Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares111 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Arteta what are you thinking?’ – Arsenal fans fume at full strength XI for dead rubber while PSG make TEN changes

      by

      ARSENAL fans have lashed out at Mikel Arteta after he named a strong team in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.Arteta made just two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.Arsenal fans are fuming with Mikel Arteta after named a strong team against BournemouthCredit: ReutersEyebrows were raised by Arteta’s choice to go full-strength, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.With Liverpool already champions, Arteta’s side are effectively playing for second place in the Prem.But Arteta has fielded his best players against Bournemouth at the Emirates, with Arsenal’s top four place all but secured.His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba, captain Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThis is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique. The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back. PSG’s entire front line was rested, with Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma all benched.Meanwhile, only Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber were been left out of the starting line-up against the Cherries.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesJoão Neves was the only one to remain the starting line-up in PSG’S 2-1 loss to Strasbourg, but he was subbed off early during the game.And Arsenal fans were left reeling after Arteta’s line-ups were released.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid One wrote: “Arteta what are you thinking?”A second quizzed: “Ridiculous, what if we get anymore injuries in this game?”A third raged: “Arteta what the f*** are you doing?😡.”A third added: “What on earth is Arteta trying to achieve with this lineup. Let’s pray the worst doesn’t happen.”One more replied: “We have gone full strength while PSG have made ten changes ahead of the second leg 😡😡😡.”Rice put Arsenal 1-0 up in his 100th appearances for the club, with Bournemouth missing several chances in the first half.Read More on The SunBut Dean Huijsen’s clever header from a long throw gave the Cherries hope of a shock away win.And Evalison grabbed the winner from another set piece – this time from a corner – before VAR checked a possible handball. More

    • 188 Shares127 Views

      in Soccer

      Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenes following promotion to Premier League

      by

      BURNLEY stars were serenaded by Natasha Bedingfield on the Turf Moor pitch after their win over Millwall.The Clarets finished their season with a 3-1 win over the South London side and reached 100 points.Natasha Bedingfield serenaded the Burnley players at Turf MoorCredit: RexThe singer performed following the club’s win over MillwallCredit: RexShe shared a drink with Scott ParkerCredit: BurnleyShe continued to sing with the players in the changing roomCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BurnleyOfficialThe group all sang the hit song ‘Unwritten’ togetherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BurnleyOfficialThere was disappointment as Leeds United sealed the Championship title on goal difference following their win over Plymouth Argyle.However, it was short-lived as Burnley players and fans were busy celebrating the return to the Premier League.Scott Parker’s side sealed promotion on April 21 but were now in full jubilation following the climax of the campaign.The players were treated to a special performance from noughties legend Natasha Bedingfield, 43, on the pitch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPictures showed the British singer and songwriter serenading the promoted stars.Fans loved the surprise appearance from the Unwritten star as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Absolutely class, they got Natasha Bedingfield.”A second wrote: “Must admit, Natasha Beddingfield singing Unwritten live at the Turf was not on my 2025 bingo card.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third commented: “Natasha Beddingfield singing Unwritten at Burnley after the match today is one of the most random things I have seen in football.”A fourth said: “Yeah, Leeds may have won the league, but do they have Natasha Bedingfield singing at their promotion party?”Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordJosh Brownhill netted twice to help Burnley beat MillwallCredit: GettyBurnley finished second in the ChampionshipCredit: ReutersAnother added: “Promotion party and a live appearance by Natasha Bedingfield. What a time to be alive.”Bedingfield continued to celebrate with the players in the changing room.The star and players came together to sing Unwritten.Her appearance could be down to the players singing the 2004 classic when they confirmed promotion against Sheffield United.She was also pictured having a celebratory drink with Parker.Burnley must have thought that they had won the title as Josh Brownhill’s brace and Jaydon Anthony fired them to victory.Read More on The SunLeeds were on the brink of succumbing to a 1-1 draw away at relegated Plymouth.That was until Manor Solomon fired in a 91st-minute winner at Home Park to send the first-place trophy to Yorkshire.Leeds won the Championship with a win at PlymouthCredit: GettyManor Solomon netted a dramatic winner to seal the titleCredit: GettyLeeds will return to the Premier League next seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 2 Southampton 0: Foxes finally put an end to humiliating Premier League record in battle of relegated sides

      by

      JAMIE VARDY may be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season – but that has not stopped him from lining up yet another landmark piece of Foxes history.Trust Vardy to grab a slice of the action – in more ways than one – as he turned from goalscorer to whistleblower.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the matchCredit: GettyJordan Ayew doubled the lead before half-timeCredit: ReutersRuud van Nistelrooy’s side may be heading back to the Championship, but Vardy scored the first Premier League goal seen at the King Power Stadium since December.And that puts him one away from the 200-milestone for the club since joining from Fleetwood Town in 2012.He put Leicester ahead after 17 minutes after great work on the left by Bilal El Khannouss. His cross found Vardy who lashed the ball home with his left foot.It ended a run of nine home games without a goal – the last time was on December 8 against Brighton.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFoxes fans then sang ‘We’ve scored a goal’.But Vardy also found time to raise another laugh among Leicester supporters.When ref David Webb went down injured after colliding with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew, Vardy reached down and blew the official’s whistle to stop the game.It then became obvious that Webb – making his debut as a Premier League ref – was unable to carry on and a 12-minute delay followed while a replacement fourth official was found.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen the game resumed, Leicester increased their lead when Jordan Ayew found the net.Ayew’s free-kick from 20 yards hit the wall,  but he cleared the path for another attempt and drilled home the rebound from the edge of the area.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut rock bottom Southampton still cannot get to that magic 12 point mark that would keep them out of the record books.Their 11-point tally means that they are still on course for a share of having the worst ever Premier League return – an unwanted mention they currently share with Derby County.Saints rarely looked like pulling back Leicester’s lead and their fans turned on interim boss Simon Rusk in the second half.Rusk took off Matty Fernandes just before the hour – minutes after he had had a goal ruled out for offside.The travelling fans chanted ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and sang Fernandes’ name for the remainder of the game.Anyone who thought this game was the deadest of dead rubbers – with both teams relegated was made to think again.Although Southampton showed why they are going down in a game they might have been expected to take something from.Off the field, Leicester fans made their views known in numbers.A banner aimed at the owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Director of Football, Jon Rudkin, read: ‘Top, Rudkin, what’s so funny’. However, because the club were showing the broadcaster’s feed on the big screen, it was magnified in front of the entire stadium before the pictures were taken down.Read More on The SunThere were also chants of ‘sack the board’ – but they disappeared once Vardy had scored.Vardy was given a standing ovation as he left the field – and will now aim for his history-making goal at East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest next weekend.Referee David Webb was forced offCredit: GettyVardy was quick to act to help the officialCredit: GettySouthampton remain stuck on 11 pointsCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares79 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth LIVE RESULT: Cherries fight back as Gunners STUNNED before crucial PSG clash – updates

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH fought back from a goal down to stun Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates.The Gunners preparations for the huge Champions League second leg against PSG on Wednesday were hit by an almighty blow after Evanilson and Dean Huijsen scored in quick succession.Mikel Arteta picked a strong team for the match with Thomas Partey returning after his suspension in the first leg against PSG last week.Kick off time: 5.30pm BSTTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier LeagueArsenal starting line-up: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, TrossardBournemouth starting line-up: Arrizabalaga; Araujo, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Adams, Kluivert; Tavernier, Ouattara. EvanilsonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Cooking Rice only bright spotThere wasn’t much for Arsenal fans to celebrate at the Emirates – but the performance of Declan Rice was a joy.On his 100th appearance for the club, his opener was his 15th goal for Gunners.It’s as many goals as he managed in 245 games for West Ham.Copy linkCopiedArteta: We must use our rageA furious Mikel Arteta insists his side must take all of their negative emotions and use them for good in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.Speaking after his side gave up a one-goal lead to Bournemouth, the Arsenal boss pulled no punches.We didn’t create the right momentum. We certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Now we have to use that for good on Wednesday. That is what we have to do.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from the EmiratesArsenal have now dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season – it is their joint-most ever in a single campaign (also 21 in 2019-20).Copy linkCopiedFull time – Arsenal 1-2 BournemouthAdvantage Cherries in the race for the Conference League!Bournemouth have won away at Arsenal for the first time in their history, completing an impressive double over the Champions League semi-finalists.The Gunners were hoisted by their own petard, losing to two set-pieces in second half, first when Dean Huijsen headed in from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw, and then when Evanilson bundled a corner in at the far post.Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do to pick his players up for a huge night in Paris on Wednesday.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+4. There’s a lot of head shaking going on as Arsenal move nowhere in their latest attack.Bournemouth are cruising towards an important, historic win that will leave them with a real chance of European football – and it’s thoroughly deserved.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+2. A modicum of excitement engulfs the Emirates as a free-kick is awarded to Arsenal 25 yards from goal.It soon evaporates when Odegaardly meekly hits it into the wall.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90. Six minutes of additional time are signalled but even those Arsenal fans who have remained in their seats aren’t enthused by the news.Just blow the whistle and let these poor people get home for Britain’s Got Talent.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth87. This has been a nothing performance from Arsenal.No wonder Declan Rice has his head in his hands on the bench.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth84. Don’t worry, Arsenal fans, the calvary are coming.Perhaps Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko and (the admittedly very good) Ethan Nwaneri can save the day. Yeah, I couldn’t type it with a straight face.Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the ones to make way.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth82. If you were expecting Arsenal to respond in fighting fashion after falling behind, you were severely mistaken.If anything, Bournemouth look as though they could score again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth79. This is the first time that Bournemouth have scored two goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) in a Premier League away game since January 2018.Arsenal are having a taste of their own medicine.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth75. Paris Saint-Germain will be shaking in their boots at this latest bout of pathetic defending.Alex Scott swings a corner over from the left for Marcus Tavernier to flick on across goal from the near post.At the back stick, Martin Odegaard is more concerned with wrestling Evanilson than dealing with the imminent danger of the football, and falls over as the Brazilian bundles beyond some equally shambolic goalkeeping from David Raya.There’s a VAR check for both handball and offside, but not wanting to upset the Cherries after last week’s mess, the officials decide that the footage is inconclusive in deciding whether Evanilson used his elbow to score.Bournemouth deservedly lead at the Emirates, and move into pole position in the race for the Conference League.Copy linkCopiedTurnaround!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth74. Never make a substitution at a corner, right?Well, both Arsenal and Bournemouth have done just that.Admittedly, the one for the Cherries is forced with Dango Ouattara in some discomfort; he’s replaced by David Brooks.The hosts, though, have made the decision to swap Declan Rice with Mikel Merino while having a set-piece to defend.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth70. Mikel Arteta is yet to make a change, and now Bournemouth are the team on top.The equaliser has shook Arsenal, and they’re being dragged all over the place by Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and co.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth67. Bournemouth have their equaliser!In the end, it didn’t take much finesse or even football, just one long throw launched into the box by substitute Antoine Semenyo.Young defender Dean Huijsen rose to meet it, and none of the five Arsenal players in his vicinity bothered to join him.One cleverly steered header later and the ball is beyond David Raya, and the travelling fans behind that goal are going absolutely beserk.All square!Copy linkCopiedThere it is!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth63. Andoni Iraola is preparing changes which is the perfect time for commentator Rob Hawthorne to remind us that Bournemouth have had 12 goals scored by substitutes this season.Only Fulham with 15 have scored more.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth61. “Bournemouth can smell an equaliser,” is Alan Smith’s latest worry.Mind you, he says it just as Kluivert turns and spoons one over from 25 yards.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth59. Evanilson is booked for a textbook foul that halts Arsenal’s progress in the middle of the pitch.No danger of a red card for the Brazilian on this occasion. Not even VAR can get this wrong.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth56. Saka is starting to influence the game a lot more now.Moving over to the left, he’s quick to skip inside Araujo and curl a shot towards the top corner. There’s not enough bend though, and it drifts agonisingly wide.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth54. “Arsenal need a second goal here,” worries Alan Smith.The big man’s got a point. This is a game that reeks of an 82nd minute equaliser from substitute Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth52. Back down the other end, and Saka – unusually quiet tonight – has a shot blocked behind for a corner.Let’s hope the Arsenal forward is saving himself for the Parc des Princes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth49. It didn’t take long for Kerkez to threaten again.The rampaging left-back pushes down the flank and whips in a teasing delivery that is just too far ahead of Tavernier.It’s a reminder of the threat Bournemouth carry.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth46. The action restarts at the Emirates, where Arsenal are in frnot. It’s a slender lead, but a lead nonetheless.The object for the Gunners in the second half is to see this game through without picking up any injuries while Paris awaits. Standing in their way, Bournemouth have very different ideas.Copy linkCopied More

    • 175 Shares127 Views

      in Soccer

      Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-time

      by

      BRADFORD’S clash against Fleetwood was suspended just seconds before their promotion to League One after fans stormed the pitch.Bradford scored a 97th minute winner to seal third place in League Two and secure a move up the divisions.Bradford fans invaded the pitch BEFORE full-time after a last-gasp winner sealed promotionAntoni Sarcevic’s looked to have sealed a place in League OneBradford players urged the fans off as the game was not actually over yetStewards worked hard as the field was quickly clearedBut with the game being just seconds away from finishing, it was brought to a halt as fans prematurely invaded the field.The supporters were delighted after Antoni Sarcevic’s strike looked to have sealed a place in League One.Sarcevic’s goal was deflected into the goal, sparking joyous scenes as fans joined the players on the pitch to celebrate.However, the game was technically not over as fans continued to flood on to the grass.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford players appeared concerned as they urged supporters to return to their seats, knowing the job was not yet done.Stewards also worked overtime to clear the field.The game was held up for more than 10 minutes before the final few seconds of the match were allowed to resume after the last supporters had made their way back to the stands.But there was no late sting in the tail as the final whistle blew moments later.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt allowed Bradford fans to finally celebrate in style.And once again they charged onto the field to toast their success with the club’s players.Match suspended as striker brings digger on to pitch to fill sinkhole after rival swallowed up by the ground Fans went back on the pitch when full time was eventually confirmedThey mobbed players in delightful scenesIt was truly party time at BradfordThe club can now look forward to life in League OneJubilant supporters lit flares as they hugged various Bradford stars.The mood was one of jubilation after their timely late winner.The result saw Bradford move above Walsall into third, with the latter having looked set to go up with a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.Walsall will now face Chesterfield in the playoffs, while AFC Wimbledon will take on Notts County.Doncaster Rovers went up as League Two champs, with Port Vale finishing third. More

    • 225 Shares79 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton 2 Ipswich 2: Toffees leapfrog Man Utd into 14th but throw away two-goal lead in entertaining draw

      by

      JULIO ENCISO fired a worldie as relegated Ipswich pulled off a stunning comeback draw.Everton looked in complete control for much of the first half, boosted by Beto’s brilliant headed opener on 26 minutes and a low-25-yarder from Dwight McNeil soon after.Julio Enciso hails his wonder goal that sparked Ipswich’s revivalCredit: AlamyGeorge Hirst soared for the Tractor Boys’ point-saverCredit: AFPBut shortly before the break Enciso flashed home a right-footer that swerved all over the place on its way past keeper Jordan Pickford.Sub George Hirst then rewarded Ipswich’s hard-grafting second period by leaping high to nod a backpost leveller on 79 minutes. But Everton only needed a point to leapfrog Manchester United in the bottom half of the Prem table. FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBeto’s flying header broke the deadlock for EvertonCredit: ReutersDwight McNeil soon doubled the Toffees’ lead on 35 minutesCredit: GettyJulio Enciso gave Ipswich hope before the break with a stunnerCredit: GettyMost read in Football More

    • 238 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa step up transfer bid for former Chelsea target Samu Aghehowa in huge hint over Marcus Rashford’s future

      by

      ASTON VILLA are stepping up their hunt for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa – as they look unlikely to trigger Marcus Rashford’s £40million buy-out option.Villa sent a scout to Portugal on Friday for another look at Aghehowa, who scored twice in a 3-1 win over Moreirense.Porto’s Samu Aghehowa is on the Prem radar once moreCredit: AlamyLoanee Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins are Villa’s main frontmenCredit: ReutersThe Spain Under-21 international put Porto ahead in the second half with a coolly-taken penalty before taking his season’s tally to 24 goals with a tidy near-post finish to seal the points.Villa have been watching Aghehowa – formerly known as Samu Omorodion – since he joined Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer.The 20-year-old announced last November 2024 he wanted to be known by his maternal surname Aghehowa to honour his mother.Aghehowa was set to sign for Chelsea last summer after the Blues agreed a fee of around £35m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the deal broke down in the final stages and Porto pounced with an offer of £12.5m for 50% of the player.Now Atletico are ready to cash in on their half-share this summer after seeing his value double during his short time in Portugal.Unlike Villa, Porto can no longer qualify for next season’s Champions League as the gap to the top two is too large and they may struggle to resist offers in excess of £50m for Aghehowa.Boss Unai Emery is keeping his options open over the number nine role at Villa Park for next season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOllie Watkins will turn 30 in December and the overall cost of making loan star Rashford’s transfer permanent appears a major obstacle.Villa currently pay a fraction of the Manchester United’s star’s wages and it would take an overall outlay of over £100m to afford the transfer fee and salary for a three-year deal.Ollie Watkins sends message to Aston Villa boss Emery and admits he’s FUMING at being dropped for Champions League gamesThe total package for Aghehowa would involve a higher up-front fee, but Villa could spread the cost over the length of the Spaniard’s contract.And the 20-year-old’s potential resale value would mean they are unlikely to lose out in the medium term.Rashford damaged his hamstring in training last week and looks likely to miss the rest of the season.Villa would be unable to field him if he recovers in time for their final Premier League game – against his parent club at Old Trafford on May 25.Ex-Atletico ace Aghehowa has hit 24 goals for Porto this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 300 Shares111 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane’s dreams of a first trophy put on hold as Bayern Munich concede with last kick of the game as he serves ban

      by

      HARRY KANE’S wait for a first career trophy went on after Bayern Munich conceded in the last minute to draw 3-3 RB Leipzig.Kane was serving a one-match suspension for the match that could have been Bayern’s Bundesliga title clincher.Harry Kane wait for a first trophy goes on after Bayern Munich drew with LeipzigCredit: PAKane appeared to be heading down from the box to celebrate the pending titleKane was pitchside getting ready to run on and celebrate before Leipzig struckLeipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen made it 3-3 in the final secondsKane needs to close out the new few weeks to win the Bundesliga titleKane – who watched on from a box high up in the stands – was just seconds away from the FIRST trophy of is 16-year career.Bayern threatened to replicate Manchester City’s title deciding “remontada” against Aston Villa in 2022.Vincent Kompany’s side – who needed a win to secure the title – mounted an incredible comeback from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 with seven minutes of normal time remaining. And for the first time ever, suspended Kane was waiting pitchside to get ready to run on and celebrate a league title with his team-mates.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCameras picked up Kane leaving his box to head down and join his team-mates after Leroy Sane completed the turnaround.But Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen had different plans, as his first footed shot from a difficult angle spoiled the party.Three former Premier League stars completed the turnaround for Bayern, with Eric Dier and Michael Olise grabbing the goals.Bayern are now nine points above chasers Bayer Leverkusen, with two games to spare.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKane was banned for picking up his fifth yellow of the season against Mainz last week.The 31-year-old held onto the ball to prevent Mainz taking a quick free-kick after fouling Jonathan Burkardt.At the time, Kane said: “Crazy, crazy decision! It’s kind of my story that I’ll miss the Leipzig game. “But no worries, I’ll celebrate more than anyone else.”But Kane will have the chance to make things right against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in a week’s time.The former Tottenham talisman has famously NEVER won a trophy in his illustrious career.But he looks set to break that curse with the Bavarian club this season. Leverkusen are piling the pressure on and play fourth placed side SC Freiburg on Sunday. Many expected Kane to win his first trophy in his debut campaign, as Bayern had won 10 league titles in a row.But an invincible campaign by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen ensured his wait for a trophy dragged on yet further.Read More on The SunKane has scored 60 goals in his 61 Bundesliga matches for Bayern so far. He is also on track to become the first player to win the top scorer title in both of his first two Bundesliga seasons.Kane will have the chance to make things right against Borussia MönchengladbachCredit: Getty More