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      Man Utd and Tottenham will deserve a Champions League place if they win Europa League, whatever whinging Wenger says

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      IF I was asked for my favourite moment in over 30 years in football, I wouldn’t need to phone a friend, ask the audience, go 50-50 or even ask Jeremy Clarkson.The day West Ham lifted a European trophy will always be a treasured pinnacle.Former Arsenal boss Wenger has said neither Man Utd or Spurs deserve Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyMan Utd will face Spurs in Bilbao to contest the Europa League final after a league season to forgetCredit: ReutersSpurs are also desperate to qualify for the Champions League by winning in BilbaoCredit: ReutersThat win over Fiorentina in Prague in the Europa Conference League final ended 43 years of hurt at West Ham.For me and all our supporters it was something very special — a day to tell the grandchildren. You just cannot beat the feeling of winning silverware.So Wednesday’s Europa League final — the ‘British battle of Bilbao’ — is a clash which means the world to fans of Spurs and Manchester United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOnly this one comes with a big, fat, juicy cherry on top of the cake.Victory means Champions League qualification next season and that comes with a cheque for £100million, and possibly a lot more.In a way, this is a final bigger than a trophy.But now the argument begins. Look at the Premier League table and you can’t fail to notice that both clubs are nearer the floor than the ceiling.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFor both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itHere is the question — and it’s worth a lot more than the £1m on offer to contestants in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?Is this a case of Champions League via a sneaky short cut? Or has it been truly earned?Fifa’s chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, revealed his distaste for this back-door route into the Champions League.When asked if it was ‘right,’ Wenger said: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.“Especially when you are in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. It is something to think about and to review.”West Ham won the Europa Conference League in 2023Credit: GettyCritics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly.Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering!Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all-final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.If supporters love it, who are we to criticise?While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table.Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal.For Spurs and Manchester United this game effectively decides their summer spending budget. Will it be Harrods or Peckham market?So are league positions no longer the true barometer of a team’s season? Wenger wants it to change so we shall see.Read More on The SunWhether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season.It could define the future of European football. More

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      Man Utd fans accuse VAR of drawing line next to WRONG PLAYER after disallowed Harry Maguire goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced VAR drew the offside lines on the WRONG PLAYER when they ruled out Harry Maguire’s goal against Chelsea.The England international thought he’d given the Red Devils the lead in the 16th minute of their trip to Chelsea with a beautiful right-footed finish inside the box.Harry Maguire thought he’d given Manchester United the lead against ChelseaCredit: REUTERSBut the goal was ruled out for the most marginal of offsides, much to the annoyance of Red Devils fansCredit: SKY SPORTSBut the goal was ruled out as part of his right knee and a small portion of his foot were marginally offside.The Old Trafford faithful weren’t happy when they saw a graphic of the offside and vented their frustration on X.One wrote: “Why didn’t they use Cucurella. VAR at it again?”Another said: “Wait, they drew the line on the wrong person!!!! Cucurella was the last man.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”But it still looked off sha, but still!!!And another said: “Premier League, that’s fraud. Cucurella kept him onside.”One remarked: “That’s not even offside! So f***ing rigged. “The animation showed the defender closest to Maguire.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Yet it was the defender on the far side who had his arm wide out, playing Maguire onside!! Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash”They didn’t show that!”Another chimed in: “That is not even offside ref.”Had the goal stood, it would’ve been Maguire’s fifth of a mixed season for Ruben Amorim’s side.His fourth of the campaign came in the Red Devils’ sensational Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon. More

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      Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0: Villans brush aside Spurs ‘bomb squad’ as Konsa and Kamara boost Champions League hopes

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      UNAI EMERY had unlikely heroes Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to thank for three crucial points as Villa turned the heat on their Champions League rivals.The Spaniard celebrated his 100th Premier League game in charge of Villa with a hard-earned 54th win.Ezri Konsa puts Aston Villa 1-0 upCredit: GettyVilla celebrate taking the leadCredit: GettyKonsa pounced to grab his third goal of the season but it was Kamara who supplied the cherry on the top of the cake with his first Premier goal – at the 69th attempt!The win saw Villa leapfrog Manchester City and move to within two points of second-placed Arsenal as Villa set a new club record with their 32nd win of the season in all competitions.Emery’s men came into this game brimming with confidence…. and a burning sense of injustice.They were unbeaten in 20 home games across all competitions – their best run for 48 years – and had won their last seven on the spin at Villa Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there were empty seats as many fans couldn’t make the hastily re-arranged date after the Premier League allowed Spurs more time to prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final. Ange Postecoglou wrapped his stars up in cotton wool ahead of their midweek trip to Bilbao. Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were all on the bench, while Sergio Reguilon started a Premier League game for Spurs for the first time since April 2022.That meant the spotlight fell on Son Heung-min who faced a final audition ahead of Wednesday’s cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoubacar Kamara fires Villa 2-0 in frontCredit: PAThe Spurs skipper only returned from a foot injury for the last half hour of his side’s 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.With just five days to go, this was his last chance to stake his claim for a starting place in Bilbao.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAnd he certainly gave Matty Cash a torrid time of it.He burst past the startled full-back after five minutes but lacked that vital match sharpness and allowed the Villa man to recover and take the pace off his shot.At the other end Antonin Kinsky got a vital touch to divert a cross away from Ollie Watkins’ waiting head before John McGinn fired just over after dispossessing Djed Spence.Villa were finding Spurs a tough nut to crack and Son was beginning to find his feet.He chopped inside Cash before rifling a ferocious effort just over, then produced a fine pass to set Wilson Odobert clear.The ball was worked wide to Mathys Tel who drilled in a low cross which Odobert turned goalwards with a cute Cruyff-flick but Emi Martinez reacted superbly to block with his left boot.It was end to end stuff and Kinsky surpassed himself with a full-length save to prevent Morgan Rogers’ delicate flick from finding the far corner of his net.Villa’s frustration was growing and Cash was booked for waving an imaginary yellow card at Pape Sarr, before Archie Gray joined him for clattering Ollie Watkins.Ange Postecoglou rested several key playersCredit: ReutersMarco Asensio then came close with a shot which flashed inches wide of the far post.But at the break Postecoglou would have been the happier boss with the stalemate.Ezri Konsa and Tel got the second half off to a bad-tempered start when they clashed and both captains were called in to have a word.Tel escaped with a warning despite flashing an elbow at Konsa and Emery tapped a finger to his temple to warn his players to think about who was benefitting from the disruption.But the tension was suddenly lifted just before the hour as Villa broke the deadlock with their 16th set-piece goal of the season in the Prem.McGinn’s deep corner was headed down by Watkins at the back post and Ezri Konsa spun to steer the ball beyond Kinsky from inside the six-yard-box.That goal lifted a weight off Villa and Kinsky did well to deny Watkins before McGinn fired just wide as Emery’s men pushed for the second goal needed to kill-off Spurs.Read More on The SunIt finally arrived after 73 minutes from the unlikeliest scorer as Kamara broke his Villa duck.Rogers fed him at the edge of the Spurs box and Asensio created space with a clever decoy run and Kamara cashed in to slam the ball beyond Kinsky from the edge of the box. More

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      How Crystal Palace can use Erling Haaland to their advantage to topple Man City in FA Cup final

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      ERLING HAALAND could be key to winning the FA Cup final… but not necessarily for Manchester City.Crystal Palace head to Wembley looking to win their first-ever trophy having reached the final in 1990 and 2016.Erling Haaland’s return may pose as much of an issue as it does a solution for Man CityCredit: PAEberechi Eze is unquestionably Crystal Palace’s star man – and Erling Haaland’s return could play into his handsCredit: PAOn both occasions they lost to Manchester United in nail-biting games.But they’ll be hoping to use their late-season form to snatch glory from another Manchester side, this time City, amid their worst-ever season under Pep Guardiola.The eight-time Premier League champions have been boosted by the return of fit-again Haaland.But could that be more of a problem than a solution for Guardiola?READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport’s Dean Scoggins runs through why Haaland’s comeback in the capital could be to the Eagles’ advantage.Will Man City be forced to change their shape for Haaland?Yes, they will.When you play with a false nine, whether that’s Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush or whoever, Pep plays in just a different way.What I expect to see is Haaland as the target man and City trying to create a triangle off him.Most read in FootballHaaland’s presence will be a boost for City, but could also play into Palace’s handsCredit: GettyGuehi and Lacroix will have a tough time up against Haaland, but if they do their job it could allow Eze to shineCredit: GettyWe’ve talked about this in previous shows, where you’ve got Marmoush one side and maybe Foden or De Bruyne in an area where they’ll go then beyond Haaland.This is actually where Palace might hope that City change their formation in order to suit Haaland.It will benefit them because their defenders are going to be a little bit more free.The right centre-back, maybe Maxence Lacroix and the left centre-back being Marc Guehi, they might be a bit more free off and on the ball if the midfield players do their job.So therefore, if City push their wingers on, those centre-backs can cover and the rest of the team get the freedom going the other way.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEberechi Eze key for Crystal PalaceThat’s when they’ll be trying to free up Eze… and, It sounds ridiculous, but I think it might actually suit Palace if Haaland plays.Yes, he’s a goal threat, but in open play, it gives you that option to get the game forward.In the game at the Etihad earlier this season, Palace pushed their full-backs right up on Man City… if they do that in this game, they’re going to end up getting Eze in areas where he’s most dangerous.And if the ball goes in direct to him, he can cause a real problem going the other way.Oliver Glasner and Pep Guardiola have some huge tactical decisions to contend withCredit: AlamySo, what’s the verdict?It’s a difficult one because in one way, obviously you’ve got to defend against Haaland and he’s the best striker in the Premier League…But from a tactical perspective, if you can trust a centre-back to do a job on him 1v1, it actually gives you the option to overload going the other way.We’ve seen it in games against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk has done it and Ibrahima Konate has done it – and we’ve seen it in a Manchester United game where Harry Maguire did it because he wants to play that combative way.Read More on The SunI’m not saying that Haaland’s not going to score and Man City aren’t going to be ridiculously dangerous.But if Palace get their transition right from defence into attack, they could end up getting Eze in the position they want him. More

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      Ex-Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew reveals how chess champion Eberechi Eze can checkmate Man City in FA Cup final

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      ALAN PARDEW says Eberechi Eze can spark a great knight by becoming a Crystal Palace king.The winger is a symbol of how the club from the mean streets of South London has been transformed.Former Palace boss Pardew believes Eze is the key to unlocking an FA Cup final victory for his former sideCredit: GettyEberechi Eze has performed on and off the pitch this season, winning football and chess matchesCredit: GettyEze, 26, is a chess champion and an England international.A deep-thinking member of a polished Palace squad that is a far cry from when Pardew played and managed there.Today is the third FA Cup final for a club yet to win a major trophy.Pardew played in the first, managed the Eagles for the second and reckons this is the best shot ever his beloved ex-team has of finally landing silverware.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSPardew, 63, told SunSport: “Palace is an ‘edgy’ club. Always on the edge, whether relegation or the cusp of winning something.“We get more street-type players like Wayne Rooney at our academy, who just love the ball at their feet. The area around the ground is ‘edgy’.“We get more of that type than we do structured midfield players or centre-halves or sensible right-backs. We get right-backs who just want to fly down the wing.“The current squad has now been internationally sourced and scouted.”Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSStar player Eze won Chess.com’s four-day PogChamps tournament this month — beating YouTuber Sapnap in the final.And Pardew said: “It’s brilliant Eze won that chess tournament.“He is actually a neighbour of mine.Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’“He is a humble guy, he was very respectful to me when we met. Such a lovely person and to have that talent is a blessing.“It’s nice to see him win a chess tournament — brilliant. And it doesn’t surprise me, because when he plays the game, everything he does is strategic.“He passes the ball when he should and he crosses the ball when he should.“And he shoots when he should and defends when he should. And he does that all of the time. He gets the mixture just right.“The 1990 team was Steve Coppell doing the best job he could with the least amount of money.“Non-league players like myself, Ian Wright, Andy Gray. Geoff Thomas came from Crewe, as did John Pemberton.“We were a band of brothers from all corners of the football world. With 12 years of Premier League money, they have invested much more wisely.“It has taken them up a level. I would go as far as saying this is the best team I’ve seen at Palace.“I remember Gareth Southgate, when he went to the 1990 Cup final as a young player. He was teased as he was the only one in the squad who had any O-levels.“But our centre-half Eric Young, did go on to pass his accountancy exams after retirement, so there was some room for intelligence.”Pardew wants a Palace win as a reward for the supporters.He said: “I hope they get this one over the line for the fans. They are brilliant. They’ll sing the whole game.“A lot of those people are in jobs where money is tight, so getting to this final would be a big expense.“But they’ll still go the extra mile to be there.”Read More on The SunALAN PARDEW now leads his own strategic football consultancy, channelling years of experience to support clubs at every level, from recruitment to coach mentoring. Find him at www.apardew-consultancy.com More

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      Tottenham could face ANOTHER Europa League final injury blow as star ‘escorted down tunnel by medical staff’

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      TOTTENHAM have been hit by another injury blow after Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel by medical staff.The midfielder was taken off in the 53rd minute and replaced by Yves Bissouma.Pape Matar Sarr was escorted down the tunnel after coming offCredit: GettyHe was immediately seen to by medical staff and gingerly walked straight down the tunnel at Aston Villa.Sarr, 22, is now an injury doubt for the Europa League final next Wednesday although Postecoglou said he was taken off as a precaution.He said: “Pape felt something in his back so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. “I don’t think it’s anything too significant speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back and I think Mikey (Moore) was okay.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is yet another blow for Spurs, who have lost James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to injury in the build-up.That means Ange Postecoglou will be scratching his head over who to start in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also out.Postecoglou made sweeping changes for the visit to Villa Park with the crucial trip to Bilbao on the cards.But Spurs could not avoid another injury, which has been the case all season long.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt comes after Postecoglou said his side “could not afford to lose” any more players to injury.He said ahead of the Villa clash: “The reality of our existence at the moment is we can’t lose another player to an injury. It’s just too finely balanced for us considering what’s at stake.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battles”Look, in a normal world you use this to be sharpening up, but we’re not living in a normal world.”Even with the best planning we’re still getting hit with these setbacks. From my perspective I’ve got to take that into account when considering the [Aston Villa] game.” More

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      Fulham’s posh new £100m stand is like none I’ve ever seen with a swimming pool and cocktail bar

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      IT’S half-time and I’d normally be setting off to tackle a tortuous queue for a pint and a pie, as is the norm after 45 minutes of Prem action. But what’s this — waiters hovering with champagne and fine wine? Dainty pastries, plush seating and cocktail terraces? Toilets fit for ­royalty? This is like no football ground I’ve ever seen. Fulham FC’s new ­Riverside stand will make matchday something more like a mini-break in DubaiCredit: SuppliedThe south-western corner overlooks what will soon be an infinity pool and hotelCredit: SuppliedThe pitchside view of the Riverside Stand at Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadiumCredit: RexThis is Fulham FC’s new ­Riverside stand, six years in the making at a cost of well over £100million, and about as far removed from the British football experience as you can get — with prices to match. The Sun was invited to see the new Sky Deck ­hospitality area, three floors of five-star lounges, bars and restaurants in the West London club’s historic Craven Cottage stadium — the capital’s oldest football ground. The club’s US billionaire owner Shahid Khan has reinvented match day as something more like a mini-break in Dubai. With many smaller Premier League clubs struggling to bring in the cash to keep up with transfer fees and wage bills, money-spinning sidelines like this could offer ­salvation. READ MORE FULHAM NEWSUnder profit and sustainability rules, tycoons cannot just keep pumping money into their clubs to keep them afloat. But they can expand to ­create new revenue streams and grow the business — and get more value from stadiums, which often sit idle when there is no game on. Fulham are unashamedly chasing after cash from locals in this well-heeled part of London. The hospitality facilities operate as a members’ club on non-match days, with fees of £780 to £1,200 a year — footie not included. Most read in FootballBut to enjoy the Sky Deck experience when Fulham play Manchester City on Sunday, May 25, the fans — and spend-happy tourists — will fork out £718 for ONE GAME. Sky Deck day prices vary, but a ­season ticket costs £9,300. Premier League club’s incredible new stand boasts ultra VIP experience with rooftop bar and POOLAnd with many Fulham supporters already seething at sky-high prices (regular season tickets cost up to £3,000), one wonders what message such an opulent project sends to the loyal, less loaded club followers.  We are greeted with a glass of fizz and, as soon as we sit, smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venison. There is no denying that the development is breathtaking. Guests enter hospitality via a grand spiral staircase from the stylish Riverside ­concourse, where fans with regular tickets can enjoy food and drink. But upstairs lies a different world. Three hours before kick-off, our ­lanyard gives access to three vast floors with different ­theming, going from cruise ship to Orient Express carriage to high-end hotel. A grand piano will be installed shortly. We are greeted with a glass of fizz and, as soon as we sit, smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venison. Footie fans will be able to swap their pint for cocktails with a view over the ThamesCredit: SuppliedNo pies at half-time for Fulham fans, as smiling staff bring endless plates of beef carpaccio, scallops and venisonCredit: SuppliedNo balti pies or Bovril here, this is a bream and bottomless ­bubbly joint. On the top floor are two open-air terraces, where margaritas are lined up on the bars. The south-western corner overlooks what will soon be an infinity pool and hotel. ‘Weep into our beer’ Panoramic views take in landmarks such as Wembley Stadium, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground. Craven Cottage opened as ­Fulham’s ground in 1896 — but the club’s new showpiece has little to remind you that you are in a ­football stadium at all. There is barely any reference to Fulham FC other than some subtle black and white details on the walls, a single tile in the unfinished pool and a club badge on a walkway from the directors’ lounge. This is a football stand for people who don’t necessarily like football. One of the pricier hospitality tiers gets you private dining for ten ­people, with a signed team shirt draped over each seat. But you won’t see pictures of ­Fulham legends like Jimmy Hill, Johnny Haynes or George Best. And fans in hospitality rarely glimpse the pitch, unless at their seats. The architecture focuses on the Thames — this is the stretch where Oxford and Cambridge battle it out in the Boat Race, an event that’s an extra cash bonanza for the club. This is a football stand for people who don’t necessarily like football. Of the 29,600 fans who can fit into Craven Cottage, 2,303 would now be using hospitality seats. Most clubs offer some level of luxury for sponsors, guests and VIPs. But for the posh rooms to seemingly hide the club’s football heritage feels like a new departure in the game. Fan forums are buzzing with debate. @Lighthouse, a fan since the 1960s, wrote on Friends Of Fulham: “Football has become a class thing now. The haves will always look down on the rest of us.” But many feel that Khan is merely doing what is necessary for the club to survive and thrive without moving from its old ground. @cookieg wrote: “If it brings in a few more quid for the club then good.” And @Logicalman chipped in: “We can all weep into our beer glasses for how it used to be. But it just means we are refusing to accept that life keeps moving on.” Read More on The SunAs we sit in the sunshine sipping cocktails, it’s easy to forget we’re there to watch a match — Fulham v Everton, with Fulham needing a win to keep their hopes of Europe alive. The Everton end is in full song throughout the game (which the Toffees win 3-1). In the Fulham hospitality seats, there’s not much noise other than the swishing of rowers passing behind us on the Thames. Craven Cottage in 1959, as Tosh Chamberlain thrills the fansCredit: GettyFulham ace WillianCredit: Rex More

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      ‘It is not how we act’ – Mo Salah says Liverpool fans were WRONG to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold in ‘harsh’ statement

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      MO SALAH says Liverpool fans were wrong to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold after he decided to quit the Prem champions.The Real Madrid-bound right-back was targeted by the home crowd when he came on against Arsenal at Anfield last Sunday.Mo Salah has backed his pal Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAWhen asked if Liverpool talisman Salah was saddened by the reception Alexander-Arnold received from his boyhood club, he replied: “Absolutely. I was surprised because it is not how we act as Liverpool fans.“The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.“We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.“Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next game – Brighton or the last game of the season – because he deserves the best farewell leaving the club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot also called on fans to lay off Alexander-Arnold following the abuse in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners.Slot, who takes his side to Brighton on Monday night, said: “We saw the reaction to Trent – positive as well as negative. Now we need to draw a line under the situation and not let it be a distraction any more.”Slot’s players will face the Seagulls having had three days off for a squad trip to Dubai while the Dutchman headed to Ibiza and the Spanish hot spot’s famous O beach club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he insists nobody will be on the beach on the South Coast, saying: “Of course if we lose people will say it our fault for letting the players take a break.“But we will also have had three days’ training by the time we play Brighton and we know that physically the players always give everything. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fans“And mentally, they are always there – as they have shown in winning the league this season.”Slot is understood to be poised to trigger the £30m release clause in right back Jeremie Frimpong’s Bayern Leverkusen that will take him to Anfield.But he stressed : “If I was to say I was bringing in a lot of new players this summer it would seem like I am not happy with some of the ones I already have.“Yet we won the league with very good players and because of that it is difficult to find others just like them.“You assume we need to bring in new players but we are very happy with the ones we have got.”Arne Slot will take his side to Brighton on MondayCredit: PA More