More stories

  • in

    ‘Just lost it’ – Prem icon reveals Roy Keane’s two and a half hour dressing room rant about yoga and LUCOZADE after loss

    DARREN BENT has revealed he was once on the receiving end of a Roy Keane dressing room rant that lasted “two and a half hours”.Keane has become synonymous with his passionate outbursts and strong opinions, and Spurs hero Bent has recalled witnessing one of those first hand.Roy Keane has become well known for his rantsCredit: GettyDarren Bent has recalled a furious Keane rant during his time at Aston VillaCredit: Youtube/TalksportBent, who played under Keane during the Irishman’s time as assistant manager at Aston Villa, harked back to the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat away at QPR in 2014.Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent said: “We were in the changing room for another two, two and a half hours after the game.”He [Keane] absolutely blasted absolutely everything. And I’m talking about everything from people having injuries, to people getting too many massages, to people drinking Lucozade, to people doing yoga.”They turned the lights off [at Loftus Road]. We hadn’t had a shower.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was one of those situations where, everyone had their head down right, and the moment you lifted your head, if he caught eye contact with you, you were getting it.”So my head stayed down the whole time.”Bent went on to reveal that the manager at the time, Paul Lambert, had no part in the dressing down and just watched on in silence.He said: “All I can remember is that Paul Lambert was in the corner saying nothing.”Most read in FootballRoy Keane was the assistant manager to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationBent played under the pair at Villa ParkCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added: “Lambert came in and said some stuff and then he might have said ‘Roy do you want to add anything’, and then Roy just went”.Bent, who scored over 100 Premier League goals across his career, explained that he didn’t disagree with the vast majority of what Keane was saying. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing linkHe said: “Most of the stuff he was saying was correct, but there was some points that, in my mind, he just lost it. Lost the plot, man.”It’s not the first time Keane’s unusual hatred for massages has been made public either, the infamous grump has previously opened up himself about his disliking for club masseuses.The 53-year-old was speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, when he said: “What used to annoy me was the lads who used to do the massages, they’d get a bit cocky.”They settle into the club then they think they’re running the show, have got the music on and the team wins something, and all the masseurs would be on the pitch – just relax lads.“They all get a bit cocky, every one of them. We’re having a night out, free bar, and then they’d come with all their mates – ‘you’re bringing your mates,’ relax!”‘Are we getting medals?,’ no you’re not getting a medal, relax.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Then they’d be wearing their headphones as if they were players, coming off the bus and you’re thinking, just relax, oh my god.”‘Anyone selling their car?’ – they’d try and buy the players’ cars on the cheap, are you’re like lads, relax.”Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

  • in

    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Marmoush scores HAT-TRICK as Manchester City lead Newcastle, Ipswich down to TEN

    MATCHWEEK 25 of the Premier League features some huge matches at both ends of the table.Fans are treated to five 3pm matches right NOW with the pick of the bunch at the Etihad, as Manchester City lead Newcastle at half time following on from Arsenal’s crucial win at Leicester earlier today.Elsewhere, Aston Villa are level at Ipswich, West Ham trail Brentford, Fulham are holding top four hopefuls Nottingham Forest and Southampton are two down to Bournemouth at St Mary’s.In Saturday’s evening kick-off, David Moyes’ Everton travel to the capital to take on Crystal Palace.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…HT: West Ham 0-1 BrentfordThe Hammers can count themselves lucky to go in at the break only a goal behind.Brentford struggled on the road in the first half of the season but have changed that since.Having scored a second goal, only to have it ruled out by VAR, Frank’s side should have a more comfortable lead already.Copy linkCopiedHT: Southampton 0-2 BournemouthAndoni Iraola’s side are finding this a stroll in the park.The hosts have created nothing whatsoever in the final third.Meanwhile. The Cherries look like scoring every time they come forward.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkPoor fare at the break at Villa Park, with neither side looking close to hitting top gear yet.However Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys face an uphill struggle in the second half after former Villa loanee Axel Tuanzebe was suckered into two daft yellow cards – to see red!The defender should have been on red alert after he picked up a booking for tugging down Morgan Rogers.But he grabbed at Jacob Ramsey’s shoulder after the Villa man had gone clear of him and the kid tumbled.It was shrewd by the Villa man but Tuanzebe gave ref Robert Jones a decision to make and he decided another yellow card was merited, followed by the inevitable red.Ten-man Ipswich now have their backs to the wall.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser in the capitalWest Ham are incredibly fortunate to only be a goal down at the break.Brentford have been battering them, winning the ball and breaking at a speed the Hammers cannot cope with.Mbeumo, Wissa and Schade have all been incredibly sharp, profiting from the host’s incompetence.West Ham’s midfield have been largely absent when it comes to helping out the back four and you wouldn’t bet against one of them being replaced.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadWHAT a half from City and in particular their new forward Omar Marmoush In just his fourth start since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, he struck a 14 minute hat-trick to endear himself to the Etihad faithful. Any fears City could be hurting from their midweek heartbreak against Real Madrid were blown away. Newcastle were weary – are their players thinking too much about Wembley next month? Copy linkCopiedHT: Fulham 1-1 Nott’m ForestIt has been a dominant display from the hosts in this one.However, despite having only one shot on target, the visitors really made it count.Marco Silva will feel his side should be leading this one, they need to be more clinical in front of goal to do just that.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 0-0 Ipswich TownThere is nothing to separate these sides as they head into the interval.One thing that does is the number of players on the pitch.Tuanzebe was shown a second yellow card for pulling a player back and given his marching orders.Copy linkCopiedHT: Man City 3-0 NewcastleIt has been a comprehensive first-half from Pep Guardiola’s side.They have opened up The Magpies all too often in this one.Marmoush grabbing a hat-trick in the process, this is more like the Man City of old this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-1 Brentford 43. A real let off for Graham Potter’s side.VAR adjudges there to have been an offside Brentford player in the build-up to the goal.How important could that prove in the outcome of this match, only time will tell.Copy linkCopiedVAR review – goal disallowed Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-2 Brentford41. Janelt and Wissa exchange a neat one-two.The Bees’ striker slots home to double the lead for the visitors.However, there is to be a VAR review.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Yoane Wissa (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Nott’m Forest37. Cometh the moment, cometh the man.As a ball is played into Wood outside the box, he shifts it onto his left foot and gets a shot away.Leno cannot do anything about it as the visitors draw level in the capital.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Chris Wood (Nott’m Forest)Copy linkCopiedMan City 3-0 Newcastle33. This is turning into a horror show for Eddie Howe.Savinho is the player pulling the strings, using his pace to beat his man before squaring the ball to the Egyptian.From the penalty spot, he side-foots it into the bottom corner.That is his first-ever hat-trick in senior football.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Craven CottageEMILE SMITH ROWE scored the goal which gives Fulham the lead. But it’s Adama Traore stealing the limelight with three great crosses so far. One of which found Smith Rowe to plant a 14th minute header past Matz Sels.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkIt’s been a bitty start at Villa Park with little quality on show yet.Morgan Rogers raced clear on goal and went down as Town goalie Alex Palmer raced out of his box.However VAR confirmed there was no contact from the keeper although Rogers could have been awarded a foul as chasing defender Jacob Greaves shoved him off balance.Early injuries to Boubacar Kamara and Enciso have seen both players replaced by Tyrone Mings and Jack Clarke, which has disrupted the flow of the game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EithadWELCOME to Manchester, Omar Marmoush. The January signing from Eintracht Frankfurt has caught the eye since he arrived at the Etihad but now we see what he’s all about. First he capitalised on a missed header by Kieran Trippier to score then five minutes later he took a pass from Ilkay Gundogan and drove a low shot into the corner. Newcastle stunned.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser in the capitalSo much for that optimism at West Ham…The Hammers look wide open here and are doing nothing of any value on the ball. Brentford’s flying forwards are carving through the West Ham defence with ease and the Hammers are making mistake after mistake.Potter must be contemplating a change at the break, if not before, already.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at St Mary’sBournemouth stunned the Saints with two clinical finishes inside the first 16 minutes.Jan Bednarek and Nathan Wood allowed Dango Ouattara to sneak away to head home Ryan Christie’s 14th minute cross.And Christlike was soon celebrating a rare goal himself when he was given room to smash home the second from 25 yards.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-0 Newcastle24. Man City are in full control of this game at The Etihad.Gundogan is the creator on this occasion, as he lays it into the path of Marmoush to stroke it home.It already looks a long way back for The Magpies here.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-0 Newcastle21. Newcastle’s poor form at The Etihad looks set to continue.A long ball forward from Ederson sees Marmoush run onto it and he lifts the ball over the advancing keeper to score.Just what the hosts needed in this game.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Omar Marmoush (Man City)Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Everton beat Crystal Palace after Man City thrash Newcastle and Arsenal beat Leicester

    MATCHWEEK 25 of the Premier League features some huge matches at both ends of the table.Manchester City cruised past Newcastle thanks to an Omar Marmoush hat-trick, but Erling Haaland was forced off injured, following on from Arsenal’s crucial win at Leicester earlier today.Elsewhere, Aston Villa were held by ten man Ipswich, West Ham lost to Brentford, Fulham beat Nottingham Forest and Southampton were beaten by Bournemouth at St Mary’s.In Saturday’s evening kick-off, David Moyes’ Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-1 thanks to goals from Beto and Carlos Alcaraz.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Gunners start firing againDespite not having a fit striker for the remainder of this campaign, it did not seem to affect Arsenal this afternoon.Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag a brace and secure the win for the North London outfit.They have now closed the gap between themselves and Liverpool to four points, with the leaders playing Wolves tomorrow.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCherries real winners with hot-formAfter running out 3-1 winners over Southampton today, the victory moved Bournemouth into fifth place in the table.The way things are looking in Europe at the moment, finishing there could very well carry an extra Champions League spot.What an achievement that would be Andoni Iraola and his squad.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHere are today’s Premier League resultsIt has been another hectic day in the top-flight, with plenty of goals.Leicester 0-2 ArsenalAston Villa 1-1 Ipswich TownFulham 2-1 Nott’m ForestMan City 4-0 NewcastleSouthampton 1-3 BournemouthWest Ham 0-1 BrentfordCrystal Palace 1-2 EvertonCopy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 1-2 EvertonEverton edge out Oliver Glasner’s side in the capital.It was quite an even game but Alcaraz’s goal ended up being the match-winner.It could have been a completely different result on another day.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkThat’s quite the debut for Alcaraz – an assist and then the winner. He’s never been a prolific scorer but has made a big impact already. And to think he wouldn’t have played had Doucoure not get himself sent off against Liverpool…Copy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 1-2 EvertonThat’s it, Everton have secured victory.Crystal Palace will feel they should have got more from this.Not that the away end is complaining right now.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton90+5. Deep into added time in the capital.Palace are throwing everything but the kitcken sink at The Toffees.Everton are defending deep, trying to protect this win.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton86. Time is running out for the hosts.Everton seem to have come alive in the game in an attacking sense.That works well for them, keeping Palace at the wrong end of the pitch.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-2 Everton80. Harrison whips a deep cross into the box.As it is worked back from the byline, Young’s shot is blocked.It drops to Alcaraz, who slots home to give The Toffees the lead.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Carlos Alcaraz (Everton)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton72. Both sides are trying to flex their attacking muscle.Everton continually seem to take one too many touches and allow Palace to get in between the player and goal to block.The hosts keep trying balls over the top of the Everton defence but on this wet, greasy surface it often runs through to the keeper before anyone can get on the end of it.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton66. The hosts look to break with pace on the counter.Garner pushes Eze to the floor to stop the attack.Finally, the referee gets a yellow card out in this game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkSemi-automated offsides are nearly with us and that lengthy wait is exactly why they are needed. Around three minutes of the players standing around and fans singing about how much they don’t appreciate VAR. Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton60. A big cheer at Selhurst Park as Chilwell comes on for his debut.The Chelsea loanee replaces Mitchell for The Eagles.It is a very open game now and the game is poised on a knife-edge.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton53. After a ridiculous wait, the goal is given.VAR is really a broken process.Since the introduction of Eze at the interval, Crystal Palace are now dominating this game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Everton48. Some terrible defending from the visitors.Two Everton defenders challenge for the same ball and it drops to Mateta in the box.He slots past Pickford to draw his side level.However, there is a VAR review for a possible offside.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jon West at Selhurst ParkHow on earth are Everton ahead at half time? Palace could and should be three or four up – but paid the price for switching off late on.Is it Tyrick Mitchell’s fault for sending a throw-in to a team-mate who wasn’t expecting it? Or should Jefferson Lerma have been alert? Either way it’s a disaster – and an Everton opener.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 EvertonIt has been a bizarre half of football with Palace having a goal disallowed for the ball going out despite none of the camera angles showing it to be the case.Then Sarr missed an absolute sitter from yards out, hitting the underside of the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.Everton went straight down the other end and took the lead themselves to rub salt into the wound.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 EvertonThe referee brings the first-half to a close.Everton have a slender lead in a very even match.That miss from Sarr seemed to be the start of things going south for The Eagles in this game.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Everton45. Palace pay the ultimate price for their miss.Everton come forward and it is played through to Beto who tucks it past Henderson to open the scoring.The goal silences Selhurst Park in the process.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Beto (Everton)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton40. We may have seen one of the misses of the season.It has all got a bit scrappy and the ball breaks to Sarr six yards out.He thunders it against the underside of the crossbar and it comes back out.He had to score from there.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton35. It is interesting how the two teams have set up today.Alcaraz is looking to test Henderson from distance constantly.Palace put a dangerous ball into the box, which The Toffees fail to clear, but they get lucky as the referee awards a free kick.It looked like Tarkowksi lost his footing and was not fouled at all.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Everton30. Almost a big chance for The Toffees.As Harrison puts in a deep cross into the box, Lindstrom meets it deep of the back post, trying to pick out Beto.Henderson does brilliantly to cut it out but is clattered by Lacroix as the two try to prevent the danger.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri, 17, excels amid injury crisis but Raheem Sterling a shadow of old self

    MIKEL MERINO was Arsenal’s hero from the bench as he solved the striker crisis with two goals at Leicester.With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both set to miss the rest of the season, Mikel Arteta started Leandro Trossard up front.Mikel Merino scored twice as Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 at the King PowerCredit: ReutersMerino lost his marker to head in the opening goal on 81 minutesCredit: PABut the Gunners struggled to find the breakthrough against a resilient Foxes defence. That was until Merino came on and changed the game.He headed in the opener from Ethan Nwaneri’s delicate cross on 81 minutes then made it 2-0 with a tidy back-post finish six minutes later.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated the Arsenal players…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDAVID RAYA: 6Got his body behind an early Wilfred Ndidi effort but very little else to do until saving Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s rising shot in the 67th minute.JURRIEN TIMBER: 6Was caught out on a few occasions but he did try and get forward to help Nwaneri. WILLIAM SALIBA: 6 Had a battle with Jamie Vardy and made sure that Leicester’s talisman was kept pretty quiet. GABRIEL: 6Strong in the air and generally coped well although Leicester were poor in terms of quality when going forward. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilliam Saliba came out on top in his battle with Jamie VardyCredit: GettyMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 7Big intervention to stop De Cordova-Reid with 17 minutes left to deflect Jordan Ayew’s cross for a corner. That was quality defending when under real pressure. THOMAS PARTEY:  6Sat deep and mopped up the rare moments of Leicester pressure but did tire which is why he was replaced. Worrying Kai Havertz footage emerges after Arsenal star ruled out for entire season with devastating torn hamstringMARTIN ODEGAARD: 7Showed quality in the final third but he is capable of much more. Two terrific passes in the first half to Trossard but he wasted them. DECLAN RICE: 6Improved after the break but failed to really stamp his authority on the game. You would have thought this game would have been perfect for the England midfielder. ETHAN NWANERI: 8Set up the first goal and Arsenal’s best player along with sub Merino. He had Arsenal’s best chances of the second half but he fired one shot wide and then hammered an effort against the post. His cross for Merino was perfect. Ethan Nwaneri ran the show for ArsenalCredit: ReutersTeenager came within a whisker of opening the scorer as he hit the woodworkCredit: AFPLEANDRO TROSSARD: 5If he is Arsenal’s answer to their problems up front then they have major issues. Played as a false nine until the arrival of Merino and did not look up to it. Had two first-half chances in good positions but failed to make the most of them but he set up the second goal. RAHEEM STERLING: 4Dreadful performance. Looks nothing like the player of a few years ago and it was hardly surprising he was Arsenal’s first player to be subbed. Had a shot deflected wide but delivered very few problems down the left.  Raheem Sterling had a tricky afternoonCredit: ReutersSUBSMIKEL MERINO: 8 (for Sterling 69 minutes) – Had never played up front before but answered Arteta’s SOS call emphatically with two late goals. JORGINHO: 6 (for Partey 75 mins) – Brought on to keep more control in midfield as Partey started to flag.READ MORE SUN STORIESRICCARDO CALAFIORI: 7 (for Myles-Skelly 76 mins) – Played key role in second goal with driving run through middle.KIERAN TIERNEY: 6 (for Trossard 89 mins) – Scot played on wing for closing minutes. Merino finished at the back post for the second goalCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Leicester 0 Arsenal 2: Supersub Merino breathes life into Gunners’ title fight and eases striker crisis with late goals

    MIKEL MERINO rescued toothless Arsenal’s title bid with two goals in the last 10 minutes that now pile the pressure on leaders Liverpool.The Spanish midfielder, sent on with 20 minutes to go as a makeshift centre forward, headed home Ethan Nwaneri’s cross and converted fellow sub Riccardo Calafiori’s centre to close the gap at the top to four points.Mikel Merino heads home Arsenal’s winnerCredit: RexThe Spaniard celebrates grabbing the Gunners’ openerCredit: PAUntil that crucial moment Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit side were heading for a draw that would have handed the initiative straight back to Arne Slot’s Reds after their disappointing result in the Merseyside derby.Although teenage sensation Nwaneri had hit the woodwork twice, once in either half, the Gunners had not forced the Foxes goalkeeper into a meaningful save.Arteta’s lack of attacking options after Kai Havertz joined the casualty list was shown when Arteta threw Merino on for the last quarter of the game.But the Spaniard, who was injured himself in his first training session with the Gunners last summer, came up trumps.Arsenal had the better possession early on but the first chance fell to Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi.When a cross was half cleared, the midfielder sent a volley from the edge of the box straight into David Raya’s arms.The Gunners’ Ethan Nwaneri was looking lively, and sent in a tempting cross only for Declan Rice’s header to deflect off James Justin and go wide.That was about it until a Jordan Ayew error set Raheem Sterling off on a run that ended with a shot which went behind off Wout Faes.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMerino nets Arsenal’s second of the afternoonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s makeshift forward knee slides after bagging his secondCredit: GettyThen Martin Odegaard’s scooped pass looked to be dropping nicely for makeshift centre forward Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian totally misjudged it and the chance was gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA poor first half was petering out when Ndidi had the chance to give the home side the lead.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsLeft-back Victor Kristiansen’s cross was excellent but the Nigeria international could not even put his header on target.Arsenal started the second half with a bit more conviction. If Rice’s lay-off to Sterling had been better, the former Man City winger would have had a clear sight of goal.Then Sterling was stopped in his tracks by Leicester substitute Woyo Coulibaly, who had come on late in the first half for the injured Justin.Most read in FootballThe away team forced a number of corners without making any of them count, but they were getting closer. Most notably when Nwaneri grazed the bar with a shot from 20 yards on the hour.Bobby De Cordova-Reid made sure Raya was still awake with a shot on target but it was a rare forward threat from the home team.Arteta had seen enough of Sterling with 20 minutes to go, sending on midfielder Mikel Merino to play as a stop-gap centre forward and moving Trossard to the left.Then Leicester almost took the lead. Ayew broke and crossed to the far post where only Myles Lewis-Skelly’s touch stopped De Cordova-Reid from tapping the ball home.Arsenal went straight down the other end and almost scored themselves. Again it was Nwaneri and again he was denied by the woodwork, this time hitting Hermansen’s left-hand post.WIth less than a quarter of the game to go, Arteta had seen enough of Sterling toiling down the left and on came Merino.With less than 10 minutes to go, the substitute delivered.Leicester failed to clear. Nwaneri’s cross was gorgeous, Merino’s run was perfectly timed and his header was firm and well-directed.The away fans went ballistic. Leicester tried to come back but did not look like equalising before an attack broke down and Arsenal showed the ruthlessness they had lacked for so long.READ MORE SUN STORIESCalafiori ran down the left and sent in a perfect cross that Merino gave the finish it deserved.The title race is very much on. More

  • in

    ‘Moves like he’s never kicked a ball in his life’ – Arsenal fans slam Leandro Trossard for horror miss in Leicester game

    ARSENAL fans didn’t hold back in their assessment of their makeshift front three after Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity against Leicester.Trossard, alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling, had the spotlight on him as Arsenal tried to create opportunities with a cobbled together attack given their injury crisis.Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity for Arsenal in the first halfCredit: ReutersThe Belgian got his feet mixed up and hit a tame effort at the goalkeeperCredit: XTrossard was blasted by his own fans for the missCredit: APBut that spotlight got even bigger when Trossard was handed the ball on a plate from a terrific lofted pass by Martin Odegaard, only to fluff the opportunity with a tame effort straight at Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.The miss left Arsenal fans fuming online with the Gunners chasing perfection to maintain any kind of title race.One fan wrote: “Odegaard flicks a ball over the top and Trossard moves like he’s never kicked a ball in his life.”While another added: “When you watch that Trossard miss again, it’s actually shocking”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third fumed: “Trossard and Sterling not good enough for Arsenal. They are panicking!”And a fourth angrily posted: “If we don’t see Sterling or Trossard subbed off in the second half, it’s better not to watch the game”.Trossard was asked to operate as a centre-forward in the first 45 minutes with Sterling playing left-wing and 17-year-old Nwaneri on the right flank.Arsenal have been dealt injury blow after injury blow this season and things went from bad to worse this week.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter opting against adding attacking depth to the squad in the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta lost starting striker Kai Havertz for the rest of the season with a torn hamstring suffered during a warm weather training camp in Dubai earlier in the week.Havertz joins Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in the treatment room with Arsenal’s fit attacking options limited.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentFortunately for Arteta there was some good news in terms of injuries this weekend.Right-back Ben White returned to the squad after being out since November following surgery on his knee.Arteta knew he wouldn’t have attacking options off the bench today, but yet still found the answers over the course of the 90 minutes.After his attacking line couldn’t come up with the goods he rolled the dice on playing midfielder Mikel Merino at centre-forward. A gamble that paid off after the Spaniard scored twice in six minutes to give the Gunners the edge in a 2-0 win at the King Power.Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice for ArsenalCredit: Reuters17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has become a regualar starter due to Arsenal’s injury crisisCredit: PAKai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: PABukayo Saka has been out since mid-DecemberCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Was that an apology?’ – Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy in awkward exchange live on TNT Sports

    MARTIN KEOWN finally apologised for his iconic scream in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face live on TV.The former Arsenal defender famously celebrated wildly when the ex-Manchester United striker slammed his 2003 penalty against the crossbar. Martin Keown and Ruud van Nistelrooy were reunited at the King Power StadiumCredit: TNT SportsThey had a long, slightly tense handshakeCredit: TNT SportsThe pair were in a good mood and buried their old rivalryCredit: TNT SportsKeown famously celebrated Van Nistelrooy’s penalty miss at Old Trafford in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdKeown got right up to the dejected Dutchman following his miss in the final moments of the pulsating Premier League showdown between the Gunners and Red Devils at Old Trafford.The no-nonsense centre-half has constantly defended his behaviour for more than two decades.But as Keown and Van Nistelrooy were reunited at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, the ex-England defender did say sorry – although did not explicitly mention what for.As Leicester manager Van Nistelrooy spoke to TNT Sports before kick-off against Arsenal, the pair put their past clashes behind them.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe duo shook hands for a long while and Van Nistelrooy asked: “Martin how are you? Good to see you.”Keown replied: “Nice to see you after all these years.”Van Nistelrooy, 48, added: “It has been a while. I have seen you once, at Villa Park, remember?”Then Keown offered out his olive branch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Apologies for all the shenanigans that went on back in the day.”But Van Nistelrooy clearly holds no grudges.Arsenal legend Martin Keown suffers embarrassing blunder live on TV and Declan Rice has no idea what to sayHe responded: “Nah. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”Joe Cole piped up: “He’s never apologised for kicking me, ever.”Keown, 58, then joked: “I thought you were going to stamp on me.”Van Nistelrooy then added: “I’m happy to have him in front of me, not in the back of me.”It was good. It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it?”Keown quipped: “Great days. I’m glad you’re standing there and not next to me because you used to love to stand on me.”Van Nistelrooy laughed: “I would like to block you – and then fall over.” The panel then briefly discussed Van Nistelrooy and TNT host Lynsey Hipgrave climbing mountains in Rio de Janeiro together – before moving on to the task at hand for the relegation-threatened Foxes.Once Van Nistelrooy headed off back to the home dressing room, Keown denied he had really said sorry by asking: “Was that an apology?”He then continued: “Since I’ve finished playing, the number of strikers I’ve had to apologise to… “It was never personal – I treated every striker exactly the same, maybe a bit of extra special spice for Ruud. “He was very clever, he would stamp on your feet, his movement off the shoulder, really clever.”Fans on social media enjoyed the interaction from the two old foes.One said: “Class act from both.”Another wrote: “Heartwarming banter. Love it.”A third added: “Actually quite nice to see a moment like this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a final user posted: “Glad he finally admitted to diving. Such a cheat when he was a player.”Others referenced the infamous “sorry” scene from The Inbetweeners, one labelled Keown “soft” and plenty tweeted the clip to Simon Jordan to add fuel to his rivalry with the former Arsenal man. Keown said sorry for the ‘shenanigans’ of yesteryearCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Championship clash SUSPENDED for 30 minutes as players forced off pitch after medical emergency in the crowd

    OXFORD’S clash with Portsmouth was delayed by around half an hour due to a medical emergency in the crowd.The match was halted in the 15th minute as the supporter received medical assistance after suffering a cardiac arrest.Oxford’s clash with Portsmouth was delayed after around 15 minutesCredit: RexPlayers were then taken off the pitch around six minutes later.The match was still goalless when both teams left the field of play.Having kicked off in the early 12:30pm slot, the Championship match was being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports+.Twelve minutes after players were taken off the pitch, Portsmouth confirmed that the game would resume at 1:15pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA brief statement on social media confirmed: “Play is due to restart at 1.15pm at the Kassam Stadium.”We send our very best wishes.”Oxford then gave an encouraging update, posting: “Thank you for your patience.”We can confirm that the fan is breathing and receiving medical care, they will be transferred to hospital for further monitoring. Play will resume at 1:15PM.”Most read in ChampionshipAfter the game, which was won 2-0 by Pompey, Oxford posted a further update on the situation.It read: “Following a medical emergency which took place during today’s game, Oxford United can confirm a supporter suffered a cardiac arrest during the first half.’I’m the only one that knows’ – Benjani lifts lid on what happened when Harry Redknapp sold him on Deadline Day”We are pleased to report they are now in a stable condition and receiving further treatment in hospital.”Oxford went into the match 16th in the table, with Pompey five points behind in 18th.Pompey were left devastated last month when avid fan Alec Lumb, 63, died during their game with Middlesbrough at Fratton Park.His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out on to the pitch.She quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident.Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue.Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations. More