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THE MILLION DOLLAR SLIP
PLUS: Man City in crisis mode?

Welcome to the Nutmeg, each week, you can expect: Exclusive previews of major football events – Spotlight features on top football creators – In-depth analysis of trending football culture. Delivered as consistently as Beckham’s crosses.
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PUMA’S WORST NIGHTMARE

Marc Cucurella’s debut of Puma’s new £220 Future 8 boots during Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Tottenham turned into a marketing nightmare. The Spanish full-back slipped twice in the opening minutes, leading directly to two Spurs goals and putting Puma’s much-hyped boots under heavy scrutiny.
After his second slip, Cucurella switched boots, but not before social media exploded with criticism, including a now-deleted post showing the discarded boots in the bin. Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher slammed the full-back for not spotting the issue in warm-up, while lead commentator Peter Drury took a jab, saying, "Like Cinderella, Cucurella needs a slipper that fits!"
Despite the blunders, Chelsea staged a thrilling comeback, with Cucurella playing a role in their victory. However, Puma’s £220 boots, advertised for their “adaptability and control,” now face an uphill battle to convince consumers ahead of the holiday season.
REUS’S FIRST TITLE

After a career filled with near-misses, Marco Reus has finally secured a major title, helping LAFC lift the 2024 MLS Cup. The German winger, who’s long been a symbol of unfulfilled potential due to injuries, was part of the team that triumphed in a thrilling final, putting an end to his long wait for silverware.
Reus’ career has been defined by both brilliance and bad luck, with injuries regularly sidelining him at critical moments. Despite his undeniable talent, Reus missed key tournaments for both Borussia Dortmund and the German national team, including the 2014 World Cup, where Germany went on to win without him. His MLS triumph with LAFC is a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, but also a long-overdue reward for a player who’s consistently given his all, despite the obstacles.
CITY FANS ARE LOSING FAITH

Manchester City’s latest training session has left fans scratching their heads, as a live-streamed penalty drill turned into a viral fiasco. Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Ilkay Gundogan all missed their spot kicks — despite the fact that there was no goalkeeper in net.
What was meant to be a routine practice quickly became the subject of mockery on social media, with Foden and Grealish’s efforts falling embarrassingly wide of the target. The sight of City’s stars struggling to convert penalties with no opposition in goal has left supporters questioning their team’s preparedness, especially after the club’s recent struggles, including a crushing 9th loss in 10 games.
As if that wasn't enough, City fans at the Juventus stadium were forced to watch the painful display until the final whistle, with stadium announcers reminding them that they couldn’t leave early. The combination of on-field failures and off-field frustration has turned a routine training session into a PR headache for Pep Guardiola’s side, leaving fans wondering where the team’s confidence has gone.
Other news you shouldn’t let slip through your legs:
🏆🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇲🇦 Spain, Portugal and Morocco are set to play host to the World Cup in 2030
🏆 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia has been named hosts of the 2034 World Cup
🔵The Friedkin Group have secured approval from Premier League to become club's new owners
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