Europa League

DANIEL LEVY toasted his 20th as Harry Kane reached his 26th.
And if it continues like this they could be celebrating in Gdansk on May 26.

A fine night for Harry Kane and Spurs was completed by this clinical finishCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

Tottenham main man Harry Kane celebrates his second goal to round off a 2-0 winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Harry Kane had the simple job of slotting Tottenham in front on 25 minutesCredit: PA:Press Association

Kane fired Tottenham a step closer to the Europa League Final with a brace in this last 16 first leg clash.
It took his goal tally for the season to 26 and ensured Spurs chairman Levy celebrated 20 years in the job with a win.
Levy has been at the North London club for far too long to believe this tie is already over.
But he knows Spurs now have a great chance of booking their quarter-final place in next week’s return in the Croatian capital.

It will not be an easy task. Zagreb arrived here top of their domestic league and having won their last eight games in all competitions.
They have also lost just twice at home all season.
But they do not have Kane in their attack nor Jose Mourinho in their dugout.
The Tottenham boss, having already won this trophy with Porto and Manchester United, has been on a mission to complete the hat-trick – before Spurs even booked their place in this tournament last term.

Dele Alli came into the Spurs side to play the first 64 minutes vs DinamoCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

Striker Harry Kane hails his 26th goal of the season, the opener against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

Boss Jose Mourinho saw Spurs boss the Europa League first-leg last-16 tieCredit: PA:Press Association
And after a long slog through the qualifiers they are now within touching distance of the last eight.
While Levy was celebrating his milestone, there were no Zagreb directors in the boardroom to wish him well as they snubbed this trip due to the self-isolation protocols.
Tottenham had an early escape when Tanguy Ndombele’s shocking pass sent Mislav Orsic clear – but the Zagreb striker, under pressure from Davinson Sanchez, failed to get any power behind his shot and Hugo Lloris collected comfortably with only 43 seconds on the clock.
Spurs sluggish start had Mourinho anxiously pacing the technical area with a face like stone.
Slowly, though, they began to find their rhythm with Zagreb defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine heading Kane’s cross over his own bar from 15 yards.
Aurier whipped in a centre which the visitors keeper Dominik Livakovic unorthodoxically booted away from inside his six-yard box – before Kane put Spurs ahead in the 24th minute.
It was beautifully set up by Erik Lamela who, with an air of fellow Argentinian Ricky Villa about him, turned Luka Modric-lookalike Lovro Majer and embarked on a jinking run into the box, beating two defenders, before shooting past Livakovic with the outside of his foot.
Unlike Villa’s famous solo effort in the 1981 FA Cup Final Replay, the ball did not end up in the net as it struck the inside of the post. But it did fall nicely for Kane, who swept in the rebound.

Harry Kane was briefly reeling with this knock but left Zagreb rocking with a doubleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Harry Kane stretches in vain on this occasion but soon hit the Tottenham openerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It ensured Mourinho, despite Bruno Petkovic’s low shot testing Lloris, went into the break far happier.
But the Special One was fuming when Dutch ref Serdar Gözübüyük and his team of officials, including a VAR, somehow decided not to award the hosts a penalty when Ndombele was clumsily felled in the area by Majer at the start of the second half.
Tottenham were then relieved to see Petkovic drill a decent chance into the side-netting before Mourinho made a treble 63rd minute substitution, replacing Lamela, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min with Gareth Bale, Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.
And the switch almost paid off immediately as Bergwijn’s far post volley was well blocked by Linkovic.
CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET THE FIRST RACE FAVOURITE AT HUGE 50/1 PRICE

⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
But there was nothing the keeper could do to stop Kane’s second in the 70th minute as the England captain fired home from close range following a mistake by Theophile Catherine.
Kane has scored 30 goals in his last 34 starts for Spurs in major European competition, including nine in his last seven.
Mourinho and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping the ice he had placed on his right knee following his late substitution was merely precautionary.

Celtic ‘closing in on Kyle Joseph transfer with Scots set to beat Tottenham to 19-year-old Wigan youngster’ More

IT wasn’t quite the explosion Mikel Arteta had promised but at least his Gunners continue to rumble on in Europe.
Now they have to make sure that history doesn’t repeat itself in next week’s return leg at the Emirates.

Mo Elneny scored a rocket as Arsenal beat Olympiacos 3-1Credit: Reuters

The Gunners took total control of the Europa League tieCredit: Reuters

And more importantly, they dare not shoot themselves in the foot after crucial late goals from Gabriel and Mo Elneny spared the manager’s blushes.
Just days after Granit Xhaka had gifted an equaliser to Burnley trying to play out of his own area, the gormless Gunners were so nearly the architects of their own downfall once again. 
This time it was Bernd Leno and Dani Ceballos who combined to present a gift-wrapped goal to Greek Champions Olympiakos.
And this was an error which could yet have massive repercussions if it leads to their elimination for Europe in next week’s return leg.

Ceballos had only just replaced Thomas Partey when he was caught out by an unexpected short pass from Leno.
His poor first touch was pounced on by Youssef el Arabi, whose finish was every bit as unerring as the one he applied to knock the Gunners out of this competition last season.
And it wasn’t as though Arsenal hadn’t already pushed their luck to the limit, with both Martin Odegaard and David Luiz fortunate to get away with surrendering possession in their own area before el Arabi’s 58th minute strike.
Time was when Arsenal fans used to taunt their Tottenham fans with chants of “It’s happened again.”

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Martin Odegaard scored his first goal since joining on loan from Real MadridCredit: Reuters

Elneny only scores screamers. 😎🚀Moments after Gabriel put them back in front, Arsenal’s evening just got that little bit better! 🔥 #UEL pic.twitter.com/dlJ6SV12cD
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

The Norwegian produced a piece of magic to give Arsenal the lead in GreeceCredit: AP:Associated Press

But the boot will most definitely be on the other foot for Sunday’s North London derby as the Gunners seek to prevent their season from going into complete meltdown.
And they definitely won’t be counting their Europa League chickens yet after the painful experience of winning in Athens last season but going out on away goals at the Emirates.
But at least they can take comfort from the knowledge that they are firmly in control this time after those two late face savers.
Brazilian international Gabriel became Arsenal’s 15th different Europa League scorer this season when he sent a thunderous 80th minute header into the top corner.
And minutes later sub Elneny gave his team much-needed breathing space with the goal which puts clear daylight between these old enemies.

Youssef El-Arabi equalised for Olympiacos in the second halfCredit: Reuters

Gabriel fired in a brilliant header to restore Arsenal’s lead late onCredit: AFP or licensors
It was only two weeks ago that Arsenal were playing at ‘home’ in the Karaiskakis Stadium when they gave Arteta the fright of his life before edging their way past Benfica with a late winner from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The superstar striker has really got his mojo back in recent weeks after an unusually sluggish first half of the season.
And he was very nearly on the mark again when his sixth minute header was tipped against the bar by keeper Jose Sa via deflection off Sokratis.
The former Arsenal centre-half knew he was in for a busy evening and his task became even tougher when defensive partner Ousseyno Ba suffered a back injury during the pre-match warm-up.
And the Greek Champions were still sorting themselves out when they were opened up by Kieran Tierney before Odegaard scuffed his shot wastefully wide.
It was a bad miss from the Real Madrid loanee, who was fortunate that a loose pass on the edge of his own area wasn’t punished by Bruma minutes later.

Elneny’s thunderbolt made sure of the result in the last-16 first-leg tieCredit: Reuters
But those early errors were immediately forgotten when he opened his Arsenal account with a priceless away goal in the 34th minute.
Maybe it was his earlier tame effort which led to Olympiakos standing off Odegaard and inviting him to try his luck again from distance.
But there was no mistaking the quality of the finish this time as his shot flew past the startled Sa, who didn’t exactly cover himself in glory with his efforts to save.
Many Arsenal fans have been unhappy that Odegaard has been preferred to local hero Emile Smith Rowe in recent weeks.
So this was a timely vindication of Arteta’s judgment by the young Norwegian international.
Now he just has to get his selection right for the return game…and stop taking so many risks at the back.

Thomas Partey admits he has struggled to adapt to Arsenal tactics since transfer More

PAUL SCHOLES slammed Dean Henderson after the goalie’s costly error handed AC Milan a crucial away goal against Manchester United in the Europa League.
The Red Devils were cruising to a 1-0 win in the first leg of their last-16 clash at Old Trafford when disaster struck in the final moments.

AC Milan got the goal their performance deserved and it ends 1-1 at Old Trafford 👊Dean Henderson has been praised for his recent performances, but he’ll be disappointed with this one…#UEL pic.twitter.com/85eIt0uQsl
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

Paul Scholes has criticised Dean Henderson for conceding a last-gasp equaliser – and away goal – against AC MilanCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Milan fired in a corner with just one minute remaining on the clock.
Star defender Simon Kjaer got his head on the ball and fired at goal.
The header was aimed straight at Henderson, who threw a hand up to save it.
But the goalie bizarrely appeared to lean backwards as he raised his arm, allowing the ball to skim the fingertips and hit the back of the net.

It means United must score in the return leg next week to keep their Europa League hopes alive.
And Scholes feels Henderson should have easily saved the header.
He told BT Sport: “He should save it. He’s trying to make it a little bit more difficult than it should be. 
“First and foremost, keep the ball out of the net. He should save that. There’s no doubt about that and he will know that.”

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves added: “He’s a confident young man and he will realise that’s one he should have saved. 
“Whether he couldn’t see or someone was in front of him… it’s all part of the learning curve. Dean made a mistake.”
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also fuming with the late equaliser.
He explained: “I’m very disappointed to have conceded with one of the last kicks of the ball, or head.
“That makes it harder of course, but it was always going to be going down to the second game there, anyway.
“I’ve seen him [Henderson] save them, but it’s [because of] the structure that we lose. 
“We dropped too deep and we get blocked off and they get the header on. 
“We should have attacked the ball with the men we had there.” More

FILIP HELANDER was the unlikely hero for Rangers as they earned a draw in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.
The Light Blues appeared to be suffering from a Premiership title party hangover in the opening stages of the game, with Slavia Prague well on top.

Rangers earned a good draw, and crucial away goal, against Slavia PragueCredit: AFP or licensors

But Swedish star Helander bagged just before half time to ensure the game remains firmly in the balance heading to next week’s second leg at Ibrox, where Steven Gerrard’s side will look to make home advantage count.
It was a nightmare start for the away side, as they were caught sleeping by the Czech outfit.
Nicolae Stanciu scored with a thunderbolt after seven-minutes to give Prague an early lead.
The attacker received the ball wide on the left, close to the edge of the box.

Helander taps home into an empty netCredit: PA:Press Association
He got the ball from underneath his feet and unleashed a vicious strike high into the top corner, leaving Allan McGregor rooted and no chance of saving.
It was no more than the hosts deserved, with some sloppy all round play from the Gers midfield and defence, and a couple of McGregor’s kicks going wayward.
It was clear the Light Blues had an almighty task on their hands.

You don’t stop those! 💥Pin-point accuracy from Slavia Prague’s Nicolae Stanciu 👏Rangers have a task on their hands in the Czech Republic!#UEL pic.twitter.com/4uYcppo3Rm
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

Around ten minutes later, the ever reliable Glen Kamara was caught dithering in his own half and Slavia started another attack, which fortunately for Rangers came to nothing as a cross was over-hit.

Steven Gerrard was clearly frustrated with his side and was eager to try and perk them up, with the home side well deserving of their lead.
Borna Barisic was first into the referee’s book on 28-minutes after a mistimed shoulder challenge.

The Slavia players celebrate the wonder strikeCredit: AP:Associated Press
And it was almost a very costly error, with Jan Provod attempting a cheeky attempt to catch McGregor out at his near post with the resulting free kick, but the veteran managed to push the ball to safety.
But minutes later, against the run of play, Rangers got a vital away goal.
A free kick from deep was sent into the box, Connor Goldson deflected the ball towards the byline in the direction of Ianis Hagi. The Romanian did brilliantly to reach it and square the ball across the six yard box for Filip Helander to poke home and level proceedings.
The goal was exactly what the Gers needed and it most certainly sparked an improvement in the general play of Gerrard’s side.

After half-time, tough-tackling Slavia continued to dominate possession, however, the match was more balanced in terms of shots at goal.
Steven Davis was booked, while Prague’s David Zima was also cautioned by the whistler for halting Alfredo Morelos on a dangerous looking attack.
On the hour mark Joe Aribo had a sight of goal, but his left-footed shot was lashed wide as the Gers had a rare opportunity to relax defensively.

Ryan Kent nutmegs one of the Prague playersCredit: Reuters

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will be confident his side can progressCredit: Reuters
The midfielder’s foray forward seemed to spark the away side into life.
Less than four minutes later and Ryan Kent looked to have put Rangers into the lead.
The Englishman met Aribo’s low, driven cross with the ball looped high into the air and heading towards the top corner
Keeper Ondrej Kolar was alert to the attack and managed to claw the ball away from under his crossbar.
Then on the 69th minute Goldson went agonisingly close to making it two as well.
The ex-Brighton ace was inches away from connecting with a lovely free kick from Barisic. Any kind of touch and it would’ve been a goal for Gerrard’s men.
Kemar Roofe stepped up his comeback from injury as he entered the pitch for Aribo in the last ten minutes.
CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET THE FIRST RACE FAVOURITE AT HUGE 50/1 PRICE

But it was goalkeeper McGregor who proved to be the last-minute hero, denying Slavia with an outstanding save to add to his highlights collection.
The 39-year-old was at full stretch to deny the home side from a close-range, thumping header.
The Gers will now look to do business at home in the return leg next week.

Ally McCoist relives moment Rangers clinch the title as he keeps party going in hilarious video More

AMAD DIALLO scored his first Manchester United goal with a stunning header in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan.
And at just 18 years and 243 days old, Diallo also became the fourth-youngest player to score for United in Europe.

Welcome to Old Trafford, Amad Diallo!Only on the pitch five minutes and he opens the scoring with a brilliant backwards header 🔥#UEL pic.twitter.com/XHBIflKmbx
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

Amad Diallo, 18 years and 243 days old, became Man Utd’s fourth youngest-ever goalscorer in Europe as he netted his first strike for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The talented winger joined the Red Devils in a high-profile £37million move from Atalanta in January.
Diallo was handed his debut in the 4-0 win against Real Sociedad last month.
And the teenager now has his first Old Trafford goal after coming off the bench against Milan.
Diallo was summoned by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at half-time to replace Anthony Martial, who left the field limping.

And the ace needed just five minutes to open his account with a stunning backwards header.
United’s star man Bruno Fernandes played a sumptuous ball over the top of Milan’s defence as Diallo cut inside from the right wing.
He jumped high in the air and instinctively flicked his head backwards, sending the ball looping over Milan goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was a delightful goal and Diallo was mobbed by ecstatic team-mates as he celebrated.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Diallo scored a brilliant backwards header after a fantastic long ball from Bruno FernandesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But it did not turn out to be the final strike of the game, with Milan bagging a crucial away goal in the 91st minute thanks to another head from centre-back Simon Kjaer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils now face an anxious wait over Martial, who has recently struggled to keep his place in the starting XI.
Marcus Rashford missed the win over Milan through injury, with Cavani also sidelined.
And should Martial also be ruled out, it would leave United very short on numbers in the final third.
But that could benefit Diallo, who will be desperate to start against West Ham on Sunday as a reward for his performance tonight.
Boss Solskjaer was certainly delighted with Diallo’s impact, saying: “Amad is creative, he plays with freedom. It’s a nice goal, 
“Amad still has loads to learn and he’ll be better off after having this experience”

Solskjaer says Cavani could stay at Man Utd despite dad’s transfer bombshell and jokes summer heat will change his mind More

AMAD DIALLO became Manchester United’s fourth youngest ever European goalscorer after bagging in the 1-1 draw with AC Milan.
The teenager, 18, headed home an expert pass from Bruno Fernandes but saw his thunder stolen by Simon Kjaer in stoppage time.

Amad Diallo, 18, scored his first goal for Man Utd in the 1-1 draw with AC MilanCredit: Reuters

Here, SunSport’s Joe Brophy rates how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side fared…
Dean Henderson – 5/10
Was fortunate to still have a clean sheet to protect in stoppage time with Milan twice denied after having the ball in the net.
Made saves to deny Alexis Saelemaekers and Franck Kessie but flapped at Milan’s equaliser as Kjaer’s header proved too strong for him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Assured defensively but offered very little in an attacking sense.

Eric Bailly – 7
Faces a real make-or-break end to the season, with rumours that United will move for a new centre-half this summer.
Reasonably solid on his 100th appearance and on this evidence should be given the chance to stake a claim ahead of Victor Lindelof.

Harry Maguire spurned a glorious opportunity to give United the leadCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Harry Maguire – 6
Somehow failed to give United the lead from a yard out as he directed a Bruno Fernandes header onto the post.
Needed to be covered several times by Bailly in the first-half, but emerged from the break more settled and made several blocks.

Alex Telles – 4
His signing proved the spark behind Luke Shaw’s revival but he failed to take his chance to prove he can displace his fellow left-back any time soon.
Committed a few sloppy fouls conceded and his set-piece delivery was poor. Saw out the game with England star Shaw behind him.
Scott McTominay – 6
The academy lad has enjoyed a stunning season but it wasn’t quite his night, although he at least attempted to be positive on the ball compared to his midfield partner.
Struggled with the overall pace as he continues to work himself back to full fitness. Booked.
Nemanja Matic – 4
Lethargic. Proved why Solskjaer opted for Fred against Manchester City.
Failed to use his experience and didn’t protect his backline, particuarly in the first half when Milan looked threatening.

Dan James – 5
On the fringes in the first-half as United’s lack of chances cost him the chance to use his pace.
Fluffed the chance to get on the scoresheet in his last action before he was subbed as he missed the target with the goal gaping.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
On the periphery for much of the first-half but emerged for the second a different beast as he began to dictate play.
Added another assist as it was his stunning pass over the top of Milan’s defence that Amad Diallo flicked home.
Mason Greenwood – 6
Started the first half out on the wing, but enjoyed himself a lot more when restored to his favoured central role following Anthony Martial’s injury.
Willing runner into the channels and displayed good hold-up play. Should have had an assist after putting one on a plate for James.
Anthony Martial – 5
Struggled to build upon his positive performance at the weekend as United created little in the first half before he succumbed to injury.

Subs
Amad Diallo (replaced Martial, 45) – 8
Took just five minutes to show why United were so excited about his arrival with a sensational backwards header to open his senior account for the club.
Fred (replaced Fernandes, 73) – 5
Brandon Williams (replaced Wan-Bissaka, 73) – 6
Luke Shaw (replaced James, 73) – 6

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comments on John Murtough and Darren Fletcher as new Football and Technical Directors More