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      Leicester 2 AEK 0: Under and Barnes strike as Foxes seal top spot with cruise

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      CENGIZ UNDER scored his first Leicester City goal as Brendan Rodgers’ side comfortably sealed top spot in their group.
      The on-loan Roma winger powered in a spectacular volley to open the scoring after 12 minutes.

      Cengiz Under fired Leicester in front after 14 minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the equally dangerous Harvey Barnes made it two goals in the space of three minutes to all but wrap the game up by the quarter hour mark.
      It means dominant Leicester stayed top of Group G ahead of Sporting Braga and stand the chance of a favourable pairing when the round of 32 is drawn on Monday.
      Turkey International Under caused AEK problems all night as Foxes created a string of chances and should have won by a far more convincing margin.
      Leicester made seven changes from the team that won at Sheffield United on Sunday.

      But Rodgers’ side quickly put to bed any thoughts that they would be going thorough the motions.
      The Foxes back four had a youthful look to it with two 19-year-olds and a 20-year-old joining veteran Jonny Evans.
      But AEK were so ineffective that they rarely tested the Foxes defence.
      Leicester went ahead when Stratos Svarnas failed to deal with Youri Tielemans’ cross and Under smashed his shot home.

      It was a case of job done after 14 minutes when Barnes cut in from the left and found the net at the near post thanks to a deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu,
      Barnes was involved again when he placed an excellent pass for Kelechi Iheanacho who got in a tangle in front of goal and missed a close range chance.
      Wilfred Ndidi’s diving header was just wide of the target from six yards after 43 mnutes.

      Harvey Barnes netted just two minutes later to hand the Foxes a two-goal lead

      And Leicester piled on the pressure with Dennis Praet turning driving from 25 yards – but AEK keeper Panagiotis Tsintotas tipped it over the bar.
      Barnes continued to impress and his solo run after 69 minutes ended with a shot that was inches wide before Sub Ayoze Perez was denied by a scrambling Panagiotis.
      It was Barnes who looked the most likely to score again late on in an outstanding display – but somehow Leicester failed to find the net again. More

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      Lech Poznan 0 Rangers 2: Gerrard’s Gers SEEDED for Europa League last 32 draw as Itten and Hagi goals seal top spot

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      RANGERS will be SEEDED for the Europa League last 32 after picking up a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan.
      Steven Gerrard’s much-changed side went into the game knowing they would be assured of top spot in the group as long as they matched Benfica’s result due to their head-to-head record over the Portuguese giants.

      Cedric Itten scored a cracker to set Rangers on way to victory

      The striker left the Poznan keeper helpless with this rocketCredit: AFP

      And a superb goal from Cedric Itten and a close range header from Ianis Hagi made sure the Light Blues will avoid some of Europe’s big hitters in the first knockout round of the competition.
      Benfica drew 2-2 in their game against Standard Liege to make the group table look even sweeter for the Ibrox faithful.
      Victory also sees Rangers extend their long unbeaten run in all competitions this season and end the group stage campaign with four wins and two draws.
      Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo were the only players to retain their spot from the 4-0 win over Ross County as Gerrard handed out much needed minutes to a number of his fringe-men.

      The Ibrox boss hinted at changes in the build-up to the game with Dundee United in the Premiership at Tannadice in just three days.
      Jon McLaughlin, who replaced Allan McGregor in goal, was forced into an early save as he kept out Pedro Tiba’s effort.

      Rangers stopper Goldson gets stuck inCredit: Reuters
      The home side had a big chance to open the scoring after 15 minutes but Lubomir Satka headed over the bar from close-range.
      Rangers enjoyed a good spell of possession just before the half hour mark as they looked to create their first real chance at goal after an early long-range effort in the opening minutes of the game from Bongani Zungu.

      Breathing space for Rangers! 💙Connor Goldson or Ianis Hagi? 🤷‍♂️Either way, Rangers are on their way to topping Group D! 👏 pic.twitter.com/VNMEGiEFGA
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2020

      Cedric Itten had a half chance after collecting a ball from Nathan Patterson but his effort was well blocked by the home defence.
      But just moments later the striker hit a superb opener for the visitors.

      Zungu impressed for Rangers in midfieldCredit: Reuters
      The striker went on a driving run into the Poznan box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
      Ianis Hagi was inches away from doubling Rangers’ advantage three minutes before half-time but his strike took a slight nick as it just went passed the right-hand post.
      The Romanian had a chance inside the opening five minutes of the second period but his tame effort was easily gathered by Filip Bednarek.
      Itten then done well to hold off a defender but was unable to steer his header on target as the Light Blues dominated the opening exchanges.

      Rangers star Scott Arfield puts a challenge inCredit: Reuters
      McLaughlin was forced into his first save of the second half on 56 minutes when he did well to push away a dangerous Tymoteusz Puchacz free-kick.
      With 20 minutes to play Rangers double their advantage and made sure of the victory and top spot in the group.

      A Borna Barisic free-kick was met by Goldson but his header came off the underside of the bar but Hagi was on hand to head home from inches out.
      Moments later the Romania international went close once again from distance. A fine piece of skill top drop the shoulder presented him with the chance to have a strike at goal but his effort was well saved.
      Rangers looked to add a third late on with Alfredo Morelos claiming for a penalty five minutes from time but the referee waved away the protests.

      Rangers fan’s incredible Gers-themed home bar built in shed during lockdown More

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      Arsenal verdict: Eddie Nketiah must start against Burnley in Premier League if Mikel Arteta wants to stay in his job

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      EDDIE NKETIAH proved he is the man to lead Arsenal’s charge back up the Premier League table with a goal in Thursday’s 4-2 win at Dundalk.
      The Gunners have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this term, scoring just ten goals in the Prem – the fourth-lowest effort in the top flight.

      Mikel Arteta must start Eddie Nketiah in the Premier League if he wants to save his Arsenal jobCredit: AFP or licensors

      While captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks to have lost his magic touch, scoring just ONCE from open play this season.
      The Europa League, however, has been a different matter entirely.
      With Nketiah leading the line, the Gunners have netted 20 goals in their 100 per cent Group B campaign.
      And, with reports suggesting Mikel Arteta is facing the chop if he fails to pick up points in games against Burnley, Southampton and Everton, the time may have come for a change up top domestically.

      Step forward 21-year-old Nketiah, who is now Arsenal’s top scorer this term with five strikes.
      He needed just 12 minutes to fire the Gunners ahead in Ireland – and who is to say he could not do the same against the Clarets at the Emirates on Sunday?
      Nketiah is showing he’s good for at least one goal in any game he starts.
      And with Arsenal really finding it hard to do just that, he must surely get a go through the middle now.

      Whether that means dropping Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette or Willian is up to Arteta.

      But the Gunners need to have a central forward capable of putting the ball away regularly if they want to salvage something from this campaign.
      Indeed, Nketiah is now the England U21 top goalscorer of all time, moving ahead of the legendary Alan Shearer.
      And it is also important for his development that he get more minutes for his club.
      Arsenal can’t be picky right now and need to go with the best option up front.
      Wages and reputation can no longer be a factor, and the best option right now is clearly Nketiah.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Dundalk boss Filippo Giovagnoli speaking to Arsenal Fan TV about Mikel Arteta More

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      Tottenham vs Antwerp FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Europa League group clash TONIGHT

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      TOTTENHAM welcome Antwerp for their final Europa League group game.
      Spurs have had a topsy-turvy season so far in Europe but a win would secure them top spot and ensure them a place in the last-32.

      Jose Mourinho executed a brilliant win for Spurs over Arsenal Credit: Reuters

      Antwerp, however, beat Jose Mourinho’s side 1-0 in their first game in Belgium.
      What time does Tottenham vs Antwerp kick-off?
      Kick-off is at 8pm BST.
      The game will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      There will be 2,000 fans in attendance at the clash.
      What channel is Tottenham vs Antwerp and can it be live streamed?
      Tottenham vs Antwerp will be shown live on BT Sport 1.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the BT Sport app.
      The BT Sport app can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      EE customers can get a free three-month trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription.
      Or you can cancel the trial at any time during the three months by texting STOP SPORT to 150.

      Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were on the scoresheet again at the weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Team news
      Tottenham have just two major injury concerns for their final Europa League group game with Antwerp.
      Spurs will be without Tanguy Ndombele, who missed the win over Arsenal at the weekend, while Erik Lamela is also injured.
      Gareth Bale will likely start, as he has done for all of Tottenham’s European games.

      Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Vinicius Jr will also probably make the starting XI.
      Antwerp only need a point to finish top and will obviously look to name their strongest possible team, with Lior Refaelov starting up top.
      Odds
      Tottenham – 4/11
      Draw – 4/1

      Antwerp – 7/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Dundalk vs Arsenal LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel, teams, kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Europa League match

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      ARSENAL make the trip to Ireland to face Dundalk in the Europa League tonight.
      The Gunners have been in horrible form in the league, but have won five out of five in the Europa League this season.
      Kick-off: 5.55pm GMT
      TV/ live stream: BT Sport 2
      EE customers can get a free trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      GUNNERS TEAM NEWS
      With qualification already assure, Mikel Arteta is set to ring the changes.
      Emile Smith Rowe scored off the bench against Rapid Vienna and could start, while Nicolas Pepe is expected to feature as he continues to serve a domestic suspension.

      Mikel Arteta is likely to heavily rotate his side
      But there will be no place for Thomas Partey who limped off in the North London derby defeat to Spurs.
      Dundalk have a clean bill of health as they look to pick up a shock win over the Gunners.
      Michael Duffy and Patrick Hoban are both in contention and pushing for starts.

      WELCOME ABOARD
      ARSENAL travel to Irish side Dundalk in the final Europa League group game TONIGHT.
      In the reverse match the Gunners beat Dundalk 3-0 at the Emirates.
      The north Londoners have failed to win in their last four league matches, but the same can not be said for the Europa League, in which the Gunners have won all five games.
      Expect Mikel Arteta to unleash a few unfamiliar faces tonight with Arsenal already in Monday afternoon’s big draw for the next phase.
      And Arteta has also admitted that pressure is increasing after their torrid league form.
      The Spaniard, 38, said: “The demands for this football club are the highest.
      “We are not getting the results in the league that we all expect, of course the pressure is increasing.
      “But more than the pressure, I would say the responsibility of all of us to make it happen next Sunday [against Burnley] and start winning football matches, which is the most important thing.
      “I always work harder [under pressure]. I sleep less and I try to encourage everybody that is next to us to be positive and to believe in what we do.”
      We’ll be bringing you ALL of the updates from the Europa League clash tonight…

      Load more entries… More

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      Dundalk vs Arsenal tale of the tape: How squad values and Instagram followers compare ahead of Europa League clash

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      ARSENAL hop over the Irish sea to face Dundalk this evening in a David vs Goliath Europa League clash.
      While they’ve struggled to get going domestically this season, the Gunners remain a cornerstone of European football, one of the most famous clubs on the continent.

      How Arsenal and Dundalk compare

      But tonight they will have to deliver against the highly-motivated Irish champions in their final Group B clash.
      Mikel Arteta may well have an eye on recovering his side’s league position, and could field some youngsters this evening, having already won the group.
      But, despite already being eliminated, Dundalk will look to cause an upset, as they cherish the plum tie of their European adventure.
      Let’s take a look at some of the vast differences between the two clubs.

      SQUAD VALUES

      Arsenal boast £45m Thomas Partey among their ranksCredit: Getty – Pool

      Dundalk’s entire squad is valued at just £1.73m by TransfermarktCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      The quality of Arsenal’s squad has taken a battering in recent weeks, and perhaps fairly so, given that they are currently 15th in the Premier League.
      But that doesn’t mean that they don’t possess valuable talent.
      According to Transfermarkt, Arteta’s squad is worth a staggering £569m, with £45m duo Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deemed the most valuable.
      On the other hand, Dundalk’s entire squad is valued at just £1.73m – a fraction less than Alex Runar Runarsson and a third of Sokratis.

      INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS

      Arsenal’s social media reach is huge, boasting millions of fans around the entire world.
      The Gunners have an enormous 18.7million Instagram followers, with fans able to view match and training pictures, throwback videos and exclusive content with the players.
      Dundalk, meanwhile, have a loyal band of 26.5k followers – and their account isn’t verified.
      For context, this is under a third of the number that Arsenal’s Spanish language Twitter account possesses alone.
      STADIUMS

      The Emirates was sparsely populated by 2,000 fans last weekCredit: PA:Press Association

      Dundalk usually play at the charming Oriel ParkCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Arsenal recently welcomed 2,000 fans back for their match against Rapid Vienna last week.
      The small number were dwarfed within the 60,704 capacity Emirates Stadium.
      But at Dundalk, they’d have filled almost two thirds of the entire seating capacity.
      The charming Oriel Park is a throwback, with a rickety, traditional main stand and a seating capacity of 3,100.
      With additional standing room, the ground can reach 4,500 attendees.
      But unfortunately, locals won’t be able to sample tonight’s treat because of the ongoing pandemic – and the match will take place at the Aviva Stadium instead.
      STAR PLAYERS

      Skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has bagged 74 goals for the GunnersCredit: Reuters

      Patrick Hoban has been prolific over two spells at DundalkCredit: Sportsfile
      While he’s struggled a tad to find his shooting boots this season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the main man at Arsenal.
      The Gabonese star hoisted the FA Cup as captain in August, and will be an integral figure if Arteta is to turn things around this season.
      Aubameyang, 31, has only managed three goals in all competitions so far this term.
      But since joining the Gunners in January 2018, he has gobbled up 74 in 122 games.
      As for Dundalk, Patrick Hoban is usually the club’s dangerman and leading marksman.
      The 29-year-old had a difficult spell in England, failing to regularly find the net at Oxford United, Stevenage, Mansfield Town and Grimsby Town.
      But something just works for him at Dundalk, having bagged 96 goals in 174 games across two spells for the club, including against Rapid Vienna in their narrow 4-3 defeat last month.
      Unfortunately, Hoban will be missing for tonight’s game, having undergone season-ending ankle surgery.
      TROPHIES

      Arsenal have won a record 14 FA CupsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dundalk have won 12 FAI CupsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Arsenal have won plenty of trophies across their long and illustrious history.
      But Dundalk have won more.
      The Gunners boast 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups and a League Centenary Trophy across their proud domestic record.
      And they’ve also won in Europe, having secured the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970 and the Uefa Cup Winner’s Cup in 1994.
      Dundalk, however, have held a stranglehold over much of the recent history of Irish football.
      They’ve won five of the last six league titles, taking their overall tally to 14.
      And to that they add 12 FAI Cups, seven League Cups, seven Leinster Senior Cups, two First Division titles, two President’s Cups and one All-Ireland Champions Cup.
      You can only beat what’s put out in front of you.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Dundalk vs Arsenal free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Europa League match More

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      Tottenham vs Antwerp FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for final Europa League group game

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      TOTTENHAM take on Antwerp in their final Europa League group game on Thursday.
      Spurs have had a topsy-turvy season so far in Europe but a win would secure them top spot and ensure them a place in the last-32.

      Jose Mourinho executed a brilliant win for Spurs over Arsenal Credit: Reuters

      Antwerp, however, beat Jose Mourinho’s side 1-0 in their first game in Belgium.
      What time does Tottenham vs Antwerp kick-off?
      Tottenham vs Antwerp gets underway from 8pm on Thursday, December 10.
      The game will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      There will be 2,000 fans in attendance at the clash.
      What channel is Tottenham vs Antwerp and can it be live streamed?
      Tottenham vs Antwerp will be shown live on BT Sport 1.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the BT Sport app.
      The BT Sport app can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      EE customers can get a free three-month trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription.
      Or you can cancel the trial at any time during the three months by texting STOP SPORT to 150.

      Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were on the scoresheet again at the weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Team news
      Tottenham have just two major injury concerns for their final Europa League group game with Antwerp.
      Spurs will be without Tanguy Ndombele, who missed the win over Arsenal at the weekend, while Erik Lamela is also injured.
      Gareth Bale will likely start, as he has done for all of Tottenham’s European games.

      Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Vinicius Jr will also probably make the starting XI.
      Antwerp only need a point to finish top and will obviously look to name their strongest possible team, with Lior Refaelov starting up top.
      Odds
      Tottenham – 4/11
      Draw – 4/1

      Antwerp – 7/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Arteta defends Aubameyang and reveals Arsenal sent footage of foul throws to FA to demand Bellerin explanation

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      MIKEL ARTETA is standing by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and is ‘proud’ of Arsenal’s response to losing at Tottenham.
      Gunners skipper Auba has not scored a Prem goal from open play since their season opener  and is rested for tonight’s Europa League dead rubber at Dundalk.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has an ‘energy and hunger’ of someone set to rediscover his best form, says Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners believe Hector Bellerin’s throw-ins have been ‘harshly’ penalised and have sent ‘worse incidents’ to the FACredit: Getty – Pool

      Boss Arteta said: “No one’s undroppable but we can’t forget what Auba has done  in recent months and not just years ago.
      “I see how he trains, behaves and how he wants to turn this situation around.
      “He has an energy you wouldn’t usually associate with a player who is suffering and when I see that type of hunger I stay strong in my support of that player.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      “We’re not getting the league  results we expect so of course pressure’s  increasing.
      “We played much better against Spurs than we did when we beat Manchester United but you can’t talk about that when you’ve lost the derby 2-0.
      “I could not be any prouder of the response from the players this week.
      “I have seen a team that is united, wants to fight and has a big belief in what we are trying to do.

      “They all want to push each other  and Auba’s been one of the main guys there.”
      Arteta defended full-back Hector Bellerin after a FIFTH foul throw of the season.

      The Gunners boss said: “It was harsh and we sent images to the Premier League of many incidents much worse.
      “We will keep working with Hector and make sure he does the action properly.”
      ARSENAL (likely): Runarsson, Cedric, Chambers, Mari, Kolasinac, Cottrell, Elneny, Azeez, Pepe, Balogun, Smith Rowe.

      Dundalk vs Arsenal free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Europa League match More