Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans spot Arne Slot ‘praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside’ as he gives heartbreaking update on Liverpool striker

      by

      FANS spotted Arne Slot “praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside” before the Liverpool boss gave a heartbreaking update on his striker.Slot watched on with nerves as his title-chasing Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at rivals Aston Villa.Arne Slot was seen ‘praying for offside’ as Darwin Nunez missed a sitter against Aston VillaThe Liverpool striker fired wide in front of an open goal as the match finished 2-2Credit: GettyLiverpool went into the break 2-1 down but managed to secure a point through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.However, they could have bagged all three points when Nunez managed to find a clear way to goal.The striker was played in as Emi Martinez left his net completely unguarded.But Nunez was unable to hit the target despite being presented with an open goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe miss left players on both teams stunned.And Slot was seeing speaking to an official immediately after Nunez’s shocking effort.The Dutch boss appeared to ask if Nunez was “not offside?”While at the same time, Slot clasped his hands together as if in prayer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter full-time, he lifted the lid on Nunez’s terrible piece of play.And Slot revealed the forward was taking it extremely badly.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card He said: “There is one player in the dressing room who feels quite down.“You know who it is. I’m not happy with 2-2. We had big opportunities to go in front.“It was an unbelievable pass from Conor Bradley and power from Dom (Szoboszlai) who made a perfect pass to square it. He made it an open goal chance.”Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk added: “We are disappointed but we fight.“We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times.“We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at Manchester City at the weekend.“In possession we did well, created good opportunities to score a second.“Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have scored for 3-2 but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that. Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford verdict: Man Utd loanee looks like astute signing for Villa and effort can’t be faulted vs Liverpool

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD’S bid to revive his career took a big leap forward with his first Aston Villa start… against the toughest of opponents.The loanee striker from Manchester United played 67 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 home draw with Prem leaders Liverpool.Marcus Rashford played his part in a thrilling Prem drawCredit: GettyRashford looked ecstatic after Youri Tielemans levelled for VillaCredit: GettyThe 60-cap Englishman, 27, has much to prove – not just to reignite his club career but also to impress new Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel.Here’s how Rashford fared in a thrilling clash at Villa Park.PACE AND STAMINAThe first thing that stood out was his speed of thought.He almost caught Liverpool out early on with a clever 1-2 with Marco Asensio.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when he did get the chance to stretch his legs that old electric pace was evident again.One particular run caught the eye when he scorched across the turf to close down Trent Alexander-Arnold and pressure the usually cool ball-player into gifting possession back to Villa.Crucially, his excellent close control allows him to remain super-speedy when running at defenders.Boss Unai Emery watched on as Rashford showed his commitmentCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs far as stamina goes he was probably running on empty when he was replaced by Jacob Ramsey after 67 minutes by Emery.Most read in FootballPerhaps that’s why he never made those crucial 10 yards up to track Alexander-Arnold’s run when he scored.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionBut that’s being super critical because he possibly thought Morgan Rogers was responsible for that.EFFORTSpot on. He couldn’t be faulted for his commitment to the cause – in sharp contrast to his final days in a United shirt.Without fuss or fanfare he succeeded in snuffing out the very real attacking threat of Alexander-Arnold …. almost!For the first hour, his pace on the break kept TAA honest in his defensive duties, as the full-back was wary of wandering too far from his former England teammate.And he performed the less glamorous side of the game well too, chasing back and keeping Villa’s shape to seal off most of TAA’s passing channels.If I was being extremely picky I’d suggest he might look back with regret at his failure to track Alexander-Arnold’s run for his equaliser.He certainly put his hands on his knees and looked gutted afterwards as if he felt he might have done more.But I’d say that was a good sign of someone who clearly cares.The transfer-window recruit caused problems for Liverpool keeper AlissonCredit: APUSE OF BALLGenerally tidy.Sure, there were some tell-tale signs of ring-rust when he sent one left-foot cross harmlessly out of the park after half an hour.In general though he linked well and looks to be getting to grips with his new teammates movement and passing patterns.He was cocky and confident enough to nutmeg Alexis Mac Allister to win the free kick which led to Villa’s equaliser.He then whipped in the inswinging free kick which caused panic in Liverpool’s defence and led to Youri Tielemans’ opener.Not every attempted pass came off – sometimes he seemed one step ahead of his teammates – but the understanding will develop given more game time.Rashford whipped in a cross under pressure from Ryan GravenberchCredit: GettySCORING THREATCame close to creating an opener for Villa after 17 minutes when he played a rapid 1-2 with Marco Asensio and fired in a wicked delivery which Virgil van Dijk diverted into his own net.However the Reds defence had stepped up expertly to catch Rashford in their offside trap. Close but no cigar!He came even closer early in the second half when his blistering pace saw him beat Allison to a through ball.With the keeper stranded outside his box Rashford curled in a cute chip which was heading for the net until Ibrahima Konate got back to desperately head clear.From the resulting corner he curled his delivery in and the ball was heading in at the far post until Alisson frantically clawed it clear.He failed to score here but did more than enough to suggest the goals will flow in time.TACTICAL AWARENESSRashford was disciplined and followed Unai Emery’s instructions religiously.Out of possession he tracked Trent Alexander-Arnold and dropped into a mid-block centrally.Rashford had an impressive first full gameCredit: EPAIn possession he pushed high on the inside left channel to try and entice Konate out of his comfort zone in the middle.And though few Villa fans will have noticed it, he had a huge hand in Villa’s second goal too.Whether it was a direct instruction from Emery, or his own initiative, Rashford started drifting into the centre forward position just before half-time.That created room for Lucas Digne to exploit the space Rashford had vacated, allowing the full-back the time and space he needed to pick out Ollie Watkins with his brilliant cross.He has the game intelligence Emery will love.VERDICTIf Ruben Amorim really does believe he’d rather give his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach a seat on the bench than use Rashford – Jorge Vital better dust his boots off!Because all the early signs are Rashford looks as if he will turn out to be an astute signing by Emery.And if Vital can do better than this then he should be in line to START for United this week!Rashford looks to have the bit between his teeth and is ready to re-ignite his stellar career at Villa Park.He won the free kick which led to Villa’s opening goal with a cute nutmeg on Mac Allister.He then delivered the wicked cross which caused chaos in Liverpool’s defence and led to Tielemans’ opener.He also created the space Lucas Digne needed to create Villa’s second for Ollie Watkins.He skinned Alisson for pace in a straight sprint and had a shot cleared off the line by Konate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s not a bad shift for someone who hadn’t started a game since December.Rashford will get better the more game time he gets for Emery who could have a bargain on his hands if he chooses to trigger his £40million option to buy this summer. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe copies both Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi celebrations after Real Madrid star’s hat-trick vs Man City

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE gave a nod to two of the greats as he singlehandedly tore apart Manchester City in the Champions League.Mbappe netted a hattrick to send the Cityzens packing from the competition before they could even reach the last 16 proper in a 3-1 win (6-3 on aggregate).Kylian Mbappe scored a hattrick as Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPCity lost 6-3 on aggregate to MadridCredit: GettyIt was a performance to remember for Mbappe, who not only channelled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with his efforts on the ball, but also with his celebrations.The Frenchman gave a nod to each of the stars as he celebrated his goals at the Santiago Bernabeu.His first goal, a delightful chip over Ederson, saw him recreate Ronaldo’s most recent celebration to the raucous home fans.Ronaldo imitated a chipped ball with his hand after netting against Al Wasl earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Mbappe appeared to do the same thing after looping the ball over Ederson’s head and soaking up the atmosphere with his arms outstretched.He made sure his second goal, a twisting finish into the bottom corner, was all his own – celebrating with his teammates and enjoying a goal that put Madrid well and truly in the driving seat.But his celebration for his hattrick goal was reserved for a tribute to Lionel Messi.After scoring a drilled left-footed effort from the edge of the area, Mbappe counted his three goals out on his fingers – mimicking Lionel Messi’s celebration from back in 2011 against Mallorca.Most read in FootballMbappe celebrated his first goal by mimicking a chipped shot with his handCredit: PACristiano Ronaldo pulled out a similar celebration against Al Wasl earlier this monthCredit: GettyMbappe copied Lionel Messi’s 1-2-3 celebration after his hattrickCredit: GettyMessi used the celebration back in 2011Credit: YouTubeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite honouring two of the greatest players to ever play the game, Mbappe is very much creating his own legacy at the moment.After his performance on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old now has over 500 career goal contributions.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawDespite his electric display, teammate Jude Bellingham was keen to remind fans that there’s so much more to Madrid that Mbappe.He told TNT Sports: “Kylian is just flying now. But sometimes we need a reminder that talent isn’t enough. “You need organisation, you need commitment and we have worked on that after some bad results recently.”Manager Carlo Ancelotti described the World Cup winner as “fantastic” in his post match interview, while even club legend Zinedine Zidane seemed impressed from the stands.Mbappe’s ode to Ronaldo and Messi should come as no surprise with the star idolising the pair throughout his entire career.He previously said of Ronaldo: “I just want to admire Cristiano’s greatness. “There will be no one like him. He has left a mark on football history.”While he gushed about Messi, despite suffering World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of his Argentina side in 2022.Mbappe, who played with Messi at PSG, said: “Playing with Leo Messi is definitely something I miss a lot. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You always miss not playing with Leo Messi anymore! For an attacker like me, who likes to attack spaces, with him you have the certainty that you can get the ball. “It was a luxury that almost only he can give you. Beyond that, playing with Messi was special.”Mbappe has always spoken highly of RonaldoCredit: AFPHe played alongside Lionel Messi at PSGCredit: Reuters More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham slapped with ANOTHER ban just hours after Real Madrid star’s two-match suspension

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been slapped with another ban on top of his two-game suspension.The Real Madrid star was sent off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after an X-rated rant at the referee.Jude Bellingham has received another ban after picking up a yellow versus CityCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star will miss the first leg of their last-16 clashCredit: GettyIt is Bellingham’s second ban after he was controversially sent off in LaLigaCredit: ReutersOfficial Jose Munuera red carded Bellingham for yelling “f*** you” at him.But the English midfielder argues there was a “miscommunication” and boss Carlo Ancelotti claims his player said “f*** off” in frustration.Bellingham was handed a two-match ban from LaLiga games earlier today, meaning he will miss fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.Just hours later, he was in action for Real Madrid as they smashed Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League via a stunning Kylian Mbappe hat-trick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham was booked in the first-half for a foul on Phil Foden and he will now be banned from their next European game.The suspension comes as he has hit the maximum of three yellows after being carded against Brest and Lille earlier in the tournament.It means the 21-year-old will not feature in the first leg of their last-16 clash against either Bayer Leverkuen or bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.Despite the bans, Bellingham will be back on the pitch next Wednesday as Real Madrid face Real Soceidad in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis LaLiga suspension does not carry over to the Spanish cup competition.There remains hope he will be back sooner as Real Madrid will reportedly appeal the two-match ban.Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelOn the controversial red card, Bellingham said: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. “I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”Ancelotti added: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.” More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

      by

      ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn which two teams they could face

      by

      LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16.The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday – after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear more straightforward!Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid KO Man CityCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co face a tough last-16 tie if Arsenal are to taste gloryCredit: RexMo Salah and Liverpool will take on PSG or BenficaCredit: PAOllie Watkins hopes Villa’s impressive European adventure continuesCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.But the Prem’s other three representatives had already qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. And following the midweek action, the Champions League takes the shape of a standard cup competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich broke Celtic’s hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also reaching the last 16 the same night.And on Wednesday they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.It all means Liverpool will face a mammoth task against PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica.Arsenal take on Dutch opposition – either Feyenoord or Juventus’ extra-time conquerors PSV.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW THE LAST 16 LOOKSHere’s what is coming up next – with Liverpool boss Arne Slot perhaps hoping to avoid PSG. PSG vs Liverpool/BarcelonaClub Brugge vs Lille/Aston VillaReal Madrid vs Atletico/LeverkusenBenfica vs Barcelona/LiverpoolBorussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/LilleBayern Munich/Leverkusen vs AtleticoFeyenoord vs Inter/ArsenalPSV vs Arsenal/Inter MilanBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO’d Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th).Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.Barca’s Lamine Yamal is dreaming of his first Champions League crownCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s City had begun a dramatic Wednesday night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion at the Bernabeu.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it’s all eyes on Friday.Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted: “After we conceded a goal we didn’t defend well.”But we accept it – the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.”Borussia Dortmund celebrated going through after a 0-0 home draw sunk Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offsCredit: AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of seven scorers on the night as PSG destroyed Brest 7-0 to triumph 10-0 over the two legsCredit: AFPPSV scorer Ivan Perisic tangles with Juve’s Lloyd Kelly as the Dutch side beat the Italian giant 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregateCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Champions League last 16 draw, and when do the fixtures take place?

      by

      THE expanded Champions League has delighted and confused fans in equal abundance so far this season.More teams and more matches – plus a league table to contend with – have left many fans wondering what exactly is going on.Liverpool are already into the hat for the Champions League Round of 16 draw – but will have to wait to find out who their opponents areCredit: APThe second legs of the knockout phase play-offs are currently taking place right now.But then what?Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League Last 16 draw and stages.When is the Champions League Last-16 stage draw?The main draw for the Champions League Last 16 phase takes place on Friday, February 21.Under the new league table format, which has 36 teams, the top eight teams in the table are automatically in the Round of 16 and are seeded.The bottom eight teams have been eliminated from European competition, with no move into the Europa League like in previous years.The next 16 teams – those that finished between 9th and 24th – have headed into the knockout play-offs.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.When does the Champions League knockout phase play-offs take place and when is the Round of 16?Teams that finished in the top eight and automatically reached the Round of 16 have a little bit of a wait on their hands.Most read in Champions LeagueAfter the final league phase game on January 29, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona will not play their Champions League last 16 games until March.Those fixtures are scheduled to take place on March 4-5 and 11-12.What was the final Champions League league phase standings?Liverpool (straight into last 16)Barcelona (straight into last 16)Arsenal (straight into last 16)Inter (straight into last 16)Atletico Madrid (straight into last 16)Bayer Leverkusen (straight into last 16)Lille (straight into last 16)Aston Villa (straight into last 16)Atalanta (into last-16 play-off)Borussia Dortmund (into last-16 play-off)Real Madrid (into last-16 play-off)Bayern (into last-16 play-off)AC Milan (into last-16 play-off)PSV (into last-16 play-off)PSG (into last-16 play-off)Benfica (into last-16 play-off)Monaco (into last-16 play-off)Brest (into last-16 play-off)Feyenoord (into last-16 play-off)Juventus (into last-16 play-off)Celtic (into last-16 play-off)Man City (into last-16 play-off)Sporting (into last-16 play-off)Club Brugge (into last-16 play-off)Dinamo Zagreb (eliminated from Europe)Stuttgart (eliminated from Europe)Shakhtar Donetsk (eliminated from Europe)Bologna (eliminated from Europe)Crvenza Zvezda (eliminated from Europe)Sturm Graz (eliminated from Europe)Sparta Praha (eliminated from Europe)RB Leipzig (eliminated from Europe)Girona (eliminated from Europe)RB Salzburg (eliminated from Europe)Slovan (eliminated from Europe)Young Boys (eliminated from Europe)Premier League clubs opponentsHere’s how the English clubs are shaping up for the Last 16.These are the current opponents who Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will face following the conclusion of the knockout phase play-offs.Last 16Liverpool vs PSG/BenficaArsenal vs PSV Eindhoven/FeyenoordAston Villa vs Borussia Dortmund/Club Brugge More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kobbie Mainoo return date pencilled in as Man Utd star gives new England manager Thomas Tuchel a headache

      by

      KOBBIE MAINOO’S potential return date from injury has been revealed – and it’s not good news for Manchester United fans.Mainoo suffered a muscular injury while training last week and subsequently missed United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday.Kobbie Mainoo will likely return after the international breakCredit: AlamyMainoo was expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squadCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are yet to put an exact time frame on his return, but reports have claimed that he will remain absent until after the international break next month.The Telegraph has revealed that Mainoo is aiming for a return on April 1 – when Man Utd face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.That means he will miss Thomas Tuchel’s first England camp.The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign next month with games against Albania and Latvia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was expected to be named in the squad having burst onto the international scene a year ago.But his absence could give Tuchel a selection headache.Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is understood to be in line for a maiden senior call-up following his breakthrough at the Emirates.While the teenager has been playing as a left-back for the Gunners, he can also play as a central midfielder.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMainoo has been hit with another injury setbackMainoo is not the only Man Utd star set for a period on the sidelines.Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for a significant spell earlier this month.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The centre-back ruptured his ACL during a match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.He could now remain unavailable until next year. More