Kick Off: Messi 51-49 Ronaldo; Klopp 'almost cried' for Salah's warm behaviour

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.

TOP HEADLINES

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal: Reds go 9 points clear as Firmino hat-trick inspires rout

Liverpool thrashed Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday, as Roberto Firmino scored his first Premier League hat-trick.

Juventus 2-1 Sampdoria: Ronaldo nets double to cap 2018 with 49 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo's double saw Juventus edge past Sampdoria and finish the first half of the Serie A season unbeaten as he capped 2018 with 49 goals.

Time to hand in the annual answer sheet: Messi 51-49 Ronaldo

After Cristiano Ronaldo could only manage a double against Sampdoria, Lionel Messi ends the year with most goals scored in 2018; the Argentinian managed 51 compared to the Portuguese's 49.

Match Reports

Tottenham 1-3 Wolves: Spurs dealt big blow in Premier League title bid

Spurs undone by a late Wolves charge in a major blow to their hopes of a title challenge

Empoli 0-1 Inter: Keita's volley settles Nerazzurri's second consecutive win

Inter just about did enough at Empoli on Saturday, as Keita Balde Diao's 72nd-minute goal secured a 1-0 Serie A win.

Milan 2-1 SPAL: Higuain ends goal drought & Milan's 5-game winless run

Gennaro Gattuso can breathe a little easier after AC Milan got back to winning ways as Gonzalo Higuain ended his goal drought against SPAL.

WHAT THEY SAY

'I almost cried!' - Klopp moved by Salah allowing Firmino to complete hat-trick

The Brazil international scored from the penalty spot to complete his treble as Liverpool thrashed Arsenal at Anfield

'Suning-based Inter can even sign Messi if they want'

Eder believes Suning Group ‘can make Inter dream’ and that the Chinese conglomerate is capable of bringing Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi to the club.

Ronaldo: I like VAR & we should welcome anything that makes referee's job easier

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo supports VAR interventions in Serie A. “We should welcome anything that makes the referee’s job easier.”

THESE THINGS HAPPEN

Messi plans his Argentina return with the Copa America in sight

On June 14, 2019, the next Copa America will get underway and Brazil will host a still unconfirmed opponent in Sao Paolo to kick off a tournament that will see Lionel Messi line up for Argentina.

Zidane meets Man Utd ambassador in Dubai amid link with manager's job (Mirror)

Zinedine Zidane has met with Manchester United ambassador Mikael Silvestre on holiday as he continues to be linked with the Old Trafford manager's job.

Martial reprimanded by Solskjaer after being late

Anthony Martial was reprimanded by Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after returning back late from Paris on Christmas Day.

Hazard reveals pre-season talks with Sarri over Chelsea false nine role

Eden Hazard has revealed Maurizio Sarri always thought he could thrive as a central striker.

Puyol hails 'rock & roll' Reds - THINGS YOU MISSED from Liverpool win

Roberto Firmino hit a hat-trick. Mohamed Salah hit a brace. Liverpool produced yet another statement win to boost their title prospects.

CR7 at Juventus: Goals, assists & fixtures in 2018-19

How is the five-time Ballon d'Or winner adapting to life in Italy after making a big-money move from Real Madrid? Goal has the stats

Dig at Mou? Shaw welcomes back attacking football under 'positive' Solskjaer

The Norwegian's arrival at Old Trafford has pleased both the players and fans, most notably in terms of playing style

From 13 goals to 13 touches - Aubameyang stat sums up Arsenal pain at Anfield

The Gabon forward was a sidelined figure as the Gunners were thrashed on Saturday, conceding four times in the first half

Napoli fans to wear masks in support of racially abused Koulibaly

The club's followers will show solidarity with the Senegal international after he was subjected to taunts during the club's defeat to Inter

AF COLUMN

On This Day: Torres scored 50th EPL goal for Reds; Berbatov netted 4 for Spurs

Hi all, welcome to All Football's On This Day! Let's find out what happened today (December 29th) in football history. If you have more stories and news that happened on this day in history, please post them in the comment area and share them with AFers!

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Salah vs Aubameyang: How do the stars compare?

The race to be the Premier League top scorer has a distinct African flavour to it this season - Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang currently leads the way, followed by Egypt's Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool show they are growing even stronger with Arsenal win

Is there any stopping Liverpool? Their Premier League title credentials look more convincing than ever after their 5-1 demolition of Arsenal.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

The best moments of Neymar's Champions League 2018 in 60 seconds

FIXTURES OF THE DAY (CET)

Premier League

13:00    Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

15:15    Southampton vs Man City

17:30   Man United vs Bournemouth