Now that’s what you call a 10 out of 10 performance. Ten years since United last did the double over City; 10 games unbeaten now since our midwinter nadir.

It has been such an unusual Premier League season, even Crystal Palace seem to be aiming for European football, writes Daniel Storey.

Eric Dier’s altercation with a supporter following Tottenham’s FA Cup defeat to Norwich is being investigated by the Football Association.

Republic of Ireland coach Mick McCarthy insists he cannot argue with Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho if he does not want to give playing time to young star Troy Parrott.

Having left his seat in Tallaght just before the winning strike, the Ireland manager says he had already seen enough of the midfielder’s performance to give him “plenty to think about” as he ponders his squad for the Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia.

German side RB Leipzig has apologised after some Japanese fans were reportedly ejected from Sunday’s match against Bayer Leverkusen due to fears about the spread of coronavirus.

Mikel Arteta believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang does not need to win titles with the Gunners to be considered a world-class striker.

Attacking absences do not excuse Mourinho’s lament.

Keith Andrews has refused to rule out joining the backroom team of Ireland manager-elect Stephen Kenny but admits he’s an ambitious coach.

Atalanta marked their debut in the knockout stages of the Champions League in style by crushing Valencia 4-1 in the first leg of their last 16 clash in Italy.

Even though Pep has reiterated his commitment to a club to which he is contracted until the summer of 2021, his body language this season says differently, writes Liam Brady.

“We all know it’s hard,” he said yesterday. “But we’ve got to believe we can do it. The first one is the key. If we win the first one, I think we’ll win the second one. We’ll get momentum (and) we’ll win the second one.

“I’m not bothered what length of contract he’s got, it’s about playing football, and he was deprived of that because of his age.”

Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham were all left scrambling forforwards on what was a damp squib of a transfer deadline day as last-minute panic left United desperately trying to seal a deal for random target Odion Ighalo.

Mick McCarthy has been singing the praises of young Ireland international Michael Obafemi after seeing the 19-year-old in action in Southampton’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Spurs on Saturday.

Troy has to go through a process, says Jose.

Manchester United might be able to claim misfortune, if they look hard enough.

TWO years and three months ago Spurs played Liverpool off the park in a thrilling 4-1 win at Wembley.

Daniel Storey gives his Premier League review.

Could Liverpool become the new Invincibles?

A year to the day since Liverpool last tasted defeat, in a reverse to Manchester City that effectively cost them the league title, Mohamed Salah helped ensure his team remained firmly on course to put that matter right in 2020.

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham’s defensive calamities have left him feeling sorry for his attacking players.

If you’re a little fragile this morning, though, join me in thanking the man who sent me a link to a terrific ESPN article, one of those items where the headline alone sells you on the story.

These are the standout quotes from the world of punditry in 2019...

You have to admire Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s determination to end up back where he started.

It’s been said that if your romantic relationship can survive race week in Galway, well, it’s a union worth pursuing, such are the potential pitfalls on the track and in the snugs of those hallowed, cobbled streets.

Ireland’s Troy Parrott is set to make his Champions League debut this evening as Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho vows to give his fringe players a chance to impress against Bayern Munich.

Troy Parrott was handed his Premier League debut — and the match ball — by Jose Mourinho at the end of Tottenham’s 5-0 thrashing of Burnley, and could replace Harry Kane in their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

The result ended a run of three straight wins for Spurs in that time, and allowed United to move to sixth place.

What will be telling is just departed Dublin manager Jim Gavin next step. Does he withdraw from public life, J D Salinger-style, never to practice his hard-to-define sorcery again? Or, does he do the circuit? asks Colin Sheridan.

It was the first day of meteorological winter yesterday, and the temperature had duly dropped on cue, perhaps reminding some at Old Trafford of Ice Station Astana.

Jose Mourinho got a real taste of the size of the job he faces at Tottenham, and fans a taste of their new manager’s incredible influence, as his side came from 2-0 down to beat Olympiacos 4-2 in north London and reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

If José Mourinho did not appreciate the true meaning of the word Spursy before taking over, he surely does now after a topsy-turvy first home game in charge.