Southampton shock City, Chelsea sign Joao Felix on loan

Stefan Ortega looks dejected after being beaten twice by Southampton in their League Cup encounter on Wednesday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Things have picked up already in the world of football since the turn of the new year with teams trying to find or sustain momentum while clubs are seeking the signatures of players that can help them; we look at a few hot topics.

United stay alive on all fronts

Manchester United remains the only England club in all competitions this season after Southampton’s shock win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Old Trafford side will play Nottingham Forest in the League Cup semifinal over two legs, the Red Devils are still in the Europa league, they are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and remain in the hunt for the premier league title despite being nine points off leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea in no man’s land despite Joao Felix arrival

Chelsea have signed Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid for €11m, a staggering fee for a player that must return to his parent club in the summer as the deal is a dry loan with no option to buy.

The Blues sit nineteen odd points off the top of the league and are in danger of missing out of Europe altogether; fans across the world want the manager out but the club insists he’s the man to lead their project but their game against Fulham on Thursday will say a lot.

Will Arsenal complete the Murdryk transfer soon?

Few respected journalists are reporting that premier league leaders Arsenal is close to the signing of Ukrainian wonderkid Mhykalo Murdruyk but nothing has been confirmed by either club with the player joining up with his team for their mid-season preparations.

The Gunners must reinforce to give themselves a fair chance to maintain their current momentum but the club has made it clear that they will not overpay for any player. Arsenal is expected to bring in bodies in the midfield and upfront with Gabriel Jesus out injured.

Real Madrid through to Cup final

The Los Blancos fought hard on Wednesday to book their place in the Spanish Copa Del Rey final after beating Valencia on penalties.

Karim Benzema fired the hosts in front from the penalty spot before halftime but Genarro Gattusso’s side leveled shortly after halftime. The game went into penalties as neither side was able to break the deadlock after extra time with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saving twice from six yards.

Is City leaving it all on champions league?

Manchester City limped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday after two shock first half goals from Southampton dumped them out of the competition.

The Cityzens desperately want the champions league and seem to have prioritized the competition above others but credit is due to the Saints who managed the game effectively, giving manager Nathan Jones something to celebrate.