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      Tottenham 2 Brentford 0: Jose Mourinho seals Carabao Cup final spot with goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-Min

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      SOMEONE from Spurs had better try to remember where they parked their open-top bus.
      Then when they find it, they need to check beneath all the rust and dust to ensure it is still roadworthy.

      Son Heung-min was on target as Tottenham booked their place in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Moussa Sissoko also scored in a 2-0 win against BrentfordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      And if it is, then all they need to do is hire some horses to pull it!
      But Tottenham can get ready to break open the Brasso after moving a step closer to ending their 13-year wait for a trophy.
      Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min sealed a hard-fought victory over Brentford in this one-legged Carabao Cup showdown.
      Thomas Frank’s Championship Brentford – playing in their first ever major cup semi-final – pushed their Prem stars all the way, and will be rueing the VAR’s decision to chalk off Ivan Toney’s second half strike for offside, with the score at 1-0.

      The visitors’ misery was compounded when ref Mike Dean red carded Josh Dasilva after VAR ordered him to the pitchside monitor to view the midfielder’s X-rated horror lunge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      But Tottenham will not care about that after setting up a Wembley date against one of the Manchester giants on Sunday, April 25.
      Spurs have not lifted silverware since winning this trophy in 2008 – when it was the Carling Cup.
      It may not be the most glamorous competition but when you have only won three trophies in 37 years it might as well be the Oscars.

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      Ivan Toney scored to make it 1-1 but the goal was ruled out for offsideCredit: Sky Sports

      Josh Dasilva was sent off late on for a bad tackle on Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mourinho will be looking to win English football’s second domestic cup competition for a FIFTH time – and if it is good enough for this serial winner it should be good enough for anyone.
      He was brought into Tottenham 13 months ago to bring silverware back to N17.
      And Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and their players and fans will be hoping the Special One’s habit of winning honours in his second season with clubs will kick-start a new golden era at this one.
      Oasis frontman and Manchester City nut Liam Gallagher posted a Tweet before kick-off saying: “C’mon Brentford”.
      So he will probably not be feeling too Supersonic this morning after the Bees failed to cause an upset.

      Dasilva’s early bath capped off a disappointing night for Premier League hopefuls BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Son and Co are just one match away from winning a trophyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Spurs took a 12th minute lead with their first attack when left-back Sergio Reguilon, recalled after his Christmas Covid shame, crossed Sissoko to head home.
      It was the French midfielder’s first goal for 13 months and the hosts almost added a second two minutes later when Son’s sidefooted shot from the edge of the area was beaten away by Brentford keeper Simon Raya.
      Mourinho, who was accused of being too pragmatic after his side threw away half-time leads in their Prem draws at Crystal Palace and Wolves last month, had vowed they would go for the jugular if they managed to get their noses in front here.
      But despite dominating the ball in the first half they frequently found their path to goal blocked by Frank’s banks of midfielders and defenders.
      And while the score remained 1-0 the Bees were always in within a chance.

      Sissoko opened the scoring with a bullet header for SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Toney headed in during the second half before VAR came into playCredit: Reuters
      Unfortunately for them, their 16-goal striker Toney could not outmuscle defender Davinson Sanchez to get another purchase on his header when right-back Henrik Dalsgaard’s cross set up their first real chance in the 35th minute, and Hugo Lloris saved comfortably.
      Toney nearly scored a second for Spurs when inadvertently deflected Lucas Moura’s header from Son’s corner over Raya’s head and towards the net. But the Spanish stopper recovered brilliantly to claw the ball away from under his own bar and keep the visitors into the game going into the break.
      Having spent most of their 131-year history in the lower Leagues, the only real finals Brentford have reached are the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985 and the Leyland Vans Trophy in 2001.
      Their last cup semi-final was a second leg away to Exeter in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy 10 years ago when the Bees won 2-1 to seal a 3-2 aggregate win.
      They went close to getting back on level terms early in the second half when Bryan Mbuemo managed to get in behind the Spurs defence and pull the back to Toney, who shot was superbly blocked by Serge Aurier on the edge of the six-yard box.

      Son put the result beyond doubt with a fine finishCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Spurs’ main concern will be seeing how badly hurt Hojbjerg isCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Ivorian full-back then wasted a chance to make it 2-0 himself moments later when he blazed a shot over the bar – with Harry Kane waiting for a cross in the middle.
      Spurs showed a rare glimpse of Premier League class when Sissoko’s drilled cross was volleyed back across goal and just wide by Son.
      Then Toney had what he thought was an equaliser ruled out by the VAR – who spotted the frontman’s knee was offside when tapped home from close range Lloris and his defenders had made a hash of defending a corner.
      The Bees, of course, are not used to dealing with such technology in the Championship, and after experiencing it here, they might not be so keen to gain promotion to the top flight.
      Especially as Son rubbed salt in the wounds by racing away to slot Tottenham’s second from a fine Tanguy Ndombele pass.
      Ndombele then hit a post before Dasilva’s sending off.

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      Joey Barton breaks silence over Fleetwood sacking and admits ‘I didn’t always get it right’ amid Ched Evans row

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      JOEY BARTON has opened up on his sacking by Fleetwood Town in the wake of his row with Ched Evans.
      The 38-year-old admitted ‘I didn’t always get it right’ in a statement released after his departure.

      Joey Barton has broken his silence after his Fleetwood sacking in the wake of his row with Ched EvansCredit: Rex Features

      The Cod Army axed Barton after chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Evans.
      Barton and Evans came to blows after the manager reacted to a ‘comedy skit’ performed by Evans at a team meeting, according to the Mail.
      Barton then revealed he was letting Evans go after alleged disciplinary breaches, but Pilley was left to clear up the mess.
      Pilley had backed Barton in past controversies, but the Evans episode was the final straw. And it also comes on the top of indifferent results.

      Barton made no mention of the Evans incident in a statement released via the LMA but did admit he made mistakes amid ‘highs and lows’.
      It read: “First of all I would like to thank the chairman Andy Pilley for the opportunity to manage Fleetwood Town. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the club. I have learned so much over the past two and half years.
      “There are some brilliant people at Fleetwood Town and I have enjoyed getting to know every one of them.
      “I would also like to thank all of the coaching staff, both the ones I inherited and the ones I brought in. It has been some journey with some highs and lows and I have really enjoyed watching each of them get better every single day.

      Barton said Evans would be leaving the club because of discipline issues

      “I would like to thank the fans and say that I appreciate you sticking with me in my first management role. I am not naive enough to think I always got it right, but my only intention during my tenure was to drive this football club forward.
      “I have nothing but good things to say about the people of Fleetwood and the surrounding community. I was welcomed from day one.
      “To the players, thanks to each of you for bringing it every day. Nobody enjoyed playing against Fleetwood Town and ultimately that is down to you.
      “Thanks for being patient with me on my coaching journey. I look forward to watching you as you continue to improve.
      “It is tough times for everybody at the moment with all that is going on in the world.
      “I am just a football manager who has lost his job, there are plenty of people who were much better than me at theirs that have lost them over the past 12 months.
      “I will use this time out to keep getting better, until the next opportunity comes. All the best for 2021.”

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      Premier League and EFL WILL continue despite coronavirus lockdown as elite sport given green light

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs received the news they needed from Boris Johnson: The show can go on.
      The Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown on Monday night as the mutant Covid strains spread out of control.

      Premier League and EFL games will continue to be played in lockdownCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      Boris Johnson announced strict new measures on Monday but elite sport is exemptCredit: PA:Press Association

      But despite League bosses set to reveal on Tuesday there were a record number of positive tests among clubs last week, elite football received the green light to keep playing.
      Prem chiefs had spent recent weeks liaising with the Government in a bid to ensure football was not shut down again.
      Those fears abated after the Scottish Government expressly excluded ‘those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event’ from the ‘stay at home’ order, with the UK Government following suit.
      Grassroots football – starting from the seventh tier – will be stopped under the new rules.

      But the FA have also been assured the FA Cup is safe ahead of this weekend’s third round fixtures, with eighth-tier Marine still permitted to host Tottenham.
      Prem clubs have been hugely embarrassed by a spate of Christmas Covidiocy.
      Spurs trio Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon, West Ham’s Manual Lanzini, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Crystal Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic and Manchester City full-back Benjamin Mendy have all been carpeted for breaching regulations.
      The latest figures are expected to show a marked increase in positive tests following the outbreaks at Man City, Fulham and Sheffield United.

      Several Premier League stars have already flouted Covid rules

      Man City’s Benjamin Mendy threw a New Year party which broke rules

      Last week there were 18 positive tests from 1,479 tests across the 20 clubs between December 21 and 28, the previous highest number recorded.
      But it is anticipated that the latest seven-day figure will be over 30.
      However, the confirmation that professional football has the go-ahead to continue — while all ‘parks’ sport, including youth matches, must stop — will still have been a significant relief.
      Clubs will again be reminded of the need to adhere strictly to Covid protocols around training grounds and on matchdays.
      Especially as there has been a 50 per cent rise in the number of patients in hospitals with Covid since Christmas Day, and in excess of 50,000 new infections each day across the UK.
      SunSport revealed how League chief executive Richard Masters emailed all 20 clubs last week to reinforce the necessity of meeting the requirement brought in last June.
      The Prime Minister’s new lockdown regulations came as Brentford boss Thomas Frank demanded identical Covid-19 testing guidelines across the Premier League and the EFL.

      Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Crystal Palace’s Luka Milivojevic were filmed bringing in the new year
      Prem players are currently tested twice a week but there are NO coronavirus-testing regulations in place in the EFL.
      And Frank warned: “It’s very important the EFL, the Premier League and the FA find some kind of guidelines across the four leagues and the cup tournaments.
      “If you don’t have consistency it will extend the season again and then we are into the Euros.”
      Man City announced on Monday four of their women’s team have tested positive for coronavirus, while Sheffield Wednesday have closed their Middlewood Road training ground because of a Covid outbreak.
      League One Oxford United have suspended two youth-team players after they allegedly broke Covid-19 rules to attend a New Year’s Eve party.
      Oxford have launched an investigation and the pair could become the first British professional footballers to be sacked for breaching rules brought in to stop the spread of the virus.

      Boris Johnson announces third national lockdown to combat mutant covid strain More

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      Goalkeepers LESS likely to save free-kick with wall in front of them as delays reaction time, scientists reveal

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      NEW RESEARCH claims to have discovered a goalkeeper is less likely to save a free kick if there is a wall in front of them.
      Opposition players are required to be ten yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken, with a number of those defending traditionally standing side-by-side to make it harder for attackers to score.

      New research says a goalkeeper is less likely to save a free kick if there is a wall in front of themCredit: Reuters

      However, this technique has now been called into question after researchers from Queen’s University Belfast found the wall gets in the way of the goalkeeper’s eyesight.
      And it also slows down the keeper’s reaction time.
      They discovered a goalkeeper has their sight blocked for around 200 milliseconds and their reaction time is up to 90 milliseconds slower when a wall is in place.
      Researchers calculate that with a wall in place the stopper is 13 per cent less likely to make a successful save.  

      And they claim it applies to all different techniques of free-kick – from those who bend it like Beckham to the piledrivers of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Co-auth Professor Cathy Craig said: “In a nutshell, placing a defensive wall could actually result in the goalkeeper conceding more goals.”
      The results, which are published in PLOS ONE, were discovered in virtual reality experiments that involved 25 participants in their 20s and 30s – with ten of them being skilled goalkeepers.
      And they applied to both groups of those who took part, including those who only ever played outfield.

      Co-author Dr Joost Dessing explained: “While the defensive wall strategy is effective in some cases, the wall frequently obstructs the goalkeeper’s initial view of the moving ball.
      “Although the negative effects of this obstruction have been assumed by experts, they have not been scientifically quantified until now.
      “Our study shows when the view of the ball is initially obstructed, goalkeepers wait longer before starting to move, which leaves them less time to make that all important save.”
      The position of the kick also plays a big role, with those taken from a more central position posing a greater threat to the keeper if they use a wall.
      It is a long held belief and tactic to place a wall as close as possible to the taker in order to reduce the amount of goal for the attacker to aim at.
      But now it is claimed the wall being in the way of the goalkeeper is doing more harm than good.
      Professor Craig added: “As with many sports, goalkeeping success is determined by the ability to get to the right place, at the right time to pull off a save.
      “Although goalkeepers might claim to ‘see’ the ball through the wall of players before it is kicked, they will most likely not see how that initial part of the ball trajectory unfolds just after it has been kicked.
      “It’s that important information the brain needs to make a decision about where the ball is going and when it will get there.”

      A new tactic has led to a defender laying down behind the wall this seasonCredit: Reuters
      James Devonald, development goalkeeping coach at Swansea City, believes there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to a keeper getting rid of their wall.
      He told Dream Team last year: “Every goalkeeper should identify, based on their live assessment of the free-kick, whether they want a wall or not.
      “There are various different aspects which will affect a goalkeeper’s decision on whether to set a wall or not: where it is, who’s stood over it, what the pre-match analysis has shown the likely outcome to be, and so on.
      “I’ll always trust my goalkeeper to assess the situation and make the correct decision, as long as they can back that decision up with a reason and success.”
      Whether or not we see the wall done away with once-and-for-all remains to be seen, although new tactics are being introduced each season.
      The latest trend for defending set-pieces has seen a defender deployed to lay down behind the wall in order to block the shooter from rolling the ball under the defenders.

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      Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink watches on from stands as new club Burton concede three goals in disastrous half hour vs Oxford

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      JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK watched on in horror from the stands as his new Burton side conceded three goals within a disastrous first half an hour against Oxford.
      The Dutchman, 48, was appointed manager at the Pirelli Stadium on Friday – five years after leaving the club to take over at QPR.

      Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, right, watched on from the stands as his new Burton side got smashed at home by OxfordCredit: Rex Features

      But not even 24 hours later, he realised the magnitude of the task at hand trying to keep the Brewers in League One this season.
      Coach Chris Beardsley and physio Nick Fenton took charge of the game on Saturday afternoon when Karl Robinson’s O’s visited.
      Just nine minutes were on the clock when Matty Taylor opened the scoring for the away side with a lob.
      And it was 2-0 after 18 when Olamide Shodipo fired into the top corner.

      Then Shodipo tucked home again on 31 minutes to take things from bad to worse for Burton, who started the day bottom of League One despite no team playing more matches than the Brewers this season.
      Hasselbaink was given something to smile about when Burton’s Kane Hemmings tapped in a rebound just before half-time.
      But normal service resumed ten minutes after the break when Josh Ruffels smashed in from 25 yards to make it 4-1 to Oxford – then the same player added a fifth just after the hour mark to complete the rout.
      The new manager will be desperate to get to work with his squad as they try and survive relegation into the fourth tier.

      Hasselbaink, who replaced Nigel Clough’s successor Jake Buxton, joined with the Midlanders six points from safety and with just two wins all season.
      The former Leeds United, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker enjoyed a successful 13-month spell at Burton between November 2014 and December 2015.
      He guided the club to the League Two title and left with a win percentage of 61 per cent and his side top of League One before taking the QPR job.
      After a year at Loftus Road and most of the 2017-18 season with Northampton, he had been out of management for nearly three years before returning to work under Burton chairman Ben Robinson.
      Hasselbaink said: “Burton Albion is a club which is very close to my heart and a really special club for me and my family.
      “The job is totally different from the first time, but we are coming in to try as quickly as possible to get us up the league and keep ourselves in League One.
      “There is enough quality in the playing squad but that’s not reflected in where we are in the table so there is a lot of hard work to be done.”

      Oxford ran riot in a dominant first half at the Pirelli StadiumCredit: Rex Features

      Olamide Shodipo made it 3-0 to the visitors with just 31 minutes on the clockCredit: Rex Features

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      Sunderland postpone Accrington Stanley clash as League One club struggles with coronavirus outbreak in squad

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      SUNDERLAND have postponed their League One clash with Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club.
      The Black Cats are reported to have thirteen positive cases in their playing staff, including all three senior goalkeepers.

      Sunderland have been forced to postpone a fourth game due to a coronavirus outbreakCredit: Reuters

      A number of players self-isolating would have only been able to rejoin the rest of the group on Tuesday – the day of the game itself.
      SunSport previously reported that Sunderland had been forced to shut down their training ground for ten days.
      Tuesday’s away clash at Accrington has been the fourth game the League One club have had to postpone.
      Sunderland’s matches against Blackpool, Hull City and Shrewsbury already needed to be rescheduled.

      A club statement said: “Scheduled to take place on Tuesday 29 December, the club has informed the EFL that it will be unable to play the fixture due to the ongoing effects of a Covid-19 outbreak at the Academy of Light.
      “Due to the scale of this outbreak and the volume of positive tests returned by players and staff, the club has taken the decision to postpone the game based solely on the health and wellbeing of all effected.
      “Lee Johnson’s side are now set to return to action in the New Year, kicking off 2021 with a trip to Northampton Town on Saturday 2 January (KO 3pm).”
      A further statement from the EFL added: “The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture following the recent positive Covid-19 tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate as per EFL and Government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

      “The circumstances around the postponement will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL regulations.
      “A revised date for the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      Sunderland are now 11th in the League One table following a 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon during their last outing earlier this month.

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane cracks rare smile as he watches Salford’s game against Walsall with Ryan Giggs

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      ROY KEANE has been snapped in a festive mood as he cracked a rare smile during Salford City’s 2-0 win against Walsall at Moor Lane.
      The 49-year-old was joined by his former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs in the stands during the League Two side’s victory.

      Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs were in attendance to watch Salford beat Walsall at Moor LaneCredit: PA:Press Association

      Giggs – a co-owner of the club alongside David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes – looked stony-faced during the encounter.
      But it proved to be smooth sailing for Salford as they found the back of the net in either half to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
      And it was former Red Devils striker James Wilson – who was handed his United debut under the tutelage of Giggs – who opened the scoring.
      The 25-year-old has been in fine form this term having scored six goals including two in his last two outings.

      Luke Burgess secured the three points for Salford in the 87th minute to lift his side up to sixth in the table.
      Keane has been spotted at Moor Lane on a number of occasions this season, though he was left with a face of anger during the 1-1 draw against Crawley.
      And he was left equally as unimpressed when Salford threw away a two-goal lead against Tranmere.
      The ex-Sunderland gaffer recently tipped United to challenge for the Premier League title this campaign.

      Speaking after United’s 6-2 win against Leeds, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t believe McTominay there when he said they don’t look at league tables.
      “Everybody looks at league tables. Players and staff. That’s what you’re playing the game for.
      “You want to know where you are obviously and where you’re heading to.
      “It’s been a nice few days for United. They had to beat Sheffield United and Leeds just to put another marker down.
      “I still think Liverpool are the strongest but United I think could be the best of the rest.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Sunderland announce takeover agreement with 22-year-old Louis-Dreyfus heir whose parents are worth mega £4.2BILLION

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      SUNDERLAND have confirmed a takeover by 22-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus whose parents are worth £4.2BILLION.
      Mackems owner Stewart Donald has been searching for a buyer for months and has finally agreed a deal to sell.

      Sunderland have confirmed an agreement has been reached for 22-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to takeover the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Makems owner Stewart Donald has agreed to sell his controlling stakeCredit: PA:Press Association

      Documents have been submitted to the EFL who still need to ratify the deal.
      But if they rubber stamp the sale, Dreyfus will become chairman of the Weirsiders – who are 11th in League One – early in January.
      Dreyfus is the son of Robert Louis-Dreyfus – former CEO at Adidas and majority shareholder Marseille.
      And the family’s vast wealth originates from Kyril’s great-great grandfather Leopold – who starting selling wheat in France before the family business diversified into oil and shipping.

      Donald said: “It’s been no secret that I have been looking for some time to find the right person to take Sunderland forward and during the course of the last year there have been a lot of different people wanting to take over.
      “However, even though it is a matter of public record that some of those bidders offered me more money, I felt that they offered less to the club and to the community.
      “Whereas from the early meetings with Kyril, his family and advisers, I have been greatly impressed with their knowledge and understanding, learned over a long period as owners of major football clubs in Belgium and France.
      “I believe that experience, combined with a good plan, will provide a platform for the club to progress and I look forward to watching that progress from afar.”

      Louis-Dreyfus said: “First, I would like to thank Stewart Donald for his integrity and reasonableness over the last three months, which has led to me having the opportunity to take a controlling stake in Sunderland AFC.
      “I am fully aware of the efforts undertaken by the current ownership and board to protect the viability of the club and respect the difficulty of this task, given Sunderland’s recent past and the current economic climate.
      “We respectfully await the EFL’s approval for this transaction.
      “Nonetheless it would be remiss of me at this stage not to emphasise what an enormous honour it would be for me to become involved with such a historic club, in a city renowned for its rich football culture going back to 1879.
      “Many will be aware of my family connections to the industry and, in acquiring Sunderland AFC, I understand the responsibility that’s placed upon me as the custodian of the club’s future.
      “Moving forward, we have a long-term strategy which integrates Sunderland’s proud traditions with a modern structure and approach.
      “We will seek to be at the frontier of research and innovation in all performance domains and place great emphasis on player development and the team’s style of play.
      “We want to create a team that is entertaining to watch and that embodies the spirit and the culture of those who attend, thereby reconnecting the team with its fanbase, whose support will be so vital to our success.
      “In the midst of a global pandemic, we should all be aware of the difficult situation the club is currently in and the challenges we face in the months to come.
      “However, through hard work, a diligent plan and togetherness from the board of directors, staff, players and supporters we can between us create a brighter future at the Stadium of Light.
      “If we all play our parts, I firmly believe we can restore Sunderland AFC to the top tier of English football and I can’t wait to get started.”

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