Jonathan Northcroft

Egyptian’s statistics are better than ever but his real worth to Anfield club – like Steven Gerrard before him – cannot be defined by data

Pep Guardiola’s side suffer ninth defeat in 12 games with Jhon Durán also on scoresheet

Times writers ring out the old by setting out their hopes and fears for the new year with all united in the opinion that there are simply too many games

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Newcastle United 2: The Swede scores the winning goal after Anthony Gordon cancels out Dominic Solanke’s opener for Ange Postecoglou’s side

Data-driven approach identified Dutchman as better fit for club than Ruben Amorim and he’s repaying faith with tactical tweaks that have reinvigorated Mo Salah

The 49-year-old manager was at risk of being a forgotten man but refreshed, older and wiser, he is poised to bring his unusual and thoughtful style to West Ham

Scottish manager’s return to club for second spell expected to be announced by Saturday and he is set to be in charge for game against Aston Villa on Wednesday

Manager has never lost his love of the ‘people’s club’ and will relish move to new stadium but knows he needs a quick turnaround to keep the team in the Premier League

Revitalised under Nuno Espírito Santo, the club are moving forward as one and their surge up the the Premier League table has serious vibes of Leicester in 2015-16

Jonathan Northcroft retains special affection for Aberdeen’s favourite son Denis Law, who became one of world’s great footballers and whom he twice interviewed