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      Poyet sees Tottenham’s wild inconsistency under Ange and says things have not changed since he played for them

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU may be experiencing a wildly inconsistent season – but for Gus Poyet, things at Spurs are the same as they ever were.Tottenham started off last week beating Southampton 5-0 and Manchester United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup – but then were trounced 6-3 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.Gus Poyet played for three seasons at Spurs before going on to be a managerCredit: SportsfileIt means supporters never know what to expect from Postecoglou’s side.But Poyet sees no difference to how things were when he was playing for the club 20 years ago.And the Uruguayan does not believe that will change until the club fundamentally switches at its core.Poyet, who assisted Juande Ramos the last time Spurs won a trophy in 2008, told SunSport via Odds comparison: “It was like that when I played for them. I promise you, it was.Read more in football“We were there, we were able to beat the best team and then have the worst results. I remember being 3-0 up against Manchester United at home and we lost 5-3.“How can you be so good in the first half and so bad in the second half? “This year against Brighton was the same. Two-nil up at half-time and then they lost 3-2.“Things, they don’t change, until there is something from inside, and I mean right from the core, that change. Most read in Football“In Spurs, that core didn’t change over the years. It’s more or less the same.”Some supporters believe that change would involve chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC departing the club.Ange Postecoglou’s side have won seven and lost eight in the league – but scored more goals than any other teamThere was a protest ahead of the Liverpool game, and some balloons were released in the 24th minute to signify 24 years of ENIC ownership.But Poyet did not single out Levy or the way the club is run as the core switch that is needed – more a mentality shift akin to opponents Liverpool where everything is calmer.The ex-midfielder, who scored 23 goals in 98 Spurs games between 2001-04, added: “It’s a situation with Spurs where every year is like this wish from everyone that it’s going to be the year that something will change.“For whatever reason, I cannot explain, it’s unique, something always happens.“A bad result, or a terrible second half, or an incredibly bad performance.“The ups and downs are too dramatic. For a team to improve over the years, to be consistent, or to be there, you need to be more calm in the good and bad times.“We can talk about Liverpool, being good for so many years, but because you are competing with someone like Man City who are so good as well, it doesn’t mean you are going to win.“But you need to maintain it and not get frustrated for one bad result or one bad season.“With Spurs, everything is a bit up and down.“It has to come from inside, the consistency, from the core of the club. That’s something that will be important for Spurs if they want to achieve some stability.”A driving factor for the frustration that has engulfed Spurs in recent years is their 17-year wait for silverware.Postecoglou will hope to end that this term and is into the Carabao Cup semi-final, where they face Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossPoyet, who won the FA Cup as a Chelsea player, added: “If I was a Tottenham coach, I would not be thinking about anything else except winning a trophy.“You’re not going to win the Premier League but can I win a cup? Yes. Winning a trophy makes players winners. When you become a winner, it becomes a habit.” More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘locked in transfer battle with European giants’ for former Man City star Leroy Sane

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.Sane, 28, enjoyed four successful years at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, but returned to Germany in 2020.Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: GettySane is also being targeted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: RexHowever, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the German giants so far.According to Sport, the standstill between the Germany international and the Munich outfit has led to intense interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.Among them are United, Chelsea as well as Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window.However, the Premier League trio could face competition from Barcelona, who are very interested in Sane.Read More on FootballBarca need more quality down the wings especially after losing Lamine Yamal to injury.That has led to reports suggesting the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.However, Barcelona’s financial woes are pushing them towards more affordable cases, such as Sane who could become a free agent in the summer.However, the German prefers to stay in the Bundesliga despite the complicated contract talks with his current club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBayern would prefer to agree on a new deal with a lower salary, especially considering the options down the wing with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman available.Sane has scored just five goals and bagged one assist in 19 appearances this season.Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clashIn his career at Bayern, he has 53 goals and 51 assists in 194 matches.Sane was once highly thought-of at Man CityCredit: EPA More

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      Ange Postecoglou tipped to keep to Tottenham second season promise ahead of crunch Man Utd clash in Carabao Cup

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      STEPHEN CARR knows all about beating Manchester United in a big League Cup tie.Just over 26 years ago, defender Carr was part of the Tottenham team that stunned Sir Alex Ferguson’s soon-to-be Treble winners with a 3-1 quarter-final home win.Ange Postecoglou will try to navigate his Tottenham side past Manchester United in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyStephen Carr helped Spurs to a cup tie victory over the Red Devils in 1998Credit: GettyChris Armstrong (twice) and David Ginola scored against a weakened Red Devils — albeit one that included Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.But it was a great Spurs cup night at the old stadium in an era with very few of them.Former right-back Carr, 48, told SunSport in association with William Hill: “Manchester United were very successful back then, but the League Cup wasn’t as important. Their eyes were on the treble.“So it was a great time to play them.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnited were the last of the big guns left in the competition that season, so the draw opened up nicely for Tottenham.They took full advantage. After sneaking past Wimbledon in the semi-finals, 10-man Tottenham — following Justin Edinburgh’s red card — saw off Leicester at Wembley with Allan Nielsen’s late winner.But today, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are unlikely to have it that easy in the latter stages.They might have dumped out League Cup specialists Manchester City but Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are waiting in the wings if they see off United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet Carr — who played every minute of that 1999 final — reckons Postecoglou can keep his second-season promise and lead Tottenham to a first trophy since 2008.He said: “They can definitely win the cup, but it’s a very strong line-up.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea “People say the top teams don’t care about this competition — but there are some massive clubs still in there.“There’s no reason why Spurs can’t win it. Postecoglou said he always wins a trophy in his second season, so fingers crossed he does.“Tottenham can beat anybody on their day. They’re unbelievable, especially at home. If they play like we know they can, they can turn over Manchester United.“The problem is they’ve struggled getting back-to-back results.“They get an unbelievable result like against Manchester City and then one like Ipswich. They’re so up and down.”Carr spent 11 years at Tottenham from 1993 to 2004, when they finished between seventh and 15th.So the cups were often seen as a welcome break.During that 1998-1999 season, the 11 games Spurs won in the two domestic cups — they also reached the FA Cup semi-finals — was as many as they managed in the Premier League.And Carr reckons the cups could favour Spurs again this season, saying: “There’s a gap between cup games so out of all the teams left in the competition, cup football suits them most because they’re not as consistent.“The other big boys go on long winning runs, whereas Tottenham don’t.”During December, Spurs play nine times across three competitions.Along with the League Cup, they are in the Europa League — as well as challenging for the Prem’s top four.But Carr believes their 17-year trophy drought means this last-eight tie is the biggest of the lot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It’ll be a big statement to beat Manchester United. They are starting to play now. It’s not the same team who were struggling under Erik ten Hag.“Going into the festive period, this is the most important game for Spurs. Fans would rather go to Wembley and win a trophy than get back into the Champions League.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

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      THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More

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      Man Utd in row with Arsenal as they ‘complain about FA Cup third-round tie fan allocation’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly embroiled in a row with Arsenal over their FA Cup ticket allocation.The two clubs are set to meet in the third round on Sunday January 12.Man Utd have contacted the FA over a dispute with ArsenalCredit: GettyUnder FA rules the away side is granted 15 per cent of the ticket allocation, meaning there could be 9,000 Red Devils packed inside the Emirates, which is a 60,000-capacity stadium.But United have been given just under 8000 tickets according to the Daily Mail, which is not acceptable for club officials.As a result, they have raised the issue with the FA with the aim of getting their full allocation.United reportedly raised concerns with Arsenal and gave them time to address the issue, but a solution has not been reached.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSources at the club are said to feel that the match being brought forward to 3pm should avoid any crowd problems.The Red Devils have even had to delay placing their tickets up for sale, which was initially scheduled to take place on December 13.They blamed Arsenal for the delay in a statement which read: “Arsenal have not provided us with the relevant information required to open applications as planned at 8am tomorrow for our away game in the FA Cup.”We’ll update here as and when this is received and will also add updates to our game information on the ticketing website.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.United’s trip to the Emirates is the biggest tie of the third round and is a baptism of fire for Ruben Amorim, who will be managing his first game in the competition.The two clubs have a lengthy history in a tournament and this will be their 17th meeting.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’Two of those matches came in the final, with the Gunners coming out on top on both occasions, in 1979 and 2005. More

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      Former FA Cup finalist, 48, begins new career as assistant kit man after suddenly quitting Red Bull job

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      FORMER FA Cup finalist Brett Ormerod has begun his new job as Bolton’s assistant kit man.SunSport revealed last month that the ex-striker would be linking up with former Blackpool team-mates Ian Evatt, Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks with the League One side.Brett Ormerod has taken up his new role as a kit man at BoltonCredit: RexThe former striker previously excelled at BlackpoolCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunOrmerod, 48, had only recently taken up a new job with Red Bull.But after speaking with old pal Evatt, he decided to move to Bolton.Writing in his Blackpool Gazette column, Ormerod explained how things came together.He admitted: “It’s good to be back in football, especially alongside the manager (Evatt), Matt Gilks and Stephen Crainey – it’s been like old times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Andy Taylor is also here – he was at Fylde at the same time as me. There’s a lot of people I know, so it’s been a smooth transition into the role.”I’d only just started a new job with Red Bull before handing my notice in. It all happened very quickly.”I met up with Evo and we had a good conversation. I knew if I didn’t take it now, then I might not get another like it, and it would’ve been a decision I regretted for the rest of my life.”Ormerod began his career at Accrington Stanley in the 1990s, before moving to Blackpool for his first stint Bloomfield Road stint in 1997.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrmerod played in the 2003 FA Cup final for SouthamptonCredit: AFPHe subsequently went to Southampton in 2001 and spent five years at St Mary’s, playing in the 2003 FA Cup final for Saints.Via stints at Leeds, Wigan, Preston, Nottingham Forest and Oldham he eventually returned to Blackpool in 2009, where he would play alongside Evatt, Crainey and Gilks.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseFollowing spells in non-league, Ormerod went on to coach at AFC Fylde.On what he intends to bring to his new role at Bolton, he added: “I am a kit man, but I will also be on the training field, joining in and taking some shooting practice.”Hopefully I can give them a bit of luck to get promoted, as they got as far as they could last season without going up.”I think they’re getting more than a kit man. If I can play a small role in making the players better then I’ll be a very happy man.”Bolton are seventh in the League One table, 10 points off leaders Wycombe with a game in hand.This Saturday the Trotters host Wigan Athletic, before a trip to Wycombe on December 20.Ormerod is hoping to assist Bolton’s promotion chaseCredit: Rex More

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      Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton

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      PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day and called for it to be rescheduled.Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on the evening of Thursday, January 9.Peterborough were left furious with the date of their FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: GettyPeterborough and Everton are scheduled to face off on a week day at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyThe decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton’s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city on the Saturday of that weekend against Accrington Stanley.However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.In an appeal for the FA to reverse the decision, Peterborough listed four major concerns.Read More on FootballThey stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Most read in FA CupPeterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park. “We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. “Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”Peterborough fans were left fuming, with some of taking to social media to say they can no longer attend the big game.One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Appalling.”And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.” More

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      Fans blast ‘FA Cup is dead’ after discovering third round games being played on THURSDAY as full schedule confirmed

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      FOOTBALL fans are outraged following the announcement that the FA Cup third-round fixtures will begin on a THURSDAY.Tradition has it that FA Cup rounds typically start on a Saturday – during the years when the competition was the pinnacle of domestic footie.Fans are outraged by the FA Cup’s bizarre scheduling for the third-round properFulham v Watford has been moved to a Thursday and will only be shown overseasBut only 10 of the 32 third-round games will actually be played at 3pm on Saturday January 11 due to TV demands.The move reduces what is usually one of the busiest and most interesting afternoons of the season into a handful of games.An incredible 22 games have been moved to Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday.And some will be played on Saturday earlier or later than 3pm.READ MORE FOOTBALLIn fact, the round kicks off with Cardiff City’s trip to Sheffield United on Thursday 9 January. While Everton’s clash against Peterborough United and Fulham’s hosting of Watford will be played on the same night.And NONE of them will be televised live in England on Thursday, instead fans can catch Everton on BBC iPlayer and Fulham overseas.Peterborough have since criticised the decision to host their game midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Posh’s statement read: We were very confident of taking a full allocation of tickets for our ever first visit to Goodison Park and what is the final ever third round tie there. “On learning that the tie will take place on Thursday 9 January we are incredibly disappointed that the needs of our supporters have not been taken into consideration in this decision.”Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup drawThe full schedule for the Emirates FA Cup third round properThursday 9 January 2025 – 7pm GMTSheffield United v Cardiff City (Live on BBC Wales)Thursday 9 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTEverton v Peterborough United (Live on BBC iPlayer)Fulham v WatfordFriday 10 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTWycombe Wanderers v PortsmouthFriday 10 January 2025 – 8pm GMTAston Villa v West Ham United (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday 11 January 2025 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End v Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United v Harrogate Town (Live on BBC iPlayer)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town v Wigan AthleticSunday 12 January 2025 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday 12 January 2025 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Sunday 12 January 2025 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man Utd (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United v Bromley (Live on BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday 12 January 2025 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea City (Live on BBC Wales)Monday 13 January 2025 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Live on ITV4 and ITVX)”We feel a better solution could have been found to ensure all our supporters who wish to travel to the game would have been able to do so.”They also pointed out the lack of public transport available from Liverpool to Peterborough on the evening of the match, meaning fans must travel by car or coach. They added: “We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.” Peterborough United Chief Executive Dawn Gore said: “To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.”Everton cannot share the same game day with Liverpool, who are scheduled to play at Anfield on Saturday.Other fans were quick to vent their anger at perhaps the most bizarre rescheduling to date.One wrote: “FA Cup 3 Rd on a Thursday evening. A sad demise of a once great cup competition.”A second said: “The FA are really saying ‘let’s make it a Thursday night for overseas coverage so kids can’t come’.”A third wrote: “Sickening. The only games that should be playing on a Thursday night are European ties.”While another added: “This is genuinely the worst possible time for the Everton game. I don’t get it, the weekend was free.”Just can’t f***ing help themselves can they.”On the overseas broadcast option, one fan to commented: “Who the f** is going to watch Fulham v Watford in another country?”The FA website had originally announced that the third-round would take place between January 10 – 13, with another fan writing: “@EmiratesFACup is just dead isn’t it.”Only six games will be shown on live TV – five of which include a Premier League team.Fans were particularly fuming with the decision to televise all Prem clash Aston Villa v West Ham on Friday.Many believed that the magic of the cup should’ve allowed League Two side Bromley to pick up the TV money that comes along with a trip to Newcastle.While Harrogate’s clash with Leeds at Elland Road has also missed out on selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, Bromley will be shown on BBC iPlayer at 3pm on Sunday, as Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal will be live on BBC One.The other ties being shown are Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge. 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