relief for Klopp’s side with the winner.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said, 

“It was an interesting game. I am sure it was interesting to watch but we kept going, good performance and mentality shined through. We could have scored a couple more.

He also said that, as a team, they are generally delighted with their result and performance in difficult conditions.

“We have found a way for a long time now. Some late goals, we just want to keep going, keep improving. Keep working hard and putting in performances like that.”

Liverpool is the first English team to win the club world cup since Manchester United in 2008.

Manchester City have a tricky fixture later in the day as they welcome a well drilled Leicester under Brendan Rodgers at the Etihad in a battle that could determine who challenges league leaders Liverpool for the title in the 2019/2020 season.

Man City are looking to welcome back talisman Sergio Aguero on Saturday after almost a month out with a thigh injury.

Centre-back John Stones could also feature after a hamstring problem but David Silva isn’t expected to be involved due to a bruised leg.

Leicester’s only absentee is Matty James who is not yet match fit. He has just come back after recovering from a long term Achillies injury.

Weekend’s fixtures in East African time.

Saturday, 21 December, 2019

1. Everton 3:30 PM Arsenal

2. Newcastle United 6:00 PM Crystal Palace

3. Brighton & Hov Albion 6:00 PM Sheffield United

4. Norwich City 6:00 PM Wolverhampton Wanderers

5. Aston Villa 6:00 PM Southampton FC

6. Bournemouth 6:00 PM Burnley

7. Manchester City 8:30 PM Leicester City

Sunday, December 22, 2019

1.Watford 5:00 PM Manchester United

2. Tottenham Hotspur 7:30 PM Chelsea

Arsenal has appointed former captain Mikel Arteta as head coach. He becomes Arsenal’s 20th full-time boss in their 133-year history.

Arteta has been appointed as the head coach on a three and a half year deal.

He spent five years at Arsenal winning two FA Cups. Arteta succeeds fellow Spaniard Unai Emery, who was fired in November due to a string of poor performances.

Arteta 37, played his last game for Arsenal in 2016 and has been working as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City since.

“We need to be competing for the top trophies in the game,” Arteta said.

“That’s been made very clear to me in my discussions with [owners] Stan and Josh Kroenke and the senior people from the club.” He continued

He will officially take over from interim manager Freddie Ljungberg on Sunday. Meaning Freddie will remain in charge for the clash at Everton on Saturday.

Mikel’s coaching team shall be announced soon.

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger once again professed his love for his old club Arsenal by stating that his “heart” is still with the Gunners.

Wenger, Arsenal’s most succcessful manager was on December 3rd 2019 speaking in Belfast at a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body charged with determining the laws of football.

He stated that he is happy to talk to Arsenal’s interim manager Freddie Ljungberg whom he believes deserved the chance to manage the Gunners and would love to do it for a long time.

“He has an opportunity and what you want in life is that opportunity. Let’s get him to work with his ideas and support him.”

Ljungberg also welcomed the idea of speaking with his old boss before his first home clash against Brighton.

Read also: https://www.newsly.co.ke/unai-emery-axed-from-arsenal/

The Swede was appointed as Arsenal’s interim manager after Arsene Wenger’s successor Unai Emery was fired by the club due to a recent string of poor performances.