Europa League

GRANIT XHAKA was left furious after Arsenal conceded a stoppage time equaliser against Slavia Prague in the Europa League.And the Swiss midfielder reportedly launched an X-rated tirade against his erring defenders following Tomas Holes’ last-gasp header.
Granit Xhaka was fuming with his team-matesCredit: Rex
The Gunners were left gutted by the late goalCredit: Reuters
As has become customary under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners tried to play their way out from the back in the dying stages.
But Cedric Soares and Gabriel Magalhaes appeared nervy while doing so, needlessly giving away a 93rd minute corner in the process.
And Slavia gratefully accepted their gift, with Holes grabbing a priceless away goal.
Folllowing the subsequent final whistle, former captain Xhaka raged at the culprits.
According to Charles Watts, he screamed: “Just clear the f***ing ball away man!”
Former Gunners defender and current BT Sport analyst Martin Keown bemoaned his old side’s inability to keep clean sheets.
He said: “The marking for the corner is atrocious or non-existent.
“Gabriel in the build up to that, there’s panic, a nervousness.

Slavia Prague have an away goal! 😳In the closing seconds at the Emirates and Tomáš Holeš heads past Bernd Leno!Fury for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal…#UEL pic.twitter.com/QrXc7zfv1j— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 8, 2021

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“No clean sheets in 14 games now it showed tonight when they needed it most, to keep a clean sheet in the last five or ten minutes, they just couldn’t do it.”
And he also claimed that Arsenal need a ‘slap’ or ‘punch’ in the face before they start playing.
He added: “It seems like Arsenal… they’re not proactive in games.
I’ve said it before, teams are not beating us, it’s us losing the gamesHector Bellerin
“They need somebody to slap them in the face almost, or punch them in the face, before they wake up and start to play.”
And Hector Bellerin admitted: “I’ve said it before, teams are not beating us, it’s us losing the games.”
And Arteta admitted: “We played two or three balls in certain areas that we should not do.
“We put ourselves on the back foot and we concede the corner and from there they put a lot of bodies in there and anything can happen.”
Arsenal will now dust themselves down for a Premier League trip to Sheffield United on Sunday, before next Thursday’s second leg in Prague.

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DEAN HENDERSON is now Manchester United’s No1, according to Paul Scholes.But the Red Devils legend isn’t writing off David de Gea just yet.
Dean Henderson is competing for the No1 position with David de GeaCredit: PA
Paul Scholes offered his opinion on Man United’s goalkeeping situationCredit: EPA
The Spaniard returned between the sticks against Granada on Thursday night, after being benched for the clash with Brighton upon his return from attending the birth of his child back in his home country.
But Scholes, 46, believes that Henderson’s Premier League selection puts him in the United driving seat.
He said on BT Sport: “It’s always awkward when you try and keep two goalkeepers happy.
“Who is the No1 here? Ole is saying both which is clearly wrong. With David de Gea’s wife having a baby, it gave Ole the chance to make Henderson number one.
‘I think No1 plays in Premier League but has Henderson totally convinced Ole?
“I think he has a big chance but I don’t think he has these five or six games he’s played.
“What David de Gea did for 4-5 years, United could have been a mid-table team without him. I wouldn’t completely write him off.”
Scholes’ former Old Trafford team-mate Owen Hargreaves then added that it will be difficult for Solskjaer to completely drop De Gea, given his enormous wages.

David de Gea returned to action against GranadaCredit: AFP
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He said: “Ole’s done a good job bringing Dean back in and see if he can be number one.
“I think he hasn’t, I don’t think he’s shown he can’t be, but the problem is David de Gea is still there and with the wages he’s on and the success he’s had it will be difficult to make that big call.
“If it goes well maybe he keeps it, but it will be difficult to walk away from De Gea with everything he’s done for the club. It’s an opportunity for Dean and so far he’s taken it.”
Henderson, 24, has enjoyed a recent run in the team, taking his tally of appearances this term to 20.
De Gea, meanwhile, has largely played the big games when fit, with the 30-year-old making 30 outings – including 24 in the Premier League.

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MARTIN KEOWN thinks that Arsenal need a ‘slap’ or ‘punch in the face’ before they start playing.The Gunners legend was left incensed by his old side’s performance as they laboured to a 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague at Emirates Stadium.
Martin Keown is not afraid to lay into his former sideCredit: PA:Press Association
Disaster struck in stoppage time for the GunnersCredit: AFP
Slavia were allowed to settle in the first half, looking confident after twice winning on British soil already this year against Rangers and Leicester.
Nicolas Pepe did finally break the deadlock in the 86th minute, before disaster struck deep into stoppage time, when Tomas Holes struck in the 93rd minute to grab a crucial equaliser and away goal.
And Keown was not happy with how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta approached the game.
He told BT Sport: “For me it was about Arsenal tonight, and about the way they played and imposed themselves on the opposition.
“And by sitting off early in the encounter, I thought they had chosen the wrong tactics, and there was an opportunity to do that tonight.
“You’re the home team, so you take the initiative, and you ask them the question, can you play? Can you pass out from the back? We’ll see how good you are.
“But they were allowed to settle, to build, to be confident and then become more dominant.
“And in that first half it was quite tricky for Arsenal, and it became nervy and they weren’t the team that we’ve seen two or three weeks ago for instance, the West Ham performance, second half.

Slavia Prague have an away goal! 😳In the closing seconds at the Emirates and Tomáš Holeš heads past Bernd Leno!Fury for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal…#UEL pic.twitter.com/QrXc7zfv1j— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 8, 2021

Arsenal thought they’d won it in the 86th minuteCredit: Getty
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“It seems like Arsenal… they’re not proactive in games. They need somebody to slap them in the face almost, or punch them in the face, before they wake up and start to play.
“He did it today in the second half with the substitutions, he made that happen, but they couldn’t see it through.”

And after the disappointment, Keown, 54, predicted tricky times ahead for the young Gunners boss.
He continued: “So, hugely disappointing, and it’s going to be difficult now for Arteta, because he’s made a lot of changes within the football club, a lot of people have been allowed to go.
“This is his team now essentially. There have been a lot of problems for Arsenal over a number of years with players coming in and out of the football club so it’s not all at his doorstep.
“But he’s in charge now, he’s not quite getting the reaction from the team.”
Arsenal return to Premier League action with a trip to Sheffield United on Sunday, before travelling to Prague for the second leg next Thursday.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left disappointedCredit: Alamy
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MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be without THREE key players for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada.The Red Devils boss saw centre-back Harry Maguire, left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Scott McTominay all booked during the 2-0 win.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer will be without three key players for the second legCredit: Getty
Luke Shaw is one of three players who will miss the second leg after getting bookedCredit: Getty
It means the Norwegian will face something of a defensive crisis at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Eric Bailly would usually be next in line to start alongside Victor Lindelof, but the Ivorian tested positive for coronavirus during the international break.
It is not known when he tested positive and when he will be clear to play again.
That could potentially see Solskjaer selecting Axel Tuanzebe, who has started just ONE game all season.
Phil Jones has also been mooted, but he has not played for United since January 2020 because of a knee injury – his fitness is also unclear.
Alternatively, Solskjaer could shuffle his formation or slot in the likes of Nemanja Matic – though that may be difficult given McTominay’s absence – or Aaron Wan-Bissaka at centre-back.
Alex Telles, who barely featured since moving to Old Trafford from Porto, came on at half-time for Shaw and will likely start in place of him next week.
After the game, Solskjaer said: “It was not a perfect night.
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Harry Maguire’s absence potentially leaves United short at centre-backCredit: EPA
We got three yellow cards and three suspensions. 2-0 is very good result.
“We know how difficult it is to come to Spain.
“We’ve got to play well to get a result.
“They [Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes] have been exceptional, so important for us.

“It was a very good run by Rashford, takes the ball fantastically. Bruno is so confident on penalties even though the keeper almost saved it.
“Same as always [attitude for next week]. We want to win every game. It’s still a young team, a learning team.
“We have to improve all the time.
“Football catches you so quickly if you rest. We can’t have any other approach.”
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AN AJAX ballboy let his anger spill over as he launched a ball at time-wasting Roma defender Riccardo Calafiori’s chest.The left-back was deliberately killing time with his side 2-1 up in the closing stages of the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final and it was him – not the ballboy – who was punished for his actions.
An Ajax ballboy did not react well to Riccardo Calafiori’s time-wasting
Despite the ballboy’s angry action it was the Italian who was booked
Calafiori was originally handed a ball by the ballboy as it went out for a Roma throw with 93 minutes on the clock.
But not willing to get on with it so quickly, the left-back dropped the ball and proceeded to walk down the touchline after one that was further away.
And it was this that infuriated the ballboy who proceeded to hurl another ball at the Italian as he approached.
It made contact with his upper chest area and you could see the footballer’s instinct to go down and feign fatal injury was about to kick in.
But he came to his senses just before he hit the deck and decided to give the youngster a talking to instead.
Calafiori remonstrated angrily with the masked kid – who was still trying to thrust another ball into his hands so he would get on with the game.
Just as the altercation was coming to an end, the referee arrived and brandished the yellow card at the Roma star for his original time wasting.
Despite the ballboy’s best efforts, the Serie A side held on for another 30 seconds and won the game 2-1.
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Davy Klaassen had opened the scoring for Ajax after 39 minutes with a well worked goal that he slotted home from 12 yards.
But Lorenzo Pellegrini levelled the scores just before the hour mark when his free-kick somehow slipped through Kjell Scherpen’s hands.
And Ibanez bagged Roma’s second away goal to seal the win with a stunning half volley with just three minutes of normal time left.
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ONCE again there were too many Holes in Arsenal’s team and performance as Slavia Prague nicked a dramatic 1-1 draw in this Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.This time it was Tomas Holes who punished the Gunners’ tame efforts, thundering home a header deep in stoppage-time to cancel out a fine opener from late Arsenal sub Nicolas Pepe.
Bukayo Saka put in a string of crosses for the Gunners against Slavia Prague before fading in the second halfCredit: Reuters
Impressive late sub Nicolas Pep bursts through for his smart opener, only for Tomas Holes to snatch a first-leg draw for Slavia PragueCredit: PA
Thomas Partey tried to drive Arsenal forward, suggesting he is beginning to settle down after his summer switch from Atletico MadridCredit: The Sun
Busy Bukayo Saka and subdued Alexandre Lacazette each missed a glaring chance in a Gunners’ display that probably taught frustrated boss Mikel Arteta little he did not already know.
Here’s how SunSport’s Ian Tuckey rated Arsenal on another night that showed there is a gaping gulf between the Gunners and the Premier League elite they are desperate to return to.
BERND LENO – 7/10
Largely untroubled, particularly in the first half.
Then made an excellent save with his legs while diving the wrong way when Jan Boril drilled a low left-footer soon after the break.
HECTOR BELLERIN – 6
Steady enough, although hardly dynamic on the overlap from right-back. But with fast-raiding Saka in front of him, he could argue there was not much need.
Neatly fed Saka for the only outstanding chance of the first period.
ROB HOLDING – 7
Impressively busy for a centre-back, given he was scarcely called on in defence. Always keen to get forward.
Produced one useful cross before leaping well to head a centre from Cedric over. But was less involved in an attacking sense following the interval.
GABRIEL 6
Little to do of note at the back, but disappointingly headed a half-chance straight into the ground from ten yards midway through the first period.
CEDRIC SOARES – 5
Left-back linked up smoothly but rather tamely with Arsenal’s midfield.
Like so many of Arsenal’s players, didn’t do much wrong but lacked impact.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Tried to drive the Gunners forward from the middle of the pitch, showing signs he is settling down after injuries following his summer arrival from Atletico Madrid.
Once strode forward to spread play for Bellerin, whose cross led to Saka wasting a golden opportunity.
Towards the end, swerved a low 25-yarder wide of the post towards the end when a fiercer, higher effort looked the better option.
GRANIT XHAKA  – 5
Lacked real influence in the middle of the pitch, and failed to reignite the Gunners when Slavia got back into the contest after the break.
WILLIAN – 4
Anonymous in the opening 45 minutes, the Brazilian then curved a brilliant free-kick of the near post from just outside the right of the area.
Understandably taken off after 73 minutes, with Gabriel Martinelli coming on
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 5
Typical of his team – more subdued than he should be for a creative midfielder when his side are dominant. But some tidy touches.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
The dominant figure of the first half, often beating his man with ease before fizzing a string of crosses over.
But it didn’t quite add up to as much as it should have, especially when he cut inside and slotted a should-score chance wide of the far post. Faded noticeably before being replaced by Pepe on 78 minutes.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 5
Limited contribution on and off the ball – apart from two goal attempts highly mediocre for a player of his pedigree. He slashed a decent opening wide before the interval.
Then he burst clear from halfway midway through the second period for an astonishing miss.
Opening up his body as he reached the area and slowed down, the Frenchman sidefooted a right-footer off the right of the crossbar as the keeper approached.  Replaced by the far chirpier-looking Aubameyang on 78 minutes.
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SUBS: 
Gabriel Martinez (for Willian, 73 mins) – 6
Burst into life by rasping an angled left-footer just high.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (for Lacazette, 77 mins)  – 7
Sliced a glaring opening wide from virtually his first touch. But was lively after that.
Nicolas Pepe (for Saka, 78 mins) – 8
Superb control and composure to surge through on 86 minutes and dink the winner in over diving keeper Kolar.
But it was Pepe’s knee that unluckily deflected the ball over for Holes to nod home as he lunged in at the far post.
Mohamed Elneny (for Partey, 78 mins) – 6.
Made little difference.
Dani Ceballos (for Smith Rowe, 88 mins) – 6.
On too late to get involved
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MANCHESTER UNITED won 2-0 at Granada in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with the only real glimpse of quality on the night, while Luke Shaw was subbed at half-time after an uncharacteristically average display.
Man Utd won 2-0 against Granada in SpainCredit: Reuters
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring and was man of the matchCredit: Reuters
But Luke Shaw didn’t look his usual outstanding selfCredit: Rex
A seventh minute booking for Paul Pogba was the first of five United cautions on the night with Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Shaw all set to miss the second-leg after their yellows.
United struggled to get going in a scrappy first 45 that saw their hosts sitting deep.
The bearded streaker looked set to be the most exciting thing to happen before the break.
But a long ball Sam Allardyce would have been proud of finally unlocked the Spaniards to give United the 1-0 lead they took into half-time.
Victor Lindelof strode out of defence and from midway inside his own half pinged a beauty of a ball straight down the middle which Rashford took under his spell and stabbed past Rui Silva.
Surprisingly, the second-half was less eventful than the first as Granada still refused to attack and United seemed quite happy to protect their 1-0 lead to take back to Old Trafford.
And they were even happier when Bruno Fernandes won and scored an 88th minute penalty to all but win the tie.
And here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of United’s individual performances.
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A streaker somehow invaded the pitch in the first-half despite no fans being allowed inCredit: Getty

DAVID DE GEA – 6/10
Nothing to do in the first half bar block a cross-cum-shot at his near post and scoop up an audacious Kenedy volley.
Even less to do in the second. Not given a chance to stake a claim for the No 1 jersey in the Premier League as was barely involved in the game.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7
Stood up to the few challenges he was faced with in the first 45.
The door remained shut for Chelsea’s loanee left-winger Kenedy who had next to no joy down United’s right.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 8
Inch perfect ball over the top to set Rashford away for the opener.
Dealt with Granada’s limited attacks at a canter. Thoroughly decent performance.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Gave the hosts nothing at the back.
And looked dangerously close to pulling off a ‘Vincent Kompany vs Leicester’ wondergoal when he had an effort from 30 yards after a marauding run from the heart of the defence.
But he dragged it wide of the left hand post. Booked for dragging back Tottenham flop Roberto Soldado with 20 minutes to go – which crucially keeps him out of the return leg.
Harry Maguire will miss the second-leg after his bookingCredit: Getty
LUKE SHAW – 5
The limited joy Granada had seemed to come down his side, but it was very limited.
Looked a little out of sorts throughout. Nothing disastrous but an uncharacteristic display.
Booked for an awkward collision towards the end of the first-half as Granada tried to break. Will also miss the second-leg.
Hooked at half-time. Wasn’t clear why but could have been an injury which would explain his lacklustre display.
Shaw was subbed at half-time after a somewhat clunky first-half showingCredit: Getty
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 6
Industrious performance at the base of the midfield.
His main job was to keep the ball moving swiftly and attempt probing passes between Granada’s tightly packed back TEN.
Booked for a high footed challenge five minutes before half time making him the third player who will miss the second-leg.
PAUL POGBA – 6
Booked for a late tackle in his own half after seven minutes ,having lost the ball with a sloppy touch.
Fairly quiet evening thereafter as him and McTominay tried to dictate play from their deep lying roles.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Made himself busy as he tried to create in tight spaces among the home side’s densely packed half.
Put through on goal by Dan James with eight minutes to go but missed from close range. Replays show he would have been offside anyway.
Won a late penalty when he was struck in the face by Yan Brice Eteki. Got up, hit it bottom left and it somehow squeezed under the keeper – who should have saved it.
Rui Silva should have saved Bruno Fernandes’ late penaltyCredit: Reuters
DANIEL JAMES – 5
Found it difficult to get going on the right hand side in the first half.
Had a little more joy in the second-half when he switched to the left flank.
Set up Fernandes for a big chance in the last ten minutes which the Portuguese missed.
All in all a fairly quiet evening.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
Limited to half chances until he opened the scoring as Granada sat deep.
But excellent run and delightful touch to pluck Lindelof’s long ball out the sky before stabbing it past the on rushing keeper on the half hour mark.
Showed no sign of the ankle problem that threatened to keep him out of this game, but was taken off just past the hour mark with his team looking comfortable.
Rashford controlled Victor Lindelof’s ball perfectly before opening the scoringCredit: Rex
The England star waited for the keeper to commit before stabbing it in the bottom cornerCredit: Getty
MASON GREENWOOD – 5
Limited to very few touches in the first half by the deep-lying hosts.
Started drifting out to the right to try and get on the ball but was quickly snuffed out.
Not much more luck after the break.
Subs
ALEX TELLES – 6 (for Shaw, half-time)
Looked more composed than the man he replaced.
EDINSON CAVANI – 5 (for Rashford, 65)
Made himself busy but nothing of note.
NEMANJA MATIC – 5 (for Pogba, 73)
Harshly booked for an innocuous collision with just minutes to go.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK – 5 (for Greenwood, 84)
Not enough time to make an impact.
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