Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 2 PAOK 0: Amad Diallo at the double as Red Devils pick up first European win in 383 days

      by

      A LITTLE RED DEVIL finally gave Manchester United a glimpse of European heaven after so many dark days – 383 to be exact.Amad Diallo at 5ft 8in was the smallest man on the pitch last night.Manchester United welcome PAOK to Old Trafford for their fourth Europa League match of the seasonCredit: EPAThe Greek outfit frustrated the Red Devils for the first halfCredit: EPAAmad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a brilliant headerCredit: GETTYPut the pocket dynamo of footballing excellence was the one using his head to loop the ball into the far side of the net in the 50th minute.Then in the 77th minute, the tenacity of the Ivory Coast international saw him wrestle the ball into his possession before he released a stunning drive for his second.The 22-year-old is a star and he is only going to shine brighter and brighter as the years go on.He decided this Europa League contest and gave Manchester United only their second victory in Europe in 12 games.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIn fact, it was just over a year ago that they had anything to shout about away from domestic football and then it needed a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save for a 1-0 win over Copenhagen.So this was something of an achievement given recent travails for a club that used to strike fear into the hearts of teams on the continent.This is a very different United, though. The fans visiting from Greece came with huge optimism.They had spent the afternoon enjoying Manchester’s City centre and were in full voice long before kick-off and throughout the game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/AEven at 2-0 down they kept going but it was the home faithful who had the most to shout about.Having said that, the Greek Champions would produce the best effort of the first half when Mady Camara’s volley was toughed over by Andre Onana.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyBefore that, there was some exciting attacking play from Alejandro, Garnacho, 20, on the left as always, but even better was Diallo on the right.The 22-year-old was in for Marcus Rashford who was benched and he was going to take his chance with some eye-catching play for incoming boss Ruben Amorim to enjoy from Lisbon.He got an early whack from Abdul Baba but he will not be intimidated.He had a penalty shout when he was bundled over by Baba who failed to win the ball. Despite a VAR check, there was no spot-kick given.Amad was firing balls in from the right and when he found Rasmus Hojlund in the centre of the box his header was straight at the goalkeeper.Diallo puts the work in too and when he sprinted from his flank to the left to block a clearance the crowd roared.The two young wingers almost combined to break the deadlock when Garnacho raced to the byline to whip the ball across the face of the goal.Diallo could just not reach it at the far post. United began the second half on the front foot.Fernandes was running the show with his short and long-range passes.It was his deep ball to the far post that was met by the jumping Diallo who nodded an arching ball through the sky, over the goalkeeper and in.He may have been just trying to get it back across goal to Rasmus Hojlund, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.Off he raced to the corner flag, kissing the United badge, while a VAR check took place.Diallo bagged his and United’s second with a deflected strike in the 77th minuteCredit: GETTYDiallo proved to be a shining light in an otherwise drab night for the Red DevilsCredit: REXIncoming boss Ruben Amorim will no doubt be thrilled by Diallo’s performanceCredit: PANobody quite knew why, though, but it did give Diallo a second chance to celebrate when the referee confirmed the goal.He could have had a second soon after.With another searching ball, Fernandes picked out his run and after racing into the box his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski denying him with an outstretched leg.Garnacho dragged the spotlight across the pitch to him when he went on a wriggling run through three players in the box before hitting the deck.Again there were cries for a penalty again they were waved away.With a slender lead, United still had to be careful and they were caught napping in the 64th minute for what should have been the PAOK equaliser.Taison’s ball rolled unhindered past those in red and settled at the feet of Tarik Tissoudall.There was nobody near him and in football terms, he had all the time in the world, but shot straight at Onana.He held his head in his hands as did his teammates as The Stretford End breathed a sigh of relief.The sighs turned to roars when substitute Christian Eriksen launched a ball forward that PAOK’s Baba seemed to have under control.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Diallo was snapping at his heels, forced him off the ball, ran away with it and then from the edge of the area fired a curling drive home.What a goal, what a night for Diallo. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford Bridge

      by

      CHELSEA fans have been given an update on star man Cole Palmer’s fitness ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend.Palmer, 22, has been a doubt for the London derby after picking up a knock during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.Chelsea fans have been given an update on Cole Palmer’s fitnessCredit: RexEnzo Maresca explained earlier this week that the midfielder was unable to train on Tuesday after the injury.He said: “Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal. We will assess him.”But Blues fans have been given a boost after seeing Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s clash with FC Noah in the Conference League.Palmer, who isn’t part of Chelsea’s Conference League squad, was there to support his team from the sidelines.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the England star appeared to be moving freely as he walked by the pitch in SW6.Fans were certainly buoyed by the sight of their star man moving with ease.On social media, one wrote: “I think he can play against Arsenal”.While another added: “Like I said, he looks good for someone who is supposed to be injured”.Most read in FootballPalmer was moving freely as he watched Chelsea vs Noah in the conference leagueCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea fans can be confident that any issue isn’t long-term either with Palmer called up to Lee Carsley’s final England camp as manager.The former Man City man has been included in the 23-strong squad to face Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaignPalmer’s inclusion for the Arsenal game would be a huge boost with the attacking midfielder already registering 12 goal contributions in 10 Premier League games this season.However, the Blues could still be without Jadon Sancho for the head-to-head this weekend too.Speaking about the winger in his press conference, Maresca said: “He also had a knock in a session. “Tomorrow [against Noah] he is out but we will see if he can be available for Sunday’s game, otherwise it will be after the international break for him.”Arsenal could be reduced in numbers with Declan Rice missing the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Inter on Wednesday with injury.Palmer’s absence mattered little against FC Noah as the romped to an 8-0 win – a record for the Europa Conference League.Jadon Sancho is a doubt for the Arsenal gameCredit: EPADeclan Rice could miss out for the GunnersCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Renee Slegers sticks up for Arsenal after fixture clash ‘dilemma’ forces women’s match move from Emirates

      by

      RENEE SLEGERS has defended Arsenal after the club was forced to shift a Women’s Champions League match from the Emirates. Some Gunners fans were left angered by the December duel with Bayern Munich being moved from the stadium due to a fixture clash.Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal have been presented with tough problem due to the clash of club fixtures at the EmiratesCredit: GettyTheir WSL side’s Women’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich is set to be moved due to a rescheduled men’s Carabao Cup fixtureCredit: GettyYesterday the EFL confirmed a Carabao Cup quarter-final game involving Arsenal’s men’s team would be rescheduled for December 18. However the timing of the midweek game coincides with the club’s WSL stars hosting Bayern in the Champions League. Gunners officials have opted to change the venue for the women’s match with the team forced to make way for their men’s side hosting Crystal Palace. This is despite the club committing to hosting all their women’s side’s home games in Europe at the Emirates.Read More Football Stories The Arsenal Supporters Club expressed their disappointment in what they described as a “change in priorities” for the fixture with the date and venue for having been known for weeks. However, Slegers feels Gunners officials are dealing with “a hard dilemma”. The WSL team other home ground Meadow Park is being considered as a possible alternative venue for match.Interim Arsenal boss Slegers whose team hosts Brighton tomorrow night, said:  “It has been a very hard dilemma for the club with two great teams competing in competitions. Most read in Football”What Arsenal have been doing really well is pushing the growth of women’s football for a very long time. “This is a bump in the road but what Arsenal has been doing is very strong.”The Gunners’ battle with Bayern being shunted from the Emirates comes three weeks after the departure of former Arsenal Women’s gaffer Jonas Eidevall. The Sweden-born head coach resigned from his role on October 15 after the team won just one of their opening four WSL games this term. Since Slegers took charge the Gunners have gone unbeaten in three games across all competitions with two wins and a draw. And she insists hers and the team’s focus is on their football. She added: “With what we are doing, you could say we live in a little box with the team and the staff. “For us, obviously Jonas leaving was a change. “But all the other things of what we are doing are not impacted by those external things. “What we need to do is work on our football and group dynamics. “That’s what we do day-in, day-out and that’s where focus is.” Tomorrow night’s WSL duel between the Gunners and Brighton will be the first between the sides this term. The Seagulls have had an impressive start under head coach Dario Vidosic and are four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.The team, who have Gunners striker Michelle Agyemang on loan for one season, have lost just one of their first six opening games this term. Arsenal could go a point behind third-placed Brighton if they defeat them in the WSL tomorrowCredit: GettyBrighton, who are third, currently occupy one of the WSL’s top three spots for qualification to compete in the Champions League.  READ MORE SUN STORIESOf if their duel could be a big one in terms of the battle to reach next term’s tournament, Slegers adds: “It’s still early in the season, but I think all games are important. “This is going to be an important game for us.” More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arne Slot has only done the easy part at Liverpool – the fate of Unai Emery and David Moyes serve as a warning

      by

      JACK NICHOLSON claims to have slept with 2,000 women in his prime while carving out a reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate swordsman.Imagine being the next bloke in the bedroom trying to follow that.Arne Slot has done the easy part at LiverpoolCredit: RexWhen in truth, it’s the man who keeps one beautiful woman happy and content for years on end that you really have to worry about, chaps.With that in mind, picking up the baton from Jurgen Klopp or Arsene Wenger goes down as two of the hardest jobs in football.Arne Slot has done pretty well at Liverpool, with one defeat in his first 16 games. But compared to Klopp’s unforgettable nine years at Anfield, he is still only in the foreplay stage.Unai Emery won 11 games on the trot in the same blistering three-month period having been tasked with leading Arsenal into a new era at the end of Wenger’s remarkable 22 years, in which he transformed one of the world’s biggest teams and football as a whole. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet less than 1½ seasons later, he was sacked. After an initial rush of blood, the Spaniard had flopped and was on his bike.Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification in his first season by a solitary point — to Tottenham. They reached the Europa League final but lost to Chelsea.Not bad for a debut season but in every nook and cranny of the   Emirates, there were creeping doubts that he just was not the right fit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBy the end of the first season, some Arsenal players were laughing behind Emery’s back at his poor grasp of English.The fans were confused about the style of play.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Home games were played out amid baffled silence, the way was lost and the glue between manager and club simply did not set hard.It’s not an uncommon trend. Trace back through history and Bruce Rioch lost only three of his first 16 games when taking over from George Graham at the Gunners in 1995. He was history after a season.David Moyes lost only three of his first 16  Manchester United games — a decent enough return when charged with succeeding the most successful British boss of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson.It’s difficult including Chelsea because their idea of devotion is like that of bed-hopping Nicholson. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, then on to the next one.Yet Avram Grant and Antonio Conte produced the goods when each took over from Jose Mourinho. Yet neither man really ‘got’ the club they were working for and paid the price.Emery is enjoying a more fruitful time at Aston Villa with his second bite at the Prem cherry. Then again, he has replaced Steven Gerrard, who did not even get one full season.Slot and Emery come face to face tomorrow when Liverpool host Villa.The Dutchman would do well to pull his opposite number to one side after the game to bend his ear on what to do, and what not to do, when juggling how to subtly move a club on while keeping tabs with tradition.Slot has passed the first test with a set of impressive results.But he still has work to do understanding, then changing, the culture at Anfield. His brand of football won’t ever be as full-on as Klopp’s organised chaos.The patient build-up to Tuesday’s eventual thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen underlines that, while the lack of noise at some home games this season reflects it.Slot’s tactics, transfer business and absorption into Liverpool’s way will be much more telling over time and it’s from now that he needs to build on the early positive vibes to construct a long-term transformation.Big football clubs don’t drop their drawers on the first date for anyone.GYOK A GAMBLEViktor Gyokeres could be a gamble for an English team to pick upCredit: RexPLENTY of debate about how and why Viktor Gyokeres is not playing for a Premier League big gun already.His remarkable 23 goals in 15 games for Sporting Lisbon this season makes him ripe for poaching — and that’s fair enough.Yet Chelsea already distanced themselves from previous links with the centre-forward from a year or so ago.And this makes me think something is not quite there with the free-scoring Swede to guarantee him being a hit over here.If you want previous on that, google Radamel Falcao, Serhiy Rebrov, Alvaro Morata and Andriy Shevchenko to find plenty of others who did not quite do it in England. We wait to see…TRUMP CARDRory McIlroy might be hoping Donald Trump can end golf’s civil warRORY McILROY must be the only person on planet Earth to consider Donald Trump a peacemaker.Yet the Northern Irish golfer hopes the re-election of a convicted felon as US President could be just the thing to end the lengthy standoff between the rival PGA and LIV Tours.How reassuring. It’s just the rest of the world we have to worry about now.Trump makes a formidable pairing with his ally, Tesla billionaire Elon Musk.The founder of SpaceX and owner of the X social-media platform has claimed in the past to be an alien.Golf went into meltdown when the rock ’n rollers from Saudi-owned LIV proposed 54-hole tournaments instead of the usual 72 and playing music at each one.God only knows what will happen should Trump and Musk get their hands on the Stableford scoring system.EERIE SILENCEThe atmosphere at Fulham’s Craven Cottage before their Brentford derby was eerily quietCredit: ReutersWALKING down to Fulham’s London derby against Brentford on Monday, it was eerily quiet.Then the peace was broken by the noise of a helicopter passing overhead having probably just taken off from the nearby helipad in Wandsworth.It made me think how much I miss the sound of those police choppers which used to hover around to keep an eye on things when there was a ‘tasty’  fixture in town.The constant heavy whirring made for a crackle in the air, especially at night matches.Anyone else feel the same? Just a thought.MUM’S WORDThe story of the week involves James Maddison being told off by his mumCredit: ReutersSTORY of the week was James Maddison admitting he has been in trouble with his mother for taking his shirt off every time he scores.With only seven goals since August 2023, the Tottenham midfielder clearly doesn’t give his old girl much grief and should still get his pocket money.But it got me thinking that while today’s over-paid, overhyped and often over-excitable Premier League stars might be bigger than their managers, they still all answer to one person.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo would it not be a good idea for all top-flight chiefs to be given the numbers of each player’s mum when they sign?Any backchatting or not eating your greens after training and the real boss is just a call away… More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘That is so disrespectful’ say fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fan

      by

      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was involved in an altercation with a fan before Manchester United’s Europa League clash with PAOK.The 20-year-old was named in the starting XI for the clash by interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, marking the third game in a row he has started under the Dutchman.Alejandro Garnacho greeted fans before Man Utd v PAOK but was heckled by a fanGarnacho quipped back after the fan’s ‘disrespectful’ commentsHowever, while greeting fans outside of Old Trafford before the game, the Argentine was involved in a disagreement with one fan.Garnacho generated criticism for his performance in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.And one fan saw fit to voice that opinion as Garnacho interacted with fans.The fan could be heard saying: “Garnacho, you’ve got to pass better today, yeah please?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”After signing his autograph for another fan, he was then seen turning to the fan and saying: “Why are you not playing?”He then walked away and towards the entrance of the ground.Reacting to the clip on social media, fans did not agree with the decision to voice their opinion there and then.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan said: “That’s rude from the fan.”A second said: “This is so disrespectful to Garnacho.”Man Utd wonderkid Ethan Wheatley does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing A third added: “Idc (I don’t care) if you like someone or not sometimes you gotta show some respect, embarrassing.”Another said: “Nah this is too far.”Garnacho has six goals and four assists in all competitions from 16 games this season, making him the team’s top scorer.He is one of six outfield United players to have played more than 1,000 minutes so far this season. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      FA launches NEW investigation into Premier League boss over historical child sex abuse allegations

      by

      THE FOOTBALL Association have launched a safeguarding investigation into a Premier League boss cleared over multiple historical sex abuse allegations.At least three women made complaints to cops against the well-known football figure.The football boss was quizzed by Met Police officers in June last yearPolice took the decision not to bring criminal charges after receiving advice from the CPS.Crown lawyers believed there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of a successful prosecution.The FA inquiry is now able to proceed following the conclusion of the police criminal investigation and could recommend special measures are taken against the man.A spokesperson for the national governing body said: “We have robust safeguarding measures in place, and all referrals into us are handled in line with our policies and procedures.”We investigate and assess all allegations and concerns about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football and, where applicable, can impose proportionate safeguarding measures in accordance with FA safeguarding regulations.‘’We do not comment on individual cases.”The man also still faces civil action from a woman who claims he raped her at his home when she was 15.Separately, other women alleged to police they were sexually assaulted and raped by the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons.Most read in FootballHe was quizzed under caution by police on at least two occasions over the allegations, which he strongly refuted.The football boss was quizzed by Met Police officers in June last year over an historical allegation of rape against a teenage girl.The woman claimed the man forced her to have sex with him when she applied to work for a business he was involved with at the time.It is unconnected to the football club the man is now linked with.The investigation was later taken over by Essex Police, already probing separate claims by other complainants against the man.It is understood the decision to take no further action was taken in September and the man was informed.Essex Police said it “had received a number of allegations relating to non-recent sexual offences”.A spokesman for the force said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a key focus for Essex Police and we take allegations of this nature very seriously.“Our specialist officers, who specifically investigate non-recent sexual offences, carried out a thorough and extensive investigation including obtaining accounts from those affected.“Following consultation with the CPS, and acting on advice received from them, Essex Police took the decision that no further action would be taken in relation to these allegations.“As with any investigation, should new information be received it will be assessed.”The football boss was given anonymity by a judge for the civil case he is facing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is alleged by the plaintiff that he raped and beat her and she is claiming damages for psychological harm.No action was taken by police in that case either but it will be tested under the lower burden of proof under civil law. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Galatasaray 3 Tottenham 2: Postecoglou pays price for much-changed side as Turkish giants go top of Europa League table

      by

      VICTOR OSIMHEN’S move to Galatasaray was one of the stranger moves of the transfer window.Osimhen? Eh? The world-class striker for Napoli? Shouldn’t he be joining the best of the best in Europe?Ange Postecoglou watched on as his Spurs team were taught a lesson by GalatasarayCredit: RexVictor Osimhen bagged a brace as the Turkish side got the better of an inexperienced Spurs teamCredit: EPA19-year-old striker Will Lankshear was sent off in the second halfCredit: ReutersRather than, with respect, a move to the Turkish league which, according to Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, nobody watches?Seeing Osimhen rip apart Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit Tottenham in the first half here, it only reinforced that view over his curious loan switch to Istanbul.The Nigerian centre-forward had two goals by half-time and could have had six overall were it not for a number of fine saves from Fraser Forster.It was too much for a Spurs backline shorn of the crocked Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to cope with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were not helped either by Yunus Akgun rifling in a bullet of a shot to give the hosts the lead.There was a brief reprieve when 19-year-old Will Lankshear netted his first professional goal by finishing off a quality move to level things up.But then even the teenager’s night was spoiled when he was sent off for two yellow cards inside seven second-half minutes.Sub Dominic Solanke’s backheeled finish to give the ten men hope, but in the end Osimhen proved the difference.Most read in Champions LeagueYunus Akgun scored a stunning goal to open the scoringCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis was always going to be Tottenham’s toughest test of the Europa League ‘league’ phase.And with three wins out of three already on the board, it felt like a bit of a free hit.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtA chance for “growth”, as Postecoglou might put it, for his young side to experience.There were no ‘Welcome to Hell’ banners in the stands, as Manchester United were greeted with in Galatasaray’s old stadium in 1993.But Postecoglou’s team were treated to deafening whistles every time they were in possession.Honestly, it was so loud, that if it was anything like the noise at Besiktas when the played RB Leipzig in 2017, you could understand why Spurs loanee Timo Werner, playing for RB the German visitors at the time, asked for earplugs during the match.Werner was one of six players missing through either injury or illness for Postecoglou.It meant back-ups Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies started at centre-back and, boy, did they have a challenge on their hands.Not just with Osimhen, though he was every bit as dangerous as expected, but also with the evergreen Dries MertensStill going strong at 37, the Belgian was threading through balls at will and had a hand in all three Galatasaray goals.The hosts made a blistering start when Akgun let fly from just outside the box.It was a rocket of a strike that Forster could do little about, despite getting a hand to it.Spurs looked to be wilting in the atmosphere, frequently giving the ball away.But then, out of nowhere, they were level on 18 minutes and it was a goal of real quality.Will Lankshear scored his first goal for Spurs to level the scoresCredit: GettyVersatile Archie Gray clipped a delightful ball over the defence which Brennan Johnson volleyed back across for Lankshear to turn into the net.It was a landmark moment for the 19-year-old, who was released by Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal aged 16, and on only his second appearance.Lankshear and Gray were two of three teenagers in Postecoglou’s starting line-up, plus Lucas Bergvall, while there were another three on the bench.One of those was attacker Luca Williams-Barnett, who only turned 16 on October 1 and was due to be in school on Thursday until his club pulled him out for this fixture.It would be a tad harsh to say the rest of the half felt like men against boys, but Galatasaray’s experience and quality certainly took hold.Forster denied Osimhen twice with two good stops but could do nothing about the ex-Napoli man’s excellent first-time finish when seizing on a Mertens pass for his first.Nor could the ex-Southampton man prevent a clever volley from Osimhen back across him to make it 3-1.There were more fine stops from Forster to deny Osimhen and a host of Galatasaray players after the break, leaving home fans baffled as to how they had not scored five or six.Even more so when Spurs were reduced to ten men, after Lankshear was booked for a stray elbow and then again shortly after for a trip on ex-Norwich man Gabriel Sara.The youngster looked gutted as he walked off the pitch.But £65million striker Solanke, who came on shortly afterwards, made an instant impact by flicking home Pedro Porro’s cross.It was hard to believe given the amount of chances the hosts had had, but Spurs suddenly sensed a leveller might actually be possible.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey had a decent chance for it too when sub Pape Sarr could have sent Dejan Kulusevski through but his pass was poor – leaving Postecoglou raging on the touchline.Galatasaray were somehow hanging towards the end, but ultimately they got the win – thanks to the world-class centre-forward they are lucky enough to have.Lankshear was sent off in the early stages of the second halfCredit: RexVictor Osimhen bagged a brace to put Galatasary out in frontCredit: GettyDominic Solanke’s second half goal wasn’t enough to earn Spurs a pointCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham wonderkid Will Lankshear, 19, SENT OFF vs Galatasaray as joy of first Spurs goal turns to nightmare

      by

      TOTTENHAM youngster Will Lankshear saw his Europa League dream turn into a nightmare against Galatasaray.The 19-year-old was sent off against the Turkish giants just 42 minutes after bagging his first goal for Tottenham.Will Lankshear was sent off for Tottenham against GalatasarayCredit: RexLankshear looked like he was in for a night to remember when he netted his first Spurs goal to draw the scored level in the 18th minute of the European clash.But joy was soon tempered by despair as he was sent off just 15 minutes into the second half.The Spurs academy graduate escaped a booking for his goal celebration in front of the Galatasaray fans, but two yellow cards in the second half would bring his night to an early end.The striker caught a Galatasaray player with an arm while fighting for the ball and was booked in the 53rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then landed a clumsy tackle on Gabriel Sara that saw him sent off seven minutes later.Tottenham were trailing 3-1 at the time with Victor Osimhen showing why he was in demand this summer by netting a brace.However, Lankshear’s dismissal seemed to kick Postecoglou’s side into action.Just nine minutes after the forward left the pitch, Dominic Solanke bagged a second for Spurs and pulled them back into the game.Most read in FootballLankshear netted his first goal for Tottenham in the first halfCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite their best efforts Spurs were unable to claw back another goal and ultimately fell to a defeat in Istanbul. The result lifts Galatasaray to the top of the table while Spurs sit in fifth, still in one of the automatic qualification positions. More