More stories

  • in

    Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: Bees keep up pace in race for European football but Toon’s winless slump continues

    EDDIE HOWE’S unbeaten record against Brentford came to a crashing halt as The Bees finally broke their Newcastle hoodoo.Howe had never lost a Premier League match against Brentford after facing them six times, but his Toon Army have not travelled well this season.Bryan Mbeumo fired Brentford ahead after eight minutesCredit: ReutersMbeumo wheels off in celebrationCredit: PABy losing more than half of their 27 top flight away matches they are in a similar bracket to the likes of Wolves, and also The Bees.Yet they had been a bogey side for The Bees who had lost nine and drawn the other of the previous 10 league meetings between these sides, since a 1-0 home victory in the second tier in January 1948.Brentford’s solitary defeat in their last 13 home league games was 4-2 against Newcastle on the final day of last season. Plus, Newcastle were the only one of Brentford’s 25 Premier League opponents they had never beaten in the top flight.The Magpies would have arrived in London with high hopes following their eye-catching 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday, and with a proud record against Brentford.READ MORE IN football A league-high total of 34 goals had been scored at Gtech Community Stadium before yesterday, and we were treated to six more on a day when the country was advised to baton down the hatches thanks to Storm Darragh.The goal feast started early when Bryan Mbeumo jinked his way into the box and fired Brentford ahead after eight minutes.Alexander Isak stooped to head an equaliser three minutes later, but Harvey Barnes’ woeful cross-field pass after 28 minutes went straight to Yoane Wissa and he punished Newcastle with a fine finish.Barnes atoned four minutes later when he swivelled in the box and scored with a shot inside the far post.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: RexIsaak celebrates with Jacob MurphyCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDefender Nathan Collins restored the lead after 56 minutes before Kevin Shade came off the bench and completed the win in the final minute, lifting The Bees into the top six.Howe pulled a surprise by resting two of his key midfielders, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, starting them on the bench.It didn’t stop The Magpies making a fast start as in the second minute Sean Longstaff fired a fierce drive from the edge of the box which crashed off the bar.Brentford heeded the warning as Mbeumo scored one of his trademark specials.Skipper Christian Norgaard, back from injury for his 100th Premier League appearance, picked him out on the right edge of the box with a ball from inside his own half, and he skipped inside Lewis Hall and Joelinton before curling his shot high inside the near post.That took Mbeumo to nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, equalling his career-best tally set in each of the previous two seasons, and it ended a run of five matches without a goal.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa put Brentford back aheadCredit: PABrentford were back in the leadCredit: ReutersThe lead lasted just three minutes as Jacob Murphy swung in a cross from the right and Isak stooped at the far post to plant a header back across Flekken.Impressively, Isak has now been directly involved in seven goals in as many league games, scoring five and setting up two.His record should have gotten even better when he had a free run at goal as he cut in from the right after 19 minutes. He skipped past Flekken but delayed his shot and the goalkeeper saved the day by clawing the ball to safety.Barnes was guilty of a shocking error when he misplaced a pass from the halfway line across his back four. It went straight to Wissa who carried it to the edge of the box before planting it in the far top corner – his ninth goal in Brentford’s past six home league games.Harvey Barnes again levelled for NewcastleCredit: PAThe game was back onCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal meant he equalled Ivan Toney’s record of 19 Premier League goals scored at the Gtech Community Stadium.It was a case of “to you, to me” however, as Barnes made amends when Murphy provided another assist as he found him in the box with enough time to turn and shoot low inside the post.The woodwork prevented Wissa scoring again two minutes after the break, as his shot hit the arm of goalkeeper Nick Pope – who probably didn’t know much about it – and bounced off the post.There was no escape, however, when Flekken’s free kick into the box eluded everyone and Collins steered it inside the far post for his second of the season.Gordon and Tonali were introduced and although Tonali wasted a decent chance after 84 minutes when he headed over, their impact was minimal.And any hope of Howe rescuing his record was gone when Kevin Schade wrapped up the win in the dying moments. Although The Bees had gone into this game boasting the Premier League’s best home record, earning 19 points from seven games and scoring 22 goals, there were question marks over the quality of opponent during that run.Their six wins came against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich, Bournemouth and Leicester. READ MORE SUN STORIESOf that group, only Bournemouth are not struggling for points at the wrong end of the table.Beating Newcastle will be deemed a proper scalp.Nathan Collins put Brentford back in the leadCredit: RexCollins sent Brentford on their way to victoryCredit: PAKevin Schade wrapped up the winCredit: RexBrentford are on track for European footballCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag could KO Ruben Amorim’s first Man Utd signing with axed boss tipped for immediate management return

    RUBEN Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.Ruben Amorim has identified Leipzig left-back David Raum as a key Man Utd targetBut Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag could potentially block the move IF he replaces Marco Rose, who’s job is on the brinkBut Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.The Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.There are mounting rumours that Ten Hag has already been sounded out to take over, which would see him linking up with Jurgen Klopp, now adviser to Red Bull-owned clubs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Defeat to Aston Villa in Tuesday’s Champions League clash could spell the end for Rose, and open the door to Ten Hag’s return to management.That would be bad news for Amorim, who is desperate for a left-sided defender after Luke Shaw’s latest injury blow.Tyrell Malacia is only just back from his own long-term absence, and Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been forced to switch flanks and fill in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRaum, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, would be the ideal solution, even though United would prefer a loan with an option to buy in the summer.Ten Hag was close to taking the Leipzig job before he moved to Old Trafford, and agent Kees Vos had even agreed a pay deal when he left Ajax.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsUnited’s offer trumped that, but now the Dutchman – who worked under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich – could be on his way back to the Bundesliga.It would see him working with Klopp, the Liverpool boss when they thrashed United 7-0 in March 2023, who has just taken up a new role with Red Bull. More

  • in

    Fifa Club World Cup 2025 draw in full as Chelsea get shock reunion with cult hero while Man City face European giants

    CHELSEA landed a plum draw in the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup – including a reunion with a club cult hero.The revamped tournament will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup – staged next year in America from June 15-July 13 and featuring 32 of the globe’s top teams.Gianni Infantino with the new Club World Cup TrophyCredit: GettyThere was a special message from US President-elect Donald TrumpCredit: EPATrump’s daughter Ivanka was at the draw, and her son Theo helped pick out the first teamCredit: APDiletta Leotta was on hand to present the showCredit: EPAIt all kicked off with a glitzy group-stage draw from Miami, featuring a host of global football legends, and presented, in part, by Italian beauty, and former Premier League Wag, Diletta Leotta.Each country is limited to two entrants in the tournament, with the Blues and Manchester City taking England’s slots as the two most recent Champions League winners.Chelsea wound up in Group D, along with Brazil’s Flamengo, Club Leon of Mexico and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia. And that likely means a shock clash against for Blues title winner David Luiz, who is still playing for the Brazilians at the age of 37.READ MORE IN football City meanwhile face Italian giants Juventus, Morocco’s Wydad AC and Al Ain of the UAE.Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will play Saudi champions Al Hilal, RB Salzburg of Austria and Mexico’s Pachuca.Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich take on Benfica, Boca Juniors and Aukland City in Group C. Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger was on hand to help pick out the teams but only after being made to perform some awkward dad dancing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUS President-elect Donald Trump’s eight-year-old grandson Theo also helped pick out the draw with the politician’s daughter Ivanka.There was even a message from President Trump – who referred to Fifa president Gianni Infantino as “Jonny”. Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawDavid Luiz won the Premier League with Chelsea and now could face them aged 37Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrump said: “The event is going to be incredible. I will try and be there if I can, I would, we’ll see what happens.”But I just want to say you’re led by a man named Jonny, I just know him as Jonny and he’s a winner and he’s the president and I’m the president.”We’ve known each other a long time and I’m so honoured to have this kind of relationship because Soccer is going through the roof as everybody knows.”It’s been doing so fantastically well, my son Baron is a tremendous soccer fan, he’s actually a good player – I guess not quite that kind of good but he’s a very good player.”But he loves soccer and it really is taking over the United States in terms of a sport and I congratulate everybody.”But in particular I wish you too have a good time and I want to send my highest regards and respect to Johnny.”It’s been an honour to be with you and will be with you very soon and we’re going to watch the World Cup very importantly also very soon.”I was very responsible along with Johnny in getting it and it’s going to be a fantastic thing.”The new Club World Cup format sees teams divided into eight groups of four and play each other once.Top two teams in each group then progress to the knockout stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.Details on how fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights.Arsene Wenger performed some awkward dad dancingCredit: https://x.com/DAZN_ESBrazilian model Adriana Lima also presentedCredit: AFPDiletta Leotta with host Samantha Johnson Alessandro del PieroCredit: EPA More

  • in

    Fifa Club World Cup draw simulated with Chelsea landing horror group and Man City facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

    THE REVAMPED Fifa Club World Cup increases to 32 teams in 2025 with Manchester City and Chelsea among those in action. It will now be contested with a similar format to the World Cup, staged next year in America from June 15-July 13.Erling Haaland’s Manchester City are a top seed in the groupCredit: RexCole Palmer’s Chelsea face a horror drawCredit: RexTeams will be divided into eight groups of four and play each other once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage.The last 16 is the first single knockout round – followed by the quarter-final, semi-final and then final.But it all kicks off with the group-stage draw, staged in Miami, where the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich find out their fate.Certain teams cannot draw each other, for example sides from the same league such as Chelsea and City or Flamengo and Fluminense.READ MORE IN football Fifa split the top seeding pot by handing four slots to Europe and four to South America, based on their continental coefficient ranking.So City, Madrid, Bayern and PSG are joined by Brazilians Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense and Argentina’s River Plate.The other eight European sides, including Chelsea, are in pot two.Pot three is made up of the remaining South American teams – Boca Juniors and Botafogo – and the two highest ranked sides from the other three major confederations.Most read in FootballPot four will see the remaining sides, although Inter Miami are already confirmed as playing in Group A and Seattle Sounders will play all their games at home.SunSport simulated the draw and it would be exciting news for City fans but not so much for Chelsea.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueThe Premier League champions drew Inter Milan, Botafogo and Inter Miami – meaning they would come up against Lionel Messi. But Chelsea suffered a horror draw alongside Real Madrid, Monterrey of Mexico and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns FC.There were also glamour ties including Flamengo vs Port and Palmeiras vs Juventus. Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich also looks particularly exciting.Details on how footy fans can watch the Club World Cup emerged earlier this week, with DAZN snapping up the rights. More

  • in

    Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 14: Bargain defenders or premium midfielders?

    THERE’S barely time for Dream Team managers to catch their breath with Gameweek 14 fast approaching.The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League are all set to resume in the week after a full round of Premier League fixtures which means the seven teams active in Europe are set to pull double duty.We refuse to patronise you by listing obvious names such as Mohamed Salah (£7.4m), Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Erling Haaland (£8.6m) as transfer recommendations (because of course they are) but allow us to present some other suggestions ahead of Saturday’s 11am deadline. Confirm your transfers before Saturday’s 11am deadlineCredit: Dream TeamJoe Gomez (£3.1m)Liverpool may have shipped three goals to Newcastle on Wednesday night but their defence has generally been a reliable source of points this season.Ibrahima Konate (£4.8m) is expected to be sidelined until the new year and so Gomez is likely to get plenty of minutes – he started against Manchester City and the Magpies for a return of nine points in Gameweek 13.The Reds have a much more favourable double header in Gameweek 14 in the form of Everton and Girona.The Toffees will be motivated to hinder their neighbours’ title charge but they are among the lowest scorers in the top flight while the Spanish outfit have not quite rekindled the magic of 2023/24 – they’re eighth in La Liga at present.Arne Slot will be hopeful of at least one clean sheet in the coming days and Gomez could provide a cheap route to the points on offer.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) is anything but cheap as the most expensive defender in the game but he averages a mighty 6.9 points-per-game in 2024/25 and is therefore well set for a double-digit haul in Gameweek 14.Most read in FootballThe creative right-back banked 16 points across his outings against Man City and Newcastle via two assists to remind Dream Team bosses of his pedigree upon return from injury.A formidable combinationCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard (£5.2m)The aforementioned Saka is Dream Team’s most in-form player at the time of writing and should probably be considered a must-have asset.Furthermore, it might be worth doubling up on Arsenal midfielders for the festive period as their fixtures appear rather favourable.The Gunners’ captain has produced three assists and a goal in the space of three Gameweeks since his return to the starting line-up.Odegaard’s numbers are impressive but, crucially, he’s also passed the eye test with flying colours since the end of the November international break.Arsenal mustered one goal in three games immediately before the break and it’s no coincidence they’ve bagged 16 in five games since the Norwegian playmaker regained full fitness.Class is permanentCredit: ReutersKevin De Bruyne (£5.8m)If Odegaard doesn’t float your boat then how about another premium midfielder?City’s brilliant Belgian helped his side stop the rot in midweek with a goal and assist at the heart of a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.De Bruyne also earned three bonus points to finish with an overall haul of 18 when he went off midway through the second half (20 total for the Gameweek including two points against Liverpool).The 33 year-old playmaker has been limited to just 548 minutes this season but with Pep Guardiola in need of his big guns in the wake of a rare downturn in form, De Bruyne will surely be unleashed upon Crystal Palace and Juventus in Gameweek 14.You don’t need to be convinced of KDB’s abilities but it’s rare that such an elite talent has an ownership as low as 4.8%.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWDon’t write them off just yet…Credit: GettyMorgan Rogers (£2.7m) or Youri Tielemans (£3.9m)Many gaffers will have gone cold on Aston Villa players recently but Gameweek 14 looks primed for points on paper, especially after Unai Emery’s men returned to winnings ways against Brentford in midweek.The Villains host 20th-placed Southampton on Saturday before travelling to RB Leipzig on Tuesday – it’s a good time to play the Bundesliga side as they’ve lost five of their last seven games in all competitions.Ollie Watkins (£5.3m) produced 19 points in Gameweek 13 but he comes at a steep cost and continues to be substituted in the second half of games.READ MORE SUN STORIESRogers and Tielemans are more relatively affordable midfield options, both coming off the back of double-digit hauls.The Belgium international has earned 30 bonus points this season – the joint-highest tally among all players, alongside Ryan Gravenberch (£3.8m).BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

  • in

    I made transfer for the chance to play against Cristiano Ronaldo – but I accidentally joined wrong club with same name

    FORMER LaLiga striker Thievy Bifouma moved to Iran to have a chance of facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League.But the 32-year-old has now hilariously revealed that he unwittingly signed for the WRONG club in the summer.Thievy Bifouma wanted to join Esteghlal FC for the chance play against Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo has entered the final year of his current Al-Nassr dealBifouma claims that he intended to join Esteghlal FC for the chance to square up with Ronaldo and Al-Nassr in the Champions League. But he was not aware that this particular club, which he joined as a free agent, was not the only Iranian side named Esteghlal.He told Iranian outlet Tasnim News Agency: “I had the chance to play in Turkey, but my wife didn’t want to move back there.”I wish to play against Cristiano Ronaldo before I retire.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Considering that he is now in Asia and there was an opportunity for me to come to Iran, they talked to me about Esteghlal’s offer.”And I reviewed the calendar of games and realised that they have a game against Al-Nassr.”I said to myself that this is where I wanted to go. I had no idea there were two teams named Esteghlal in Iran.”The former West Brom loanee only realised his faux pas in the days after he arrived in Iran and signed his deal. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “When I arrived in Tehran, my countryman Gael Kakuta called me and asked where I was.”I told him, ‘I’m at the hotel undergoing medical tests.’ He then asked, ‘Which hotel are you in? I’d like to come and see you.’ ‘Ronaldo go home’ Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side”An hour later, he called again and teased me, saying, ‘You play for the small Esteghlal, while we’re part of a bigger team. You defend, and we attack’.”Regardless, it didn’t matter because we ended up winning the game against them in August, thanks to my goal.”Thievy has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine games in the Iranian League this season. But his chance of ever facing idol Ronaldo, 39, may be gone for good.The team he intended to join was Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C. who frequently qualify for the AFC Champions League.They are currently in the same Asian Champions League group as Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side.Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Ronaldo turns 40 in February and his current deal is due to expire in the summer. More

  • in

    Julen Lopetegui clinging to his job as West Ham hold emergency board meeting with three manager replacements in frame

    JULEN LOPETEGUI is clinging on to his job as West Ham’s board prepare to meet to discuss his future.The Hammers’ woeful defeat to struggling Leicester on Tuesday night could be the final nail in Loeptegui’s coffin, with a number of the club’s hierarchy keen to make a change.West Ham are holding an emergency board meeting about Julen Lopetegui’s futureThe Spaniard replaced David Moyes six months agoEdin Terzic, a former coach at the club, Graham Potter and ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao are all being considered as replacements.West Ham’s usually patient board are expected to hold talks on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to make a change.The club are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPotter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, was on punditry duty with Amazon Prime and said he is “open to everything” when it comes to a new role.The former Brighton boss recently turned down Leicester City but is understood to be open to taking over at the London Stadium if approached.While Lopetegui must shoulder some of the blame for West Ham’s poor start, captain Jarrod Bowen insists the squad must take responsibility too.He said: “There’s pressure on the players as well.Most read in Football”We’re the ones who have to go out there and perform, and we haven’t done that to the level that we know we’re capable of.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We need to turn it around as we’re all in it together as a group. It’s down to us to go out there and perform and do better than what we’re doing.”West Ham replaced Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League during his second spell in charge, with a view to improving the style of play.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamBut the Hammers remain woeful in defence having conceded 27 goals this season and there has been little sign of a new style being implemented.The former Spain and Real Madrid manager has remained insistent that he should be judged at the end of the season, but a majority of fans have made their mind up already – as have some figures within the club.A final call, however, will rest with chairman and largest shareholder, David Sullivan.Lopetegui was close to the sack before the Hammers’ game at Newcastle last month.An impressive 2-0 victory bought him more time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a shambolic 5-2 defeat to Arsenal and a 3-1 humbling at relegation favourites Leicester has piled the pressure back on.It marked the seventh time in 16 games in all competitions that West Ham have conceded three or more goals this term.Lopetegui’s worst West Ham resultsWest Ham 1 – 3 Man City (Prem)West Ham 0 – 3 Chelsea (Prem)Liverpool 5 -1 West Ham (Carabao Cup)Tottenham 4 -1 West Ham (Prem)Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 2- 5 Arsenal (Prem)Leicester 3 -1 West Ham (Prem) More

  • in

    Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

    FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More