Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sampdoria ‘no longer relegated from Serie B’ with iconic club ‘revived’ just four days after they were doomed

      by

      SAMPDORIA will no longer be automatically relegated from Serie B – just four days after they were doomed to life in Italy’s third tier.The iconic club set European football alight in the late 80s and early 90s, culminating in Serie A glory in 1991.Sampdoria will no longer be automatically relegated from Serie B after being handed a shock lifelineCredit: GettyThe same period also saw Sampdoria clinch four Italian Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup thanks to the prowess of stars like Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini.But their fortunes have since steadily declined, eventually resulting in a shock relegation to Serie B in 2023.However, the club has endured even more pain in the lower leagues.And just four days ago, Sampdoria fans’ worst fears were realised as they finished 18th to suffer automatic relegation to Serie C.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet in a shock twist, they have now been handed a dramatic lifeline.Fellow Serie B strugglers Brescia finished 15th this term, just two points ahead of Sampdoria.But they have now been deducted four points as a penalty for financial issues, sending them to 18th place instead.It means Sampdoria moved into 17th, and therefore have qualified for a relegation play-off against Salernitana, now in 16th.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSampdoria take the place of Frosinone, who are the main beneficiaries of Bresca’s points deduction and have confirmed their survival with a 15th-place finish.But it gives Sampdoria a second bite of the cherry, with a two-legged tie now taking place to determine their fate.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersIt is certainly an ending dramatic enough to match their disastrous season, which has seen four managers enter the dugout.Italy legend Andrea Pirlo was sacked in August after taking just one point from Sampdoria’s opening three games.Andrea Sottil and Leonardo Semplici were also given their marching orders, while Alberico Evani could now stay should the playoffs go his way.Sampdoria used an incredible 38 players this season, including five different goalkeepers.But they will be hoping star players like ex-Liverpool striker Fabio Borini and former England U21s ace Ronaldo Vieira can finally step up to the plate. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 2 Ipswich 0: Jamie Vardy scores 200th goal on 500th appearance exactly 13 years after joining Foxes

      by

      WHERE do you want your statue Jamie Vardy?That’s the only unfinished bit of business this living legend has left to complete after bringing down the curtain on his extraordinary 13-year love affair with Leicester City.Jamie Vardy hit his 200th goal for Leicester in his final game for the clubCredit: ReutersThe Foxes forward joined Leicester 13 years ago but will leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAVardy kept his cool to slide in the opener past Ipswich keeper Alex PalmerCredit: ReutersFittingly the 38-year-old bowed out brilliantly, scoring his 200th Leicester City goal on his 500th appearance – 13 years to the day since he signed from Fleetwood Town.Talk about tying it all up neatly with a blue ribbon!Vardy had already missed a couple of half-chances when James Justin burst through the Ipswich defence and timed his final pass to perfection.Suddenly Vardy was off and we all knew what was going to happen next – hand him a hat-trick of chances and one will invariably end up in the net.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere was never any chance the old Fox was going to fluff his lines on his big day.Sure enough, he rolled the ball beyond Alex Palmer to spark bedlam in the stands as the King Power rose to him for one final goal celebration.They were celebrating again midway through the second half when Kasey McAteer doubled the Foxes lead.Then with 10 minutes remaining Ruud Van Nistelrooy made a double substitution which included bringing Vardy off for Patson Daka.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWith the sound of the crowd singing his name, Vardy trudged off and every Leicester player lined up level with the halfway line to form a guard of honour. “Thank You Vards,” flashed up on the scoreboards as the veteran took his well-earned seat on the bench.  Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadJob done …. as always!From the moment he arrived to that fateful moment when he waved goodbye and disappeared down the tunnel for the final time as a Fox, this was the Jamie Vardy show.Virtually every fan’s shirt had the name Vardy 9 or Legend 9 emblazoned on their back.There were banners with Vardy’s name and image waved by dozens of flag-bearers to greet him when he led Leicester out.Vardy received a guard of honour midway through the match as he was subbedCredit: GettyThe scoreboard flashed up “Goodbye GOAT.” And every home fan had been presented with a banner with the message: “Thank You Vards,” printed on it.However Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich clearly hadn’t received the memo and came out determined to spoil the farewell party.Unfortunately for them they simply don’t possess a finisher of Vardy’s stature. They dominated the opening 20 minutes and the old boy had to wait patiently for his first touchKasey McAteer slammed in Leicester’s second from a tight angleCredit: PAJulio Enciso sent Leif Davis free on the left and, although the full-back’s initial shot was blocked by Coady, his attempt from the rebound was much better.His fiercely hit shot beat Jakub Stolarczyk but bounced off the inside of the post and flew to safety.Sam Morsy shot over and Enciso screwed another attempt wide before the roof was raised after 20 minutes when Vardy finally had the chance to stretch his legs.Jordan Ayew sent the veteran sprinting through on goal and suddenly everyone in the King Power Stadium was on their feet roaring him on.However on this occasion Leif Davis was Vardy’s match as he sprinted back to force him wide and the striker’s shot flew off target.The great man followed that up a couple of minutes later, firing into the side netting following a neatly worked free kick after he turned Sam Morsy.Vardy was getting closer and closer as he smelled blood.It was the youngest first goal of the seasonCredit: PAAnd sure enough the fairytale was assured a happy ending when he struck after 28 minutes.James Justin played a huge part with the assist.The full-back closed down Jack Clarke so swiftly he lost his footing and Justin pounced on the ball and surged forward past two Tractor Boys.Vardy hared off and Justin timed his delivery to perfection as he rolled the ball in front of him.And the hitman showed his killer instinct to hold off his marker and expertly roll the ball beyond Palmer and into the net.Then off he hared to celebrate in front of the dumbstruck Ipswich fans, lifting the corner flag out of its socket and raising it aloft high above his head – like a conquering warrior.It was the only sign the 38-year-old had shown of flagging on his big day!And it’s going to be intriguing to see if some manager gives him his wish to spend another year in the Prem next season.On this season’s form he is worth another fling, after he finished the season as the Foxes top scorer with 10 goals in a struggling, relegated team.Leicester’s other goal came from McAteer who took a Wilfred Ndidi pass in his path to lash the ball in at Alex Palmer’s near post.Ndidi was also taken off near the end to take the acclaim of the fans on his final appearance for the Foxes.He did his bit, setting up 23-year-old McAteer for his first-ever Premier League goal.Read More on The SunThe winger only needs another 144 to match Vardy’s Premier League tally! Good luck with that one mate. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham 1 Nottingham Forest 2: Champions League race goes down to the wire thanks to Gibbs-White and Milenkovic goals

      by

      SO, WILL IT be glamour visits to the San Siro or Nou Camp or long, winding trips to Azerbaijan and the Faroe Islands for Nottingham Forest next season?For the first time since March 1996, the club will contest European football but it remains to be seen if it will be in the Champions League, Europa League or the Europa Conference League.Nottingham Forest took their Champions League hopes to the wire with a 2-1 win at West HamCredit: ReutersPlayers paid tribute to Taiwo Awoniyi after his injury woesCredit: GettyEntrance into all three competitions is on the table thanks to this victory over West Ham as Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White benefited from a first-half Alphonse Areola howler and Nikola Milenkovic’s second survived a lengthy VAR check.Dreams of playing Inter Milan or Barcelona in money-spinning ties is a wonderful possibility but the seventh-placed side HAVE to beat Chelsea next Sunday at the City Ground and then hope someone else slips up.It will be quite the bunfight – the only thing of unresolved interest on the final afternoon – and boss Nuno Espirito Santo must pray Forest’s miraculous season ends with Champions League qualification secured.And there will be an anxious wait over the recovery of centre-half Murillo, who played the entire second half despite an ankle knock late in the first 45 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis contest started in fast and frenetic fashion – and both sides could have celebrated goals inside the opening 10 minutes.Less than 120 seconds had elapsed when Vladimir Coufal, who is departing East London this summer, provided an excellent cross for compatriot Tomas Soucek.And the towering Czech midfielder – who is subject of interest from Everton’s David Moyes – drew an exceptional one-handed save off Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.It was one of the best saves of the year and emphasised why Sels deserves such plaudits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAt the other end, the East Midlanders went close through Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, who normally scores against claret-and-blue opposition, but both attempts were well blocked by Alphonse Areola.The Frenchman was chosen in goal ahead of Lukasz Fabianski, one of four players leaving the club next month when their contracts expire.Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgeryPolish stopper Fabianski may have turned 40 last month but even at his advanced age, it is unlikely he would have been guilty of such a gaffe that Areola produced on 11 minutes.The short pass from Max Kilman was begging to be booted upfield but Areola unforgivably committed the cardinal sin of passing it directly to Gibbs-White.The England winger could scarcely believe his luck and his seventh goal of the season was probably the easiest one he will have the joy of finishing.Gibbs-White ran off to the corner flag and held up a Forest shirt with ‘9’ on the back – the number worn by forward Taiwo Awoniyi – to pay his respects to his stricken team-mate.Morgan Gibbs-White fired Forest ahead after 11 minutesCredit: ReutersThe goal saw Forest take control of the gameCredit: ReutersDuring the warm-up, Forest’s players all wore white T-shirts with a message on the front that said: “We’re all with you, Taiwo.”The Nigerian is recuperating in hospital having been placed into an induced coma following surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury when he collided into a post.The nature of that injury has led to a serious debate about the laws of the game given that the accident could have been avoided had he been flagged offside earlier.Yet the assistant referee followed the current guidelines and allowed play to continue before the incident occurred late on in the 2-2 draw with Leicester.They doubled their lead in the 61st minute after a lengthy VAR checkCredit: PANikola Milenkovic took credit for the strikeCredit: ReutersAn eerily similar situation occurred on 19 minutes here with Jarrod Bowen when the Hammers talisman smashed into one of the posts by mistake.A physio appeared to give him a concussion test and while the captain was permitted to carry on, albeit with a large lump of vaseline above his right eye, the scenes would have brought back awful memories for the travelling contingent.A post came to the savour of West Ham five minutes later as Wood saw his header bounce off the woodwork.Fans that booed off West Ham at half-time were on their feet to pay appreciation for popular full-back Aaron Cresswell who was subbed off and now leaves the club, 11 years after his debut under Sam Allardyce.Minutes after a quadruple substitution from the home side, however, Forest added a second when Milenkovic headed home from Anthony Elanga’s free-kick.Jarrod Bowen scored a consolation strike in the 86th minuteCredit: ReutersIt was too little, too late for the HammersCredit: AFPFor Elanga, it was record-equalling 11th top-flight assist, which draws him level with Bryan Roy’s Premier League club record of 11 from 1994-95.The 61st-minute goal was subject of a SIX-MINUTE VAR check for offside – Nicolas Dominguez’s foot was the issue – but referee Sam Barrott spoke to both managers because the semi-automated offside technology was “not available” according to ref chiefs.It was all very farcical but those Forest fans who had been singing “F*** VAR” were soon praising the tech as they celebrated a first league double over the Hammers since 1983-84.There was a nervy finale when Bowen scored an exceptional volley on 86 minutes and ensured Nuno’s heart would be beating faster, especially during the 11 MINUTES of stoppage-time.Forest held on, despite one of their coaching staff being booked for dissent, various yellow cards following a mass melee, and a crucial save by Sels from a powerful Niclas Fullkrug header in the 102ND-MINUTE to keep their Champions League hopes alive.Read More on The SunMany Hammers fans had decided to stay away, judging by the number of empty seats at the London Stadium.Few stayed on for the lap of appreciation – perhaps that should be a lap of depreciation? – but they will demand major upheaval and significant improvement next season from Graham Potter’s troops. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is the attitude’ – Arsenal fans love Josh Kroenke’s transfer message to them ahead of huge window

      by

      ARSENAL director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summer to “get behind winning” the Premier League.The Gunners are facing a potential second-place finish for the third year in a row under manager Mikel Arteta with a section of supporters questioning the decision not to sign a striker since 2022.Arsenal director Josh Kroenke confirmed the club will invest on transfers this summerArsenal are prioritising a striker this summer, with Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres a favouriteReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is set to become Arsenal’s first summer signingJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHowever, Josh, 45, wrote in Sunday’s match-day programme before the clash with Newcastle at the Emirates that the necessary investment will take place with new sporting director Andrea Berta on board.The son of the Gunners’ majority shareholder Stan Kroenke added that the board are “crystal clear” on the transfer they want to make.Josh wrote: “We’re still pursuing second place in the Premier League for the third year running, but we all want to win it. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season.Read More on Arsenal“Our sporting director, Andrea, will play an important role in this. We are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it”.A number of Arsenal fans loved Josh’s confidence and the presence of a plan by the board.One supporter tweeted: “That is the attitude.”Another commented: “Hope they back it up this summer. No excuses.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Get that cheque book out.”This fan said: “Good to hear, Josh.”And that one stated: “Thankful to be an Arsenal fan.”Arsenal look set for a busy summer as they are ready to land Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi for a whopping £50million.The North Londoners are also looking for an elite striker, with many claiming that is the last piece of the jigsaw required to finally win their first Premier League title since 2004.Arteta’s side are very keen on Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak but he will prove a very tough man to sign.Therefore, Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the likes of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.Gyokeres seems the likeliest candidate to move to the Emirates this summer.Read More on The SunThe Gunners could land the Sweden international for just £60m and make him one of their highest earners with his proposed contract costing the Gunners over £7m a year.Sesko had been a massive target since last summer before signing a new deal with Leipzig.Newcastle star Alexander Isak poses as Arsenal’s biggest targetRB Leipzig star Benjamin Seiko has been a big target since last summer More

    • 125 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Alexander Isak not playing for Newcastle against Arsenal?

      by

      NEWCASTLE take on Arsenal as Eddie Howe’s side continue a push towards Champions League football.The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table, and could jump above Arsenal in the table to second with a win.Alexander Isak will miss the clash between Arsenal and NewcastleCredit: Every Second Media/Alamy Live NewsNewcastle confirmed Isak suffered a groin injuryCredit: GettyHowe and Co have already enjoyed a highly successful season, having won the Carabao Cup earlier this year, against Liverpool.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are stumbling towards a Champions League finish, with one win in six meaning they are now looking over their shoulders.If they fail to beat Newcastle, they could finish as low as seventh, but with Southampton on the final day, you would back them to make it.Read more FootballSunSport can reveal why Alexander Isak will miss the crunch clash at The Emirates. Why is Alexander Isak not playing for Newcastle against Arsenal?Newcastle confirmed that Alexander Isak would miss the game with a minor groin injury.The club are yet to confirm when Isak will return.He will miss at least Newcastle’s trip to the capital, and could miss their clash on the final day against Everton.Most read in FootballHow to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle and is there a live streamThe Gunners will clash the Magpies at 4:30pm BST at The Emirates.The game will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event.Action will also be available to stream on NOW TV, Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s comprehensive coverage of the action. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Taiwo Awoniyi breaks silence after horror injury as he posts health update after waking up from induced coma

      by

      TAIWO AWONIYI has posted on social media for the first time since coming out of his induced coma.The Nottingham Forest striker, 27, was forced to undergo an operation after suffering a worrying abdominal injury against Leicester last weekend.Taiwo Awoniyi has posted on social mediaCredit: AlamyAfter colliding with the post, Awoniyi was astonishingly allowed to continue before finally being taken off.The Nigerian went under the knife on Monday and was subsequently placed into an induced coma in order to regulate his heart rate and movement.Following successful surgery, Awoniyi is now out of his coma and recovering.Ahead of Forest’s clash with West Ham today, the popular striker posted on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love.”With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”To my team-mates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.”Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.Most read in Football”To my family, friends and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on you Reds.”Awoniyi’s Instagram post received plenty of supportive comments.Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgeryAmong them, Ademola Lookman wrote: “Speedy recovery bro.”Wilfred Ndidi, Neco Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi all left heart emojis.Morgan Gibbs-White gave Forest a first-half lead at West Ham this afternoon.After doing so, the England midfielder rose an Awoniyi Forest shirt in solidarity with his injured team-mate.Morgan Gibbs-White raises an Awoniyi shirt after scoringCredit: PA More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Action on NOW as Isak OUT in huge blow to Toon while Havertz returns to Gunners squad

      by

      THE race for a Champions League spot is edging towards boiling point and second-place Arsenal host third-place Newcastle at the Emirates THIS AFTERNOON!And the headline team news from North London is that Alexander Isak misses out with a minor groin injury.Kai Havertz returns to the Gunners squad but is only fit enough for the bench.Kick-off time: 4:30pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueArsenal starting XI: To followNewcastle starting XI: To followBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle35. The Gunners are growing into the game more.Passing it around and looking to find pockets of space.The Magpies are holding firm and making themselves difficult to break down.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle33. Saka stands over another corner for Arsenal.They play it short and Partey tries to lift it into the back post.It has too much on it and Lewis-Skelly cannot keep it in play.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle31. Martinelli looks to use his pace to get in behind the visitors.He gets an important touch to take the ball past Schar.Pope is quick out of his area to react and kick it into touch.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle29. Eddie Howe’s side are dominating this game.They really seem to be The Gunners’ kryptonite this season.However, if they do not find the net before the interval, it will all be for nothing.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle27. Another quick Newcastle break catches out Arsenal.As the ball is played into the middle, no one is attacking the area.Barnes knows that was where he should have been.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle25. White dribbles the ball into the box tries to work an angle to get a shot away.The Magpies close him down well and get some good sliding challenges in.As a result, they are able to clear their lines and protect Pope’s goal.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle23. As another corner comes into the box, Burn has another free header in the middle.He sends his effort sailing over the bar but the referee awards a free kick to the hosts.Guimaraes pushed Trossard over at the near post, silly foul, the Belgian was never going to win the ball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle21. This has been a great start to the game.Arsenal are used to having things their own way at home and dominating possession.Newcastle are really taking the game to them and asking some serious questions of their back four and keeper.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle19. How Newcastle are not ahead in this game is just baffling.Burn gets up to head a cross goalwards but Raya makes a great reaction save.Barnes gets the loose ball and pokes it towards goal but the Spaniard clears with his feet.Wild stuff.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle17. Barnes tries his luck from outside the box.The low drive deflects off Partey and is heading into the far corner but Raya gets down well to tip it around the post.He may not be able to kick a ball well but he certainly can make some saves.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield at The EmiratesThere is a nervous energy ringing around the Emirates here, as Newcastle have shown some early signs of posing a real threat to the Gunners. In the opening few minutes, David Raya was forced into a double save by Bruno Guimaraes, and the home side’s passes just don’t seem to be coming off with the fluidity that they were earlier this season. Arsenal need to settle and start doing the simple things well. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle15. The Gunners are sporting next season’s kit today.They win a corner after a glancing header from Partey is turned behind by Pope.It is played short and worked to Odegaard on the edge of the box, his first-time shot heads into orbit.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle13. Gordon is down on the far side of the pitch.It seems to be something he has added to his game this season, going down at the slightest touch from an opponent.He has spent more time on the grass than Snoop Dogg this campaign.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle11. The Magpies have started this game well.Livramento has a sight of goal but his shot is straight at Raya.They are playing through the hosts with their crisp passing.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle9. Newcastle know they cannot afford to miss chances like that.They be few and far between in North London and need to show more of a clinical edge.Early warning for The Gunners that Howe’s side have come here to take three points home with them.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle7. Massive chance for the visitors to take the lead.Raya makes up for his initial error as he saves Wilson’s shot and then gets back to his feet to claw Guimaraes’ follow up away.He made up for his blunder there, a dreadful kick straight to a Newcastle player.To think Arteta signed him for his ability wiith the ball at his feet.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle5. It is a full-house for the last Premier League game of the season in North London for Arsenal.They will be hoping to see an emphatic victory for their team.White goes to ground in the area but the tackle from Burn was fair.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle3. A win for The Magpies today see them leapfrog Arsenal in the table.That in itself should be enough motivation for Mikel Arteta’s side.It would be seen a terrible end to the season to drop to third in the table coupled with another trophyless campaign.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Newcastle1. The Forest win this afternoon will concern Newcastle.They can still catch The Magpies in the race for the top five.The Gunners meanwhile are just looking to secure second spot.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Arsenal vs NewcastleWe are underway at The Emirates.The Magpies really need to get something from North London.Newcastle get the game started.Copy linkCopiedA nervy end in London…West Ham were beaten by Nottingham Forest, but it was a close one at the London Stadium.Forest keep themselves in the hunt, and now both these sides will need the points even more.Copy linkCopiedToon eyeing historyNewcastle have got the better of Arsenal on all three times the two sides have met this season.The North East outfit won the return fixture at St James’ Park 1-0 and won both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final.Should the Magpies win at the Emirates this afternoon, the Toon will become the first side ever to beat the Gunners four times in a single season.And they would leapfrog them in the Prem table.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedToday’s officialsReferee: Simon HooperAssistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon LongFourth official: Andy MadleyVAR: Michael SalisburyAssistant VAR: Marc PerryCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSaliba joins 100 clubWilliam Saliba has been one of the standout defenders in world football in recent years.His partnership with Gabriel has been dubbed by many as the greatest defensive pairing.The Frenchman today makes his 100th appearance for Arsenal as he starts beside Jakub Kiwior.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView of SunSport’s Tom Barclay from the EmiratesThere is no Alexander Isak today for Newcastle due to a minor groin injury.Instead, Callum Wilson leads the line as Eddie Howe continues with his 3-4-2-1 formation that saw the Magpies beat Chelsea 2-0 last week.Meanwhile, Kai Havertz returns to the Arsenal matchday squad for the first time since playing the Toon in the Carabao Cup semi-final on February 5.The Germany star has been out in the intervening three months after damaging his hamstring during a mid-season warm-weather trip to Dubai.Copy linkCopied More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star Tom Cleverley in talks with Premier League club over manager job just days after Watford sacking

      by

      TOM CLEVERLEY is in talks with a Premier League club just days after being sacked by Watford, according to reports.The former Manchester United star was axed by the Hornets earlier this month after missing out on the Championship playoffs.Tom Cleverley has been linked with the Southampton jobCredit: AlamyCleverley, 35, took over at Vicarage Road in March 2024 as he replaced Valerien Ismael.But he could be set for a quick return to the dugout with Southampton interested.The Guardian have claimed that he is one of the leading candidates to take over at St Mary’s next season.It is suggested that he has a “strong chance” of being appointed as the new Saints boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCleverley has taken charge of 59 first-team games, winning 20, drawing 14 and losing 25.The Southampton team is currently playing under caretaker Simon Rusk, who took charge after the sacking of Ivan Juric.They are a top-flight club for two more games, which come against Everton and Southampton.Juric was only in charge for 14 Premier League games after replacing Russell Martin.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCleverley does face competition for the job from fellow Englishman Will Still.Still has left Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens following the end of the season in order to move back to England.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWill Still is in the running for the St Mary’s roleCredit: GettyStill’s parting message to RC LensHere is what Will Still told RC Lens fans about his decision to leave…He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.”It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.”The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.”Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.”I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.”The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”The manager wants to spend more time with his Sky Sports presenter partner Emma Saunders.His exit came just one season into a three-year deal.Reports have claimed that Still is in “advanced talks” with Southampton over the vacant manager role.In his final game, Lens beat AS Monaco 4-0 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.Neil El Aynaoui netted twice while Adrien Thomasson and Anass Zaroury wrapped up the scoring.The victory sealed an 8th-placed finish in the Ligue 1 table.Still has also had interest from Hull City and has previously turned down Rangers.Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl is also believed to be in the running for the job.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Watford have already replaced Cleverley with former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano.The Uruguayan becomes the 22nd manager to take charge of the Hornets since Gino Pozzo’s takeover in 2012. More