PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is to be investigated by Arsenal after getting a new tattoo in an alleged covid rule break.
On the transfer front, in-demand Dayot Upamecano has been announced by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
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Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
- James Orr
AUBAMEYANG EXCLUSIVE
By Mark Irwin
Arsenal are investigating a possible breach of Covid regulations by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker appeared to break lockdown rules to get a new tattoo.
He was pictured showing off the inking on the Instagram account of Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being probed by Arsenal over a new tattoo And the footage was posted just days after Aubameyang had been given time off by the club to visit his ill mother in France.
Under UK Government regulations, all mobile and static tattoo parlours must remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
But neither Aubameyang nor Barcelona-based Bernal were wearing a mask during the session to decorate the player’s hand.
It was not clear when or where the tattoo work was carried out but the film was posted five days ago on the alexink8 account.
It appears to have taken place in some kind of industrial area.
Now Arsenal want to know if their ten-goal top-scorer has compromised their biosecure bubble.
- Joshua Jones
TOON TERROR
As for Newcastle, though, their 13 defeat of the season leaves them continuing to look over their shoulder.
Steve Bruce's side are 17th on 25 points, seven clear of the relegation zone.
They travel to Old Trafford next week before taking on Wolves, West Brom and Aston Villa.
- Joshua Jones
FOURTH BE WITH YOU
That win at Stamford Bridge moved Chelsea back into the top four.
Liverpool started the weekend in fourth but lost at Leicester on Saturday.
West Ham temporarily leapfrogged Chelsea and Liverpool to take fourth with their 3-0 win over Sheffield United yesterday tea-time.
But the Blues jumped ahead of their London rivals on goal difference with 14 games to go this season.
- Joshua Jones
CHELSEA ON THE CHARGE
We start this morning with some reaction to Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle.
Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner were on the scoresheet as record-signing Kepa Arrizabalaga made his first Premier League appearance since October 17.
And Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for two of his struggling stars.
He said: "It’s helped me that someone can scream at me in German – Timo's a really good guy, has a good idea of the football we want to play and when we have more and more training sessions with him we will get better and better.
'I am very happy Kepa continued with a second clean sheet in a row, to let him build up his rhythm and confidence. Edou will be in goal from now on because he recovered physically and mentally.
"Edouard is the No 1 and that is clear. This was clear before the game and it stays like this."
Credit: PA:Press Association Credit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail - William Pugh
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
SunSport can exclusively reveal Arsenal are investigating a possible breach of Covid regulations by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker appeared to break lockdown rules to get a new tattoo.
He was pictured showing off the inking on the Instagram account of Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal.
And the footage was posted just days after Aubameyang had been given time off by the club to visit his ill mother in France.
Under UK Government regulations, all mobile and static tattoo parlours must remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
But neither Aubameyang nor Barcelona-based Bernal were wearing a mask during the session to decorate the player’s hand.
Meanwhile, Chelsea moved up to fourth with a 2-0 win against Newcastle last night.
Timo Werner ended his 14-game drought with a close-range finish against the Toon.
Olivier Giroud also netted but Thomas Tuchel will be sweating over the fitness of Tammy Abraham, who was forced off early on with an ankle injury.
West Ham have also joined Chelsea level on points after an impressive 3-0 win over Sheffield United, leaving champs Liverpool in SIXTH.
Finally, Man Utd are set to be without Paul Pogba for another fortnight due to a persistent thigh injury.
According to the Mail, no timeframe has been placed on Pogba's eventual return to the side.
But it is said that he will sit out another two weeks of United's hectic fixture schedule.
That means he would miss games against Real Sociedad and Newcastle before returning to face Chelsea at the end of the month.
- Anthony Chapman
EURO BUZZ
Slavia Prague claim Kasper Schmeichel is a roly-poly-goalie who wears a CORSET under his Leicester kit!
Speaking ahead of their Europa League last-32 clash, in-house reporter Jan Hosek said: “Occasionally he makes a blunder.
“But overall his performances have been extremely good and he’s also a kind of a glue that holds the team together.
“He is a keeper that has had problems with his healthy lifestyle.
“Certainly a tough manager that favours athleticism and the physical aspects of training would probably want Schmeichel to lose five or 10 kilos.
“And by the way, as far as I know, Schmeichel must be the only Premiership player that, underneath his shirt, wears a corset.”
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WAYNE’S WORLD
Wayne Rooney has slammed the VAR system for sucking the joy out of goal celebrations and says it is killing fun in football.
The Derby boss said: “I saw James Maddison after he scored and he stood around and didn’t know whether it was a goal or whether it would be disallowed.
“I think it’s ridiculous players are waiting around for one minute, two minutes, to see if the goal will stand.
“If we knew every decision was right people would accept it better – but the fact they aren’t getting all the decisions right is even more frustrating.
“We have to allow referees to do their job and accept there will be human error within that. But if that means keeping that emotion and excitement in the game, I’m sure a lot of people would want to see that.
“A goal is the one time the fans feel connected to their club and their player, when they are celebrating a goal together. Take that away and you lose that connection players have with fans.”
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EXCLUSIVE BY MARK IRWIN
Arsenal are investigating a possible breach of Covid regulations by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker appeared to break lockdown rules to get a new tattoo.
He was pictured showing off the inking on the Instagram account of Spanish tattoo artist Alejandro Nicolas Bernal.
And the footage was posted just days after Aubameyang had been given time off by the club to visit his ill mother in France.
Under UK Government regulations, all mobile and static tattoo parlours must remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
But neither Aubameyang nor Barcelona-based Bernal were wearing a mask during the session to decorate the player’s hand.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alejandro Nicolas Bernal (@alexink8)
- Anthony Chapman
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS
Mateo Kovacic starred in midfield against Newcastle this evening.
But Mason Mount was wasteful in attack as the Blues held on for a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Who else had a great game alongside Kovacic?
And did anyone else fail to impress like Mount?
READ OUR FULL RATINGS HERE
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- Anthony Chapman
ON THE MEND
Thomas Tuchel claims Edouard Mendy remains Chelsea's No1 despite dropping the ace for Kepa Arrizabalaga against Newcastle.
Tuchel said:“Edouard is the No1, this is clear
“This was clear before the game and this stays like this.
“I’m happy Kepa continued with a second clean sheet.
“It was a moment to let him feel the rhythm, to get his confidence up.
“Edouard will be in goal from now on, he recovered physically and mentally and right now he’s No1.”
Credit: EPA Credit: Reuters - Anthony Chapman
CHELSEA VERDICT
Mateo Kovacic is like the centre midfield version of Eden Hazard.
And if he had Hazard’s finishing, he would undoubtedly be thought of as a world class player.
Kovacic absolutely bossed Chelsea’s victory over Newcastle United this evening in the Premier League, to help his team leapfrog Liverpool and move back into the Champions League spots.
READ THE REST OF THE VERDICT HERE
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PURE RELIEF
Timo Werner admits he is happy to be back among the goals after ending his 14-game drought against Newcastle.
Werner said: “I think the first half we played really good football.
“I’m happy I scored, if we keep going like this it will be a good end of the season for us.
“As a striker you always want to score, the last month was not so good. But it’s a team sport and when we win it’s good.
“When I help my team with assists, winning penalties and now scoring, I’m happy and very glad I scored today.”
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Anthony Chapman
BLUE IS THE COLOUR
Chelsea are up to FOURTH in the Premier League table after beating Newcastle 2-0 tonight.
Thomas Tuchel has guided his Blues to four consecutive wins since replacing Frank Lampard, bringing them right back into contention for a Champions League spot.
Goals from Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner sealed the win at Stamford Bridge, with attention now turning to Saturday's early trip to Southampton.
READ OUR FULL MATCH REPORT HERE
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FIRED UP
Barcelona fans are setting off fireworks outside PSG's team hotel, in an attempt to prevent the French side's stars from sleeping.
With PSG in town, the LaLiga side's fans wanted to cause some disruption.
In video footage captured by El Chiringuito, large cracks can be heard reverberating through the Catalonia sky, just by where PSG happen to be staying.
This follows the less than hospitable welcome that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi received upon his arrival earlier today.
In more footage, fans can be heard shouting: "Son of a b***h! Thief! Let go of Messi, thief!"
WATCH THE FIREWORKS FOOTAGE HERE
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TAKEN FOR GRANTED
Man Utd could hand Lee Grant a new contract at Old Trafford.
That’s despite the veteran having never played a Premier League game for them.
According to the Star, United want to keep him around.
They claim that the Red Devils are interested in handing Grant a player-coach role at Carrington.
This could see him work with the likes of De Gea and Henderson, while still being available just in case.
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- Anthony Chapman
MED FOR IT
Man Utd face serious competition from AC Milan for Facundo Medina, according to reports.
Reports in France last month suggested Man United were 'very serious' about landing the talent.
But the Daily Mail write how AC Milan have joined the race for his signature.
The sleeping giants are on the rise back to the top of world football and sit just a point behind rivals Inter in the title race.
United are likely to outbid AC Milan but the decision could come down to the player himself.
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COLD AS RICE
Declan Rice says he pulled rank on Jesse Lingard to take West Ham’s first penalty of the season – to avoid an earful from David Moyes.
The England star said: “I just said to Jesse 'look at the gaffer, I don't want to be battered by him in the changing room and by the assistants if I don't take it’.
“I said I don't want to be that guy that looks like I'm taking the ball off you, but I said ‘I'm on them mate so obviously can I have the ball’.
“I'm buzzing to put it in the back of the net and, more importantly, we've got the three points."
Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement - Anthony Chapman
AD BREAK
Adnan Januzaj believes he has 'nothing to prove' on his return to Man Utd.
The Real Sociedad star told ESPN: "I don't have to prove to anyone, I know my qualities.
"I don't have to prove to anyone how good I am, I just have to believe in myself, get my games and be happy.
"I'm really happy to go back there, the club I love.
"Once I'm on the pitch, there's going to be no friends because obviously I'm playing for another club now and also I want to win the game.
"I want to go through with my team. I'm really happy to go back there to see the people but once I'm on the pitch there will be no friends."
undefined - Anthony Chapman
HOT MES
Mesut Ozil has been lauded for his work-rate after his full Fenerbahce debut in a 2-1 win over Fatih Karamugruk.
Turkish pundit Ridvan Dilmen watched Ozil in action and said: "I did not expect Mesut Ozil to do so much. It is not easy.
"You play football for the first time after 10 months. A team was not built around Mesut, Mesut came to this team.
"I think the next season will be much better because his contract will be 3.5 years. Despite this, I respect his devotion."
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Anthony Chapman
PAUL’D BACK
Man Utd are set to be without Paul Pogba for another fortnight due to a persistent thigh injury.
According to the Mail, no timeframe has been placed on Pogba's eventual return to the side.
But it is said that he will sit out another two weeks of United's hectic fixture schedule.
A trip to Italy is next up with Real Sociedad hosting the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie, moved from San Sebastian due to coronavirus restrictions.
United then face Newcastle in the Premier League before the return leg against Sociedad, with Pogba set to miss both games.
The Frenchman, 27, is reportedly looking at a comeback against Chelsea on February 28 at the earliest.
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TIMO TIME
Timo Werner ended his 14-game goal drought with a strike against Newcastle.
The German had gone over 100 days without netting for the Blues before hitting the target at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Werner's close-range effort put Chelsea 2-0 up against the Magpies, with Olivier Giroud grabbing the opener.
And Werner will be hoping he can now get back to regular goalscoring ways.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
- Anthony Chapman
TAMMY'S ROUD AWAKENING
Chelsea will be sweating over the fitness of Tammy Abraham after he was forced off injured against Newcastle.
The striker reacted badly to a couple of ankle knocks in the opening 20 minutes before limping off the field.
Abraham was replaced by Olivier Giroud, who made the most of his opportunity by firing Chelsea ahead just ten minutes later.
Credit: PA:Press Association Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Anthony Chapman
WEMBLEY CALLING
Fans could be allowed in to watch the two domestic Cup Finals – in a trial to help ensure supporters for Euro 2020.
The FA is determined to open up some of the Wembley turnstiles for the seven games due to be played in the stadium during the tournament in June and July.
And that could see up to 10,000 supporters in for the April 29 Carabao Cup Final between Manchester City and Spurs and the FA Cup Final the following month.
Both events would be staging posts towards the summer, with the FA hoping to be able to house 30 per cent of Wembley’s 90,000 capacity by the Euros.
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GO WEST
West Ham moved into the top four with a resounding 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
Goals from Declan Rice, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks secured the stunning victory for David Moyes’ Champions League hunters.
As for the Blades, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 14 points from safety.
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UP FOR THE CUP
Man Utd and Chelsea will both have their FA Cup quarter-final matches broadcast live by the BBC next month.
Man Utd travel to Leicester in arguably the pick of the quarter-final ties on Sunday March 21.
Chelsea host Sheff Utd in the other game due to be shown on the BBC.
The Blues' clash will be the first in a Sunday double-header, with kick-off 1.30pm.
United's game at the King Power Stadium follows, with kick-off at 5pm.
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