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      Tottenham 3 Qarabag 0: Dominic Solanke spares Radu Dragusin’s blushes after bonkers red card in Europa League clash

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      RADU DRAGUSIN’S early red card was so sloppy fans may have suspected he wanted to beat the traffic.But it proved a minor bump in the road as ten-man Tottenham motored to victory on their return to Europe in this heavily-delayed Europa League opener.Dominic Solanke was on fire as he ensured Spurs hit a bullseye on their Europa League openerCredit: RexRadu Dragusin was sent off just seven minutes into the gameCredit: ReutersBrennan Johnson opened the scoring after Solanke set up himCredit: ReutersPape Matar Sarr, bottom, netted from a cornerCredit: AFPTravel chaos involving the trains and major roads meant Qarabag did not arrive from their Stratford hotel until 7.45pm.It pushed the tie’s kick-off off back until 8.35pm – 35 minutes later than planned.The hold-up seemed to affect Dragusin’s concentration as he was caught in possession by Juninho and then hauled down the Brazilian, earning a seventh-minute sending-off.Spurs shrugged off the setback though as Brennan Johnson scored for the third match running just five minutes later.Pape Matar Sarr doubled the lead soon after the break, shortly before Tural Bayramov’s woeful spot-kick hit the bar from the visitors, and then Dominic Solane made it three.Qarabag were staying just six-and-a-half miles away in Stratford yet the issues on the road and train lines meant they were late and had to have a police escort for their final mile.Uefa regulations stipulate that both teams need to be at the ground 75 minutes before kick-off so a warning is set to come the Azerbaijani champions’ way.The wait affected their hosts more though as Dragusin allowed a routine Micky van de Ven pass run across his body, allowing Juninho to steal it off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSQarabag’s jet-heeled forward then raced away and Dragusin could have taken his chances given how early it was in the game.But instead the Romanian brought Juninho down and was rightly shown his marching orders – earning Spurs’ earliest Euro dismissal.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showYet Spurs had the lead on 12 minutes after their electric press won the ball back, allowing Solanke to slip in Johnson.The Welshman’s finish was as convincing as the two others he produced against Coventry and Brentford in the last eight days.Qarabag’s man advantage started to tell as the half wore on and Spurs had a fortunate escape when Juninho somehow fired a sitter wide from eight yards.Half-time came at the right time and eight minutes after it, Sarr volleyed home a second after Qarabag failed to clear an inswinging corner from interval sub Dejan Kulusevski. The visitors had a golden chance to get back into the game when Yves Bissouma was adjudged to have felled Elvin Jafarguliyev in the box, but Bayramov ballooned the spot-kick.Qarabag squandered a number of other good chances, with Juninho hitting the post and Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario making a number of top stops.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they paid for it as Solanke was right on time in this delayed encounter to turn home a rebound after Son Heung-min’s shot was spilled.One concern for Spurs was captain Son Heung-min coming off with some discomfort after unleashing the shot that was parried into Solanke’s path for the third goal.Solanke proved he had not bit off more than he could chewCredit: GettyBut there was one late concern as Heung-Min Son left the pitch in some discomfortCredit: Rex More

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      Furious Jordan Henderson pulled apart from Ajax team-mate as ex-England star loses it during Europa League clash

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      A FURIOUS Jordan Henderson had to be pulled apart from his own team-mate during a Europa League clash.The former Liverpool star was embroiled in a clash with fellow Ajax ace Bertrand Traoré.ScreenshotThe Dutch giants were in a comfortable position against Besiktas when the argument happened.Kian Fitz-Jim had opened the scoring before Mika Godts and Kenneth Taylor made it 3-0.But Henderson, 34, was still not thrilled as he went at team-mate Traore and was pulled away by other Ajax stars.It appears that the midfielder was not happy with the winger’s foul on Besiktas midfielder Gedson Fernandes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven after he had walked away, Henderson could be seen yelling to himself in frustration.Ajax continued to impress after the incident as Godts fired in his second in the 73rd minute to make sure of the result.They won the game and earned a vital three points in the new format of the Europa League.The result leaves Ajax top of the table with a superior goal difference thanks to the 4-0 win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHenderson joined Ajax in January after cutting his time in Saudi Arabia short.The Englishman left Liverpool for the Middle East as he joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.Dream Team Transfer Recommendations for Gameweek 5However the midfielder did not stay long before returning to Europe in the following transfer window.Henderson was linked with a move away from Amsterdam in the summer.However, he stayed put and is currently captaining the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Watch as Tottenham star Radu Dragusin sent off for moment of madness just SEVEN MINUTES into Europa League tie

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      RADU DRAGUSIN was sent off after just SEVEN minutes in Tottenham’s Europa League opener against Qarabag.The Romanian was brought into central defence to play alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of defence.Radu Dragusin was sent off after just seven minutes against QarabagCredit: RexDragusin was caught sleeping on the ball by Juninho before he took down the Qarabag attackerIt left referee Willy Delajod with no choice but to send him off for a last-man foulIt made Dragusin the first ever player for Spurs to be sent off on their Europa League debutHowever, just seven minutes into Spurs’ Europa League, Dragusin was sent for an early shower.It came as he was caught sleeping on the ball by live-wire forward Juninho.After poking the ball away from Dragusin, Juninho managed to get his body across Dragusin before tumbling to the floor after a trip and the pulling of his shirt.The foul left French official Willy Delajod with no choice but to send him off for a last-man foul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt made Dragusin the first player ever to be sent off on their Europa League debut for Tottenham.Youngster Lucas Bergvall was sacrificed in favour of Destiny Udogie by manager Ange Postecoglou as part of a tactical switch in putting Ben Davies to centre-back to ensure Spurs kept a steady defence.But a moment later, the North London side showed their fangs by pouncing on some sloppy play by Qarabag.Dominic Solanke stole the ball high up the pitch before slipping in Brennan Johnson to his right, who then side-footed a shot into the far left bottom corner to make it 1-0 to the home side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt represented Johnson’s third goal in as many games. The match had been delayed by 35 minutes after Qarabag were caught in traffic on their way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss, X Sky Sports PLBut it made no difference to Tottenham, who played out a 3-0 win with Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke getting on the scoresheet.New Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years. More

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      TNT Sports pundits forced to abandon car in desperate bid to reach Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after travel chaos

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      TNT SPORTS pundits revealed they abandoned their car and legged it down the road to make Tottenham’s delayed Europa League tie.Peter Crouch gave viewers a “run” down of how he and fellow ex-Spurs star Glenn Hoddle beat the travel chaos that faced opponents Qarabag and fans.The Qarabag players looked remarkably relaxed when they finally arrivedThe kick-off was put back from 8pm to to 8.35pm due to severe rail AND road problems.And the Azerbaijan side’s squad only arrived at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium close to the original planned start time.As TNT Sports showed the visiting players walking around the pitch, Crouchie told of his own drama in getting there.Looking at the surprisingly-relaxed Qarabag squad, the former England striker said: “Hopefully they ran down the High Road like me and Glenn!”READ MORE TOP STORIESTNT’s presenter chipped in: “You had to abandon the car, didn’t you?”A laughing Crouch replied: “Ah, we did. We gave up with the car.”Former Three Lions’ midfielder Hoddle joked: “Peter ran and I limped.”An incredible whammy caused the travel nightmare.Most read in Europa LeagueThe visitors even had a joke despite their travel problemsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLondon Overground train services from Cheshunt and Enfield Town to White Hart Lane were suspended – a huge headache in itself.But then add in the closure in both directions of the A10 – a major route in to the area – and it’s no wonder supporters were left in a frenzy. SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face MourinhoTottenham’ s clash with Qarabag was put back 35 minutesCredit: AlamyIt comes as Spurs prepare to launch their campaign in the newly-expanded, 36-team competition.Each team initially plays eight different sides to see who qualifies for the latter stages.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou reckons the format will at least increase excitement.He said: “In the group stage, after about the second or third game, you kind of knew who were going through so there were maybe some dead-rubbers, but all games will be meaningful because all teams will have something to play for.”It’s not that standard home and away, you will play eight different teams, eight different styles of football, so it’s an interesting challenge.”I guess at the end we’ll see if it’s had the effect everyone wanted it to have by being more exciting all the way through rather than the knock-out phase, but the most important thing is we’re in it and because we’re in it, we’ve got a chance.”READ MORE SUN STORIESQarabag’s players looked remarkably relaxed – some smiling – as they strolled to the dressing rooms.But with the traffic difficulties known well before kick-off, they had probably resigned themselves to a late start from well before 8pm. More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Qarabag DELAYED as fans face frantic rush to get to stadium amid travel chaos

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League opener against Qarabag was severely delayed due to travel chaos.The Azerbaijani side were staying in Stratford but did not turn up to Spurs’ stadium until 7.45pm due to serious traffic.Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag FK has been delayedCredit: PAThat was only 15 minutes before the planned kick-off – which was then pushed back to 8.35pm.Qarabag’s coach ended up having a police escort for the last mile of their 12-mile journey.While their late arrival could land them in hot water with Uefa, whose regulations state that both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off, as per article 54.01.But because this is their first offence this season, the club and their coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely only get a warning from European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN football Travel to Spurs was a nightmare due to a multitude of reasons.Part of the A10, the major road in the area, was closed, while for supporters coming from the south there were major delays on the M25.A person hit by train at Tottenham Hale train station meant many Greater Anglia trains were cancelled between there and Broxbourne.And there were severely limited trains coming in from the Hertfordshire direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGurbanov’s reigning Azerbaijani champions were not the only ones to get caught out by the issues.TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle abandoned their car and legged it down the street to make it in time for the start of their coverage.Ex-Spurs striker Crouch, 43, said: “Hopefully (the Qarabag team) ran down the High Road like me and Glenn! We gave up wit the car.”Tottenham legend Hoddle, 66, added: “Peter and I limped.”Qarabag are not the first to be caught out by the congested roads in N17.Spurs’ last European fixture – the last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan in March 2022 – kicked off ten minutes later than planned due to both sides being held up in traffic.It made Spurs’ fans wait an extra 35 minutes for their first European game in 18 months, who named a strong line-up.Captain Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all started up top, the latter two having netted in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.There were still six changes though, which saw 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall make their first European starts of their respective careers.Boss Ange Postecoglou, managing his first Spurs game in Europe, said: “It is going to be a great experience for our young players. It is different to domestic competition and they will learn a lot.”Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown great energy. They want to make a career for themselves and my responsibility is to give them opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For a club like us, all these competitions are important. We have not had success for a very long time.“For a club our size, not winning becomes a millstone around your neck and you have to win something to release that.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face Mourinho More

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      Fuming fans say ‘I have no words’ after spotting what Bruno Fernandes did in final seconds of Man Utd’s FC Twente clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans raged at Bruno Fernandes for a decision he made in the final moments of their 1-1 draw with FC Twente.Erik ten Hag’s side had to settle for a disappointing point in their Europa League opener at Old Trafford on Wednesday.Manchester United fans were furious with Bruno Fernandes in stoppage timeIt looked as though the Portuguese playmaker was going to clip the ball into the areaBut he produced a tame shot before the referee blew the final whistleChristian Eriksen’s stunning opener was cancelled out by a second-half equaliser from Sam Lammers.Yet Man Utd had a good set-piece opportunity when the clock ticked into the 95th minute.With the minimum stoppage time up, Fernandes stood over a free-kick from around 35 yards out.The Red Devils loaded the box with six players as they waited for the Portuguese playmaker to loft a ball into the penalty area.READ MORE ON MAN UTDInstead, the Man Utd captain chose the audacious option of shooting from distance and saw his tame effort float into the keeper’s arms.The referee then blew his whistle for the end of the match.Fernandes’ decision infuriated Man Utd supporters as they took to social media to vent their frustrations.One said: “As for Bruno I have no words 😂😂 got his new contract been a mare since lol.”Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnited fans were not best pleased with the midfielder’s performanceFernandes played the full 90 minutesAnother added: “Why did he shoot?! 😭😭”A third replied: “Definitely wasn’t part of the set piece instruction.”Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)While a fourth responded: “He thinks he’s [Cristiano] Ronaldo 😭😭😭.”Fernandes, who last month penned a new contract to keep him at Man Utd until 2027, is yet to score in eight games this season but has contributed four assists.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Fans think they know the exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as Man Utd’s tricky run of games is revealed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have predicted when Erik ten Hag will be sacked after spotting a bad omen.The Red Devils have began the new season from where they left off, with two defeats and a draw from five games, leaving them 11th.A group of United fans think they’ve found out the date Erik ten Hag is destined to be sackedCredit: GettyUnited might be haunted by ghosts from the past – one being Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe pressure is mounting on the Dutchman – who will play host to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side on Sunday.United have also failed to make a winning start to their Europa League campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw with FC Twente on Wednesday despite a dominant first half.After securing four points away from home in their last two Prem games, United enter into a difficult run of fixtures against Spurs, Porto, Aston Villa and Brentford.But one Old Trafford fan has used a crystal ball to predict that Ten Hag will be sacked on October 24.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis is the night when the Red Devils travel to Turkey to face former boss Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side.The mystic supporter wrote on X: “That Ten Hag sacked announcement after losing to Mourinho 👌.”The superstitions are linked to the Portuguese Special One’s time in charge of the club before he was sacked in 2018 as United fans thinking he’ll want revenge.If the prophecy rings true, the Dutchman has just one month left at the Theatre of Dreams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOthers on X have even predicted goals from former loan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Fred, who now play for Fenerbahce, will seat their old boss’s fate.But while many believe they’ve found Ten Hag’s date with destiny, other fans have backed the former Ajax boss.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing at Man UtdOne wrote: “Ten Hag has two trophies in two seasons. Everyone needs to calm down.”A second chimed in: “I think I speak for all United fans, when I say Ten Hag needs time.”Before one more said: “Stop with the Ten Hag out narrative. I’m Ten Hag IN💪.”Another real test comes in December with a horror run of games some believe could prove to be Ten Hag’s undoing.United kick off the month with a trip to Arsenal, where they have failed to win in their previous six visits. That’s before the Manchester Derby ten days later, a banana skin clash away at Wolves on Boxing Day and a trip to Newcastle before the New Year. More