Take a break from that last minute Christmas shopping and check out 10 things that you might have missed from the world of football this week, including Schalke’s Alexander Nubel only just missing the ball, Lee Tomlin’s utter audacity, and Gareth Bale practicing his bottle flip technique on the bench. Funny old game, innit?
Last Chance Saloon – One of the best last-kick-of-the-game equalisers you're ever likely to see. Hat's off.
No Mercy From Killer Villa – Due to their commitments in the Club World Cup, Liverpool had to field their youngest-ever starting line-up in the League Cup clash with Aston Villa. And Villa didn't hold back...
Manchester Mutual Appreciation Club – Two icons from either side of the blue/red divide, showing each other a bit of respect. Good effort gentlemen, we'll see if that feeling remains come the next derby day.
Showboating – Alright mate, some of us can't even paint with a brush.
Glory In Defeat – It's a bit like backing the opposition for a win: feels dirty, but softens the blow of a loss.
Bench Warmer – Real Madrid paying Gareth Bale £500,000 per week to do the Bottle flip challenge on the bench.
Main Mane – Sadio Mane is smashing it this season, and here's yet more evidence of what a nice chap he is off the pitch as well. Hard not to like this guy.
Heel-Lee – Audacious. Thankfully Glatzel was able to finish it; would've been criminal to have fluffed that.
Minameeeno – Liverpool announced the signing of Japanese star Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg this week – a name made to be said in Scouse.
Nailed Him – Schalke keeper Alexander Nubel saw red for only just missing the ball. Game's getting soft.
Holy S.Hart – "I wouldn’t say I was the best Secretary of State for Wales in the business, but I was definitely in the top one..."
Oh Deer – And as this is the last Friday before Christmas, we'll end on something a bit festive. Reports that Manchester United are lining up a move for this Reindeer should they fail in their bid to bring Erling Haaland to Old Trafford are unconfirmed.
Merry Christmas. Have a good one ...
