Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Brentford 4 Newcastle 2: Bees keep up pace in race for European football but Toon’s winless slump continues

      by

      EDDIE HOWE’S unbeaten record against Brentford came to a crashing halt as The Bees finally broke their Newcastle hoodoo.Howe had never lost a Premier League match against Brentford after facing them six times, but his Toon Army have not travelled well this season.Bryan Mbeumo fired Brentford ahead after eight minutesCredit: ReutersMbeumo wheels off in celebrationCredit: PABy losing more than half of their 27 top flight away matches they are in a similar bracket to the likes of Wolves, and also The Bees.Yet they had been a bogey side for The Bees who had lost nine and drawn the other of the previous 10 league meetings between these sides, since a 1-0 home victory in the second tier in January 1948.Brentford’s solitary defeat in their last 13 home league games was 4-2 against Newcastle on the final day of last season. Plus, Newcastle were the only one of Brentford’s 25 Premier League opponents they had never beaten in the top flight.The Magpies would have arrived in London with high hopes following their eye-catching 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday, and with a proud record against Brentford.READ MORE IN football A league-high total of 34 goals had been scored at Gtech Community Stadium before yesterday, and we were treated to six more on a day when the country was advised to baton down the hatches thanks to Storm Darragh.The goal feast started early when Bryan Mbeumo jinked his way into the box and fired Brentford ahead after eight minutes.Alexander Isak stooped to head an equaliser three minutes later, but Harvey Barnes’ woeful cross-field pass after 28 minutes went straight to Yoane Wissa and he punished Newcastle with a fine finish.Barnes atoned four minutes later when he swivelled in the box and scored with a shot inside the far post.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: RexIsaak celebrates with Jacob MurphyCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDefender Nathan Collins restored the lead after 56 minutes before Kevin Shade came off the bench and completed the win in the final minute, lifting The Bees into the top six.Howe pulled a surprise by resting two of his key midfielders, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, starting them on the bench.It didn’t stop The Magpies making a fast start as in the second minute Sean Longstaff fired a fierce drive from the edge of the box which crashed off the bar.Brentford heeded the warning as Mbeumo scored one of his trademark specials.Skipper Christian Norgaard, back from injury for his 100th Premier League appearance, picked him out on the right edge of the box with a ball from inside his own half, and he skipped inside Lewis Hall and Joelinton before curling his shot high inside the near post.That took Mbeumo to nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, equalling his career-best tally set in each of the previous two seasons, and it ended a run of five matches without a goal.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa put Brentford back aheadCredit: PABrentford were back in the leadCredit: ReutersThe lead lasted just three minutes as Jacob Murphy swung in a cross from the right and Isak stooped at the far post to plant a header back across Flekken.Impressively, Isak has now been directly involved in seven goals in as many league games, scoring five and setting up two.His record should have gotten even better when he had a free run at goal as he cut in from the right after 19 minutes. He skipped past Flekken but delayed his shot and the goalkeeper saved the day by clawing the ball to safety.Barnes was guilty of a shocking error when he misplaced a pass from the halfway line across his back four. It went straight to Wissa who carried it to the edge of the box before planting it in the far top corner – his ninth goal in Brentford’s past six home league games.Harvey Barnes again levelled for NewcastleCredit: PAThe game was back onCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal meant he equalled Ivan Toney’s record of 19 Premier League goals scored at the Gtech Community Stadium.It was a case of “to you, to me” however, as Barnes made amends when Murphy provided another assist as he found him in the box with enough time to turn and shoot low inside the post.The woodwork prevented Wissa scoring again two minutes after the break, as his shot hit the arm of goalkeeper Nick Pope – who probably didn’t know much about it – and bounced off the post.There was no escape, however, when Flekken’s free kick into the box eluded everyone and Collins steered it inside the far post for his second of the season.Gordon and Tonali were introduced and although Tonali wasted a decent chance after 84 minutes when he headed over, their impact was minimal.And any hope of Howe rescuing his record was gone when Kevin Schade wrapped up the win in the dying moments. Although The Bees had gone into this game boasting the Premier League’s best home record, earning 19 points from seven games and scoring 22 goals, there were question marks over the quality of opponent during that run.Their six wins came against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich, Bournemouth and Leicester. READ MORE SUN STORIESOf that group, only Bournemouth are not struggling for points at the wrong end of the table.Beating Newcastle will be deemed a proper scalp.Nathan Collins put Brentford back in the leadCredit: RexCollins sent Brentford on their way to victoryCredit: PAKevin Schade wrapped up the winCredit: RexBrentford are on track for European footballCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2: Rico Lewis scores and then sees red as Man City lose yet more ground on Liverpool

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA cannot get a break. Even when he gets a break.Yet as Manchester City’s Prem misery deepened at Selhurst Park, the sense that even the Catalan magician knows the title is a lost cause was hard to shift.Rico Lewis saw red after a tackle on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: PAPep Guardiola saw his team drop points once againCredit: AlamyCity stars confronted the referee after the gameCredit: ReutersBut Crystal Palace were worth their point earned by goals from Daniel Munoz and Maxence LacroixCredit: GettyIn normal circumstances, finding a way to battle back on terms twice and dominating long periods would have been a sign of City slowly starting to find their feet.But these are not normal circumstances.Not when City have lost four of the previous five league matches to have been blown off title pace before they walked into the teeth of Storm Darragh.And dropping more points, as well as seeing Rico Lewis sent off for two cautions in the space of a quarter of an hour when they should have been pushing for the winner, added to City’s winter woes.read more in footballThere is something wrong with City. Badly wrong.Everyone can see it. Everyone HAS seen it.Yes, at times they can briefly recapture that swagger and poise, can appear on the cusp of regaining their confidence.But it only takes the next mistake to rip that veneer of self-belief away and display the gaping vulnerabilities.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMistakes that continue to emerge under pressure, that allowed Daniel Munoz and then Maxence Lacroix to twice put Palace ahead.In the end, after terrific replies from first Erling Halaand and then, before his dismissal, Lewis, those moments were not enough to earn Palace their first home win over City since 2015 – before Guardiola took the Etihad helm.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig There are reasons, of course. The City missing list is seemingly limitless – and growing with every passing week.Guardiola, already without John Stones, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb, travelled down to the capital without both bronchitis victim Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji.But there cannot be ANY excuses for a team with City’s financial resources.Injuries are simply part of football and it has been Guardiola’s choice to drop Ederson and play Stefan Ortega in goal.What was an additional factor, though, were the conditions, teeming rain and the threat of 50mph-plus winds.Not that the conditions were responsible for the opener, inside four minutes.Jean-Philippe Mateta span off the lazy Josko Gvardiol to play a return to Will Hughes.The midfielder spotted that Lewis had switched off, allowing Daniel Munoz – played onside by Ruben Dias – to run in on goal.Munoz obliged, his drive flicking the inside of Ortega’s glove on its way to the net.Appeals for a VAR reprieve, led by Dias, correctly fell on deaf ears at Stockley Park.Initially, it looked darker for City as Haaland, of all people, wasted two chances to put them back on terms.The first was just three minutes later, when Kevin de Bruyne played perfectly in behind the Palace backline.You would have put your house on Haaland. Instead, he smashed into the face of the onrushing Dean Henderson.Then Haaland shrugged aside Maxence Lacroix to find de Bruyne but overran the return pass, allowing the home defence to hack clear.Ismaila Sarr spooned over from the edge of the box fro Palace before Henderson’s left-hand upright denied Ilkay Gundogan’s volley, with Savinho frustrated as he steered the rebound wide of the other post.But after a brilliant block by Dias prevented Jefferson Lerma making it two after Munoz shrugged off Lewis’ attentions and linked up with Sarr and Mateta, City did equalise.Nunes flung in a ball to the back post where Haaland rose as high as a skyscraper, out-jumping both Henderson and Marc Guehi – back wearing the regular armband after the week’s rainbow furore – and raising his left arm as his header floated into the far corner.Instead of waiting to be congratulated, Haaland urged his team-mates to join him for an impromptu huddle inside the PALACE box before they returned to their own half.Lacroix just prevented De Bruyne’s low cross finding Haaland in front of goal before the interval.City were starting to play, Palace forced deep. Only for Guardiola’s men to cause themselves more damage.Hughes, gifted the ball 30 out, saw his shot deflected behind but jogged over to take the right-wing corner.It looked a routine, middle of the six yard box inswinger.But Ortega was stuck like a statue, Walker got caught underneath the ball, and Lacroix cashed in, thumping home an unstoppable header from close range.Another defeat would have been true crisis.Instead, Palace were unpicked after a drop ball, quick passes between Gundogan, de Bruyne and finally Bernardo Silva creating the opening for Lewis, running through the channel, to lash high right-footed past the stranded Henderson.No celebrations for this goal either – City knew a point was not enough.Henderson clawed away a deflected Savinho effort, Haaland’s header was touched over the bar and you expected the storm to overwhelm Palace.But Lewis, booked for dissent soon after his goal, slid in to send Chalobah flying inside the Palace box, a needless foul that sent them down to 10.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf anyone was going to win it after that, it was Palace. Which tells you all you need to know. More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0: Saints now EIGHT POINTS adrift at bottom of Prem as Emery’s side close gap on Man City

      by

      ASTON VILLA battered Southampton’s defence as relentlessly as Storm Darragh – but only had Jhon Duran’s first goal since September to show for all their huffing and puffing.The big Colombian celebrated his first Premier League start of the season with a first-half winner.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran scored the winner against SouthamptonCredit: GettySouthampton are now in deeper relegation troubleCredit: PAAston Villa have closed the gap with Manchester CityCredit: AFPAston Villa have won their second game in a row after eight winless matchesCredit: GettyBut Ollie Watkins missed a hat-trick of chances and goalkeeper Joe Lumley blocked a stoppage-time effort from John McGinn with his legs to defy Unai Emery’s men.Villa will just be pleased to head for the warmth of the home dressing room with three points bagged ahead of their Champions League trip to RB Leipzig as they climbed to fifth.But Russell Martin’s toothless Saints didn’t manage one shot on target which is why they remain rooted to the foot of the table.We’ll all miss Southampton when they eventually return to the Championship – for comedy value alone.Read More on FootballBefore Saints fans get their hackles up, you can’t really argue that’s harsh when your travelling support are singing: ‘How s**t must you be, it’s only 1-0?’ after half an hour!There is no such thing as a dull game when Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are in town.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Ryan Manning gave the home fans a scare after nine minutes with a low shot which clipped the inside of Diego Carlos’s boot and flew just wide, to Emi Martinez’s relief.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThen Ezri Konsa had to hurl himself into a brilliant blocking tackle to deny Cameron Archer, who had pulled the trigger from 12 yards after some sloppy defending from Villa.But there were already tell-tale signs that Saints defence was getting bored with such a steady start.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadThey almost blundered trying to play the ball out from the back when Morgan Rogers pounced only to have his shot deflected for a corner by Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Two minutes later Rogers played Duran through on goal as the Saints defence was caught napping.However a brilliantly-timed diving save from Lumley thwarted the Colombian battering ram as he managed to whip the ball off the striker’s toes.But the fun really began midway through the first half when Nathan Wood played a passback to Lumley, who then tried to play to a fellow Saint….. eight yards from his own goal-line!Boubacar Kamara had sniffed out the opportunity, intercepted and the ball broke to McGinn whose shot was desperately blocked.But Saints’ stay of execution only lasted for another 60 seconds as they imploded in the 24th minute.Duran with the winnerThey actually had Villa pinned back with an aggressive high press.When Konsa played in Carlos there was no other option available to the Spaniard other than to play a long hopeful pass into the inside right channel.Then let Duran do the rest!The Colombian kid must be an absolute nightmare to play against.Wood looked favourite to clear the ball until the young battering ram eased him off it.Harwood-Bellis took over but Duran cleverly picked his pocket, nicking the ball off his toes before bursting clear.Aston Villa could capitaliseHe rag-dolled Wood as he attempted to recover then calmly clipped the ball beyond the onrushing Lumley who had sprinted to the edge of his box to try and avert the danger.However there was no stopping Duran from bagging his fifth Premier League goal of the season and his first since he netted against Wolves on September 21.But try as they might, Villa couldn’t capitalise on that lead.Rogers came close with a driving run and low cross which flew across the face of Saints goal but there were no takers from one yard out.Duran had another shot blocked by Wood but at half-time Villa’s lead remained a slender one.However they were up against a team who had enjoyed more of the pressure – Saints had 52.10 per cent of the first-half play – yet hadn’t managed a single shot on target.Martin tried to beef up his attack by sending on Joe Aribo for James Bree at the break.And Konsa did well to head a wicked Kyle Walker-Peters cross over his own bar under pressure from Adam Armstrong.But Emery saw Martin’s substitution and raised the stakes by sending on FOUR subs before the hour.Lucas Digne, Jaden Philogene, Ross Barkley and Watkins replaced Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans and Duran.But the pattern of the game never changed with Villa continually knocking on the door but Saints somehow managing to keep it locked for once.Watkins had a shot blocked before Pau Torres headed over from the resulting corner.Southampton created threatsSaints had a rare sight on goal when Tyler Dibling burst clear and picked out Archer but Kamara – who was superb throughout – got back to block.Eighteen-year-old sub Sam Amo-Ameyaw then curled over a teasing cross which threatened to creep in at the back post until Martinez dived to clutch it.That was as close as Saints got to a shot on target.Meanwhile, Villa continued to squander good chances.Watkins set up Barkley six-yards out but Wood got back to brilliantly block.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Saints defender then managed to clear a Watkins effort off the line before he punched the air defiantly after blocking the England striker, who was sent clear by Rogers.All Martin needs is another four defenders like Wood! More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We’re still in the last century’ admits Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd chief hints at major change to rescue ‘mediocre’ club

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has labelled Manchester United “mediocre” and warned that “difficult and unpopular decisions” would be needed to get the club back to the top.Ratcliffe came under scrutiny earlier this week after the controversial decision to raise prices for unsold Premier League tickets to a minimum of £66 regardless of age.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Man Utd had become ‘mediocre’ and that ‘difficult’ decisions would need to be made to get the club back to the topCredit: PAThe decision to raise unsold ticket prices to a minimum of £66 regardless of age sparked fan protestsCredit: PAThe Man Utd co-owner insisted he did not want to price out local fansCredit: GettySpeaking to United We Stand editor Andy Mitten in a bombshell interview, Ratcliffe was asked about the decision to scrap concession ticket prices.The Ineos billionaire, who now controls a 27.7 per cent share in Man Utd, said: “The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre. “It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. That’s what it used to be under Alex [Ferguson]. “There is major change to come to achieve elite status. There has already been huge change.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Ineos’ takeover of football activity at the club, a number of key appointments have been made to improve the club’s structure including the arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada as director of football and CEO.Ruben Amorim was appointed as the team’s new manager after Ineos sacked Erik ten Hag despite initially keeping the Dutchman in the summer – decisions costing the club £21.4million.On those calls, Ratcliffe said: “I know we get criticism in the press but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.”We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If you are losing money you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually that becomes unsustainable…”We’re on the way, but this won’t happen overnight. There are financial issues which we need to address because we’ve inherited a financial situation that only time will solve.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionAsked specifically about the rise in ticket prices which sparked furious fan protest at Old Trafford earlier this week, he said: “It’s an emotive one, ticketing, but we have to have some benchmarks with ticketing.”We must make sure that we look after the community because at the end of the day it’s their football club. “We need to make sure that people who are genuine supporters can afford to go. Maybe their circumstances don’t allow them to spend a fortune on tickets.“I 100 per cent get that. But we have to balance that and optimise our ticket income because it feeds back into how do we win the Champions League or Premier League.“I’m very cognisant that we have to look after the community because it’s the community’s team, but equally I want to optimise the revenue from people who can afford it.”Ratcliffe argued the decision only looked at three per cent of the tickets and insisted he did not want to price out locals.He added: “I understand that. I was brought up on a council estate in Manchester, I absolutely get that. “I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can’t afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing. We need to find a balance. And you can’t be popular all the time either.“Here, we’re talking about three per cent of the tickets. That’s not the issue. “The issue, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham.”Ratcliffe also slammed the team’s recruitment in recent years, describing the club as in the “last century” in terms of data analysis.He said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data Analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here. “These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”The other big one is we need to run the club efficiently and well. We need to sweat every pound so that we have more capacity for the investment in players. “Those are the big-ticket items which take up time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The other point here is how you grow the amount of money that you can spend on players. You can run the business more efficiently. And you can grow the top line.”Ratcliffe added that he wants staff morale to be driven by results on the pitch and that he saw much-maligned majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer as nice people “who are “genuine fans of the club”. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham’s Michail Antonio trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes after horror crash as injuries revealed

      by

      WEST Ham’s Michail Antonio was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes after a horror car crash today.The footballer, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital after his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm.A source told The Sun Michail’s legs have been ‘shattered’ in the horror crashCredit: GettyPhotographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the FerrariCredit: XThe footballer was reportedly trapped for 45 minutes before fire crews cut him freeCredit: XEx-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois, Essex — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.Read More on West HamOne said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.”It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”Most read in FootballA motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.”West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media. “Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”They shared earlier: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. “On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Michail previously opened up about a car accident on Christmas Day in 2019 when the footballer ploughed his £210,000 Lamborghini into a south London garden while dressed as a snowman.”This conversation is very like… (touches chest),” He told the On The Judy podcast previously. “Still to this day it’s hurt me.”Basically yeah, slippery road. Obviously, in the car, it holds corners nicely in it so I’m going like 30, maybe 35, on a 30 road.”It holds corners so I’m thinking I don’t even need to break, I’m just gonna go around the corner, sick car.”As I’m going round the corner, it skids. So I s*** myself and I slam on the breaks.”Worst thing you can do on ice, yeah, slam on the brakes cause you just speed up. Slam on the brakes, just skid but I’ve just gone up the curb.”I don’t even remember it and then I’m seeing smoke coming out the front of the car.”Antonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once. He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward joined the club in 2015 from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. West Ham face Wolves in their next Premier League match tomorrow night.Michail has played for West Ham since 2015 and made 15 appearances this seasonCredit: GettyThe dad-of-four is ‘under close supervision’ but is ‘conscious and communicating’Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gutted Everton fan spent 17 years saving for 10,000 mile trip for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d match

      by

      AN Aussie Everton fan was left gutted after Storm Darragh ruined his “bucket list” dream of watching his favourite team.The Toffees were scheduled to host Liverpool for Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, but the extreme weather conditions led to a postponement.Everton fan Nathan Hamlin flew all the way from Australia to watch the Merseyside DerbyCredit: Sky NewsThe Merseyside Derby was postponed because of Storm DarraghCredit: AFPNathan Hamlin and his mum flew all the way from Perth for the 30-hour trip to Liverpool, which required a total of four stops, but found out two hours before the game that it was all for nought. Storm Darragh has caused disruption throughout the entire country as its 90mph winds caused power cuts, trees to be uprooted and events as well as travel to be cancelled.The game was postponed due to health and safety concern and Everton confirmed all tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.However, that may be of no help for Hamlin, 32, who waited at least 17 years to watch his favourite team in action up close and in person.Read More on FootballThis unfortunate development means he may have missed his last chance of ever seeing a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park as the club moves to Bramley Moore Dock for next season.Hamlin told Sky News: “It’s very upsetting due to the fact my mother and I have flown about 30 hours in total.”Perth-Singapore, Singapore-London, London-Dublin, then Dublin all the way over to here.”It’s been a bucket list item that I’ve always wanted to cross off, and the fact that it’s the last opportunity that we’re going to get to have a Merseyside Derby at Goodison, that was the clinching reason why I came.Most read in FootballAsked if he’s ever watched Everton play in person before, Hamlin responded: “No, I’ve spent probably the last 17 plus years – I’m 32 now – as an Everton fan watching online, watching over [the] product in Australia.”To actually get to go to Goodison, to get to see a game in person was exactly why I came and it’s been very unfortunate.93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off”I understand the weather – I totally get it. I’m a health and safety advisor, so I totally get the reason as to why you called it off.”It’s just upsetting to be coming this far and only finding out a couple of hours before that you can’t go to the game.”This comes after Everton captain Seamus Coleman made a touching gesture to another Aussie fan who blew “all his savings” on a flight to attend the last Goodison Merseyside derby.Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, had made the 10,000-mile 24-hour trip from Sydney to watch his beloved Blues face Liverpool.It was his “dream” to watch his Liverpool-born mum’s Toffees play against their red neighbours at the historic old ground before the switch to Bramley Moore Dock.However, after Storm Darragh forced safety officials to postpone the game, he will miss out unless it can be re-arranged to take place within the next week before he jets back Down Under.Coleman tries to make it upAfter news of his heartbreak spread following the postponement, Coleman attempted to make it up to Mackenzie by inviting him to be a VIP guest at their Finch Farm training ground.In a video message to the youngster, who is staying with an aunt in England, the Irish ace said: “Hi Mackenzie, it’s Seamus Coleman here. I just wanted to send you a video message today to say I know you’ll be so disappointed today.“I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you?“Hopefully you can see some of the lads and that will make up for the disappointment on Saturday. We can have a bit of a chat then. All the very best Mackenzie and take care.”Mackenzie’s mum Rita, an Everton diehard, admitted that she thought he had “no chance” of earning and saving enough cash to pay for the trip.Fan spent all his savingsBut he proved them wrong and after spending £1,400 he landed at John Lennon Airport in time to see his team thrash Wolves, who his father happens to support, 4-0 on Wednesday.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about her initial response to his derby dream just after Easter, Rita said: “You’ve got no chance mate. We’ve just come back from England and there’s no way I can save that money in the time we’ve got.“When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMackenzie’s nan Jo had previously explained that the person who sits next to her son Michael had to work today, which resulted in his ticket being available.Rita added: “He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago ‘I’d really like to go mum – will you let me go?’ I said, ‘I can’t stop you if you’ve got the money’. We’re very proud of him.”Everton captain Seamus Coleman invited another Aussie fan to trainingCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer reveals his McDonald’s order after stunning workers at drive-thru as fans say ‘never change’

      by

      COLE PALMER has finally revealed his favourite McDonald’s order after being spotted at a drive-through.And the Chelsea and England star’s usual haul from the fast food chain is a massive one, to say the least.Cole Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s drive-through last monthCredit: XThe Chelsea and England star has revealed his massive order from the fast-food chainCredit: REXAs an elite athlete, Palmer seldom munches a Maccies – unlike many of his age mates.But on the few occasions he does, the winger absolutely goes to town.The Euro 2024 final goalscorer, 22, was quizzed about his order during an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast.He replied: “Double cheeseburger, 20 nuggets and a strawberry milkshake.”READ MORE ON COLE PALMERReacting to Palmer’s order, one Chelsea fan said: “Never change.”Palmer stunned McDonald’s employees during last month’s international break by rocking up to a drive-through.And he cracked out a smile as they did their best impression of his cold celebration.The photo went viral and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom said: “This is cold.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea player ratings vs SouthamptonCHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Here’s how the players rated…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.MALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal. Rattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner. Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.COLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact.Another said: “Bro wherever he passes through – the coldness increasing.”And another said: “He freezes everything.”Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyPalmer may love a McDonald’s, although they specialise in his beloved “chippy chips” – which he’s partial to having after games.When asked what his favourite post-match meal is, he told the BBC: “I don’t know. Chinese, probs.”Salt and pepper chicken [and rice. No salt and pepper chips, too much that. You know chippy chips?”They have to be them chips or you don’t get them. Curry sauce and noodles.”Palmer and his Chelsea team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling across London to take on Tottenham. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Red Devils look to bounce back from midweek defeat

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED host Nottingham Forest in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.Ruben Amorim tasted his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night – following a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal.Man Utd will be looking to bounce back this evening as they face a Forest side that have lost three of their last four Premier League games.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: To follow…Nottingham Forest team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…United keep Kath in their thoughtsUnited have kept the memory of much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps at the front of their thoughts on matchday after she died this week aged 85.The club had shared the news of her death by describing her as: “friend, confidant and treasured colleague” – adding “United will never be the same”.Famous past and present figures around Old Trafford, like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, paid tribute.And this afternoon the club posted on social media: “Thinking of you today, Kath.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedUtd landing Raum could depend on Ten HagRuben Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford, writes PHIL THOMAS.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.But Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.David Raum left-Back of RB Leipzig and Germany during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Leipzig at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on September 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Credit: GettyThe Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.If the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils’ statement reassures fansEverton’s derby with Liverpool was amongst the victims of Storm Darragh today.But United were able to reassure fans just before noon.They issued a statement saying: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”Copy linkCopiedRed Devils must win to leapfrog ForestWhat odds on this at the start of the season?United host Forest – needing victory to leapfrog the Midlanders into mid-table.Meanwhile, visitors boss Nuno Espirito Santo is chasing three points to show their early run to the top three was no fluke.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim waved to fans on his arrival at Old TraffordCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied More