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Andrew Cesare Richardson

Having not yet lived in Hong Kong for a full year, waking up to find out the football results is something I’m still getting used to.
My first experience was Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Manchester United last April, which, to be fair, meant I missed out on the live drama of that incredible finale.
But I can honestly say that in that time, I’ve never been as stunned to find out a result as I was this Saturday morning.
Let’s see if you feel the same way as we take a look at what happened while you were sleeping.
City hammered

Is this the lowest moment of Pep Guardiola’s incredible managerial career?
Manchester City lost for a fifth consecutive match for the first time since 2006. And they didn’t just lose, they were demolished 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur. At home.
It was City’s worst home loss since a 5-1 hammering by Arsenal in 2003 and the first time they’ve lost three Premier League matches in a row under Guardiola, who just two days ago agreed to a two-year contract extension.
A first-half double from James Maddison got the ball rolling before Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson got in on the act.
Guardiola said afterwards: “In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation.”
The day had started so brightly for the hosts when midfielder Rodri was presented with the Ballon d’Or on the Etihad pitch.
City could now find themselves eight points behind leaders Liverpool, who welcome bottom side Southampton on Sunday, before the two heavyweights meet at Anfield next weekend.
Spurs actually kicked off City’s losing streak by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup last month.
Arsenal back on track
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over a Nottingham Forest side who had come into the match unbeaten away from home.
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca earned a victory at his old stomping ground as Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1.
After 10 matches without a win, Wolves made it two victories in a row with a 4-1 success away to Fulham, while Everton drew 0-0 with 10-man Brentford.
Aston Villa twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Crystal Palace in Saturday’s other match.
Euro round-up
Borussia Dortmund kept up their tag as Europe’s most inconsistent side as they followed up their 3-1 defeat to Mainz with a 4-0 hammering of Freiburg.
Champions Bayer Leverkusen snapped their run of three successive draws with a 5-2 win over Heidenheim, while RB Leipzig lost 4-3 at Hoffenheim in a battle of the non-traditionalists.
In Italy, the big match of the weekend was a disappointing 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus.
The early game saw champions Inter beat Verona 5-0 to go top, but were then pushed into second as Atalanta won 3-1 at Parma. Just three points separate the top six.
In Spain, Barcelona were 2-0 ahead at Celta Vigo with nine minutes remaining but ended up drawing 2-2. They had been down to 10 men since Marc Casado was sent off just past the hour mark.
Atletico Madrid beat Alaves 2-1 to temporarily leapfrog Real Madrid into second place, but Los Blancos have two games in hand.
Wales’ year to forget
World champions South Africa hammered Wales 45-12 in Cardiff to condemn Warren Gatland’s team to a 12th consecutive Test defeat and a winless calendar year for the first time since 1937.
The Springboks were dominant throughout at the Principality Stadium, scoring seven tries to two in a relentless display that matched attacking accuracy with defensive brutality and set-piece mastery.
The result meant the Boks, who wrapped up the Rugby Championship title this year, finish their season with 11 victories from 13 Tests, having used a whopping 52 players and scoring 57 tries.
Foe to friend

Novak Djokovic announced that his retired long-time rival Andy Murray is joining the 24-time grand slam-winning player’s coaching team, starting at the Australian Open in January.
“I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net with me, this time as my coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we’ve shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers,” Djokovic said in a statement.
Murray, a three-time grand slam champion who retired from competitive tennis at the Olympics in August, said: “I am very excited about this and look forward to being on the same side of the net for a change.
“I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals for the upcoming year.”
Sinner and co march on
Defending champions Italy moved into the Davis Cup final after a 2-0 win over Australia as Jannik Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets to follow up Matteo Berrettini’s victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
A repeat of last year’s final ended with the same result and with world No 1 Sinner again seeing off De Minaur, sending Italy into Sunday’s final where they will meet the Netherlands who have reached the decider for the first time.
After an impressive season in which he claimed his first two grand slam titles, Sinner is eager to cap the year by leading Italy to their second successive title in the men’s team event.


Manchester City crisis reaches new depths, Wales lose again and Murray to coach Djokovic

Lionel Messi getting new boss, theft ring targets NBA stars, England defend Curry pick

Pep Guardiola extends Manchester City stay, Italy v Argentina in Davis Cup semi-finals

Chelsea, Real Madrid earning UWCL wins, Italy clinching BJK Cup among sporting headlines

While you were sleeping

Kevin De Bruyne’s look of disbelief sums up the mood at Manchester City, who have now lost five matches in a row. Photo: AFP

Tottenham’s joy contrasted with Manchester City’s dejection as the visitors run riot at the Etihad. Photo: DPA

Andy Murray, left, will form part of the coaching team Novak Djokovic, right, will have with him at the Australian Open. Photo: Reuters

Pep Guardiola laments worst moment at Manchester City after home hammering by Tottenham

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after the home defeat to Tottenham. Photo: EPA

Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson celebrates with his teammates after putting his side 4-0 up at Manchester City. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong Open: Patrick Reed takes charge at Fanling with remarkable 59, has 3-shot lead

Patrick Reed starts celebrating as his birdie putt heads to the hole on the 18th during the third round of the Link Hong Kong Open. Photo: Asian Tour.

Ben Campbell goes into Sunday four shots adrift of Patrick Reed. Photo: Asian Tour.

Sport

Football

Tennis

Domestic football is back with a bang after the international break, while the Davis Cup final line-up is set


Domestic football is back with a bang after the international break, while the Davis Cup final line-up is set.


English Premier League