More stories

  • in

    Ex-Man City star who Trent Alexander-Arnold branded ‘toughest opponent’ joins eighth-tier minnows on free transfer

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S toughest-ever opponent Brandon Barker has joined an eighth-tier side.The winger has signed for Avro FC, who are 14th in the Northern Premier League Western Division.Former Rangers star Brandon Barker has signed for Arvo FCCredit: GettyThe winger once gave Trent Alexander-Arnold the runaround as a Man City youth playerCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold named Barker as the toughest opponent he has facedCredit: GettyBarker, 28, most recently played for Morecambe in League Two but was released last summer after making just two appearances.He will now line up for Arvo after injuries have caused him to slide down the leagues.Barker played for the likes of Rangers, Hibernian and Preston after coming through the ranks at Manchester City.He made one appearance for the Citizens but made a name for himself while playing for the academy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn one memorable match he ran Alexander-Arnold ragged in the Liverpool star’s Anfield debut.Alexander-Arnold has not forgotten the stern test he was given and has since spoken of Barker highly.Asked who the toughest opponent he ever played against is, Alexander-Arnold said: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City.”I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.”At that point I’m thinking: ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’ because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

  • in

    Arsenal vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Bowen gives Hammers SHOCK lead – latest updates

    ARSENAL are taking on West Ham in a huge London derby RIGHT NOW!Hammers skipper Jarrod Bowen gave the Irons a shock lead just before half time, heading in from close range after great work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.TV/Stream: Not available in the UKArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, MerinoWest Ham team: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Alvarez, Bowen, KudusCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-1 West Ham47. Foul. Merino is looking keen in the press but catches Wan-Bissaka to alleviate some pressure for the Hammers.Copy linkCopiedSecond half! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham45. And we’re back at the Emirates.Arsenal’s starting eleven survived the hairdryer treatment and come back out unchanged.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamMartin Odegaard is at the heart of the Gunners attack once again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWest Ham lead despite a dominant display from the Gunners who have failed to convert.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a half of football. Arteta’s decision to play Merino as a nine will undoubtedly come under questioning as will the Arsenal back line.Soucek failed to convert two chances in the air before Bowen headed home, a shock for the side with the best defensive record in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Arsenal 0-1 West HamThe Gunners go into the break trailing to their London rivals.We can only imagine what Mikel Arteta will be telling his players.Work to do here at the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a goal! Jarrod Bowen starts the move with a slick turn and is in the final third to finish neatly after running the length of the pitch. Bowen plays it wide to Wan-Bissaka, who has been causing the Gunners all kinds of problems this afternoon, and Calafiori can’t keep him from crossing back onto Bowen’s diving header.A vintage counter from the Hammers. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham44. West Ham take the lead just before the break through Jarrod Bowen!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham38. Corner. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard rallied the crowd moments ago and the Gunners have piled on the pressure since.Jarrod Bowen makes a fantastic block to deny the Gunners a second chance from the set-piece.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham34. Chance. Soucek AGAIN fails to convert a header. He’s beaten the Arsenal back line to the ball twice now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham31. Complaints can be heard from the home fans as Arsenal struggle to break through the Hammers’ back line. Meanwhile, ‘Champions of Europe, we know who we are!’ is ringing around the West Ham away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham28. The Hammers’ fans are enjoying themselves despite Arsenal’s dominance.Chants of ‘This is a library’ can be heard from the away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham25. CHANCE. Wan-Bissaka has been the Hammers’ brightest spark so far. The full back crosses to Jarrod Bowen who will be gutted with that miss. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham21. The atmosphere is lifting here at the Emirates.Calafiori draws a save from Areola with a smash from the edge of the area.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham20. Offside. Merino lifts the home fans out of their seats but strikes well wide.The flag is raised to his relief.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham18. West Ham come close but Soucek heads over the bar.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham11. Close. Merino tries to nod the ball back across the box to Nwaneri but West Ham manage to clear.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham10. FOUL!Merino is punished for a light push in the back, which is followed by a loud groan from the home support.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham8. West Ham enjoy their first spell of possession in the Gunners’ half but it quickly fizzles out and they’re back to square one…Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham7. Merino is looking right at home in his new role up top.The midfielder-turned-striker is giving the Hammers no time on the ball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham4. Arsenal are dominating possession early on and force Areola into a shaky clearance with an aggressive press, much to the delight of the home fans.The hosts look very comfortable.Copy linkCopiedKICK OFF – Arsenal 0-0 West Ham1′ Craig Pawson blows the whistle and we’re off!Copy linkCopiedThe sides are out!North London forever rings around the Emirates as West Ham wait to kick off.Copy linkCopiedTrossard is confident in the Gunners’ beliefCopy linkCopiedPotter remains positive in press conference despite shaky startThe manager insists he is “loving” life with the Hammers, adding: “There’s always more work to do, and always room for improvement.“I realised before, and now, that it’s a huge club with great support, ambition and infrastructure. “There’s loads going for it, and obviously we’ve had a tricky situation with changing managers, the results and everything else.”Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Premier League release statement as Everton’s last-gasp penalty vs Man Utd is controversially ruled out after VAR review

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.Everton thought they got a late penalty against Manchester UnitedThe referee pointed at the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage timeEverton ace Ashley Young appeared to have been fouled by Man Utd’s Harry MaguireHowever, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned after a lengthy reviewThe Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Read More on Man UtdThe referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 83rd minute.But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.Nevertheless, it could have been worse for Man Utd if the referee’s penalty decision stood.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match and was spotted at the stands looking disgusted before half-time when Everton were 2-0 up, but appeared happier when his former club hit back. More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes

    MANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.Bruno Fernandes netted his side’s first of the gameCredit: PAManuel Ugarte netted a brilliant equaliserCredit: ReutersCasemiro had a shocker against EvertonCredit: GettyManchester United were punished for a sluggish start as Beto beat the offside trap to fire the hosts ahead.It got even worse for Amorim’s side as Abdoulaye Doucoure beat Harry Maguire to a rebound to head home.Casemiro disappointed immensely for his 62 minutes of action before he was hooked for Alejandro Garnacho.Man United did get back into the game after a clever 71st-minute free kick from captain Bruno Fernandes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe visitors then continued to push to gain a positive result from behind.Manuel Ugarte was the man who volleyed home from outside the box in the 80th minute to level the score.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAndre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisRuben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation Harry Maguire – 4Harry Maguire was at fault for the second Everton goalCredit: GettyOut-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Patrick Dorgu was a bright spark for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyMade a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8 His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Rasmus Hojlund’s goal drought continues for Man UnitedCredit: GettyNot so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:ALEJANDRO GARNACHO 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. READ MORE SUN STORIESLeny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

  • in

    Everton 2 Man Utd 2: Referee controversially overrules last-minute penalty to spare Ruben Amorim ANOTHER defeat

    DAVID MOYES vowed to bring back the thrills when he returned to Goodison – but not even he imagined it would be quite like this.Two goals up, then two goals conceded…and an Everton penalty in the last of six added minutes which referee Andy Madley overturned after reviewing the video.Everton were initially awarded a stoppage-time penalty for a foul on Young but the ref overturned his decisionCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes inspired Man Utd to a comeback at Goodison ParkCredit: PAManuel Ugarte produced a brilliant equaliser to salvage a drawCredit: GettyThe Red Devils were completely outplayed in the first halfCredit: ReutersBeto and Abdoulaye Doucoure got on the scoresheet for the ToffeesCredit: GettyIf Moyes’ hair hadn’t already gone grey by the time he went back as Goodison boss, it surely would be now.At half-time the Toffees were in cruise control – goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure giving them an advantage that could easily have been double.But then Ruben Amorim threw Alejandro Garnacho on from the bench for the final, frantic half an hour, and the whole thing turned on its head and United somehow clawed their way back.A stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and an equally blockbusting edge-of-the-box drive from Manuel Ugarte somehow earned United a point that never looked likely.Everton thought they were handed a golden chance to win it for a second time – only to have it snatched away a minute later.When Idrissa Gana Gueye fired in a low drive after 95 minutes, Andre Onana pushed it back into play and Ashley Young crashed under Matthijs De Ligt’s challenge.The Dutchman clearly had a hand on Young’s shirt, and ref Madley had no doubt – yet when he was sent to the monitor for a double check, amazingly the official changed his mind.Everton were enraged, United escaped…and everyone left Goodison wondering quite how Moyes had failed to gain revenge on the side that sacked him 11 years ago.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBeto had blasted Everton ahead on 19 minutes, making United pay for their pitiful attempts to clear Jack Harrison’s corner.Then Doucoure doubled the advantage by muscling Harry Maguire aside to nod in when Onana blocked Jack Harrison’s point-blank drive.Europa League last 16 draw sees Man Utd face Real Sociedad and Tottenham take on AZ Alkmaar United were on the canvas – yet somehow picked themselves up when everyone was expecting a knockout count.First skipper Fernandes fired in a scorching free kick – although keeper Jordan Pickford’s initial step to the right gave him no chance of reaching it.And ten minutes from the end another Fernandes free kick was headed clear by Beto, only for Ugarte to smash it back with interest.Everton were stunned into silence at chucking it away, only to think they would at least make amends from the spot in that unbelievable, jaw-dropping finsh.Referee Madley, though, decided otherwise… More

  • in

    Sir Alex Ferguson looks disgusted as he watches Man Utd fall apart at Everton in disastrous first-half

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON watched Manchester United’s disastrous first half against Everton in absolute horror.Ferguson, 83, was spotted in the stands at Goodison Park watching his former team, which he led to 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during a stunning 17-year reign, struggle against the Toffees.Sir Alex Ferguson watched Manchester United in horrorAnd Ferguson looked absolutely frustrated after Everton took a two-goal lead in the first halfUnited completely crumbled in the first 45 minutes as they found themselves trailing after just 19 minutes with Beto’s opener.And things got even worse on 33 minutes when Abdoulaye Doucoure doubled the Merseysiders’ lead.That was when the TNT Sports camera zoomed in on Fergie who appeared to look very frustrated with the Red Devils’ display against Everton, coached by David Moyes – the man he chose as his successor at Old Trafford in 2013.United fans noticed their legendary gaffer’s “disgust” and stormed social media with their own complaints.Read More on Man UtdOne supporter tweeted: “That man Fergie looked disgusted.”Another commented: “Look at Fergie bro he’s disgusted.”A third wrote: “Fergie stop doing this to yourself man.”And that one complained: “They’ve destroyed what Sir Alex built.”Most read in FootballThat sight shouldn’t surprise the fans as another club legend in Rio Ferdinand stated this was the worst Man Utd team he’s seenThis comes after Ferguson’s multi-million pound contract was ended in October by the new Ineos regime, who are devoted to cutting costs amid high losses.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next toThe Scottish legend will be hoping for better luck in Saudi Arabia tonight, when his horse competes.Sir Alex’s horse Spirit Dancer will try to win back-to-back Neom Cups in a race worth a staggering £1.2million.However, it was much better viewing for the Scot in the second half as Ruben Amorim’s men fought back with goals by Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte to make it 2-2.And the legendary manager was seen cracking a bit of a smile after Ugarte’s equaliser saved his former club’s blushes.Everton were denied a late penalty after a lengthy VAR check and the visitors were saved from something far worse as they left Liverpool with a point.Ferguson ended up smiling after Man Utd’s comeback led to a 2-2 draw More

  • in

    ‘I will love you always’ – John Terry’s wife Toni posts heartbreaking message as her ‘confidante and friend’ passes away

    JOHN TERRY’S wife Toni posted a heartfelt message after her horse Fritz died aged 26.The equestrian enthusiast was devastated at the passing of her beloved horse.Toni Terry is mourning the death of her horse FritzCredit: GoffJohn Terry and wife Toni have been married since 2007Credit: Instagram @toniterry26Following Fritz’s death, Toni posted several pictures of herself with her “friend and confidante” to Instagram.She captioned them: “RIP my beautiful friend.”Thank you for all you taught me, for all the times you listened to me chatting away and just nuzzled my shoulder, you weren’t just a horse, you were my confidante and my friend.”I will love you always my beautiful Fritz 26-years-old what a star.”READ MORE SPORTToni, 48, first became a professional dressage rider in 2010.After a hiatus she returned to the sport in 2021.That year she created a new Instagram account solely dedicated to her dressage.She has since posted dozens of photos of herself with her beloved horses.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSToni posted further images of herself with her beloved FritzCredit: Instagram @toniterry26In addition to dressage, Toni is something of a fitness fanatic.On her main Instagram account, she has posted pictures and videos of herself in the gym working out.Chelsea legend John Terry plays golf on luxury course after private jet trip Toni began dating John, one year older, at just 16.Together they have 18-year-old twins, a boy named Georgie and a girl called Summer Rose.Toni and John have been married since 2007Credit: Reuters More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo explodes in fit of fury after £64million signing Jhon Duran gets sent off for SLAPPING rival

    CRISTIANO RONALDO exploded in a fit of rage after Jhnon Duran was sent off for Al-Nassr.The former Aston Villa striker made the move to Saudi Arabia in a £64million January transfer.John Duran was sent off for slapping Abdulelah AlmalkiCredit: X @CanalplusFootCristiano was infuriated by the decisionCredit: X @CanalplusFootDuran, 21, has already scored four times in three Saudi Pro League games for the club.However his last outing was cut short as he was given his marching orders against Al-Ettifaq.The Colombian was sent off for SLAPPING rival player Abdulelah Almalki on the back of the head. The light slap saw the Ettifaq ace throw himself to the ground and convince the official that it was worthy of a red card.READ MORE ON RONALDORonaldo, 40, was left infuriated by the moment as he was left baffled by the referee’s decision.He could then be seen raging towards the touchline as Al-Nassr lost one of their star players.Al-Nassr were 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute but threw away the three points as Mohammed Al-Fatil put through his own net.To make matters worse, former Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum then netted his second of the game to win the game for Ettifaq.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManager Stefano Pioli admitted he was “not happy” with the red card during his post-match press conference.He said: “We could play better, and the mistakes cost me a lot today and caused the loss.Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementStefano Pioli was ‘not happy’ with the red cardCredit: Reuters”I repeat the same answer that I mentioned in the previous conferences, after the match, we work for two or three days for the next and most hospitalised match.”We started well and we advanced the result, but what made the difference is the mistakes.”Everyone is responsible for errors, I am the first responsible for correcting mistakes and we are working seriously, and I am not happy with the red card.”Duran could now face a suspension for the upcoming games, which could further dent Al-Nassr’s title hopes.The club are currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League after playing 21 games and eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More