Premier League news LIVE: Reaction to Chelsea’s late win over London rivals Crystal Palace plus build-up to Man City’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen

Arsenal fans, is Rio Ferdinand being too harsh here?

The former Manchester United centre-back has said that he does not believe Bukayo Saka is a ‘world-class’ player.

Saka has been in fine form recently, netting twice in the Gunners’ 6-0 thumping of West Ham, but Ferdinand is still not convinced.

We spoke earlier about Manchester United’s improvement with four successive wins, and now with the Premier League approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe £1.3billion investment in the club, things are looking a bit rosier for the Red Devils.

It is going to be interesting to see developments over the next 12 months at the club – Ratcliffe’s hands on approach could make a big difference.

With the news breaking in the last hour in regards to the Premier League approving Sir Jim Ratcliffe £1.3billion investment in Mancester United, how happy are you United fans?

The deal is still subject to FA ratification, but that is expected in the next week.

The new era is starting, how big of an impact will this have for Man United?

Moving across the city of Liverpool, Sean Dyche has revealed that he is unsure if Dele Alli will feature for Everton this campaign.

The midfielder is currently recovering from groin surgery, which he had last month.

Alli has not made a first-team appearance in 11 months and it looks as though the Toffees will have to wait that little bit longer for his return.

Look who is back in training for Liverpool…

It seems as though a certain Mo Salah is closing on a return to action for the Reds. This will be a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

It also looks like Joe Gomez and Alisson are back after illness. Liverpool’s squad is getting back to full strength, which is not good news for their title rivals.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe £1.3billion investment in Mancester United has received from the Premier League, with the deal expected to be fully completed next week.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS group completed a deal for 25 per cent of the club in December, with the British billionaire intending to take control of the club’s football operations.

The 71-year-old has now passed the Premier League’s Directors’ and Owners’ Test, the latest step for the deal being finalised.

While Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all enquired about the 21-year-old, Confidential understands that it is United and Spurs that are making the most concerted effort at this stage.

It is understood United are looking to bring in two young centre backs this summer as INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe get their first chance of improving Erik ten Hag’s side in the transfer market.

Manchester City have made it to Denmark.

What are your predictions for tonight, surely you can’t look past the Cityzens in this one.

Or can you – will there be an upset?

14-time winners Real Madrid return to Champions League action tonight as they travel to RB Leipzig for their round of 16 tie.

They will have to cope without Jude Bellingham though, who sustained an ankle injury at the weekend, a huge loss to Los Blancos.

They are one of the favourites for the title, so it will be interesting to see how they fair in Germany without him.

Manchester City’s clash with FC Copenhagen is not the only Champions League fixture tonight.

Lets have a look at what else is in store for us this week.

FC Copenhagen v Manchester City

Paris St-Germain v Real Sociedad

Which tie stands out to you the most? I’m most excited for tomorrow’s match between Lazio and Bayern Munich.

Harry Kane will be dreaming of a Champions League title after he missed out in 2019 with Spurs, losing in the final against Liverpool.

Can he net tomorrow night?

Away from our build-up to the return of the Champions League tonight, Jamie Carragher has stated who he believes would be Jurgen Klopp’s perfect replacement at Liverpool.

Klopp shook the world of football when he announced he would be leaving the Liverpool dugout at the end of the season.

Ever since the news broke, pundits and reporters alike have been giving their opinions as to who would be a good replacement.

Here is who the Liverpool legend thinks will be best for the job:

Want to know more about who Manchester City are facing tonight?

Look no further, Jack Gaughan takes a look at three players you should look out for in the Copenhagen side tonight.

You don’t have to look back too far in the archives to see when these two last faced each other at the Parken Stadium – it was only last season.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you all forgot this stalemate. It was a rare occasion in last year’s Champions League where Manchester City failed to turn up.

Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty, Rodri had a goal ruled out, and Sergio Gomez was sent off. Not a memorable night for the Cityzens.

They will be hoping for a better outcome tonight.

Manchester City won’t have it easy tonight in Copenhagen, that’s for sure.

Their oppenents are keen to cause an upset in their biggest Champions League fixture for over 10 years.

They have already shocked the red half of Manchester this season, so City will need to be careful.

Read more from Daily Mail’s Jack Gaughan, here:

Well, we know what Pep Guardiola thinks.

After winning their first European Cup in Istanbul last season, beating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final, the City boss doesn’t see why they can’t go all the way again.

Their first challenge, getting past Copenhagen in the round of 16.

Read what Pep had to say, here:

Club football’s greatest competition is back, and 16 teams are desperate to get their hands on good old ‘big ears’ in May.

Who will it be, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal? We want to hear your thoughts!

The journey to the final continues tonight.

It’s the day European football fans have been waiting months for, the return of the Champions League.

The moment that anthem rings around the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen this evening, fans will have their eyes glued to the screen, and excitement will have reached it’s peak.

Manchester City will be looking to carry on their title defence against the Dane’s tonight in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie.

Heading into the new year, pressure was ramping up on Erik ten Hag following a 2-1 loss away at Nottingham Forest.

However with three Premier League wins from their last three games, Man United are starting to head in the right direction.

Read Nathan Salt’s take on their recent upturn in form:

The stakes are at their absolute highest in the Premier League, arguably the biggest league in the world of football.

Sometimes, the pressure can get to football players, and emotions are heightened in the heat of battle.

So, what do players say to each other on the pitch? Mail Sport have enlisted the help of forensic lip-reader Jeremy Freeman to see what really goes on.

Click below to read more:

I got sidetracked, but now let’s get back to the interesting stories from the Premier League.

Cole Palmer has been excellent for Chelsea this season since moving from his boyhood club Manchester City in the summer.

The 21-year-old has netted 10 goals in the Premier League this season, including a last-minute penalty against City in their 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, earlier this season.

He will be looking to continue his fine form when he faces them again this weekend, the first time he will play at the Etihad as an opposition player.

Read what he had to say about facing City, here:

I’ve heard shouts for Rory Delap, whose throw-in would be a huge in the ancient game.

He could probably launch it straight in from wherever he is on the street, what a weapon to have in your team.

The first player that came to my head when I posed this question to myself was Roy Keane.

His physicality in football would allow him to hold his own in the brutal nature of this ancient game. I wonder if he has ever played it?

In the current game, I’d say Erling Haaland. He’s strong and physical, two perfect attributes for the game.

As we all know, he also has an eye for goal, which is still important in this game, believe it or not!

Seeing as it’s Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day, I thought I’d bring up the subject of the annual Royal Shrovetide football game.

The ancient football game is an annual two-day spectacle, which has no set rules, and sees players carry the ball across a boundary-free pitch.

It takes place between two rival teams, the Up’ards and the Down’ards, and they take to the streets of Ashbourne every year.

Which Premier League side could you see doing well in this ancient game? It would certainly be interesting to see.

I don’t think managers would be happy with it though, plenty of injuries would happen as a result.

It seems like Virgil van Dijk is a fan of pancake day, are you?

I know I am, I already have the pancake batter ready for when I get home this evening.

Christmas Day, birthday, and Pancake Day, all very important days in my calendar.

Some heart-warming news coming out of Anfield.

Liverpool have confirmed that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be part of their management team for the game between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends, next month.

The former England manager has been secretly battling a terminal cancer for a year and he revealed that it is his ‘dream’ to manage Liverpool.

Well, that dream is about to come true. A truly lovely moment in the game.

Most football fans wouldn’t bet against Manchester City claiming a fourth title in a row, which would be a record in the Premier League era.

They only sit two points behind Liverpool and with a game in hand, however they do have to face the Reds at Anfield, where they notoriously struggle.

If those two sides draw though, it could open the door for Arsenal.

It’s such an exciting title race to follow, any of the teams could win it, but which one will it be?

Personally, I can’t look past City, but they are going to be pushed all the way to the end.

Right, I think that’s enough reaction to last night’s result, don’t you?

The Premier League title race is starting to hot-up this season, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all going for England’s top prize.

With the three sides seperated by just three points, its a tough race to call, but we have tried our best.

It looks to be set-up for the best title race in years.

It is not looking great regarding Thiago Silva’s fitness. It would be a major blow to Chelsea if he has an extended absence on the sidelines.

Although they will be hoping for a quick recovery for the 39-year-old, if you where Chelsea, who would you bring in to replace him.

And no Chlesea fans, by replace, I mean from your squad – I know you’re used to new signings.

Levi Colwill, who came on for Silva last night, and Trevoh Chalobah, are both options for Mauricio Pochettino.

Whilst the majority of last night went swimmingly for Chelsea, they have come away from the match with one concern – the fitness of Thiago Silva.

The 39-year-old injured his groin around the hour mark when blocking a shot by Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Brazilian defenders reaction was telling, he could be seen shaking his head when going off.

Mauricio Pochettino has said that he will be assessed today and they will be hoping he can be back fit for their Cararbao Cup final clash with Liverpool, later this month.

They may have only moved up one position into 10th, but last night’s win was still a huge one for Chelsea.

How far could the Blues rise up the table after their recent upturn in from? Champions league spots are surely out of the question, but could they make Europe?

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace remain 15th, just five points above the relegation zone. They are slipping further down the table with each passing week.

Concerning times for the Eagles.

It turned out to be a wonderful night for Chelsea as they secured back-to-back wins, not something they have done too often this season.

The Chelsea fans that were lucky enough to be at Selhurst Park certainly enjoyed their night, especially after Conor Gallagher’s stoppage-time winner.

Blues celebrations were so big, they knocked over an advertising hoarding.

One shining light for Crystal Palace was that of Matheus Franca.

The 19-year-old Brazilian came close to joining Chelsea in the summer, but instead opted for Crystal palace for more game time.

Last night he showed the Blues exactly what they’re missing.

So, as the debate rages on about whether Roy Hodsgon is the right man for the job, we want to hear what you think.

It is hard not to sympathise with the 76-year-old manager, but it is a results business after all.

Let us know your opinions in the comments.

Despite the pressure on him, Roy Hodsgon seems confident he is the right man to get Crystal Palace out of the mess they currently find themselves in.

The 76-year-old managed to steer them away from the drop last season after re-joining the Eagles in March.

However, this is a different situation to the one he came into last campaign, and the doom and glloim mentality seems to be sweeping the Palace fanbase.

Read more about what Hodsgon had to say, here:

There is no doubt that over the course of his two spells, Roy Hodgson has earned a huge amount of respect for the job he has done at Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, with just three wins in 19 matches, questions are rightly being asked about his position at the Eagles.

The atmosphere around the club right now is alarming, with fans protesting against their owners with regularity. So, is it time for the club to part ways with Hodgson?

Things will have to change immediatley if he is to keep his job.

Alongside Conor Gallagher, there were many performances Mauricio Pochettino will be proud of from his players last night.

For Crystal Palace, it was Jefferson Lerma who shined brightly, scoring an absolute cracker in the first half.

Let’s see how the Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill rated them:

There was once a time when Conor Gallagher was wheeling away in celebration at Selhurst Park in the colours of Crystal Palace.

However, two years on from his loan spell at the Eagles, his goals in the blue of Chelsea have plunged Roy Hodgson and his side further into despair.

The 24-year-old’s brace – which included a stoppage-time winner – was just reward for his energetic performance, which is something we are beginning to become accustomed to.

If he continues in this vein of form and builds his partnership with Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, how high up the table could Chelsea finish?

The big talk before the game was if Chelsea can find consistency, and if they have turned a corner. Well, it looks like they just might have.

1-0 down at half-time, it looked like the same old story for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, but a Conor Gallagher brace, and a composed Enzo Fernandez stoppage-time finish secured the three points for the Blues.

It may not have been the most convincing of performances, but Cheslea got the job done which was exactly what they needed. Results are the key to success.

The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel was at Selhurst Park, read his match report here:

Football just keeps on coming, don’t you just love it!

Firstly, we will bring you all the best reaction from Chelsea’s 3-1 win away at Crystal Palace last night – another step in the right direction for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

We will also be bringing you all the build-up to the first-leg of Manchester City’s round of 16 Champions League tie with Copenhagen.

I love this time of year; I can already hear the Champions League anthem now – is there any way we can fast forward to tonight already?

Sadly, we can’t, but there will be plenty to dig your teeth into throughout the day, so make sure you stick with us.