Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 238 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside Kyle Walker’s life in Milan, from five star Melia Milano hotel stay to dining at rival footballer’s restaurant

    KYLE Walker is settling into life at AC Milan with ease.The England defender, 34, joined the Serie A giants after eight trophy-laden years with Manchester City.Kyle Walker has settled into a new life in MilanCredit: GettyWalker is currently staying at the five-star Melia MilanoCredit: Gary StoneThe hotel is in the heart of the city and close to the San SiroBut, a new challenge in Italy is just the ticket for Walker in his twilight years.He made his debut against fierce rivals Inter in a 1-1 draw last weekend, and followed that up with an impressive performance in the 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Roma.Away from the pitch, Walker is enjoying his stay at the five-star Melia Milano hotel.It’s a 40-minute journey to the training ground, while he’s closer to the San Siro Stadium, which is a 10-minute drive.Read more football news Walker, who has amassed a £27million fortune, has already enjoyed the fine cuisine of Milan.Recently, he dined out at the exclusive Coraje restaurant – owned by a rival Inter Milan footballer.SunSport takes a look into Walker’s life in the industrial city.Where he’s stayingWhile Walker is acclimatising to his new surroundings, he is staying at the five Melia Milano hotel in the city centre.Most read in FootballIf his six-month loan is a success, and the deal becomes permanent, expect him to splash the cash on a lavish place of his own.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleRooms at the sleek and stylish Melia Milano start at £400-per-night and can cost as much as £880-per-night for a business suite.It is believed that AC Milan negotiated a deal for Walker to have a premium room at the hotel.The Italian club regularly house new arrivals there, when the player’s arrive from foreign shores on loan.On the hotel’s website, it claims it boasts ‘innovative design and elegance’.It is perfectly located – just 15 minutes drive from fashionable boutiques, including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.While restaurants Hollywood and Crazy Pizza are close by – and firm favourites for Milan’s stars and their Wags.The Melia Milano boasts innovative design and eleganceRooms start at £400-per-night at the luxury hotelMilan have reportedly put Walker up in a premium suite in the hotelThe Melia Milano boasts plush furniture in their coffee shopread more sport featuresWhere he’s playingLuckily for Walker, the Melia Milano is just an eight minute drive to the San Siro, where his club play their home games.He could even walk the 1.1 miles distance in next to no time.However, Milan’s stunning training ground is a bit more of a trek.The Milanello Sports Center is found on a 300 metre high hill, some 31 miles away from the centre and close to the old town of Varese – famed for its art-nouveau villas.Surrounded by a pine forest and pond, not only does it offer its players tranquility – there’s state-of-the-art gyms, medical facilities and numerous pitches.The most interesting of those is ‘the cage’ – which is surrounded by a 2.30 metre wall and a 2.50 metre high fence.The idea is for the ball to stay continuously in play, which increases the speed of handling the game.Walker’s office is the Milanello Sports Center training groundCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe training ground is surrounded by a lush forest in a picturesque settingState-of-the-art facilities gives the players all they needUtilising its location, there is a 1,200 metre path in the woods used for physical training, like jogging and cycling, and for the rehabilitation of injured players.Who he’s playing withWalker should feel at home in Milan – thanks to some familiar faces.For he is one of four English players currently on Milan’s roster.That includes starting striker Tammy Abraham, who is on loan from Roma, ex-Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and England defender Fikayo Tomori.Better still, Milan also boast a who’s who of former Premier League talent, who Walker will have come up against in the past.The like of Christian Pulisic, Emerson Royal, and fellow loanee Joao Felix all will ply their trade at AC Milan as Walker settles in.Walker is surrounded by English teammates including Tammy AbrahamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek also plays at AC MilanCredit: AlamyWhere he’s eatingWe mentioned Hollywood and Crazy Pizza as the places as hotspots for Serie A’s finest, but in his first few days in the city Walker dined at the posh Coraje eaterie.Intriguingly, for an AC Milan star at least, a visit there is like treading on enemy territory.It is co-owned by Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and his gorgeous Wag Agustina Gandolfo.Walker was joined by an entourage of Milan officials, which meant safety in numbers.And they would have enjoyed a hearty meal with plenty of mediterranean favourites.Walker dined at posh eaterie Coraje with Milan officials recentlyThe restaurant is owned by Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and his Wag Agustina GandolfoHearty risotto meals are served at CorajeCustomers can also enjoy a rib eye steak with vegetablesFrom rib eye steak to vegetable risottos, seafood, and more the menu is extensive.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou also don’t need to earn a footballer’s salary to dine there – with mains costing anywhere between £17 to £30.It’s safe to say, Walker’s got it made in Milan. More

  • 250 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Leading Everton to FA Cup glory would put David Moyes ‘right up there’ with Howard Kendall as a Goodison great

    AN FA CUP Wembley triumph would put David Moyes “right up there” with Everton’s greatest managers, says Tony Cottee.The Scot returned to Goodison Park last month, 12 years after leaving to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.David Moyes would love to deliver FA Cup glory to the EvertoniansCredit: AlamyA Wembley triumph would make him one of the all-time greats like Howard Kendall (left)Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe is already making his mark and takes the Toffees into potentially Goodison’s last-ever cup encounter in fine form.Moyes, who lost the 2009 final to Chelsea during his first Everton stint, is looking for a fourth-straight win when they take on Bournemouth at Goodipn in the fourth round on Saturday.Speaking exclusively to BetSelect on behalf of The Sun, Cottee, who lost the 1989 FA Cup final to Liverpool with Everton, said: “One thing that you can say about David Moyes is that he gets it, he understands it.“As an Evertonian, he will know that the club hasn’t won anything for 30 years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If you can win something and be that first person for 30, 31 years, whatever it might be, you’re then right up there with Howard Kendall and Harry Catterick and all the top managers that have won things at the club.”Cottee, a huge West Ham icon who watched Moyes deliver the Europa Conference League trophy to the Hammers two years ago, continued: “Yeah, I think it will put him right up there.“He did a similar thing at West Ham. If you can win trophies, that’s what the fans want.“You just have to take the moments and enjoy them. As has been proven as an Evertonian, there would have been a lot of fans that were there in 1995 when they won the FA Cup.Most read in FA CupBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“Sometimes you can go 30 years without winning their trophy. But if Moyes can win the cup for the fans, it’ll be amazing.“I think he’s already considered an Everton legend with what he did first time around. The second time around, not as easy. Howard Kendall found that out as well.“But I think FA Cup glory would be fantastic for the fans.”Despite the prospect of relegation in their final season at Goodison being a very real prospect a month ago, Moyes has managed to steer them nine points clear of the drop zone.Cottee believes he has a strong enough squad to continue that fight for survival and enjoy an FA Cup run.Moyes suffered defeat in the 2009 FA Cup Final with the ToffeesCredit: EPAAnd he called on the Everton players to go out and give the fans and Goodison a fitting cup send-off.Cottee added: “There have been so many great FA Cup games over the years. There’s so much history in Goodison Park.“I think it’s really important that they go out as if it is going to be this is the last FA Cup game, and try and win it for the fans.“Once you get to the fifth round or the sixth round, you really start thinking that it could be your year.“They got to the final with Moyes in 2009 but that’s 16 years ago now. Everton’s cup performances haven’t been good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you got the argument that if you’re playing the FA Cup, you’ll end up in relegation trouble because you got lots of games.“But I think Everton have got enough players to manage the squad and have a real go at it.”Tony Cottee was an FA Cup runner-up with the ToffeesCredit: Getty More

  • 225 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    Winning FA Cup with Bournemouth would be up there with lifting World Cup, says Cherries hero Lewis Cook

    LEWIS COOK says lifting the FA Cup for Bournemouth would be up there with captaining England to World Cup glory.The star, 28, has excelled for the Cherries while wearing the armband in the absence of club captain Adam Smith.Lewis Cook is desperate to help Bournemouth achieve FA Cup gloryCredit: GettyThe star lifted the U20 World Cup with England as captain in 2017Credit: EPAAnd despite the controversial 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Andoni Iraola’s injury-hit squad are firmly in the hunt for a top seven Premier League finish.Now Cook, who has shone as makeshift right-back, and his team-mates want to take the South Coast side to a first Wembley cup triumph.Bournemouth have never gone past the last-eight and ahead of their trip to Everton, he told Sun Sport: “We want to win something new for the club and the players.“We will give 100 per cent no matter who we play against. We aim to progress.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“First and foremost we should expect to go on a run ourselves. I feel like we’ve got a great young team and we’re just trying to pick up experiences.“So I think any game, in any competition, you’ve got to make sure we fight, fight hard and believe in ourselves to progress.“And, you never know, try and win something.”It was in 2017 when Cook skippered the Young Lions to U20 World Cup glory, a moment he says will live with him forever.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn whether lifting the FA Cup in May would be up there with the World Cup, he said:  “Well, yeah, that would be amazing.“Obviously with Adam [Smith] being the full time captain, I think it’d be nice to see him lift it. You know, coming back from injury and doing that would be great.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Whoever’s doing it, it would be amazing. But we’ve got to win a few games first of all.“People know the history of the FA Cup. I think it’s massive for us as players.“I think when you look back in your career and you see what stuff you’ve won, it’s always nice. So yeah, you never know. We’ll keep working hard and try and progress.”Bournemouth must overcome a tricky task to advance into the fifth round draw with the trip to Everton.But after previously struggling on Merseyside, the Cherries came from 2-0 at Goodison to win 3-2 in a Prem game Cook scored in back in August.The midfielder knows this will be a totally different challenge against the resurgent Blues under David Moyes and the added ingredient of it potentially being the last FA Cup game at Goodison.Cook added: “We always find it hard there. I think they’re a team that causes quite a few problems.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’re a well drilled team and they’ve always got fight and grit. So that’s something we’re going to have to match and try to beat.“So we know what to expect and we’ve got to go there and deliver.”Cook scored in Bournemouth’s comeback win at Everton in AugustCredit: GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

  • 238 Shares149 Views

    in Soccer

    Cesc Fabregas ‘lined up for new job as manager of Euro giants after leading minnows Como to Serie A’

    CESC FABREGAS is reportedly being eyed for a new job after his success with Italian outfit Como.Fabregas, 37, helped guide Como to promotion into Serie A last season and has been catching the eye of other teams across Europe as a result.Cesc Fabregas is being eyed for a new managerial jobCredit: EPAThe former Arsenal star, who is also a minority shareholder in Como, was the assistant head coach for the Italian side during their promotion campaign before being handed the job as manager in the summer.Since then, Como have managed to keep themselves out of the relegation zone in Serie A – winning five of their 23 games league this season.And although it hasn’t been an electric first half of the season, Fabregas is being linked with a new club thanks to his style of play.According to Bild, Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart are keen on trying to bring the World Cup winner to Germany if they lose current boss Sebastian Hoeness.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHoeness himself has been linked with a move away after reports suggested Borussia Dortmund were considering him to replace the recently sacked Nuri Sahin before they brought in Niko Kovac.While he has also been tipped to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in the event of the Spaniard being poached by Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.Hoeness led Stuttgart to a second place finish in the Bundesliga last season and currently has the Reds sat in fifth place this term.Should he leave, then it’s claimed Fabregas is seen as an ideal replacement due to his similar style of play.Most read in FootballStuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer LeverkusenCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFabregas is currently tied down to a contract with Como until summer 2028 and would need to be paid out of his deal if Stuttgart try snatch him away.His tutelage under the likes of Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Vincente del Bosque has set Fabregas up for a potentially superb career in management.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ However, there is no indication that he would want out of Como at the moment.The Indonesian-backed side have recently unveiled stunning plans to redevelop their lakeside stadium. More

  • 225 Shares109 Views

    in Soccer

    Annie Kilner pictured for first time since it’s revealed Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman is moving to Italy

    ANNIE Kilner has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman is moving to Italy to be closer to him.Model Annie, 32, looked stylish as she arrived at WAG pal Tanya Bardsley’s Mental Mummies charity lunch.Annie Kilner has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman is moving to Italy to be closer to himCredit: MCPIXAnnie nailed double denim, pairing a fitted jacket with jeans, worn over a sleek black top.She completed the look with gold hoop earrings, a chic black handbag, and matching heels, while her jet-black hair in glossy waves.Tanya, a former Real Housewives of Cheshire cast member, is married to retired footballer, Phil Bardsley.Putting on a brave face, Annie’s appearance comes just a day after The Sun revealed Lauryn, 34, is preparing to move abroad with her children – bringing her closer to England star Kyle amid his ongoing marriage troubles.read more on Annie KilnerInfluencer Lauryn is set to relocate closer to her ex as she packs up boxes for her big move.She’s quitting the UK after his switch to AC Milan.His marriage to Annie is now facing a fresh roadblock as his ex Lauryn plans to fly to Italy within days.A source said: “Lauryn wants to be as accommodating as she can. She always wants to do the best for her children.”Most read in FootballPhotos this week showed a beaming Lauryn climbing out of a removal van outside her home.It comes after the influencer asked Kyle for permission to rent out the home he bought for them.She initially fancied Dubai as her new home for a year, but has now decided Italy is a better option given Kyle’s career move.Annie Kilner seen for 1st time since REFUSING to watch Kyle Walker’s AC Milan debut as she steps out without ringThe source continued: “Lauryn was happy when Kyle signed for Italy as Saudi would’ve been a bit too far and would feel more final, but Italy was a stone’s throw away.”It felt a lot closer than her commute to Cheshire with how busy the roads can be.”Italy is much more aesthetically pleasing.”Lauryn is excited for new adventures with her children.”Lauryn became pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a break from childhood sweetheart Annie in 2019.Kyle later got back together with Annie before they married in 2021.But he and Lauryn stayed in touch and briefly rekindled their relationship.Their daughter Kinara was conceived in October 2022 while the footballer was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December 2023 Lauryn told Annie, who was pregnant at the time, that the little girl was Kyle’s child.It had been hoped Italy was the fresh start the footballing ace needed.Kyle previously refused to sign over half his fortune to Annie at a round table meeting after Christmas where they went to discuss a final settlement.Now it’s believed Kyle and estranged wife Annie are barely on speaking terms.Pals recently told us they were sleeping in separate rooms.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Manchester City captain packed his bags for AC Milan in the winter transfer window.The Sun contacted Lauryn’s representative for comment at the time.Annie looked stylish as she arrived at WAG pal Tanya Bardsley’s Mental Mummies charity lunchCredit: MCPIXShe nailed double denim, pairing a fitted jacket with jeans, worn over a sleek black topCredit: MCPIXShe accessorised with gold hoop earrings, a chic black handbag and matching heelsCredit: Mancpicss66The Sun revealed Lauryn’s plans to move abroad with her childrenCredit: GettyAnnie and Kyle are thought to be having troubles in their marriageKyle is switching to AC MilanCredit: Rex More

  • 213 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    Derby County SACK Paul Warne as horror run of seven straight defeats leaves Rams in relegation zone

    DERBY COUNTY have sacked Paul Warne after a nightmare run of seven straight defeats.The horror form sees the Rams in the Championship relegation zone, two points from safety.Paul Warne was sacked as Derby managerCredit: GettyThe Rams have lost seven in a row in the ChampionshipCredit: PAWarne took over from Wayne Rooney after Liam Rosenior’s interim spell in September 2022. Following his arrival from Rotherham, the ex-midfielder had a strong start but form collapsed and Derby missed out on a League One play-off spot.However, Warne took them back into the Championship at the second time of asking in 2023-24, finishing second.But he has overseen just seven wins and six draws from 30 league games in the second tier so far this season. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd with Derby two points off the bottom and two points off 21st-placed Hull, owner David Clowes made the decision to fire Warne.A Rams statement said: “It is with regret that Derby County have decided to relieve Paul Warne of his position.”While Paul and his staff helped deliver on the club’s objective of a return to the Championship last season, the recent run of results necessitates a change.”Clowes added: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.”Former Rotherham, Oldham and Yeovil ace Warne enjoyed three promotions in charge at the Millers before leaving for the East Midlands two-and-a-half years ago. He oversaw major squad overhauls during both summers in charge.However, after releasing seven first-team players before beginning their Championship campaign, Warne’s squad was not ready for the start of the season and struggled for early results – plus lost to Barrow in the Carabao Cup. Early odds for Derby job4/5 Steven Gerrard9/4 Steve Cooper3/1 Rob Edwards9/2 Russell Martin8/1 Ryan Lowe10/1 Wayne RooneyOdds according to CoralWhen Mark Robins left Coventry in November, the Derby boss became the longest-serving manager in the division.However, his time came to an end after successive losses to Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Watford, Sunderland, Cardiff and Sheffield United – as well as a penalty shootout exit to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. The Blades defeat was on Saturday – six days ago – and the announcement of Warne’s sacking came just 24 hours before kick-off away at Norwich tomorrow. It means Michael Carrick is now the gaffer who has been in his post at a Championship club for the longest time – with his Middlesbrough appointment in October 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESSteven Gerrard is the early odds-on favourite to follow in Rooney and Frank Lampard’s boots by taking on the Derby job – he is 4/5 with Coral following his Saudi sacking.Ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper, Rob Edwards and Russell Martin are also in contention – while Rooney himself is 10/1 to make a dramatic Pride Park return as he looks to get back in the dugout after a brief stint at Plymouth. Steven Gerrard is the early favourite to replace Warne at Pride ParkCredit: Getty More

  • 188 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Ruben Amorim teases debut for 17-year-old Man Utd academy striker after dropping Hojlund and Zirkzee

    RUBEN AMORIM has teased the introduction of rising star Chido Obi-Martin into the Manchester United first team fold.Obi-Martin, 17, joined United earlier this season after the Red Devils snatched him away from Arsenal’s academy.Ruben Amorim has teased the debut of a 17-year-old wonderkidCredit: PAAmorim has discussed introducing Chido Obi-Martin into the first team foldCredit: GettyThe Danish teen has been highly rated for a long time after smashing youth records while on the books with Arsenal.He managed an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, and has scored nine in 11 for United’s youth ranks this term.It’s that unbelievable goal-scoring prowess that has had United fans calling for the youngster to get a chance amid dreary goal droughts for centre-forward duo Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.Hojlund hasn’t found the back of the net in some 13 games, while Zirkzee has scored just one in his last 16 appearances.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTheir shocking record in front of goal, coupled with the departures of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, has at least made Amorim give thought to promoting Obi-Martin to the first team.When quizzed about giving Obi-Martin a chance, he said: “He’s doing his job.”He’s improving, he’s playing in the youth teams, and also we have other players who can play that position.”Rasmus and Josh are there. We bought these two players, we need to improve them, and sometimes the confidence can change a player. We will see in the end of the season.Most read in FootballJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have been struggling in front of goalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But until then we have two strikers who can score goals, they’ve proved in the past, so let’s see if we can improve as a team to help them to score goals.”One youth star that is being immediately brought up to the first team is Ayden Heaven.Like Obi-Martin, the 18-year-old centre-back was poached away from Arsenal – joining United this January.And Amorim has hinted that the England U19 international is ready for the Premier League, alongside fellow new recruit Patrick Dorgu.He said: “We try to find the right players with the physicality for this league, young players, hungry players. Sometimes we cannot spend a lot of money. It’s that kind of profile we look for.”And Dorgu has that ability to play in this team, to improve. Ayden the same thing, he is young, left-footed, central defender. So the right profile for us in the moment.”Amorim has praised Ayden Heaven for being the right profile for the clubCredit: Getty More

  • 250 Shares129 Views

    in Soccer

    Carragher was spot on – Tottenham have been pitiful in knockout stages for years, serial winners couldn’t even crack it

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was spot on – Tottenham simply never win big football matches.They might beat Manchester City for fun and even reach a final once every blue moon – but when silverware is on the line, Spurs are nowhere to be seen.Tottenham crashed to a dismal 4-0 loss against Liverpool in Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: RexSky’s Jamie Carragher believes the mentality at the club is all wrongCredit: Rex”There’s a mental block with the club” – Carragher said.He’s right. This goes back years and is far deeper than Ange Postecoglou and his current flops.Not even serial winners Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte could crack it, so what hope does the Aussie boss have?Managers and players have changed, but the type of abysmal performance we saw at Anfield has been seen time and time again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZERO shots on target in a major semi-final? It’s no wonder Tottenham haven’t won a trophy since 2008. They’ll be waiting another 17 years at this rate.Carragher said after the 4-0 Anfield surrender: “It was never in doubt. It’s Tottenham! “When do Tottenham ever win a big game? When do Tottenham ever go and surprise, win against the odds?Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s not just this Spurs team. They never shock you, never do something out of the ordinary.”Whenever they go into a big game, nobody ever believes they’re going to win.”Postecoglou bemoans Tottenham’s lacklustre effort against Liverpool In their slight defence, Tottenham’s injury list is almost unheard of, and even at full strength, they have absolutely no right to rock up at Anfield and win.But that wasn’t Carragher speaking with his Liverpool hat on, his brutal assessment of Spurs was on the money.Since lifting the League Cup in 2008, Tottenham have been nothing short of pitiful in knockout football.Excluding the miracle of Amsterdam in 2019, when Lucas Moura’s hat-trick against Ajax took Spurs to the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, it’s been atrocious.Burnley, Sheffield United and Brentford – all outside the Premier League at the time – are the only semi-finals or finals Tottenham have won during that period – in 2009, 2015 and 2021 respectively.Even then, they needed extra time to beat Burnley despite being 4-1 up from the first leg.Spurs’ record with trophies on the line2009 League Cup final – Manchester United 0-0 (4-1 on penalties)2010 FA Cup semi-final – Portsmouth 2-02012 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 5-12015 League Cup final – Chelsea 2-02017 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 4-22018 FA Cup semi-final – Manchester United 2-12019 League Cup semi-finals – Chelsea 2-2 on aggregate – (4-2 on penalties)2019 Champions League final – Liverpool 2-02021 League Cup final – Manchester City 1-02022 League Cup semi-final – Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate2025 League Cup semi-final – Liverpool 4-1 aggregateAnd tried their best to cock-up the second of those after squandering a 2-0 aggregate lead before Christian Eriksen eventually sent them to Wembley.Basically, any time Spurs come up against half-decent opposition in a high-pressure knockout game, they lose.Take out that trio, who they were expected to beat anyway, they’ve lost every other semi-final or final tie in the last 17 YEARS.That is some going, especially considering Wigan, Portsmouth and Swansea – all currently outside the Prem – have won silverware in that period.Even Newcastle… yes, Newcastle, are just 90 minutes away from ending their 70-year drought. How humiliating would that be if the Toon, dubbed serial losers for decades, have won a trophy more recently than Tottenham?Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.And it’s not like Spurs haven’t had their chances.For all the stick they get about being trophyless, they’ve had plenty of deep cup runs.Thursday’s embarrassment at Anfield was just the latest in a painful list for Tottenham, which includes one against Portsmouth, one other against Liverpool, one against City, two against Manchester United and FIVE against Chelsea.That’s now 11 defeats from a possible 11 against Premier League clubs in semi-finals or finals since 2008.It’s no wonder no one in the footballing world takes Tottenham seriously.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow, Spurs still have two chances left this season – the FA Cup and Europa League – and therefore could ultimately end their trophy drought very soon.But if recent history is anything to go by, you can think again. More