Pep Guardiola does not think Manchester City can be considered the best team in the world, instead pinning that label on Chelsea for their Champions League success.

City claimed a straightforward 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, their 17th win in 19 games, to go 12 points clear at the Premier League summit.

Guardiola's men seem destined to retain their title, with second-placed Liverpool requiring an incredible comeback if they are to rein City in.

In the eyes of many, City have been the most impressive team in the Premier League this term, as their points total would suggest.

While their goals haul of 57 and non-penalty expected goals (np-xG) of 45.7 are both slightly less than Liverpool's (58 goals and 49.5 np-xG), City boast the fewest goals conceded (14), lowest xGA (xG against – 15.6), the most clean sheets (14) and the largest average share of possession (67.7 per cent).

Yet, Guardiola seemingly does not think City can call themselves the best until they have been crowned European champions.

"No, we are not the best team in the world," Guardiola told reporters. "The best team is Chelsea, who won the Champions League. The important thing is in three days we go to Norwich and have to win the game.

"This thing about who is the best, I don't care. Be happy, and try to play better every day and at the end we will see.

"We are in a good position, 60 points at the moment. We have to qualify for the Champions League [next season] because that is the most important target and then arrive in the last few games fighting for the title. This is what I want to do."

While many already see that as a foregone conclusion, Guardiola is not getting ahead of himself, pointing out City's lead could become significantly smaller in the near future.

"Liverpool have two games in hand. After they play, we will see the gap," he continued.

"There's 14 games to play with tough games like today. Look at what can happen, Tottenham lose at home to Southampton.

"Everyone is tough competition. It is important at this stage to have 60 points. It means we have done incredibly well so far. Three days, another game at Norwich. They're on a good run and then we start the Champions League."

Premier League leaders Manchester City collected a routine victory over Brentford to further their advantage at the top.

That victory saw Pep Guardiola's side extend their lead at the summit to 12 points, with second-placed Liverpool due to host Leicester City on Thursday.

Tottenham fell to a late defeat against Southampton as Antonio Conte suffered his first home league loss as Spurs boss, while Aston Villa shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller with Leeds United.

And strugglers Norwich City picked up a valuable draw at home to Crystal Palace, with Dean Smith's side now a point behind 17th-placed Newcastle United as the relegation battle continues.

Here, Stats Perform unpacks the pick of the Opta data from the day's top-flight action.

Manchester City 2-0 Brentford: Citizens cruise to league double over Bees

Strikes either side of the interval from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez helped City to a 2-0 win over Brentford as the Citizens completed the league double over the Bees for the first time since 1936-37.

Mahrez opened the scoring as he netted in his seventh consecutive game across all competitions for City – only Lionel Messi (twice) and Sergio Aguero have previously achieved that feat under Pep Guardiola.

De Bruyne doubled the hosts' lead in the second half, the midfielder recording his 85th goal involvement (35G 50A) in his 96th top-flight appearance at the Etihad Stadium, where he has found the net five times in his last four games.

Brentford rarely troubled Ederson's goal and were caught offside 10 times in the match, the most by a Premier League team since January 2018 as City recorded their 100th clean sheet under Guardiola in the competition.

The Bees have now lost five consecutive league matches for the first time since December 2007, under Terry Butcher in League Two, and for the first time in the top flight since April 1947 (seven in a row).

Tottenham 2-3 Southampton: No home comforts for Conte

Southampton twice rallied from behind to earn a late 3-2 victory at Tottenham to end Conte's unbeaten start at home in the league as Spurs boss.

Jan Bednarek poked into his own net to give Spurs the lead, the centre-back now on a Premier League-high three own goals since the start of 2019-20. Similarly, Tottenham have benefited from the most own goals in the competition this season (three).

But Armando Broja soon levelled up. That was the Albania striker's sixth top-flight goal this term – only Kevin Davies (nine in 1997-98) managed more in the Premier League for Southampton while aged 20 or under.

Son Heung-min restored his side's advantage with his 12th strike against Southampton across all competitions, five more than he has registered against any other team for Spurs.

Saints fought back again, Mohamed Elyounoussi equalising before Che Adams sealed victory. Both finishes were set up by James Ward-Prowse, who assisted two goals in a single Premier League match for only the second time in 290 appearances.

Having equalised in the 79th minute, Southampton's victory was the latest they had been behind in a Premier League match that they would go on to win since March 2016 against Liverpool (equalised in 83rd minute).

Aston Villa 3-3 Leeds United: Whites continue away scoring run in Villa Park classic

Aston Villa, who had Ezri Konsa dismissed late on, shared the points with Leeds in a 3-3 thriller as Dan James, Jacob Ramsey and Philippe Coutinho dominated proceedings.

James scored his third and fourth Premier League goals this term, his best-ever tally in a season, though Marcelo Bielsa found his side 3-2 down at half-time.

Coutinho initially cancelled out James' opener as he became the sixth Villa player to score in each of his first two Premier League appearances at Villa Park, and the first since Carlton Cole in August 2004.

The Brazil international then teed up a Ramsey double as the midfielder became the youngest player to score more than one goal in a Premier League game for Villa (20y 257d) since Luka Moore got a hat-trick in February 2006 (19y 356d).

Diego Llorente restored parity in the second half as Leeds recorded three goals in consecutive Premier League away games for just the second time, and for the first time since March 1995, to earn a valuable point.

Norwich City 1-1 Crystal Palace: Zaha's penalty falter costs poor travelling Eagles

Norwich City raced out the blocks at Carrow Road but ultimately had to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Teemu Pukki – who has scored 43 per cent of Norwich's top-flight this season (6/14), the highest such share of any player in the competition – netted the fastest goal in the Premier League this season as he finished after just 38 seconds. 

Wilfried Zaha pegged Smith's team back with his 80th goal involvement in England's top division (53G 27A), 79 of which have been for the Eagles.

Michael Olise teed up the Ivory Coast international's second-half equaliser, his seventh goal involvement (3G 4A) across all competitions in 2022 – the most by any Premier League player.

Palace should have secured all three points but Zaha failed from the penalty spot for the first time, on his fifth attempt, meaning the Eagles have won just one of their last 13 away games in the league.

Pep Guardiola applauded the patience demonstrated by Manchester City during their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday.

The runaway Premier League leaders moved 12 points clear at the summit thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Guardiola’s side were made to work hard for their 10th successive home win in all competitions.

Indeed, they found it difficult to break down a stubborn Brentford despite enjoying over three-quarters of the possession and registering 15 shots.

Nevertheless, Guardiola was pleased by the resilience of his players, who took their points tally for the campaign to 60 with 14 matches remaining.

"[Brentford] are so difficult to attack; aggressive, high pressing. We build up; they drop and defend so deep," he told reporters after the match.

"[We had to] be patient, make no mistakes and in the end we got the result.

"[I am] very satisfied with the performance. We conceded two shots [on target], a few corners and were patient. [It is] difficult when they defend deep with 10 players in their 18-yard box.

"It is impressive at this stage to have 60 points - we have done incredibly well so far."

Raheem Sterling also praised City's persistence as they completed the league double over the Bees for the first time since the 1936-37 season, when they collected their maiden top-flight crown.

"They defended well, they're a tight unit. We had to keep going, probing the ball and finding the gaps, and we did," the England forward added.

"They made it really difficult; the game at their place was really difficult too. They were hard to break down. We stuck to it and got two goals."

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte bemoaned his side's lack of experience in managing games after they squandered a late lead to lose 3-2 against Southampton.

Conte had won 20 of his last 21 home league matches across spells with Inter and his current club – including a five-game unbeaten start in such fixtures with Tottenham – but Ralph Hasenhuttl's side rallied impressively on Wednesday.

Jan Bednarek turned into his own net to hand Spurs the lead before Armando Broja equalised with his sixth league goal this campaign – only Kevin Davies (nine goals in 1997-98) has scored more times in a single Premier League season for the Saints while aged under 20.

Son Heung-min seemingly set the hosts on course for victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his 12th goal in all competitions against Southampton, five more than he has managed against any other side.

But James Ward-Prowse provided two assists as Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams delivered late strikes to secure a remarkable comeback victory, one which Conte believes his players must learn from.

"We made many mistakes in the first half; important mistakes," Conte told reporters after the game. 

"In the second half, we did well, scored, and then we have to be better to defend. I have seen the two goals, and we conceded two goals with the defensive line there.

"I know very well we are going to struggle to get three points. I said this before, I continue to repeat. Now, we are improving in many aspects, but we are still too emotional. 

"We have to improve because if we want to grow as a team and try to be competitive, the first thing you have to improve is to be stable, not be up and down.

"This is a situation we have to improve. Also, I repeat, it is important to have a team with experience and manage the game. 

"It was a pity because my players gave 120 per cent. The effort was maximum, I cannot say I didn't see the right commitment. I have seen the maximum commitment.

"For this reason, we have to try to avoid this defeat. We could have avoided this defeat, especially when you go 2-1 when there are 15 minutes to play. It happened, we have to take experience about this game and try to improve."

Tottenham failed to capitalise on the opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed West Ham to just a point, though they still have three games in hand over their London rivals.

Conte's side will look to make amends when they next host an in-form Wolves on Sunday.

Tottenham failed to close the gap on the Premier League's top four to one point as they fell to a dramatic 3-2 loss against Southampton on Wednesday, a late VAR check robbing Spurs of a draw.

Antonio Conte's side initially led at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a first-half Jan Bednarek own goal, but Armando Broja equalised just five minutes later.

Spurs thought they had found the winning goal with 20 minutes remaining through Son Heung-min, though Mohamed Elyounoussi headed past Hugo Lloris to draw level again.

Che Adams delivered the crucial blow in the latter stages, with Steven Bergwijn's stoppage-time header subsequently ruled out, leaving Spurs four points behind the fourth-placed West Ham and inflicting Conte's first home league loss as Spurs boss.

Earlier, Adams squandered a close-range chance in the opening stages, while Cristian Romero saw his header ruled out for offside from Son's free-kick.

A breakthrough for Spurs came soon after when Bednarek turned into his own net following Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's low delivery.

Southampton responded swiftly as Broja finished past Hugo Lloris after Romain Perraud had profited from Ben Davies' slip to cross.

Harry Kane somehow headed wide from point-blank range after the break following Sergio Reguilon's cross, but Spurs regained the lead when Son poked Lucas Moura's pass into the bottom-right corner.

Broja blasted over as he looked to level things up once more, though Elyounoussi managed to do so moments later as he headed in James Ward-Prowse's delivery.

Adams then atoned for his earlier miss as he nodded past Lloris from another excellent Ward-Prowse cross before Bergwijn saw his late header chalked off for offside as Spurs thought they had salvaged a late point.

Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne made Brentford pay for individual errors as Manchester City secured a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. 

After an uneventful opening 30 minutes, City began to bare their teeth and the deadlock was broken when Mahrez curled home a spot-kick after Mads Roerslev clumsily sent Raheem Sterling to ground. 

The reigning champions never really got out of second gear but were gifted another goal when David Raya's misplaced pass was quickly followed by De Bruyne slotting home. 

City consequently increased their advantage over Liverpool to 12 points, though Jurgen Klopp's side are in action against Leicester City on Thursday. 

Brentford were tough to break down, but City gradually began to create more openings, with Sterling volleying over and Aymeric Laporte shading the outside of the post after the half-hour mark. 

The visitors' resistance was finally broken when Roerslev felled Sterling and Mahrez dispatched the resulting penalty into the top-left corner. 

Brentford tried to threaten on the break but never looked like troubling Ederson with Ivan Toney absent due to a calf injury. 

Their hopes of salvaging a draw were effectively extinguished when Raya gave the ball straight to Sterling on the edge of the box. 

Although the Brentford keeper managed to block Sterling's shot, the rebound fell to De Bruyne, who passed the follow-up into the bottom-right corner.

City came under minimal pressure and comfortably saw out the closing stages to get back to winning ways after dropping points at Southampton in their previous Premier League outing.

What does it mean? Further contrasting fortunes 

City completed a league double over Brentford for the first time since 1936-37, the season in which they won their maiden top-flight crown. 

Pep Guardiola's side are now unbeaten in 14 Premier League matches, while the Bees have lost five in a row. The last time they endured a winless streak of that length was in 2007, when they were in League Two. 

A Sterling display 

Although he may not have taken the chances that came his way, Sterling won the penalty and played a pivotal role in the second goal with his high pressing. He also supplied two key passes and drew five fouls – at least three more than anyone else on the pitch. 

No Raya light 

He may have made more saves (five) than he has done before in a single Premier League match, but Raya's woeful distribution ultimately ended Brentford's chances of snatching what would still have been an unlikely point. 

What's next? 

City take on Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday, when Brentford entertain Crystal Palace. 

Anthony Martial revealed that Barcelona and Juventus both attempted to sign him in January, but the forward chose Sevilla as "the best option" for him and his family.

Julen Lopetegui's side brought the France international in on loan until the end of the season after limited opportunities under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.

Rangnick confirmed in December that the 26-year-old wanted away from Old Trafford due to a lack of chances – he had played the full 90 minutes of a game only once this season and featured for just eight minutes since the German's first game.

But the destination of Martial's move might have been different, with the former Monaco man revealing both Juve and Barca were interested in his services.

"Juventus tried to sign me," he told Diario de Sevilla in an interview released on Wednesday. 

"I was talking to my agent and told him that I preferred to go to Sevilla. It was the best option for me and my family.

"Barcelona spoke with my agent. But as I said, I spoke to my agent and told him: 'My priority is Sevilla'. And when I say something to someone, I don't change it, I keep my word.

"For me it was the right decision because I knew I was going to play and for me playing was the most important thing. 

"Other big clubs tried to convince me but I preferred to come to Sevilla because I knew that Sevilla was a very good club, a family club. For me it was the right decision."

The Bianconeri subsequently brought in Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in a deal potentially worth €80million, with the Serbia star scoring on his debut against Hellas Verona on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Barca managed to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who terminated his contract with Arsenal, and Adama Traore on loan from Wolves to bolster his attacking ranks, which also include Ferran Torres after his arrival at the start of January.

The finances of Martial's loan were not revealed, but he confirmed he agreed to lower wages to secure a move to Spain as he looks to impress France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"Both Sevilla and I have made an effort so that I could come," he responded when asked about the finances behind the agreement. 

"I have less salary, but I also know that paying my salary is an effort for the club. So we've both made an effort. But I know that this effort will be good for both parties."

On World Cup selection, he added: "Yes. It is one of my goals. I want to do it because the last time I was not in the World Cup and France won it. So I'll do my best to be there this time."

Martial will be hoping to make an impact on Friday when Sevilla host Elche as Lopetegui's men look to cut the six-point gap on Real Madrid at the summit of the Spanish top flight.

West Ham have confirmed Kurt Zouma has been fined "the maximum amount possible" while the club assist an investigation from the RSPCA into a video showing the defender kicking and slapping his cat.

The disturbing clip surfaced on Monday, with Zouma's actions condemned by the Hammers, RSPCA and other animal welfare groups.

While a statement from Zouma said he was "deeply sorry", he was still selected by David Moyes for Tuesday's match against Watford, which West Ham won 1-0.

"It is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it," Moyes told BT Sport after the match, and a statement followed from West Ham on Wednesday.

Both the club and the RSPCA confirmed Zouma's two cats had been taken into care, while his fine – reported to be worth £250,000 – will be donated to charity. Further punishment may follow the RSPCA's investigation.

West Ham said: "West Ham United can confirm that the club is supporting an RSPCA investigation into the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video circulated online this week.

"Kurt and the club are co-operating fully with the investigation and the player has willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family's two cats to the RSPCA for assessment.

"Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken.

"Separate to the RSPCA's investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.

"The player has immediately accepted the fine and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities.

"West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt's actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.

"However, we believe it is now important to allow the RSPCA to conduct their investigation in a fair and thorough manner, and will be making no further comment at this stage."

The RSPCA said in a short message on Twitter: "We'd like to reassure people that we're investigating and the cats are safe and in our care.

"We have been dealing with this since before the clip went viral online and we need to follow the proper legal process and not discuss due to UK GDPR laws."

Mikel Arteta insists he was "the solution, not the problem" in an apparently fractious relationship with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The forward, who scored 92 goals in 162 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal after joining from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, was released from his contract and joined Barcelona on deadline day.

It was a move that came about after the Gabon international had been stripped of the captaincy at Emirates Stadium following a disciplinary breach.

Aubameyang suggested that Arteta was the one at fault for the falling out, declaring at his Camp Nou presentation: "I think it was a problem just with him [Arteta].

"He made the decision. I can't say much more. He wasn't happy, I stayed very calm and that's it."

However, speaking ahead of the Gunners' trip to Wolves in the Premier League on Thursday, Arteta put a different spin on events.

"That's his opinion, that’s what he said and you have to respect that," he said.

"I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done and his contribution.

"The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem."

Aubameyang's departure came at the end of a transfer window in which Arsenal failed to strengthen, with January having also brought little cause for cheer on the pitch.

Arsenal were winless across five games in all competitions last month, exiting the FA Cup and EFL Cup along the way.

Despite the lack of incoming players, Arteta defended the club's approach.

"We did what we believed was the right thing to do," he said. "The squad composition and contracts were catching up, be fair with players who haven't had a lot of minutes.

"We had a clear plan of what we can do, but then it has to be doable.

"Edu [technical director] and his team have done a great job. We are very clear we only want the best people and the best players at this club.

"When we are in a rush and the reasons to get a player on board are not the right ones we didn’t do it."

Arteta's side sit sixth in the table, four points behind fourth-placed West Ham but with three games in hand.

There is something about a homegrown player succeeding, especially at the top level.

Liverpool have had their fair share of local lads come through at Anfield in the last 30 years, such as Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

It is one thing to force your way into the first team, but another altogether to do so and leave no doubt that you belong there for more than just your childhood postcode.

Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself in a Liverpool team that has been enjoying as much success as any other in the last three decades.

It hasn't all been plain sailing though, and as recently as a year ago, he was the subject of fierce wider debate regarding whether he even deserved a place in the England squad.

Although not his first team debut, it was an unlikely start against Manchester United at Old Trafford in January 2017 that was the real beginning of his journey. The skinny teenager managed relatively well in the 1-1 draw under the circumstances.

It was just a taste, but in the following season he forced his way past the dependable Nathaniel Clyne to become the Reds' first choice right-back.

Clyne had many admirers at Anfield, but Jurgen Klopp wanted more from his full-backs and he knew Alexander-Arnold's mouldable talent and potential was worth persevering with.

He has since emerged as one of the finest right-backs of his generation, which is quite an achievement given he played in midfield at youth level, only being moved to his current position in order to find an easier route into the first team.

Alexander-Arnold was starting a Champions League final at the age of 19, before lifting Europe's greatest prize a year later, and winning the Premier League a year after that.

His corner taken quickly to Divock Origi in the 4-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League and his goals against Chelsea and Leicester City in Liverpool's march to the title the following year showed he was far from an also-ran in arguably Europe's best team.

At the age of 21, the Merseyside maestro had a medal haul that would make most retired players jealous.

His ability to be a prominent part of Liverpool's attack under Klopp from right-back has mostly been unquestioned, with his delivery from dead balls and in open play often compared to former England captain David Beckham.

However, it was Alexander-Arnold's international career, or lack thereof, that began the debate about his true level.

England are blessed with a solid selection of right-backs, with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker often preferred by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, and Reece James and Tariq Lamptey threatening to be further future competition.

While the 23-year-old is not always the most resolute of defenders, it does sometimes feel as though his mistakes are viewed with more scrutiny given how strong Liverpool's defence was between 2018 and 2020, particularly following the arrivals of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds conceded 38 goals in the league in 2017-18, followed by just 22 in 2018-19. They let in 33 the season after, though it must be noted 12 of those came after they had won the league and appeared to be in cruise control.

They were back up to 42 conceded in the league last season and their form had dropped off a cliff by the time Alexander-Arnold's performances were in the spotlight.

It was no ordinary campaign for Liverpool, though, who actually topped the league at Christmas only for injuries to centre-backs to catch up with them.

Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip had all been sidelined for the remainder of the season, which meant midfield duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having to fill in. This was of course not only a step down for the defence, but also significantly weakened the midfield.

Temporary solutions were sought but results did not turn around until Klopp abandoned his usual tactics and resorted to putting two very inexperienced but large figures back there in Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.

The knock-on effect for Alexander-Arnold as well as the rest of the team was that the usually well-oiled unit were thrown completely off course. The full-backs could not enjoy their usual freedom because the stand-in centre-backs either needed more support or were sat so deep that it would have ruined the shape to play as high as usual.

Liverpool were able to claw their way into the top four by the season's end, but Alexander-Arnold's output had been affected.

In 2018-19 in all competitions, he registered 15 assists and created 70 chances in 40 games, before getting the same number of assists and creating 109 chances in 49 games the next year.

However, in 2020-21, Alexander-Arnold managed just nine assists and 96 chances created in 45 games.

Was this just a dip as a result of the rest of the team going through a tricky patch, or a sign of his previous numbers simply being too high to maintain?

Alexander-Arnold has shown so far this season that it was indeed just a blip, as he has thrived again in a more stable Reds team, already achieving 15 assists in all competitions in just 26 games, as well as creating 71 chances and 15 big chances (whereby a team-mate would be expected to score), just four shy of the amount he created in the whole of last season.

He leads the Premier League for assists (10), while he has also created the second most chances (58) behind Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (64) having played two games fewer, and has also played the most successful long balls of any outfield player (128).

Will he ever work as well for England? He has more than enough talent to do so but given his best performances at club level involve being creative from deep and roaming into midfield, which is not exactly possible in Southgate's compact 3-4-3 set-up with two holding midfielders, it seems unlikely for now.

As a normal lad from Liverpool whose dreams have come true, it seems unlikely that Alexander-Arnold will look beyond achieving more success for his boyhood club.

With the Reds still in four competitions this season, and a Champions League last-16 with Inter on the horizon, the Kop will only care about seeing even more world-class performances arrive from the man they cheerfully remind us all is the Scouser in their team.

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe remain arguably the two most sought-after players in world football.

The pair, who boast 43 goals in 50 games between them this season, have inevitably been linked with an array of Europe's top clubs ahead of the next transfer window.

And it may well be that one replaces the other at PSG in the coming months.

TOP STORY – HAALAND AMONG PSG TARGETS

L'Equipe reports that Haaland is one of a handful of players being eyed up by PSG, who are growing increasingly concerned that Mbappe will join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

However, the Ligue 1 giants are said to have made tying down Mbappe to fresh terms their main priority between now and the end of the season.

Should the World Cup winner depart, PSG would then have to see off competition from the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and several Premier League teams for Haaland's signature.

ROUND-UP

- Harry Kane failed in his attempt to force through a move from Tottenham last year, but Fabrizio Romano claims the striker is now happy to stay under Antonio Conte.

- After further enhancing his reputation by firing Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations glory, Goal reports that Sadio Mane is open to leaving Liverpool ahead of next season.

- According to Fabrizio Romano, Madrid are eager to finalise terms with Luka Modric over a new deal that will run through for an additional season until the end of 2022-23.

- Ajax are prepared to tempt Barcelona into allowing Sergino Dest to return to the club by offering Nicolas Tagliafico in exchange. That is according to reports from Spain.

- Calciomercato reports that Milan are close to agreeing a four-year extension for full-back Theo Hernandez, who is currently due to be out of contract in July 2024.

Ralf Rangnick criticised his Manchester United stars for playing "tiki-taka" football and lacking urgency at crucial times in the draw at Burnley.

The 1-1 outcome at Turf Moor allowed West Ham to jump above United into fourth place in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Tottenham in pursuit of both.

Burnley sit bottom of the league and rode their luck as United had two first-half goals disallowed, leading only by a Paul Pogba strike as the interval arrived.

But the Clarets started the first half positively and were level inside two minutes as Jay Rodriguez fired past David de Gea.

Interim manager Rangnick said he warned his players to be on guard for a fired-up Burnley at the start of the second half; therefore, to concede so early was an annoyance to the German boss.

He told BBC Sport: "We knew they would come out of the locker room in a more aggressive way. This is the only thing I can blame the team for; in the first 20 minutes of the second half we were not as aggressive as in the first half.

"The way that we conceded the goal was completely unnecessary. We had our own counter-attack 30 seconds before and in that moment we were two or three players more in our own half, took wrong decisions in the defensive behaviour and in a way gave the goal away to them.

"If you look into the whole game we dominated most of the game, 70 minutes, and winning only one point is just not enough: a very frustrating night again."

Rangnick added: "In the first two minutes [of the second half] we won the ball three times and gave it away too easily because we were playing tiki-taka football in our own half, and we were not direct enough and stringent enough in the way we try to play forward.

"Then we had the counter-attack with Jadon [Sancho] and with Marcus [Rashford] and again gave the ball away too easily in their box. The first 20 minutes of the second half we were not as aggressive and not as controlled as we were in the first half, and that's why we gave them the chance to score."

United have home games coming up against Southampton and Brighton, on Saturday and Tuesday.

Rangnick told MUTV the Burnley result made it "even more important to get six points out of those two games".

West Ham boss David Moyes has defended his decision to start Kurt Zouma in the victory over Watford on Tuesday.

A disturbing video surfaced on Monday showing the defender kicking a cat across the kitchen floor at his home, while also slapping it while in a child's arms.

Obtained by The Sun, the footage was filmed by Zouma's brother Yoan, who can be heard laughing, and posted on Snapchat.

The France international released a statement earlier on Tuesday saying he was "deeply sorry", while the incident was condemned by the club, RSPCA and other animal welfare groups.

Zouma nevertheless started the Hammers' showdown with Watford at the London Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win that lifted Moyes' team up to fourth in the Premier League.

While Moyes acknowledged the widespread disappointment and backlash to what he described as "a poor situation", he insisted the matter is being dealt with internally.

"I am really disappointed, and the club have taken all the actions that they can do at the moment," he told reporters in his post-match press conference.

"They are working on that behind the scenes. My job is to pick the best team for West Ham and Kurt was part of that team.

"I think the club would rather deal with it all in time, and they will let you know what the action is.

"I was really disappointed with what I saw and what I was told. But as I've said, it was my job to find the best team for West Ham. There will be people who will be disappointed at that and I understand that totally.

"I am someone who cares a lot about my dogs and horses and all the people I am connected with. I have spoken to him, and we will move on as much as we can. 

"We wanted to get this game out of the way, and we understand nobody will be pleased about it. It is a poor situation."

Ralf Rangnick was frustrated by a "very, very soft" decision leading to Manchester United having a goal ruled out in their 1-1 draw against Burnley on Tuesday. 

United appeared to have gone 2-0 up when Josh Brownhill turned Marcus Rashford's cross into his own net, but a foul was belatedly given for Paul Pogba's challenge on Erik Pieters in the build-up. 

Pogba had given the Red Devils the lead in the 18th minute with his first Premier League goal in 384 days after Raphael Varane had one disallowed for an offside against Harry Maguire. 

Nick Pope kept Burnley in it for the rest of the first half and following Jay Rodriguez's equaliser two minutes after the restart, United were unable to test the hosts' keeper again. 

Rangnick felt the game ought to have been over by half-time and that his team were hindered significantly by the own goal being chalked off. 

"I think we played a fantastic first half, couldn't have played any better. We scored three goals, the second that was disallowed I cannot understand," Rangnick told the BBC. 

"It was a very, very soft decision by the linesman. He flagged the foul five or six seconds after it took place. 

"It really surprised me he flagged when the ball was in the net. Had he really seen the foul? The first I can understand why it was disallowed, it was a hard one, but the second I cannot understand. 

"If you look into the whole game, we dominated for most of it. Winning one point is not enough and another frustrating game." 

Only Premier League leaders Manchester City (11) are on a longer unbeaten away run in the top flight than United, who have avoided defeat in each of their past six outings. However, Rangnick's side have won just two of those matches. 

Rodriguez's goal came with Burnley's first shot on target of the game and that frustrated United captain Harry Maguire, who allowed Wout Weghorst to turn and slide his strike partner in with an excellent assist. 

 "I think you saw the first half. We had control. We have got to win the game with the amount of chances we created. We had to get that second goal. It's two points dropped," Maguire told BT Sport. 

"We wanted to dominate the game but when you come to Burnley away you are not going to dominate for 90 minutes. We had to see it out better. We conceded like against Middlesbrough [in the FA Cup on Friday] when they had that spell of pressure. We have got to be that bit more clinical. 

"It was a disappointing goal on our behalf to concede. We came out in the second half a bit sloppy. We had long enough in the game to come back from that and try and find the winner. 

"We demand of ourselves to win the football match, so it is disappointing."  

Antonio Conte is pleasantly surprised to see Christian Eriksen back in the Premier League, and the Tottenham boss admits he would love to work with the midfielder again.

Eriksen has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark's match against Finland at Euro 2020 in June, but he has signed a short-term deal with Brentford.

Due to the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device surgically implanted within his chest in the wake of the incident, Eriksen was ineligible for professional football in Italy, meaning he had to leave Inter, who he had played for since joining from Tottenham in January 2020.

Indeed, Eriksen played under Conte at Inter, helping the Nerazzurri end their long wait for a Serie A title last season.

He is now set to make his comeback. After training with his former club Ajax, Eriksen joined up with Brentford at the end of the January transfer window.

Though Conte said Spurs had not discussed the possibility of bringing Eriksen back to north London, the Italian did not rule out a possible reunion in the future, explaining he met the midfielder by chance in a hotel on Sunday.

"No, honestly we didn't talk about [re-signing him]. I am surprised about this situation," Conte told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's clash with Southampton.

"I thought he needed more time to come back, to play in England. For Tottenham, he is part of the story and to come back here could be a good opportunity for me and him and the club.

"But now he's signed for Brentford only for six months, we will see what happens. I met him on Sunday, it was good to speak with him and see him with his family, and I will be the first person to be very happy to see him on the pitch again.

"We spent a good time at Inter, we won the league and spent important seasons together. Wish him the best in the future. You don't know what will happen. It would be good to have him again and work together."

Eriksen signed for Spurs in 2013, shortly before Gareth Bale's departure to Real Madrid.

He went on to make 226 Premier League appearances, creating 571 goalscoring opportunities – far more than any other Spurs player from September 14, 2013, when Eriksen made his debut, to January 28, 2020, when he left for Inter. Dele Alli, who has now left for Everton, ranked second with 218.

Of those opportunities, 73 were classed as big chances (a chance from which Opta would expect the average player to score), another team-high, as was his tally of 62 assists.

Indeed, only Harry Kane (136) boasted more league goals for Spurs in the same timeframe than Eriksen's 51, eight of which came directly from free-kicks.