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      Arsenal 1 Barcelona 0: Blackstenius climbs off bench to win Gunners first Women’s Champions League in 18 years

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS stunned Barcelona by firing Arsenal to Champions League glory wrecking the Catalan giants hopes of a European three-peat.The Sweden ace, who has a knack for netting tournament-winning goals, bagged one that saw the Gunners win the contest for the first time in 18 years.Arsenal have won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe Gunners stars posed with their medals after beating Barcelona 1-0Credit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the winning goal as Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal returned to European glory for the first time in almost 20 yearsCredit: APThe Gunners were massive underdogs heading into the finalCredit: PAEmotional scenes at full-time showed how much it meant to the Arsenal fansCredit: APWith Arsenal under the cosh the Sweden striker was called into action by boss Renee Slegers, along with Beth Mead in the 69th minute at the home of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.The duo did not disappoint with Blackstenius pouncing on Mead’s classy reverse pass to drill low a shot beyond keeper Cata Coll six minutes later.The striker, who bagged Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s League Cup, was mobbed by her team-mates with Barca’s players looking stunned to go behind.The Gunners also had a goal chalked off in a tense encounter which they were jeered by a largely partisan crowd of 38,356 onlookers.READ MORE IN SPORTDespite the jeers of Barca’s fans, with just 5,000 Gunners supporters present, Slegers capped Arsenal’s renaissance by guiding the team to football’s top club prize.Respect and belief were the buzzwords around her camp as time drew near to the team’s biggest European game in 18 years.It was almost two decades ago (2007) that Arsenal claimed a Champions League trophy for the first time.Gunners legend Ian Wright, watching from the stands, had urged Slegers side to embrace the moment.Most read in FootballIan Wright watched on from the standsCredit: PAArsenal chairman Josh Kroenke was seen chatting to Uefa president Aleksander CeferinCredit: PAArsenal legend Alex Scott watched alongside partner Jess GlynnCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor periods of the game they certainly did with some of Arsenal’s top brass watch from the stands including co-owner Josh Kroenke and managing director Richard Garlick.The queens of Spain’s top-flight have pretty much demolished most of their Champions League rivals, lifting the trophy three times in the last four years.Ever since their first triumph in 2021, with Chelsea thrashed 4-0, they have been a force to be reckoned with.From the WSL this season, Manchester City were the only side able to lay a glove on Barcelona in Europe, with their tactically smart 2-0 win in the group stage.WSL champions Chelsea tried and failed to get past them conceding eight times across their two-leg semis tie.So the odds were very much against Arsenal at the home of Sporting where a large Barcelona contingent roared the holders on.After some panicky defending in their box early on, Slegers players appeared to settle into the game restricting the holders to just ONE first half shot on target.The Gunners thought they had taken the lead after Irene Paredes poked home an own-goal but a VAR check found Frida Maanum was offside.Read More on The SunAfter Claudia Pina had a 58th minute shot blocked and Barca fired some efforts narrowly over the bar.Arsenal took the lead much to the Catalan giants dismay. And they held out to capture the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.Blackstenius found the bottom corner from inside the area to score the only goalCredit: AFPArsenal put on a defensive masterclass to stop Barcelona from scoringCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal vs Barcelona Women’s Champions League final LIVE: Blaugrana aim for third consecutive title against Gunners

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      ARSENAL look to deny Barcelona a Women’s Champions League treble in Lisbon. Renee Slegers is aiming to win the competition for the second time in the Gunners’ history, with the first title coming in 2006/07.Alessia Russo’s goal was enough to see Arsenal see off eight-time winners Lyon in their semi-final this season.Barcelona are back-to-back defending champions, and dispatched of treble winners Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.Start time: 5pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona XI: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Follow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 BarcelonaFrida Maanum battled in vain, trying to win a corner for Arsenal.They’ve been competing well and we’ve already seen a couple of feisty exchanges in the corners. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0A tentative start so far, with Barcelona predictably happy to pass the ball out from the back.But Russo had an early glimmer of hope when she pounced on a slack pass, albeit failing to make much ground.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0Today’s teamsArsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Little, Maanum, Caldentey, Kelly, Russo, Foord.Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Mead, Walti, Hurtig, Pelova, Nighswonger, Blackstenius, Ilestedt, Cooney-Cross.Barcelona: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo, Bonmati, Patri, Putellas, Graham Hansen, Pajor, Pina.Subs: Gemma, Roebuck, Jana, Paralluelo, Marta, Vicky, Engen, Brugts, Cano, Schertenleib, Serrajordi, Judit.Copy linkCopiedSlegers says Gunners are used to nervesManager Renee Slegers is sure Arsenal won’t be fazed by the occasion.She told TNT Sports: “We’ve played high pressure games with this team this season, we all have that in our luggage. “We’ve got players that have played in finals, the Champions League final, the Euros so they play high pressure games often but this is going to be one of the biggest ones for them.”What we’ve said is ‘enjoy the occasion’ because we have to feel happiness about it that we took ourselves here so that will be partly in the warm-up for example, taking it all in. “When the whistle goes it’s a game of football and we have to focus on the task.” on a high level as well so we’re happy we got a couple of extra days.”Copy linkCopiedHere we go!Just a couple of minutes until kick-off in Lisbon, we can’t wait for this one!Copy linkCopiedCatalonia to north LondonSpeaking about Mariona Caldentey, the forward, who won her 15th major medal with Barcelona, was seen kissing the Women’s Champions League trophy a year ago while wearing the blue and red stripes of the club and holding the logo on her chest.Caldentey played ten seasons at the home of the reigning European champions, scoring 114 goals in 302 appearances, despite not having gone through Barcelona’s junior system.After starting the season as the struggling club, Arsenal stormed up the table, securing second place in the WSL and contending with the best in Europe.Caldentey has served as the creative, force of ingenuity alongside Alessia Russo, the WSL Golden Boot winner, and added dynamism to the midfield.She is now getting ready to play against her old side for the first time since she left them to sign with Arsenal in the summer.Copy linkCopiedTop scorer chaseThe Champions League trophy won’t be the only coveted title on the line… Clàudia Pina has led the hotly-contested scoreboard, whilst her opponents for today in Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey. Pina, who has come of age this season, has already surpassed the tally set in the last two editions. Pina – 10 goals Russo – 7 goals Caldentey – 7 goalsCopy linkCopied’This is where we want to be’Arsenal striker Alessia Russo on if Arsenal are back where they should be: “100 per cent”Any player that plays for Arsenal understands it is a winning club that is so ambitious and wants to be at the top competing with the best. “This is where we want the club to be and we will keep pushing as players. We are very aware of what has come before us as well. “Kim [Little] has played for the club for so long and she deserves to be here. “We had lunch with some of the 2007 winners to understand what it means to them and that is really special for us.”Copy linkCopiedCaptain’s logMidfielder Alexia Putellas says Barcelona’s previous Champions League titles guarantee nothing heading into another final: “You tend to forget what the team has achieved and what you have done as a player to continue with future ambitions. “We don’t really analyse or look at what we’ve done much. Despite having three Champions Leagues, it doesn’t mean we will win tomorrow.”It doesn’t matter how many finals. It is true, we know what we have done, but it means nothing on your day-to-day work. “You always want to go to the next level and to the next goal. The next goal is tomorrow’s final. “We will try to prepare it in the best possible way and do our best. We hope it ends with a title.”Copy linkCopied’Not easy’Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati on Barca heading into the final as favourites: “It is good that we have been given the favourites label but we know how important this is. “Although it’s a new rival that has not been in the final for years, it is not an easy match. “We still need to win the game and anybody can win.”Copy linkCopiedThree in a row?We’ve touched on it just there; history-in-wait is on the line for both… Barcelona can solidify their reputation and increase their power in Europe.They are attempting to become only the second side to win the title three years in a row as they compete in their sixth Champions League final overall and their fifth consecutive one.However, this is only Arsenal’s second Champions League final appearance. Since the Gunners won the trophy in their inaugural final in 2007, no English team has taken home the trophy. Is it possible for them to win both games?Copy linkCopiedTeam news is in!Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Copy linkCopiedLisbon lightsAfternoon and welcome to the SunSport’s live blog of the women’s Champions League final!We’ve got a tasty encounter between two of the best-supported clubs in women’s European football. Barcelona take up the roles of resounding favourites. The Femeni have won this competition three times in the last four years and continue to set the gold standard. They have scored 196 goals, won 43 of 46 games in all competitions, and averaged more than four goals per game this season. In more instances than they have scored fewer than three goals (11), they have scored six or more goals (13).As for underdogs Arsenal, they’ve relished in the responsibility of spoiling the set norm. The Gunners are the only side in the history of the competition to go to the final after competing in the first qualifying round – securing top spot over Bayern Munich in the group before toppling Real Madrid and Lyon. Renée Slegers has overseen the North Londoners’ second-half-of-season form with a clear understanding and delicate touch that has produced wonder to make the first final featuring an English side since Chelsea in 2020-21 – she’ll need that and more to produce another magic act. Kick-off at the sold-out Estádio José Alvalade, 5pm GMT.Copy linkCopied More

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      Bruno Fernandes ‘wanted by TEN clubs’ with Man Utd captain admitting club could sell him

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      BRUNO FERNANDES will reportedly be sought after by a whopping “TEN” clubs this summer.Manchester United will be forced to consider selling their skipper in the coming months following their failure to win the Europa League and seal Champions League football for the 2025/26 season.Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United’s star player in recent yearsCredit: PAThe Portuguese midfielder will reportedly be sought after by ten clubs this summerCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe club are in desperate need of funds to aid Ruben Amorim’s planned overhaul of the squad, and Fernandes, despite being 30, will command a sizeable transfer fee.Saudi big boys Al-Hilal are keen on acquiring the services of Fernandes, whom they tried to sign in January.But according to The Telegraph, a further NINE clubs are interested in signing the Portugal international.French and German champions Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be part of the slew of teams keen on Fernandes.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSFernandes, who has been United’s best player in recent years, has two years left on his current contract at Old Trafford.United are said to be willing to let the influential midfielder leave if they receive a whopping £100million for his services, which Al-Hilal are reportedly willing to fork out.Fernandes is eager to stay at the Theatre of Dreams but admits his future at the club isn’t in his hands.In the aftermath of United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday, he said: “I have always been honest.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.’Shambles’ – Luke Littler savages Man Utd in one word over Bruno Fernandes transfer links and gives Amorim verdict”In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it.”But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is.”And football sometimes is like this.”Fernandes and his team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Aston Villa to Old Trafford for their final match of the season. More

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      Postecoglou drops huge hint over Spurs future in incredible mic-drop moment as 200,000 fans greet Europa League heroes

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU dropped a huge hint he will STAY at Spurs, telling fans: “In all the best TV shows, season three is better than season two.”The Aussie’s future has been in major doubt, with 17th-placed Tottenham a terrible watch in the Premier League.Ange Postecoglou dropped a massive hint over his managerial futureCredit: ReutersHe made the announcement during Spurs’ victory paradeCredit: GettyHe helped the club win their first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs won the Europa League on Wednesday nightCredit: PASupporters hailed the players as they went past on the busCredit: AlamyBut they were a must-see on Wednesday as they ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League with victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.It backed up manager Postecoglou’s bold claim in September that he “always wins trophies in his second season”.And Euro glory could now spare him the sack.Speaking at Spurs’ trophy parade yesterday, he roared: “I told them and they laughed. I told them and they didn’t believe. But here we are.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’re here because of this unbelievable group of people, players and staff.“Absolute heroes led by the legend Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario.“All of them, heroes. And they did it all for you, because you deserve it.“This club deserves it. And I’ll leave you with this — all the best television series, season three is better than season two. Thank you.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChairman Daniel Levy was not seen on the parade bus but did attend the celebrations.He had been expected to axe the Spurs boss, 59, despite their trophy win — but the gaffer’s third-season claim hinted at otherwise.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesPostecoglou’s mic-drop moment was followed by Brennan Johnson, skipper Son Heung-min and vice-captain James Maddison all turning the air blue in front of around 200,000 fans outside the club’s stadium.This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.Thousands turned out to watch Spurs’ victory paradeCredit: GettyThe players toured North London on two team busesCredit: AlamySon, who won a first trophy in his tenth year at the club, told the crowd: “I f**ing love you, we f***ing won the Europa League and you all deserve it.”Johnson said the feeling of scoring the only goal in the final was “f***ing unbelievable”.While Maddison pointed out with an expletive that it was his mate Johnson’s 24th birthday yesterday.And the Wales star added: “It’s definitely up there (with birthdays), I can’t think of many better! An unbelievable day.”Defender Micky van de Ven added: “If you experience this, you want to do it over and over again.The celebration continued on to a stage outside the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyIt is believed 150,000 people turned up to cheer on their heroesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial“We’re going to try to do the same beautiful things next season.”Postecoglou is also set for a stunning £2million bonus after winning the Europa League.And fans have had a mixed reaction to his mic drop moment on social media.One posted: “Dude, it better be. We almost got relegated.”A second wrote: “Levy needs to back him.”A third commented: “I’m no longer Ange out! Bring on season 3.”Read More on The SunA fourth said: “He’s dragged me back in.”Another added: “Man doesn’t just drop mics, he beats his haters over the head with it.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      ‘Unprecedented’ – Gary Neville breaks silence after being BANNED from City Ground for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

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      GARY NEVILLE has unleashed a scathing attack on Nottingham Forest after being banned from the City Ground for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.Man Utd legend Neville, 50, has been denied accreditation for Sunday’s Champions League decider as his feud with Forest rages on.Gary Neville has spoken out after Forest banned him from Sunday’s game against ChelseaCredit: GettyNeville had branded Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (r) as “scandalous” following a recent pitch invasionCredit: PAIt comes two weeks after Neville slammed Evangelos Marinakis’ ‘scandalous’ on-pitch row with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.Taking to Instagram on Friday night, Neville said: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.”I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe continued: “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”Sky chiefs are furious and are standing with Neville following Forest’s decision, and have totally revised their coverage plans for the final game of the season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA spokesperson told SunSport: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.”The ban comes two weeks after Neville labelled Marinakis’ heated discussion with Nuno “absolutely scandalous”.While co-commentating on the game, Neville fumed: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”Marinakis claims he lost his temper over striker Taiwo Awoniyi being forced to play on while injured.I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.Gary NevilleAwoniyi collided with a post late in the draw with Leicester and was later placed in an induced coma.Forest later addressed the incident in a statement, writing on X: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.”With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.”We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.Read More on The Sun”Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.”This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming.” More

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      Gary Neville BANNED by Premier League club for last game of season with Sky Sports left fuming at decision

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      GARY NEVILLE was BANNED from commentating on Nottingham Forest’s Champions League qualification decider with Chelsea as his feud with the City Ground club plunged to new depths.In a shock decision, Forest told Sky that former England defender Neville would be “denied” accreditation for Sunday’s crunch clash.Gary Neville has been banned from Nottingham Forest’s showdown with ChelseaCredit: PAThe Sky pundit called out Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (right) for invading the pitch after a game against LeicesterCredit: PAForest are preparing for their biggest game in decadesCredit: GettyIt came just two weeks after Neville slammed Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ “absolutely scandalous” on-pitch row with boss Nuno Espirito Santo in the final minutes of the 2-2 draw with Leicester on May 11.Marinakis was furious that Forest’s medical staff did not recognise the extent of striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury when the Nigerian collided with a post.Awoniyi was subsequently placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery for a ruptured intestine.When he saw the confrontation, Sky co-commentator Neville said: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”He’s just qualified them for a European competition, and from where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on that pitch in front of the club’s fans is an absolute joke.”Neville then added on X: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”Forest hit back, using the club’s social media accounts to implicitly accuse Neville of having pushed “fake news online”, adding: “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one – least of all the injured player.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary. “At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion.”Jamie Carragher in huge row with Gary Neville over Arsenal title prediction and striker claimForest also insisted there had been no confrontation between Marinakis and the manager.But now the club have taken the row one stage further by banning Neville from the City Ground where he was due to be working on Sunday.Sky said that Neville had been “confirmed to co-commentate live from the City Ground” when the game was chosen as the channel’s first selection for this weekend’s final weekend games.A spokesman for the channel said: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.”This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.“As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decisionGary NevilleInstagramSky chiefs are clearly furious with Forest and backing Neville, who has chosen not to be part of the broadcast at all after being prevented from fulfilling his duties at the City Ground.It is expected he will be replaced as co-commentator with Sky choosing to still work the match coverage from the ground even though their show will now be presented from Osterley rather than Nottingham.SunSport have contracted Forest for comment.Neville has since responded with a statement on his Instagram page.He wrote: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.”I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator.”I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.Read More on The Sun”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.” More

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      How Tottenham won the Europa League final vs Man Utd with ‘biggest mic drop in football history’

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      TOTTENHAM made history by winning their first trophy in 17 years after a tactical masterclass from Ange Postecoglou.The Aussie outsmarted Ruben Amorim’s sorry Manchester United to record a narrow 1-0 win in the Europa League final in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou made history by finally bringing a major trophy to SpursCredit: GettyEuropa League success, and with it passage to next season’s Champions League, means Tottenham can laud this season as a triumph, despite the club’s horror domestic form.They are currently in danger of finishing one place outside the Premier League relegation zone after losing 21 of their 37 league games with one fixture remaining.But all has been temporarily forgotten after Ange delivered the biggest mic drop in English football by making good on his promise of “always winning a trophy in his second season”.And SunSport’s Dean Scoggins reveals how subtle tweaks to the system paid off to send Big Ange to the top of Spurs’ folklore by bringing home a first European trophy in 40 years.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNot Ange BallAnge Ball is dead. And in truth, it died and went cold some time ago. Tottenham fans now know that he can play a second way!When Postecoglou defended his decision to not abandon his attacking principles after a 4-1 loss to Chelsea in November 2023 – despite Spurs going down to nine men – it drew a mixed response.There were those who admired his high-line stance, and others who called it foolish for a side sitting 17th in the Prem to not be more flexible.But against United, Ange learned to let his head rule his heart and sat in deep after Brennan Johnson bundled in the only goal on the brink of half-time.Most read in FootballAnge set Tottenham up to sit in deep and compactYves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur dropped into pick up Amad Diallo and Mason MountCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpurs spent almost the entire second half defending and had just 27 per cent possession throughout the whole game – probably knowing that hapless United could never break them down anyway.Ange did this against Frankfurt and Bodo Glimt, where Spurs had 35 per cent of the ball and sat deep. The 53-year-old tweaked his midfield base against United’s two No 10s in their 3-4-3, where Yves Bissouma and Bentancur dropped into pick up Amad Diallo and Mason Mount. This was a relief for centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who didn’t have to really worry about Rasmus Hojlund at all. Spurs parking the bus nullified Amorim’s set-up of having Casemiro wide apart from Bruno Fernandes in No 8.Amorim had anticipated Ange Ball, but the high line didn’t come.Spurs parking the bus nullified Amorim’s set-up of having Casemiro wide apart from Bruno FernandesJohnson again ole oleAlthough Johnson’s goal might not have been pretty, the positioning and the tactical play was deliberate from Spurs.United’s defending for the goal was dreadful. But Johnson is Spurs’ top goalscorer. The former Nottingham Forest star is either the pacey winger, that whips the ball in first time, or taps home himself quickly.At 0-0, Spurs sent a couple of warnings United’s way with Pape Matar Sarr moving out wide and Pedro Porro crossing the ball in. There was 25 yards between centre-back pairing Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro before Johnson scoredAnge wanted to push United back into the box and then deliver a cross under pressure so that the opposition make mistakes.At the start of the goal move, there was 25 yards between centre-back pairing Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.Dominic Solanke’s unselfish run attracts Maguire’s interest at the back post, with Shaw left in the middle and the wrong side of Johnson who scuffed it in. Brennan Johnson’s scrappy goal just before half-time broke the deadlockSarr is the star manSarr ran the midfield, while Fernandes uncharacteristically lost the ball countless times.The 22-year-old was free to go hunting when Solanke dropped in to cover Casemiro.The three man midfield were a workhorse because there was no Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison or Lucas Bergvall. Sarr broke the play down and forced the game upfield, which then created the goal. And those breaks actually happened three times in the second half, when Spurs spurned two opportunities for a chance at goal.Sarr has the freedom to roam the midfield and picked up loose balls from Bruno FernandesSarr broke the play down and forced the game upfieldDutch of class – Van de Ven!Van de Ven’s acrobatic clearance off the line was magical. World class defending and maybe no another defender on the globe gets there.The 6ft 3in powerhouse swept Hojlund’s header off the the line after Guglielmo Vicario punched out a cross.As the Man Utd flop striker headed it towards goal, Van de Ven had a five yard sprint to get scoop it out.In the same way that Shaw and Co flapped at Spurs’ goal, Van de Ven basically won it for Tottenham.Micky Van de Ven had a five yard sprint to keep Rasmus Hojlund’s headed outVan de Ven’s acrobatic clearance off the line was magicalAmad Mad SituationAmad Diallo was United’s bright spark on their darkest night in living memory – but only in the first half.Amorim’s attacking plans were so rigid, with Amad floating as the other 10 / winger. And the 22-year-old seemed to have Destiny Udogie’s number before half-time.But a tactical tweak saw Udogie push higher up to block Noussair Mazraoui’s pass, which moved Van de Ven over to cover Amad.Read More on The SunThe change left the Ivory Coast star needing to cut back inside on his other foot away from goal and hit loopy crosses in.And those crosses were swept up by Tottenham’s low block, with United unable to create anything meaningful. Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More

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      ‘Like walking into a luxury spa’ – Nuno Espirito Santo plays handpan in his office, reveals Nottingham Forest star

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Nuno Espirito Santo has adopted a very unusual hobby during his time in charge at City Ground.Nuno, 51, joined Forest in December 2023 and has taken the club by storm by leading them to their first European qualification in 30 years after a turbulent debut season that saw him barely escaping relegation.Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has adopted an unusual hobbyNuno plays the handpan in his office to unwind and meet Forest’s demandsAccording to The Athletic, however, it’s not just the performances on the pitch that have left everyone at Nottingham fascinated with the Portuguese tactician.But it’s also the fact that the ex-Wolves boss has proven to be a very multi-layered person.The former Tottenham boss is well-known as a composed, disciplined and soft-spoken person when he speaks in front of the cameras.But behind the scenes he shows various different attributes as former team-mates remember him as a daredevil, who loves deep-sea diving, as well as a dressing room joker.Read More on FootballForest captain Ryan Yates also revealed Nuno has become famous for his love of music.One of the first things the ex-Porto star did when he signed with Forest was locating a music shop in Nottingham that could find him a percussion instrument known as a handpan.The handpan produces soothing sounds when tapping or drumming against its steel edges as it perches on the knee and looks like a huge metallic shell. And it has become quite common for people to hear these melodic sounds from the manager’s office.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSYates told The Athletic: “Is that [handpan] what it’s called?“I went for a chat with him and I just sat there while he was playing it for five, 10 minutes. Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery”It was incredible — like walking into a luxury spa or a five-star hotel. I thought I was going to fall asleep!”Yates insists this is just one of many things that show what a “very special man” Nuno is.The midfielder also praised the former goalkeeper’s stunning job at Forest as he led them to the FA Cup semi-finals as well this season.Yates added: “He’s a very special man. He’s very different to anyone I’ve come across before. But, more than anything, he’s obviously incredible at his job. “It’s incredible for the club to orchestrate Forest to their first European success in 30 years. It speaks for itself. Incredible.”Nuno is now gearing up for Sunday’s crunch home clash with Chelsea in the final fixture of the 2024-25 Premier League season needing a victory and other results to go his way in order to secure Champions League qualification.Read More on The SunNottingham saw their Champions League hopes suffering a devastating blow two weeks ago when they drew 2-2 with Leicester at City Ground.The game made headlines after Taiwo Awoniyi’s horror injury which led to owner Evangelos Marinakis having an intense talk with Nuno in front of the cameras at full-time as the Greek supremo was very unhappy with the way that incident was handled by the medical team. More