Europe

BIRMINGHAM — Aston Villa inflicted more misery on shell-shocked Manchester City on Saturday, defeating them 2-1 in the Premier League with goals from Colombian forward Jhon Duran and former City forward Morgan Rogers.

Villa rose above City into fifth place in the Premier League table, and the title holders dropped provisionally to sixth with their ninth loss in 12 games across all competitions.

Pep Guardiola's team could fall to as low as ninth by the end of the weekend and have just one victory to show from that 12-game stretch.

Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday and can thank United States men’s national team defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Carter-Vickers, who will turn 27 on New Year’s Eve, has had his ups and downs this season. On Sunday he had one of his highlights of the season as he somehow stopped a Rangers counterattack despite being outnumbered four-to-one.

Six men including the brother of France international Paul Pogba were sentenced to prison terms of between three and eight years on Thursday after being convicted of extortion attempts targeting the footballer, French media reported.

Pogba brother extortion case

DOHA — Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was named FIFA men's player of the year in Doha on Tuesday, with Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati winning the women's award for the second year in a row.

Vinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions to help Real Madrid clinch the LaLiga and Champions League double, and he also netted in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.

The Brazilian won the award ahead of Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri and his teammate at Real, England's Jude Bellingham.

Chelsea have confirmed that forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been contacted by the Football Association after an adverse finding following a routine anti-doping test.

The Premier League club issued a brief statement on Tuesday confirming an investigation into the Ukraine international after the adverse result from a urine sample.

Mudryk doping test controversy

Aston Villa will be disappointed with their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, however an unbelievable Emiliano Martínez save was one big highlight they can smile about.

In the 60th minute with the score tied at 0-0 Martínez seemingly broke the laws of physics with an unreal save. Nottingham Forest’s Nicolás Domínguez thought for certain he’d scored the opening goal with a close-range header but was denied by the paw of Martínez.

Emi Martínez save vs Forest

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

MANCHESTER — Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola blames the congested fixture schedule for the injuries that have ravaged his struggling team this season, saying he needs a squad of 45 or 50 players to weather the storm.

Saying City are in survival mode, Guardiola added he could have just three defenders available when they host Manchester United in Sunday's derby at Etihad Stadium, another blow to their dwindling hopes of retaining their Premier League title.

They are fourth in the table and have just one victory to show for their last 10 games across all competitions.