Manchester City brutally exposed Arsenal's defensive frailties as Mikel Arteta's team were beaten 4-1 in the last eight of the Carabao Cup last night. It was level at half-time before City pushed on and Pep Guardiola's team are now two matches away from a fourth success in the competition in a row. Newcastle missed out on a first major semi-final in 15 years after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Brentford. They became the fourth Premier League team to fall to Brentford in this season's competition. Tonight Manchester United and Everton clash in one remaining quarter-final, while Stoke and Spurs meet in the other.
Kerry secured their eighth Munster minor football championship in a row after a 10-point win over Clare at LIT Gaelic Grounds. At the end of a year best seen receding in the rear-view mirror, here's Seán Moran's guide to what happened: the 12 days of 2020. In his column this morning, Darragh Ó Sé explains why Dublin are as far ahead of the pack as they ever were. And as for Mayo; "the team that eventually beats Dublin will need to have match-winners coming off the bench. Mayo seem further away than ever on that score."
Owen Doyle believes World Rugby needs to end dangerous clean-outs, and quickly. In his weekly column the former Test referee and former director of referees with the IRFU explains: "World Rugby absolutely must sort out this confused and perilous shambles; and have the will to do so – those in charge must show strong unequivocal leadership, and deliver on their responsibilities. Immense responsibilities." Munster head coach Johann van Graan has heaped praise on centre Damian de Allende for his key role in turning things around in last weekend's comeback win against Clermont: "he certainly gives the team a lot of belief and a lot of calmness. That's why we signed Damian because we believe he is close to the best in the world in that position."
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor's highly anticipated UFC return against Dustin Poirier next month will take place at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. In racing news, the Christmas action will be "domestic only" after movement of horses and jockeys across the Irish Sea was ruled out until the new year.
