More stories

  • in

    Who Arsenal and Man City can play in Champions League round of 16?

    ENGLISH sides Arsenal and Manchester City have made it to the last-16 of the Champions League.Manchester United failed to join their Premier League counterparts after picking up just four points from six games following a horror European campaign.
    Manchester City will be hoping to go win back-to-back Champions LeaguesCredit: Richard Pelham

    Newcastle were within touching distance of a last-16 spot after taking the lead against AC Milan in their Group F finale, but the Magpies couldn’t hold on and lost 2-1 to the Italian giants on Tyneside, which knocked the Toon out of Europe completely.
    Just the two sides will represent England in the knockout stages of the Champions League – but who can Arsenal and Man City play?
    Who can Arsenal and Man City play in Champions League round of 16?
    The draw will feature the 16 teams that have advanced from the group stage of this season’s Champions League.
    Teams who won their respective group will be seeded and the runners-up are unseeded – seeded teams will face unseeded teams.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Arsenaland Man City cannot play each other as they are from the same national association.
    Teams will also be unable to face any team they played in the group stage.
    This means Arsenal cannot play PSV and Man City cannot play RB Leipzig.
    Here are all the possible opponents Arsenal and Man City could face:
    Most read in Champions League

    Arsenal’s potential last-16 opponents: Copenhagen, Napoli, Inter Milan, Lazio, PSG, RB Leipzig, Porto.
    Man City’s potential last-16 opponents: Copenhagen, PSV, Napoli, Inter Milan, Lazio, PSG, Porto.

    When is the Champions League last-16 draw?

    The Champions League Last 16 draw on Monday, December 18.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 11am GMT – 12pm local time.
    The huge draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland.

    How can I watch it for FREE?

    Fans can watch the Champions League last-16 draw for FREE on UEFA.com.
    Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s live blog which will have the latest updates as the draw is announced.

    When do the Champions League last-16 matches take place?
    The round of 16 will be played over the course of four weeks
    First legs: 13/14/20/21 February 2024
    Second legs: 5/6/12/13 March 2024 More

  • in

    Chelsea fans moan Frank Lampard ‘has blood on his hands’ after Tomori turns into prime Maldini to deny Newcastle tap-in

    CHELSEA fans were furious after seeing old boy Fikayo Tomori produce a miraculous block in AC Milan’s 2-1 win at Newcastle.One Blues’ supporter even claimed former Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard had “blood on his hands” for letting Tomori go in 2021.
    Fikayo Tomori timed this block from Miguel Almiron to perfection
    Almiron was preparing to slot into an empty goalCredit: Reuters
    The five-cap England centre-back somehow stretched to bend a foot round and stop Miguel Almiron slotting the Toon in front.
    Newcastle needed victory to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.
    And Tomori earned comparisons with Italy legend Paolo Maldini for the way he judged his last-ditch slide as Almiron zoomed in virtually on the goal-line.
    Viewers reckon “Chelsea would weep” after watching the intervention from the Stamford Bridge academy product.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Another fan suggested the magical moment shows the 25-year-old should be an England regular.
    He posted: “Yet Gareth Southgate plays Maguire and benches Tomori.”
    Joelinton cracked the Magpies ahead on 33 minutes as the home side dominated possession.
    But ex-Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic levelled for Milan just before the hour mark.
    Most read in Champions League
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    And Samuel Chukwueze angled the clincher for the Serie A giants with a sweet finish to a sweeping counter-attack in the 85th minute.
    Defeat left the Magpies bottom of Group F and out of the Champions League.
    Newcastle went on to take the lead after this near miss but AC Milan fought back to break their heartsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan LIVE RESULT: Brave Toon fall out of Champions League and Europe after late Chukwueze goal

    NEWCASTLE have been knocked out of the Champions League and Europe tonight after AC Milan ran out 2-1 winners on Tyneside.Joelinton’s thunderous strike beat a helpless Mike Maignan in goal for the game’s opener after 33 minutes before Christian Pulisic levelled things up on the hour mark.
    Substitute Samuel Chukwueze finished off a stunning AC Milan counter-attack on the 84th minute to break Newcastle hearts and knock the Toon out of Europe.

    Match result: Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    Newcastle team: Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
    AC Milan team: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao

    Best Online Casinos UK – Discover the top casino sites for the best gaming experience
    Follow ALL the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below…
    Brazilian controls Magpies’ engine room
    Despite their exit, Joelinton put in a brilliant performance.
    He scored the goal on the night, a superb strike into the top corner.
    Aside from that, he covered so much ground for Newcastle, looking to break up the Milan play before getting The Magpies on the front foot once again.

    Magpies must learn from experience
    It is easy to focus on the disappointment from tonight’s result but Newcastle must learn from the campaign.
    They have faced sides who have vast experience in Champions League football, yet they were so close to doing the unthinkable.
    Now the focus must be on European qualification for next season.
    FT: Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    Disappointment at St James’ Park, at one stage they were heading into the knockout stage of the Champions League.
    Two goals later, they are out of Europe completely.
    So close, but no cigar for Eddie Howe’s side.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: AP
    FT: Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    The Italians really did a number on Eddie Howe’s side.
    While the stats show they had two shots on target and scored two goals, they also hit the woodwork twice.
    As the game opened up, as Newcastle chased a goal, Milan showed their experience on the break.

    FT: Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    Newcastle are officially out of Europe.
    Milan will head into the Europa League, PSG qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    90+4. As Milan clear the ball, two players break with no keeper in the Newcastle goal.
    Hernandez takes the wrong option as he shoots.
    As The Magpies throw bodies forward once again, Milan break and work it to Tomori who shoots, only to hit the post.
    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    90+2. As it stands, Newcastle would be completely out of Europe.
    The ball is lofted into the box but Maignan collects well.
    Pioli’s side are happy to try and run the clock down.
    Newcastle look to cross into the box but Tomori blocks for a corner.
    Dubravka has come up for this one.
    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    90. Time is running out for Eddie Howe’s side.
    Guimaraes looks to take it past the full back but runs out of pitch.
    Florenzi wipes out Almiron as he turns his marker and was away.
    There are four minutes of added time remaining.
    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    88. Milan are looking very dangerous on the break.
    As Newcastle throw more players forward, including defenders, when the visitors win it back they look capable of scoring.
    Leao lays the ball back to the penalty spot and Burn makes a great block as that seemed destined for the back of the net.
    Credit: Reuters
    Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan
    86. Milan counter attack and have numbers over as Schar is caught out of position.
    The substitutes combine before Chukwueze bends a first time shot into the top corner of the goal.
    Great strike.
    That may be his first touch of the ball since coming on.
    Goal – Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    84. Milan make two more changes as they search for a goal.
    Newcastle come forward once again.
    Schar tries a one-two but the ball is cleared before he can get to it.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    82. Isak bursts through the middle but is hauled down by Musah.
    It is played short to Livramento but Newcastle cannot make anything from the chance.
    Milan win a free kick deep in The Magpies’ half.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    80. Rafael Leao busts through with only the keeper to beat.
    He gives Dubravka the eyes but his shot thunders back off the base of the post.
    What a chance that was, he really should have scored.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    78. The visitors have brought Jovic on in the hope of finding a goal.
    Giroud is penalised for a foul on Lascelles.
    As Newcastle steam forward, Livramento drills a cross in but Wilson has an airshot as he tries to connect with it.
    Credit: Getty
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    76. Schar is penalised for a foul as he slips and takes out the Milan player.
    It may not have been intentional but is a foul nevertheless.
    Chance for Milan to get forward and put some pressure on the Newcastle goal.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    74. As it stands, Newcastle would go into the Europa League.
    Having a far better goal difference would be the difference between these two sides in the group table.
    Milan need another goal if they have any hope of staying in European competition.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    72. The draw does neither of these sides any favours.
    It should be a manic final twenty minutes with both teams going for the goal that will give them the win.
    Miley comes off for Longstaff for The Magpies.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    70. Isak does well in the box and lays it off to the edge of the box to Bruno Guimarares.
    He takes one touch before shooting and Maignan tips his effort onto the crossbar.
    So close for Newcastle.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    68. Newcastle come forward on the counter attack.
    Joelinton feeds it to Isak, who cuts inside onto his right foot.
    His shot loops over the crossbar, a goal kick is given, despite the player telling the official it took a deflection.
    Credit: Getty
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    66. Leao is starting to cause problems for the hosts down the left.
    He drops his shoulder and tries to get to the byline to cross but Livramento does well to block for a corner.
    As the cross comes in, no Milan player can get to the ball.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    64. Lascelles gives the ball away to Pulisic.
    Leao runs into the box and Schar lunges in with a challenge.
    The defender is lucky he did not go to ground or Newcastle would have been relying on VAR to save them.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    62. That goal has silenced the home faithful.
    In the space of a few minutes they have gone from cloud nine to feeling distraught.
    A PSG equaliser quickly followed by a Milan leveller.
    Burn comes on for Trippier, Isak comes on for Gordon.
    Newcastle 1-1 AC Milan
    60. As the ball was crossed in, Leao looked to volley but scuffed his effort.
    It came to Giroud, who unselfishly laid it on a plate for Pulisic.
    The ex-Chelsea man side-footed it past Dubravka to equalise.
    Goal – Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) More

  • in

    Laura Woods praised for all-black outfit as TNT Sports host keeps leather theme for 2nd straight Champions League night

    LAURA WOODS’ fans remained s-mitten as she kept up her leather theme for the Champions League.After being compared to Catwoman on Tuesday, the TNT presenter stayed in black on Wednesday night – with fingerless leather gloves adding a touch of practicality.
    Laura Woods gets helps with an unexpected problemCredit: Alamy
    The presenter blended style with functionality via fingerless glovesCredit: Rex
    Many fans feel Laura again outshone pundits Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine JenasCredit: Getty
    The presenter made her point at St James’ ParkCredit: Rex
    The TV star has praise ringing in her earCredit: Alamy
    Scroll down for more pics of Laura
    Laura swapped Old Trafford for St. James’ Park as she fronted coverage of Newcastle’s group finale against AC Milan.
    And her winning style, as well as smile, fashioned more praise online.
    “Looking beautiful and smart,” said one admirer.
    The ex-talkSPORT star is famed for her banter almost as much as her all-round sporting knowledge.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    And although opinion was divided on TNT’s broadcasting of this week’s huge Champions League matches, this verdict united many fans: “Keep Laura Woods at all costs!!!”
    Another viewer argued: “Living for the day that the Champions League gets back on ITV. TNT Sports punditry is awful (barring Laura Woods).”
    The Arsenal fan, 36, who has also fronted DAZN’s boxing, was wrapped in a three-quarter-length coat on Wednesday.

    That came after she wore a striking leather jacket and trousers the previous evening as Manchester United crashed out of Europe.
    Most read in Champions League
    One fan sighed: “I don’t think Catwoman ever looked as good as you.”
    And although Laura ditched most of her leather for the Toon, fans still reckoned she looked well above purr!
    Fans regularly go wild for Laura’s outfitsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    She loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    Woods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast show with pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram
    Laura is the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage
    The broadcaster regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    She has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    Laura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: Rex
    She has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: Getty
    Laura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    Laura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: Instagram
    Laura is dating former Love Island star Adam CollardCredit: Instagram
    The presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: Getty
    She also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher trolled by CBS Sports star Anita Nneka Jones with ‘bigger than yours’ gag leaving Kate Abdo in stitches

    ANITA NNEKA JONES left Kate Abdo in stitches as she trolled Jamie Carragher live on CBS Sports.The reporter could not resist poking fun at the former Liverpool defender with a gag during Wednesday’s Champions League coverage.
    Jamie Carragher was on the end of a brutal gag from Anita Nneka JonesCredit: Getty

    Jones donned a pair of ear muffs as she appeared from a chilly St. James’ Park ahead of Newcastle’s crucial clash with AC Milan.
    Before she could hand back to the studio, Carragher joked: “Anita how big are your ears?”
    In response, she quickly quipped: “I think they’re bigger than yours Jamie and it takes a lot to do that.”
    Her comeback left Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards in hysterics in the studio.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Abdo herself also added: “Very nice, I like it.”
    Jones, who has also worked for Sky Sports, was reporting from Newcastle as the Magpies aimed to progress to the last 16.
    Eddie Howe’s side will advance from the group with a win, if Paris Saint-Germain fail to beat Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
    Carragher has been on the receiving end on CBS Sports this week after also coming under fire on Tuesday night.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Abdo poked fun at the ex-England man during his analysis of Manchester United’s doomed European campaign.
    The host has also previously teased Carragher for his row with Lionel Messi. More

  • in

    Matheus Nunes writhing in agony with horror shoulder injury after failed overhead kick as fans call it ‘unnecessary’

    MATHEUS NUNES was left writhing in agony after attempting an “unnecessary” overhead kick against Red Star Belgrade.The Manchester City midfielder injured his shoulder with his failed attempt during his side’s win in Serbia on Wednesday.
    Matheus Nunes attempted an ‘unnecessary’ overhead kick against Red Star BelgradeCredit: TNT Sports
    The Manchester City midfielder was left writhing in agony after his failed acrobaticsCredit: TNT Sports
    Nunes was handed his 10th start of the season by Pep Guardiola for City’s final Champions League group stage match.
    However, he was almost forced off just minutes into the second half.
    The Portugal international appeared to injure his shoulder attempting an overhead kick.
    He stayed down in agony afterwards and received treatment from the club’s medical staff before continuing,
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Concerned supporters were quick to react to the incident on social media.
    One fan wrote: “Matheus Nunes that was unnecessary.”
    Another added: “Please don’t break yourself Matheus Nunes.”
    Meanwhile, a third supporter also commented: “Matheus Nunes is the type of guy to get injured while attempting a bicycle kick.”
    Most read in Champions League
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Nunes appeared to injure his shoulder before carrying onCredit: TNT Sports
    Nunes was a standout performer for City, setting up Micah Hamilton’s debut goal to open the scoring.
    Fellow youngster Oscar Bobb later doubled the visitor’s lead before Kalvin Phillips’ penalty sealed a 3-2 victory, despite a late fightback from Red Star.

    City were already confirmed as group winners before Wednesday’s match, having won all of their matches in group G.
    As for Nunes, the 25-year-old completed a £47million move to the Etihad Stadium from Wolves in the summer.
    He has since provided three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions so far this season. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans only just realising Mark Goldbridge’s REAL name with YouTuber once enjoying very different job with police

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are just discovering YouTuber Mark Goldbridge’s real name – and a back story equally as intriguing.The presenter on The United Stand and talkSPORT watched Nottingham Forest as a kid and was a policeman who became a detective.
    Mark Goldbridge doesn’t hold back on fan channel ‘The United Stand’Credit: Instagram @markgoldbridge
    He’s outspoken now but went out of his way to avoid trouble on the beatCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
    Mark also has his own show on national radioCredit: TALKSPORT
    But many Red Devils’ supporters have only now realised his true moniker is  Brent Di Cesare.
    The married dad of three, 44, who lives in Solihull, is of Italian descent.
    But that Azzurri association is the only thing supporters might be able to guess from his real name.
    Fans were amazed to discover his alternative details as they reflected on the Red Devils’ early exit from the Champions League.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    One posted: “Wait y’all know who Brent Di Cesare is?”
    And others revealed they had dashed off to Wikipedia to check it out.
    But his marvellous moniker, which he changed at his police bosses’ request when he launched his YouTube career, is just one fascinating fact about the outspoken broadcaster.
    Goldbridge has gone from investigating crimes to laying down the law on United performances. 
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    He’s amassed around 3million followers across his four YouTube channels, regularly going viral with his rants
    But his football journey began watching Forest – as he was born in Nottingham and his dad would take him to the City Ground.
    However, his parents split when he was six and his mum’s dad got him into following United.
    After working in insurance in Ireland, he returned to England in his mid-20s – joining the police because he couldn’t find any other employment.
    Goldbridge told JackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast in December 2020: “When I came back from Dublin, I had no qualifications.
    “I had a C in Maths and English and that was it. And although I had quite a good job in Ireland, I couldn’t get a job anywhere. 
    “My wife said ‘why don’t you go in the police?’.
    “I wanted to do the fire service but I’m not very good with heat, I’m really irritable in the heat so I went in the police. 
    Mark Goldbridge was a detective with a far more exotic nameCredit: Instagram @markgoldbridge
    “Uniform about a year-and-a-half then a detective for 10 years.”
    And his reason for switching from the beat might surprise fans who know him best for his hard-hitting outbursts.
    He would “just walk about and try and stay out of trouble” as “I haven’t got the physique for it, have I?” – so he moved into detection.
    Goldbridge also revealed his trauma at seeing dead bodies on the job – with the “horrible smell” of the first occasion still remaining with him.
    His online persona kicked off when he set up Soccer Box TV after England exited the 2014 World Cup at the group stage for the first time since 1958.
    Read more on The Sun
    Now he’s speaking out on another team also departing a major competition without reaching the KO stages – United.
    Tuesday’s’s 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich condemned the Red Devils to a bottom-place finish in their Champions League group. More

  • in

    Fans say ‘Haaland who?’ as Micah Hamilton, 20, scores stunner on Man City debut 6 years after Guardiola ball-boy bust-up

    MICAH HAMILTON needed just 19 minutes to score on his Manchester City debut.The 20-year-old put his side ahead in their final Champions League group stage match away to Red Star Belgrade.
    Micah Hamilton scored on his Manchester City debut against Red Star BelgradeCredit: AFP

    Hamilton skilfully shifted the ball past a defender before smashing it beyond the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.
    In doing so, he became the fifth-youngest Englishman to score on their Champions League debut at 20 years and 30 days.
    He is also the youngest to score on their debut since Marcus Rashford in September 2017 aged 19 years and 316 days.
    Fellow youngster Oscar Bobb was also on target, doubling City’s lead after the interval with his first senior goal.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Reacting to Hamilton’s goal on social media, one fan wrote: “MICAH F***ING HAMILTON. STARBOY.”
    Another added: “Remember the name…”
    A third supporter also commented: “Who needs Haaland when we have Micah lol.”
    Fans also swooned over Bobb’s display, including one who said: “Oscar Bobb 2027 Ballon d’Or winner. I’m already there.”
    Most read in Champions League
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Meanwhile, another also wrote: “Hear me out City fans when I say Oscar Bobb is better than Foden in that middle.”
    Erling Haaland was once again absent from the squad through injury, having also missed Sunday’s win over Luton.
    Hamilton instead lead the line for Pep Guardiola in Serbia, making his senior debut in the process.
    It comes six years after he went viral as a ball boy in a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in May 2017.
    Hamilton was told to speed up by Pep Guardiola as a 13-year-old ball boyCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
    Guardiola called over the then 13-year-old during the match to tell him to speed up when giving the ball back.
    Hamilton, who is currently the captain of City’s under-21 side, has been with the club for 12 years.

    The former England under-16 international joined the Treble winners’ academy as an eight-year-old in 2011.
    City had already booked their progression to the last 16 as group winners before Wednesday’s final match.
    Read more on The Sun
    Five wins from their first five fixtures had put them out of reach of second place RB Leipzig, and they made it a perfect six with a 3-2 win in Belgrade. More