Champions League

IVAN PERISIC has done the “Spursiest” thing ever having been on the wrong end of a hammering by Arsenal.The former Tottenham winger started for PSV against the Gunners in the first-leg of the round of 16 clash in the Champions League.Ivan Perisic made a dig at Arsenal before facing in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHis PSV side were humiliated by Arsenal in the matchCredit: RexJurrien Timber netted Arsenal’s first of the evening with his headCredit: AFPRiccardo Calafiori wrapped up the scoring late onCredit: GettyThe match did not go well for Perisic or the rest of his Dutch side in the Philips Stadion.Jurrien Timber netted the opener before Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino made it 3-0.Noa Lang did get one back for PSV before the break to offer a slim chance of a positive result.But all chances of a comeback were quickly put to bed as the Gunners hit FOUR more in the second half to win 7-1.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSFollowing the match, Perisic’s quotes about the match resurfaced on social media.The Croatian had fired a dig at his former rivals by suggesting that they were “always missing something” in the hunt for trophies.He was referring to the Gunners’ failures in the Premier League in recent seasons, which has seen them miss out on the title to Manchester City.The North London outfit also look set to miss out on the title yet again this season but this time to Liverpool.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “It’s going to be tough, they are a really good team, a young team,”Good coach, but in the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League He could only watch as Arsenal hit his side for SEVENCredit: GettyPSV have more than a mountain to climb in the second legCredit: Getty”We have to be ready and I know we are going to have a good chance to beat them.”I really believe in my team.”We have trained well and tactically we have to be on the top level to show something good against them.”Fans were quick to bring up to the bold comment following the match as they poked fun at the former Spurs star.One posted: “Spoke too soon.”A second wrote: “You can get Ivan out of Tottenham but you can’t get Tottenham out of Ivan.”Another said: “Spursiest thing ever that is.”A fourth added: “You’ll never wash the Tottenham out of him.”Perisic will somewhat be feeling he has some egg on his face following the full-time whistle in Holland.The Croatian signed for PSV in September, having signed a one-year contract after leaving Hajduk Split.He left Spurs in January 2024 for Hajduk initially on loan before the move was made permanent in the summer.Odegaard hailed Arsenal’s performance at full-time as he spoke to Amazon.He said: “Unfortunately we conceded one goal but apart from that it was a top performance.”We work hard every day to improve, especially after performances like the West Ham one, we want to do better. We always work hard, and today it clicked.”Of course, I think every player in my position wants to influence the game. For me this season I haven’t been good enough.”The result leaves PSV with the biggest mountain ever to climb to have any hope of progressing to the quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Real Madrid celebrated their 500th game in the competition as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw by French side Lille while Aston Villa won the earlier kick off 3-1 against Club Brugge.Martin Odegaard was named man of the matchCredit: GettyPerisic played for Tottenham between 2022 and 2024Credit: Getty More

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was dragged off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV.The young defender was fortunate to escape being sent-off in the match for two yellow card challenges during the round of 16 first leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped a red card against PSVCredit: ReutersHe was already on a yellow cardCredit: RexHe was subbed off by Mikel Arteta before half timeCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly, 18, was booked in the 24th minute for a foul deep inside his own half.He was then penalised for a very late challenge on Richard Ledezma just two minutes later.There were calls from the PSV players that Lewis-Skelly should be sent off by the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano kept his cards in his pocket.Arsenal then stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to efforts from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAfter the goal from Merino went in, Mikel Arteta made the decision to sub Lewis-Skelly out of the action.Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was sent on in place of the youngster.Lewis-Skelly looked disappointed with himself as he slumped down on the bench to watch the remainder of the match.BBC pundit Alan Shearer backed the substitution and admitted leaving him on would have been a “risk”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is in a risky situation there having just been shown a yellow card.”If he hadn’t received one just moments ago, then that would definitely be one. Arsenal have got away with one there.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAlan Shearer believes leaving Lewis-Skelly on would be a riskCredit: PA”It was always going to be a matter of time before that change, Riccardo Calafiori for Lewis-Skelly took place.”They have put themselves in a good position, three goals up, so why run the risk of going down to ten men. Sensible decision.”He only picked up a red card in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.The defender was the last man as he dragged down Mohammed Kudus who looked through on goal.This followed the controversial dismissal for fouling Matt Doherty in the game against Wolves.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…He later saw his three-match ban overturned and Ref chief Howard Webb insisted that the decision, while wrong, was not a “horrendous” one.Meanwhile, PSV were offered a route back into the match as Noa Lang converted from the spot before the break.However, all hopes of a comeback looked over just three minutes into the second half as Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard both scored to make it 5-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESOdegaard made it two for himself and six on the night in the 73rd minute.Lewis-Skelly’s replacement Calafiori wrapped up the scoring with Arsenal’s SEVENTH in the dying stages.He was recently sent off against West HamCredit: ReutersHe was controversially sent off against Wolves earlier in the seasonCredit: PA More

ASTON VILLA have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – thanks to Brugge’s masked avenger Brandon Mechele!The Brugge defender with the protective face mask blundered horribly to divert Morgan Rogers’ low cross beyond Simon Mignolet eight minutes from full-time to gift Villa a 2-1 lead.Leon Bailey netted the opener inside three minutesCredit: RexMaxim De Cuyper fired the hosts levelCredit: ReutersTyrone Mings made a vital goal-line clearance at 1-1Credit: ReutersMorgan Rogers helped restore the lead as he forced in an own-goalCredit: EPAMarco Asensio made sure from the spotCredit: AFPAnd Unai Emery’s men were celebrating again six minutes later following another self-inflicted wound by Brugge when attacker Christos Tzolis panicked in his own box to send Matty Cash tumbling.Super-sub Marco Asensio kept his cool to beat Mignolet from the penalty spot to nab his FIFTH Villa goal and leave Brugge with one almighty hangover in the beer capital of the world!Meanwhile Villa can start popping the champagne corks after holding their nerve with a dogged display on the road. Only an absolute meltdown at Villa Park can now stop Villa from setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Liverpool or Emery’s former club Paris Saint Germain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey survived the bearpit atmosphere of Brugge’s Jan Breydelstadion and will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing the Belgians on home turf, where they are unbeaten in 14 matches.Especially with Asensio in the scoring form of his life!Villa couldn’t have wished for a better start as they seized the lead after only three minutes.It was a goal of stunning simplicity which left Brugge’s players hanging their heads in shame.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Anderlecht star Youri Tielemans was booed from the first whistle by Brugge’s rowdy fans, who clearly have long memories.But the Belgian silenced his noisy critics by delivering the long free kick into the box which Tyrone Mings nodded down.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAnd there was Leon Bailey waiting to pounce with a sweetly struck left foot shot on the half-volley which sped beyond Simon Mignolet into the far corner.It was a peach of a goal and the ideal start for Villa who appeared to have taken the tie by the scruff of the neck.Marcus Rashford, starting a Champions League tie for the first time since he was sent off for Manchester United against Copenhagen in November 2023 was next to show.The on-loan Villa winger worked a neat one-two with Bailey then fired in a low shot which was kept out by Mignolet’s legs.But all of Villa’s promising early work was spectacularly undone three minutes later as Brugge exposed Villa’s fragile defence to snatch a speedy equaliser.Ardon Jashari picked the ball up in space in midfield and had time to get his head up and pick out Christos Tzolis with a raking crossfield pass which sailed over Axel Disasi’s head.Tzolis sucked Disasi in before cutting the ball back to Maxim De Cuyper who caused Maximum damage to Villa by sweeping the ball beyond Emi Martinez’s outstretched glove and into the far corner.That sparked bedlam in the ramshackle concrete bowl that is the Former Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis gave away the penaltyCredit: RexAsensio netted Villa’s third of the gameCredit: ReutersThe West Midlands side are in a strong position ahead of the second legCredit: GettyUnai Emery picked up a yellow card during the matchCredit: GettyJan Breydelstadion as the home fans went bonkers.Once again Villa’s defending was called into question as Leon Bailey failed to go with De Cuyper’s run and Disasi should have been better positioned to cut out the initial booming ball out of defence.Both sides had managed to wound their opponents in the early skirmishes and appeared to be wary of each other’s attacking threat.So the game descended into something of a dour midfield struggle.Villa have made it to half-time on level terms – thanks to the brilliance of Emi Martinez.The Villa and World’s No.1 showed fantastic reflexes just beyond the half hour mark to get down to his right to keep out Chemsdine Talbi’s low shot which was hurtling towards his net.It was a tight, nervy affair which had Unai Emery at his animated best on the touchline, waving his arms around in a frenzy.Rashford was having a decent tussle with Bruges kid right back Kyriani Sabbe, who he managed to power by just before half-time.But the winger was tight to the touchline and his cross flew into Mignolet’s chest. At half-time most Villa fans were asking how long Emery would wait before sending for Marco Asensio who had the class and experience to win this tie for the visitors.The game had now descended into a scrappy affair with both sides desperate to keep things tight after those early goals.Emi Martinez showed his class again to pluck a fiercely hit Onyedika drive from 25 yards out from under his crossbar, making it look easy.But with just over an hour played Emery had seen enough and made a QUADRUPLE substitution which paid off spectacularly.Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Marco Asensio replaced Disasi, Rashford, Bailey and McGinn.That gave Asensio a place in the Champions League record books as the first player to make 50 substitute appearances in the competition.And the Spaniard almost marked the occasion with a goal when he smashed Jacob Ramsey’s cutback towards goal, forcing Mignolet to beat the ball high into the air.It dropped to Cash but the full-back slashed wildly over and held his head in his hands in despair.At the other end Villa were living dangerously and Vanaken came within a fraction of heading Brugge in front with an attempt which grazed the far post with Martinez beaten.Then Tzolis screwed his shot hopelessly wide after Vanaken set him up with a clever flick.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmery was booked for losing the plot on the touchline.But the Spaniard was soon celebrating a famous late double as Villa seized this tie by the throat. 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