DeAndre Yedlin showcased his ever-growing defensive game again on Wednesday in Newcastle United’s 0-1 defeat to Manchester City at Saint James’ Park. The 24-year-old native of Seattle was part of a Newcastle back five that had to contend with Pep Guardiola’s traveling circus of attacking freaks, but the right back won three defensive aerials, two tackles and made two interceptions while also providing the cross that led to Newcastle’s best chance of the first half.

Manchester City out-possessed Newcastle United 78%-22%, out-passed them 824-228 and outshot them 21-6, but Raheem Sterling’s goal off another sublime Kevin De Bruyne assist was the only difference in Wednesday night’s encounter at Saint James’ Park.

City’s winning streak hit 18 matches while the gap on second-place Manchester United grew to 15 points, but Rafa Benitez’s charges could’ve put a halt to their run in a manner which would’ve had Pep Guardiola guzzling his traditional post-match champagne. 

Earlier today, The Telegraph reported that Liverpool and Southampton have agreed to a $100.5 million transfer fee for defender Virgil van Dijk. This fee would break the transfer fee record for a defender, previously set by Manchester City and Kyle Walker. Van Dijk will also be Liverpool's club record signing.

Goal's Melissa Reddy, generally a pretty reliable source of Liverpool news, also reported a deal was imminent.

It’s hardly a surprise for anyone that FIFA named Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano as one of the top ten young soccer players of the year. Having scored 11 goals in 16 matches playing for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, the 22 year-old Mexican international is off to a blistering start to his European career.