Kick Off: Chelsea beat West Ham; Bender twins to retire at season's end

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Match Report

Chelsea 3-0 West Ham: Battling Blues back on track at the Bridge

Tammy Abraham struck twice as patient Chelsea ground out a 3-0 win at home to West Ham to stop the rot in their final Premier League match before Christmas.

Top Headlines

Lars and Sven Bender will end their playing careers at the end of the season

Bayer Leverkusen confirm that Lars and Sven Bender will not renew their expiring contracts at Bayer 04 and will end their professional playing careers at the end of the current season.

Messi: I had a very bad time, I dragged it with me at the start of the season

There are a lot of questions hanging over Lionel Messi's head, with the Barcelona captain's contract set to expire on June 30, and he has explained how the actions of last summer affected him at the start of this season.

These things happen

Khabib pays tribute to close friend Ronaldo for '15 years on top' in football

Khabib Nurmagomedov has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his longevity at the elite level of football in a social media tribute.

Harry Maguire has played more minutes than any other footballer in 2020

New figures show that Harry Maguire has played more minutes than any other professional footballer in 2020 - and that includes goalkeepers!

Man United's two-goal hero McTominay gets a new nickname from Bruno Fernandes

Scott McTominay has earned himself a new nickname after his quick-fire double in Manchester United's 6-2 thrashing of Leeds.

Benzema wins Di Stefano Trophy: It's an honour to unseat Messi and Ronaldo

As part of the MARCA Football Awards, Karim Benzema was handed the Alfredo Di Stefano prize for being the best player in LaLiga Santander in 2019/20.

Salah ignores talk about Liverpool future as he takes daughter out for breakfast

Mohamed Salah put speculation surrounding a move away from Liverpool behind him by heading out for breakfast with his daughter in Cheshire on Monday.

Takefusa Kubo's 'loan deal could be cut short' and return to Real Madrid

Takefusa Kebo could see his loan spell at Villarreal cut short amid a lack of minutes under Unai Emery with the Japanese international looking likely to return to Real Madrid.

What they say

Gary Neville: Man Utd still 'don't look like team who can challenge for title'

Man Utd would have "snapped everybody's hand off" to have the chance to move two points off the top but "have not played" like title challengers, says Gary Neville.

Ronald Araujo: Barcelona's soldier who runs 35 km/h

When Barcelona announced their squad numbers for the 2020/21 season, eyebrows would have raised to see the same No.4 shirt worn by Ronald Koeman, Pep Guardiola, Rafa Marquez, Cesc Fabregas and Ivan Rakitic go to a newcomer with just six first-team games behind him.

Koeman: For me, it was a penalty against Ramos

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has offered his thoughts on the incident involving Sergio Ramos during Real Madrid's 3-1 win away at Eibar on Sunday night, with many believing that a penalty should have been awarded.

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal need to 'careful' of relegation threat

Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to his underperforming Arsenal stars as the Gunners boss urged his players to be wary of the relegation threat amid the club's worst start to a season in 46 years.

Messi interview clip gives Barcelona fans hope

The Argentinean star, in an interview to be broadcast on Sunday, 27 December, says he’s excited by the challenge of fighting for everything that lies ahead at Barcelona.

Roy Keane claims he could see the 'relief' in Daniel James' celebration vs Leeds

Roy Keane said Manchester United winger Daniel James ended a 'tough few months' after he scored against Leeds at Old Trafford.

Billy Gilmour opens up on modelling and being the 'lovechild' of Xavi & Iniesta

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has admitted team-mate Mason Mount has nicknamed him 'Billy Balboa' after his exploits in training at the club.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

What a slide tackle from Kimpembe! He stopped 4-on-1 attack on his own

FIXTURES OF THE DAY

EFL Cup

Arsenal vs Man City UTC 2020/12/22 20:00

La Liga

Real Sociedad vs Atletico UTC 2020/12/22 18:45

Valladolid vs Barcelona UTC 2020/12/22 21:00

Serie A

Juventus vs Fiorentina UTC 2020/12/22  19:45