FOOTBALL SHORTS

■PEP GUARDIOLA cannot envisage Manchester City winning the title on goal difference as they did a decade ago. ‘I don’t think that is going to happen,’ he said. ‘Of course if we can score as many goals as possible, I encourage Newcastle to score as many goals as possible!’ Liverpool face Newcastle today at lunchtime before City’s evening trip to Leeds.

■MIKEL ARTETA praised Gareth Southgate’s role in helping Bukayo Saka recover from his Euro 2020 penalty heartache. The Arsenal boss said: ‘He got help in any way he needed and then it was down to him.’ ■DERBY’S attempts to exit administration next week may depend on the local council agreeing to buy the stadium from Mel Morris. If the offer is accepted by Morris, it would remove a significant hurdle for potential buyers.