Alys Bowen

A life-size statue of former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been spotted in Kumasi, Ghana. Saddick Adams, a sports journalist based in Ghana tweeted a photo of the statue, informing Essien it was a "beautiful gift". The statue was erected a few years ago, but the artist is unknown.

Arsene Wenger has called on referees to adopt a more modern approach to disciplining players in order to offer fans "crisp, sharp action". The Arsenal manager, whose side face Chelsea live on Sky Sports on Wednesday, has also called for the handball rules to be simplified after the Gunners conceded a controversial late penalty to draw with West Brom. Wenger was charged by the FA over his conduct towards match officials in Arsenal's draw with the Baggies.

Phil Jones says he will be forever grateful to his former manager Sam Allardyce, as Manchester United prepare to face his Everton side on New Year's Day, live on Sky Sports. Jones played under Allardyce at Blackburn between 2009 and 2011, having progressed from the youth squad to making his full Premier League debut for Rovers against Chelsea as an 18-year-old in March 2010.