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      Horror stats behind West Ham’s transfer dealings show ‘Eastenders’ image of Cockneys is a load of old cobblers

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      TURNS out EastEnders is a load of old cobblers after all.Drop into Albert Square anytime and you leave with the impression that all Cockneys are sharp as a tack. Wheeler-dealers, who are no mugs when it comes to striking a deal.West Ham currently sit 17th in the Premier League table with just 35 pointsCredit: ReutersTechnical director Tim Steidten has come under fire for his poor recruitmentCredit: PANot if West Ham are anything to go by.Figures released by the FA this week reveal the Hammers’ hierarchy splashed out a whopping £19million on agents’ fees in the year from February 2024.That’s the eighth highest spend on the transfer market’s middle men in the entire Premier League across two transfer windows.And the only way they’ll get into the top ten of anything for some time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe return on this sizeable investment is being fourth from bottom as a cheerless campaign draws to a miserable end.It’s only that the three teams below them — Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich — are so spectacularly awful that West Ham are safe from relegation.They have effectively shelled out £542,000 to agents for every one of their 35 points so far  this season.Over the course of the previous  summer and winter windows, they have blown in excess of £105m on new players — each with an intermediary probably trousering a hefty commission.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the reward is them heading for their worst finish in the top flight in five years.Indeed, they still require five points to better the 39 from 2020 when David Moyes rescued them with his  emergency appointment to clear up the mess left by Manuel Pellegrini.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashMajority owner David Sullivan and his peers back their managers unequivocally — they don’t sack easily and support them financially.It’s like having the Mitchell brothers fighting your corner.But player recruitment is a different ball game.Dot Cotton could have performed better in the transfer market than now departed technical director Tim Steidten.Take Guido Rodriguez. Signed on a free last summer, if the Argentine midfielder and his representative had any sense they would have demanded higher wages and commission because no fee was involved. That’s how it goes.Rodriguez, 31, has completed just three games for West Ham.The most recent, a 1-1 draw against Brentford on September 28.He was hooked 38 minutes into the 3-0 home rout by Chelsea a week earlier for “tactical” reasons.Guido Rodriguez has barely played for the HammersCredit: GettyNew boss Graham Potter is clearly not having him.Rodriguez has played a total of three minutes over the last ten games and hasn’t got off the bench at all in the past four.There are others like him at the London Stadium.It’s a similar story at nearby Tottenham. Only one place and £600k below the generous Hammers in their unwitting donations to the unofficial football agents’ benevolent fund, Spurs are in turmoil.Two points and two places above their struggling neighbours from E20 in the Prem, Timo Werner is approaching the end of his second loan spell, having been ghosted.Cut from boss Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League squad, one goal in 27 appearances, not played since the end of February. Savaged by the boss publicly.Chairman Daniel Levy can blame nobody but himself for not learning his lesson the first time around with German Werner, or from watching him flop at Chelsea previously.And the grim news for both of these clubs is that they will be there for the taking again this summer, because it’s going to take a whole lot more spending to dig them out of their respective holes.You can almost hear the sound of hands being rubbed together.Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest occupy fourth place, chasing a Champions League spot, having spent a relatively minor £13.5m on agents.Everton are above West Ham and Tottenham and on the up after laying out just £9.2m to the deal brokers.Newcastle and Aston Villa paid more in finders’ fees but are at least getting some bang for their buck.Read More on The SunFor anyone up North reading this, London’s streets really are paved with gold.You just need to become a football agent to find out.Tottenham also find themselves in troubleCredit: PA More

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      Championship set for bonkers final four games with every club still able to get either promoted or relegated – or both

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      THE Championship season is set for a stunning finale as every club can either go up or down with just four games remaining.Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United are battling it out for automatic promotion and the title.Leeds look set to earn promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySunderland have booked their spot in the play-offsCredit: GettyLuton are in danger of suffering back-to-back relegationsCredit: GettyAnd at the other end of the table, Plymouth Argyle and Luton need to pull off a great escape to avoid relegation.But all could change come the end of the season on May 3 as every team still has something to play for.The top three and Sunderland can all still mathematically win the league and secure automatic promotion.The Black Cats need top two Leeds and Burnley, who are both level on 88 points, to lose all their remaining games by a huge margin to secure the miracle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sheffield United’s run of three defeats on the bounce has seen them also needing results to go their way as Daniel Farke and Scott Parker’s sides look set for first and second finishes.Two more play-off places are up for grabs below Sunderland in fourth and a whopping ten teams can still qualify, as far down as Sheffield Wednesday in 14th.Bristol City, Coventry, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Millwall are in the best positions to complete the top six.The Robins and the Sky Blues are most likely to make the play-offs with 74 and 65 per cent chances respectively, according to Opta. Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTowards the bottom, Argyle are on 40 points and are staring at relegation to League One with just a 4.5 per cent chance at survival.Luton are also on 40 points but have an 11.4 per cent hope of staying up due to their better goal difference.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashThey could join Swindon, Wolves and Sunderland in becoming clubs to have suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to the third tier.Cardiff are set to complete the three heading down, but Derby and nine other clubs remain in the mix and are not mathematically safe yet.Mid-table trio Swansea, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday can all incredibly still earn promotion or be relegated this season despite the chances of that happening being under 0.1 per cent. Fans are gearing up for a thrilling end, with one saying: “Best league this season by far. Premier League got nothing on this.”Another added: “It’s the best league in world football and it’s not even close.” More

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      Athletic Bilbao 2 Rangers 0 (Agg 2-0) – Gers out of Europa League as Sancet & Williams strike after penalty controversy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO’S stadium is known here as The Cathedral.But Barry Ferguson’s prayers weren’t answered.Oihan Sancet opened the scoringCredit: AFPNico Williams’ strike ended Rangers’ Europa League journeyCredit: EPABarry Ferguson’s side are out of EuropeCredit: PAIt was huge disappointment for Rangers in the Basque regionCredit: AFPIn the sensational San Mames, the Rangers boss was left looking to the heavens and asking if somebody up there didn’t like him.Fergie’s dream is over, it just wasn’t meant to be.It’s the La Liga outfit have advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League as they aim to get back here to their place for the chance of lifting the trophy in 33 days’ time.A first-half penalty from Oihan Sancet and a late header from Nico Williams left Rangers needing divine intervention that just didn’t come.Fergie could have no real complaints when it was all over.But at the same time it felt like everything that couldn’t have gone against him did.He watched one defender limp off injured at the start of the first-half and another one trudge off with a fractured cheekbone in the early stages of the second. Cyriel Dessers had a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down with Nico Raskin smacking the post at 1-0.Most read in Europa LeagueTo stand any chance of winning through, Ferguson needed more luck that he got – albeit ultimately Bilbao deserve their place in the last four.This sensational city virtually ground to a standstill for this quarter-final decider.Steven Whittaker One-on-One Hibs & Rangers hero on life with Scott Brown, collapsed Man City move & THAT goal in LisbonMen, women and children packed the closed-off streets for hours before kick-off.Thousands crowded around the plush team hotel to give Ernesto Valverde’s men a rousing send-off to the stadium.It was like the only folk who were working were in the bars pouring pints.Fireworks were set off. Red flares were lit. Cars horns were blasted by over-excited locals. It was brilliant.There was a massive police presence around the ground with gun-totting riot cops out in force. But zero hint of trouble.The 5,000 travelling Rangers supporters were up to the gods of the spectacular £178million 53,000 capacity arena.They were so high they were close enough to reach out to the stars in the sky and touch them.They all knew the odds were stacked against their heroes.Just as Ferguson and his coaching staff did too.He said all the right things in the build-up with the former club captain faultless in the way he conducted himself.Yet in his heart of hearts he must have feared this would be a step too far.There were actually two penalty decisions that went Bilbao’s way in the first-half.One Rangers were denied.Another the home team got.And while there could be no real complaints about the referee’s judgement on the John Souttar incident that led to the opening goal from the spot, there was justified anger from Dessers that he didn’t get one at the other end.The fact his jersey was ripped should have proved to the referee the striker had been grabbed by defender Yeray Alvarez.Instead the official ignored the striker’s claims and the VAR took no notice either.To make matters worse, Dessers was even booked for throwing his torn top into the dugout in frustration. Rangers needed the goalscorer to channel his fury and use it to spur him on but that didn’t happen. It was just galling for Rangers that they couldn’t hold out until half-time and prevent Bilbao from taking the lead before the break.They lost defender Ridvan Yilmaz to an injury early on and were forced to shift James Tavernier to right wing-back, Mohamed Diomande to left wing-back and and Jefte into the middle of defence with Connor Barron subbed on.Rangers player ratingsBy DAVID FRIELLiam Kelly: Superb first-half save from Nico Williams but no chance with the penalty opener or the winger’s emphatic header. Handling was good on the night and kicking safe. 6 Ridvan Yilmaz: Eventful, but brief, night for the Turkish full-back. Vital early block, nutmegged by Williams and then limped off injured in 23 minutes after pulling up following a sprint. 4James Tavernier: Captain held defence together for a long period after so many disruptions but then switched off at the vital moment as Williams stole in to finish the tie. Booked. 5John Souttar: Suckered for the Bilbao penalty. There was no need to stick his leg in and he paid the price for that one lapse in an otherwise solid display. 5Leon Balogun: Booked in the first half as the Gers defence worked hard and was then forced off with a facial injury minutes after the break. The big stopper looked devastated. 5Jefte: Left-back was caught on the ball early on but kept things simple after that and made some vital interceptions in a tough shift against top-class opposition. 6Nico Raskin: Busy as always in midfield as he tried to get on the ball amid waves of Bilbao attacks. Hit the post from close range as Gers almost grabbed an equaliser. 7Mohamed Diomande: Midfielder was asked to fill various roles and even had a shift at left wing-back for a spell. Gave everything for the team and ran himself into the ground. 7Ianis Hagi: Romanian was given the nod in one of the attacking midfield positions. Grafted hard but couldn’t make an impact on the ball and was hooked at the break. 4Vaclav Cerny: Czech winger has been Rangers’ Euro talisman this season and led the fight during a flurry in the second period after a quiet first half. Stinging drive saved. 6Cyriel Dessers: Fuming after being denied a penalty when his shirt was ripped by Dani Vivian in a controversial first-half moment. Booked for his protests but blunt display overall. 5Subs: CONNOR BARRON (6) on for the crocked Yilmaz and played well in midfield. CLINTON NSIALA (6) rookie stopper replaced Hagi and did fine on a big occasion. HAMZA IGAMANE (5) on for the stricken Balogun and fired wide in the final seconds. NEDIM BAJRAMI (2) late run-out at 2-0. DANILO (2) last throw of the dice.While they had next to no attacking threat in the first-half their determination to keep the ball out of their net was there for all to see.They were literally seconds away from running into the away changing room level at 0-0 when Souttar tripped attacker Maroan Sannadi.It was one of those incidents where it’s often hard to tell which player is fouled. But the Scotland centre-back was guilty of diving into a challenge he didn’t need to make and caught the striker on the ankle.The hope was that Liam Kelly would pull off more spot-kick heroics like he did in the first-leg.He’d been excellent until that point.But Sancet wasn’t to be denied.Ferguson had a job on his hands to try and convince his team they were capable of turning it around in the second half.Losing Leon Balogun just minutes after age restart was another blow – literally too – with the centre-back suffering a fractured cheekbone in an ugly collision with Souttar.Ferguson had made his second change by then, replacing Ianis Hagi with Clinton Nsiala which enabled him to get Diomande back into midfield.But Balogun’s injury forced him to change it again with Hamza Igamane thrown on. He offered far more than Dessers did but that wasn’t saying much.Rangers had to find a threat from somewhere if they were to level the tie and in 58 minutes they were inches away from an equaliser coming from the most unlikeliest of sources.Raskin isn’t known for his finishing.Yet he found himself into the penalty box with a great chance to score, only to see his shot saved and hit the post.It wasn’t to be.Read More on The SunWilliams powered a header past Kelly with ten minutes remaining after Tavernier was caught ball watching and Rangers had nothing left to give.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans and spits water after Arsenal win as fans say ‘going straight to the top’

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was spotted winding up Real Madrid fans during Arsenal’s famous victory in the Bernabeu.The Gunners wrapped up their Champions League quarter-final victory over Los Blancos with a 2-1 win in the second leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly wound up the Real Madrid fans at the BernabeuCredit: XHe was filmed shouting ‘vamos’ towards the home crowdCredit: XIt followed on from the stunning 3-0 romp at the Emirates in the first leg to boost Arsenal’s credentials to go all the way.Mikel Arteta’s side included remarkable performances from the likes of Declan Rice and Jakub Kiwior across the two legs.However, Lewis-Skelly, 18, was also a standout performer despite his tender age.He had already proved himself in the Premier League this season and has confirmed himself as one of the top prospects in Europe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe defender has clearly seen his confidence rise due to his success on the pitch, as he proved in the Spanish capital.During the match, Lewis-Skelly was filmed from the stands goading the home support.A video on social media shows him shouting “vamos” to the crowd while taking a drink. Arsenal supporters have loved seeing the confidence in the teenager as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “This is the man I love.”A second commented: “MLS is him. Going straight to the top.”Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command A third wrote: “I love footballers with personality who more than back it up with ability – obscenely talented young man.”A fourth said: “Absolutely love him.”Another added: “Love this. What a player he will be.”Lewis-Skelly played the full match in Spain and put in a top job to keep Rodrygo under wraps.It was not just the fans that he trolled either, as after the game he took aim at Madrista Antonio Rudiger.The former Chelsea star stepped on the Arsenal man during the match, and the defender included a picture of the incident on Instagram.Read More on The SunLewis-Skelly and co will be hoping for the same success in the Champions League semi-finals.The North London outfit will be taking on Paris Saint-Germain, who have already dumped out Liverpool and Aston Villa.Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Historic SPFL club hit with bombshell 15-point deduction and now facing almost CERTAIN relegation

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      HAMILTON ACCIES are under serious threat of relegation after being handed a shock 15-point deduction by the SPFL for breaching ‘multiple’ rules. The South Lanarkshire outfit have plummeted to the bottom of the Scottish Championship and now find themselves EIGHT points behind ninth placed Airdrie with just three games to go following the decision from league bosses.Hamilton Accies are in serious botherCredit: Kenny RamsayIt’s a worrying time for manager John Rankin and the playersCredit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers LtdThe club now face almost certain relegation to League OneCredit: SNSHamilton now must win all three of their final matches to stand any chance of beating the drop. The club have been slapped with four separate charges and hit in the pocket with a £9,000 fine for the crimes. These include a failure to report not paying players, not providing correct stadium ownership information, downgrading their Sscottish FA licence and not submitting club membership criteria by the required deadline. Accies have the right to appeal the sanction to the SFA.read more football storiesLast August it was revealed several Accies players stages walkout over a major pay dispute just before the start of the new season. Players and coaches refused to train after some didn’t receive their July wages. A shock statement from the SPFL read: “Hamilton Academical Football Club have received a 15-point deduction and been fined £9,000 after the Club was found to have breached multiple SPFL Rules by an independent SPFL disciplinary tribunal.”The SPFL Board had issued four charges against the Club and the Club were found by the independent tribunal to have breached SPFL Rules and have been sanctioned as follows:Most read in FootballCharge 1: Breach of Rules B1, E17 and E18 in relation to the failure to notify the SPFL of Remuneration Defaults in respect of six players and a failure to act with the utmost good faith in its representations to the SPFL Board regarding the lifting of a transfer embargo after previous Remuneration and Tax Defaults.Sanction: Immediate 12 point deduction and £5,000 fineMoment fuming Hamilton Accies fans call for the exit of director of football Gerry Strain after their home defeat to MortonCharge 2: Breach of Rule D4.3.2 in relation to the provision of incorrect information regarding stadium ownership in the Club’s Season 2024/25 Membership Criteria submission.Sanction: £3,000 fine (£1,500 of which has been suspended)Charge 3: Breach of Rule D4.8 in relation to the downgrading of the Club’s Scottish FA Club Licence overall award from Bronze to Entry level.Sanction: Immediate 3 point deductionCharge 4: Breach of Rule E28.7 in relation to the late provision of the Club’s Membership Criteria submission for Season 2025/26.Sanction: £1,000 fine (fully suspended)The William Hill Championship table will be updated accordingly.Hamilton now look set to drop down to the third tier again after spending last season in the division. Accies were relegated from the Championship via the play-offs in the 2022/23 campaign but jumped straight back up via the same route after finishing second in the league behind Falkirk. And now as the Bairns look set to make a stunning return back to the top flight after back-to-back promotions, Accies are expected to head the other way. The club have since released a statement confirming they are considering an appeal to the SFA over the sanction. A statement read: “We are astonished and disappointed at the Tribunal decision we have received this evening. We are awaiting the written reasons whereupon the Board will meet to consider an appeal.”We would ask that all fans continue their excellent support of the players on the pitch, and the management team in the dugout, as we enter the final stages of the season.Read More on The Sun”Until any appeal process is concluded we shall be making no further comment.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Moment Ally McCoist comes to two Rangers fans’ rescue as blunder leaves them in the WRONG city before Athletic clash

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      ALLY McCOIST has come to the rescue of two Rangers fans who ended up in the WRONG city!The Light Blues are in Bilbao to take on Athletic Club in tonight’s seismic Europa League quarter-final second leg.Ally McCoist is in Bilbao for media dutiesCredit: ReutersHe went to see a couple of Rangers fansCredit: X/TNT SPORTSThey revealed they’d made a big mistakeCredit: X/TNT SPORTSMcCoist was absolutely loving itCredit: X/TNT SPORTSIt’s the biggest game of Rangers’ season with a place in the final four up for grabs.The tie is finely poised after Barry Ferguson’s men battled to a heroic 0-0 draw at Ibrox in last week’s first leg despite playing more almost 80 minutes with ten men.Thousands of Gers fans have made the trip to the Basque city but two supporters in particular had a rather unique journey to get there.As always, Ally McCoist is part of the TNT Sports team for Rangers’ big night in Europe.He’s made it to Bilbao having been in Madrid to cover last night’s Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal.On route to the Spanish capital, McCoist bumped into two unfortunate Gers fans who had made a massive blunder.Light Blues supporters Karen and Martin had booked to head to Spain for the Gers’ big night.Unfortunately, however, they’d booked to go to the entirely WRONG team – and therefore the wrong city.Most read in Europa LeagueBut as they headed to Madrid instead of Bilbao, their luck was actually IN as they ended up meeting McCoist as they were on the same plane from Edinburgh.After hearing their tale, the Ibrox icon decided to help them out.Steven Whittaker One-on-One Hibs & Rangers hero on life with Scott Brown, collapsed Man City move & THAT goal in LisbonIn a video posted by TNT Sports, McCoist said: “I met this lovely couple, lovely couple, on a flight from Edinburgh to Madrid on Tuesday.”They’ve got a great wee story to tell you, let’s go and meet them.”The video then cuts to the moment McCoist approaches the two Gers fans who were sat at the table.The former striker asks them to explain exactly what happened, at which point Karen reveals so was so excited about Rangers’ victory against Fenerbahce, she accidentally booked to go to ATLETICO MADRID – and not Athletic Bilbao.McCoist asked: “So tell me, how, when Rangers are playing Bilbao you ended up in Madrid?”She explained: “Because I got that excited when we got through that I decided to go straight on and book.”And you know what predictive text is like Ally, so I typed in “Athle” thinking it’s ‘Athletic Club’ but it’s changed it to Atletico.”Martin’s sleeping. Karen gets up in the morning and says ‘guess what Martin, I’ve booked us to go to Madrid to the game.’ And he says ‘we’re not playing in Madrid.'”I’m like ‘what?’ I says ‘they are, I looked at it on my phone, it is!'”Deciding to make the most of their error, they decided to head for Madrid and enjoy a couple of nights.They then caught the train from Madrid to make it to Bilbao this morning.McCoist has also now made it to Bilbao and he decided to catch-up with the luckless fans to give them a special surprise.He told them: “The good news is because when I met you on the plane you’re telling me the story and I was howling with laughter. It’s a belter.”But you also told me that you didn’t have any tickets.”McCoist then handed over a couple of tickets, much to their delight.He exclaimed: “Two tickets. We managed to get two tickets!”You know something, you deserve it for that story.”Smiling, McCoist then turned to the camera and said: “Magic, innit!”What a story!”Fans on social media were absolutely loving it and heaped praise on McCoist for his generosity.One said: “Ally’s a national treasure.”Another posted: “Super Ally strikes again.”A third said: “Give this man a cape. That’s why they call him Super Ally!”Read More on The SunAnother punter, “How did they book tickets for a club they aren’t even playing tonight?” More

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      Frankfurt vs Tottenham (agg 1-2) LIVE RESULT: Solanke first-half penalty puts Spurs into final four of Europa League

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      TOTTENHAM are THROUGH to the semi-final of the Europa League after BEATING Frankfurt.James Maddison was involved in a horror collision in the first half, which saw Spurs awarded a penalty, with Dominic Solanke stepping up to score it.Mathys Tel originally stepped up to take the penalty, but Ange Postecoglou appeared to tell the French forward to let Solanke take the kick, in the absence of captain Son Heung-Min.The second half saw chances few and far between, but Spurs were able to hold on, giving them something to celebrate in a torrid season. Match result: Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (agg 1-2)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Maddison going through itJames Maddison had a rough night, and it ended before half-time.He won the penalty which ultimately won Spurs the game, but he did it in a night ending way it seems.Maddison’s night ended when Cristian Romero sent a contentious ball forward, and the English midfielder was wiped out by Kaua Santos in the Frankfurt net.He fell down in a heap, looking possibly concussed, but he got back up. However, he could only play on for around 5 minutes, coming off with he indicated was a hip injury. Copy linkCopiedSunSport’s match reportSpurs were 1-0 winners in Germany, with SunSport’s Tom Barclay covering the action.Copy linkCopiedPenalty dramaAfter James Maddison won the penalty, it was initially Mathys Tel who stepped up to take it.However, Postecoglou could be seen from the dugout shouting “DOM,” indicating he wanted Solanke to take it.Tel gave the ball to Solanke, and he scored from the spot. Probably the right call from the Aussie gaffer. Credit: Bradley Collyer/PA WireCopy linkCopiedPressure off?Ange Postecoglou came into the game under HUGE pressure, with Spurs 15th in the Premier League.It felt do or die for Spurs, and the delivered in a big way.Solanke’s penalty was the difference between the two sides on the night.Ange can now sleep easier, knowing he had a lot more credit in the bank.Credit: Bradley Collyer/PA WireCopy linkCopiedPostecoglou super proud of SpursIt is almost certainly the highlight of Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham.With the Aussie’s job on the line, Spurs travelled to the cauldron of Deutsche Bank Park and produced a dogged display full of heart and character.And after wild celebrations at full time, Postecoglou couldn’t hide his pride he had for his team.It was good. You know what you’re up against in the away leg of a European quarter-final. We had to work hard, we had to defend, we had to be well organised. I couldn’t be prouder of the lads, the togetherness of the lads, we earned the right to go through. There’s been a fair bit of noise around the team, but you wouldn’t know it – they don’t care. They’ve just been so focused on achieving what we wanted to. I’m super proud of the lads. Ange PostecoglouTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from Deutsche Bank ParkCopy linkCopiedSolanke: We want trophiesTottenham matchwinner Dominic Solanke admitted that it’s been a tough season, but insists it can end in glory with Ange Postecoglou in charge.Speaking after the heroic 1-0 win in Frankfurt, the Spurs striker responded to a question about his manager’s future by pointing out they have a great opportunity to claim silverware despite all the criticism the club have faced.We haven’t had the best season in the Premier League, but ultimately we want to win trophies but we have a good chance of doing that this year in this cup.Dominic SolankeTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedFrom Tom Barclay at Deutsche Bank ParkAnge Postecoglou is bear-hugging all his players after an absolutely massive win for his side out here in Frankfurt.There was a very real danger that he could have lost his job had Spurs lost here.But now he has Tottenham dreaming they can go all the way in this competition and win their first trophy in 17 years.His team provided their most committed and mature performance of his tenure just when he needed it most.Copy linkCopiedFull time – E. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)A huge result for Tottenham Hotspur. A huge result for Ange Postecoglou.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+8. The goalkeeper is up for the set-piece, but Tottenham survive……and now Destiny Udogie is taking the ball downfield.Sarr is telling him to go for the empty goal, but he’s happy to wind the clock down……and there goes the final whistle!!Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+7. Romero – back up from his head knock – rushes out of his area, and dives in with a ridiculous tackle that takes out Skhiri.It earns him his customary yellow, but more worryingly gifts a free-kick to Frankfurt 30 yards from goal.Hold tight, Tottenham fans.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90+3. A cross from the left is deflected behind for a Frankfurt corner, and nerves among the travelling fans are at the maximum level.The home side pack the box and despite a sea of bodies rising to the ball, it travels right through where Udogie wins a throw.Meanwhile, two Spurs players – Sarr and Romero – are down, and undoubtedly eating up time.The refere, responding to the whistles from the crowd, dramatically points to his watch as if to tell them that this will be added back on.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)90. Spurs break up the pressure with Kulusevski, who does really well to run the ball down the line and keep possession. The board goes up, and there will be five minutes of stoppage time for Spurs to see out.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)88. Every player is deep inside the Tottenham half, but the coolest man on the pitch is Guglielmo Vicario, who comes out to claim a deep cross into the box.There will be no playing out from the back here. The Italian drops to the floor, and when he gets back up, he will be launching it downfield.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)86. Spurs are living very, very dangerously.It’s pure panic stations back there at times with Frankfurt coming time and time and time again.Whenever Spurs to get a foot in, they are thumping it whatever part of the pitch they can.Can the Premier League side hold on?Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)84. Kristensen again!The Leeds loanee is often Frankfurt’s furthest forward player, but he’s not missed good chances with his head, right foot and now left.The right-back scuffs this effort straight at Vicario while unmarked ten yards out.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)82. Frankfurt should be level!With play built-up on the left, Tottenham are caught out on over the right by a 2 on 1 overload.A cross trickles into the path of Kristensen, who has the whole goal to aim at, before he slams his left-footer wide of the far post.A big, big chance goes begging!Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)79. Ange Postecoglou responds to the Frankfurt alterations with a switch of his own – and it looks like he’s tightening things up.Forward Mathys Tel is withdrawn and on comes the battling midfield Pape Sarr.Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur has been cautioned for a foul on Can Uzun.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)77. The hosts make two changes with Ansgar Knauff and Elye Wahi thrown on with Frankfurt desperately needing a goal.Off go Hugo Larsson and Nathaniel Brown.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)75. Tottenham are living dangerously now!Mathys Tel twice plays his team into trouble, and it ends with Kristensen drilling a cross in from the right for Chaibi to toepoke goalwards.Vicario barely has time to see it yet still produces an instinctive block with his feet to keep Spurs’ lead in tact.The ball is still alive though, and soon lands on Kristensen’s head and nearly spins in at the far post despite the fact that the right-back was trying to put to back into the danger area.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)73. Into the final stages in Germany.One final push needed now, Spurs fans.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)70. Romero gets to the ball ahead of Ekitike in the box, and suddenly thousands of Frankfurt fans are screaming for a spotkick.I’m not sure whether they’re claiming for a foul or handball, but both seem optimistic given that the Argentine barely made contact with the striker and then was struck by the ball on the top of the shoulder.The video officials do give it a cursory review, but it’s quickly over – much to the fury of Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)67. A Tottenham player gets their head on the set-piece again!This time it’s Bentancur, whose effort soars over the crossbar at the near post.It was a tougher chance than Romero’s, and nowhere near as close, but the Uruguayan is still furious with himself for not converting.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)66. Spurs threaten on the counter again.Udogie and Tel work it down the left, and then the former nearly picks out the arriving Johnson at the far post.Only a desperate last-ditch interception takes it off the Welsh forward’s foot and away for another Spurs corner.Copy linkCopiedE. Frankfurt 0-1 Spurs (Agg: 1-2)64. Frankfurt are committing more men forward – and it’s leaving gaps at the back for Spurs to exploit.On the counter, Johnson and Kulusevski almost work an opening that the Swede eventually crashes into a nearby defender for a corner.Copy linkCopied More

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      Premier League confirm latest TV selections including Chelsea vs Man Utd and final Goodison Park game moved

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      TV PICKS for the penultimate week of the Premier League campaign have been announced, with Chelsea’s home clash with Manchester United moved to a prime time slot.The Blues will now face United on Friday, May 16 at 8pm as opposed to the Sunday.Man Utd’s clash with Chelsea has been movedCredit: The TimesThe last-ever Prem match at Goodison Park will be played at noon on Sunday, May 18Credit: GettyIt means that fans of both clubs will be able to watch their respective teams in action in the Women’s FA Cup final.Meanwhile, the final Prem fixture at Goodison Park – which sees Everton host Championship-bound Southampton – will take place at the unusual time of 12:00pm on Sunday, May 18 and is set to be shown on TNT Sports.Eight Premier League games will take place on the Sunday due to the men’s FA Cup final, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.Therefore, some fixtures are subject to the outcome of the FA Cup semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould they fail to reach the final, Nottingham Forest will travel to face West Ham at 2:15pm in a fixture set for broadcast on Sky Sports.Similarly, a Cup semi-final defeat will see Aston Villa host Tottenham at either 2:15pm OR 7:00pm live on Sky Sports, with the final kick-off time to be decided after the April 26 match at Wembley.Brentford’s meeting with Fulham as well as the relegation battle between Leicester and Ipswich will kick-off at 3:00pm.Subject to their FA Cup semi-final clash with Villa, Crystal Palace will host Wolves at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPremier League matchweek 37 fixturesFriday, May 16Chelsea vs Man UtdSunday, May 1812pm: Everton v Southampton (TNT Sports)2:15pm: West Ham v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)*2:15pm or 7pm: Aston Villa v Tottenham (Sky Sports)*3pm: Brentford v Fulham3pm: Crystal Palace v Wolves*3pm: Leicester v Ipswich4:30pm: Arsenal v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)7pm: Man City v AFC Bournemouth*Monday, May 1920:00: Brighton v Liverpool*subject to the outcome of the FA Cup semi-finalsNewcastle will travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at 4:30pm in a match that will be shown live on Sky Sports.And should Manchester City fail to make the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and Co will host Bournemouth at 7:00pm.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in EnglandFinally, Brighton will host champions-elect Liverpool at 8:00pm on Monday, May 19.The Reds would have likely secured the Prem title by that point, meaning Brighton will have to give them a guard of honour at the Amex Stadium.Liverpool will travel to Brighton on Monday, May 19Credit: PA More