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      Fulham vs Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Lisandro Martinez scores MASSIVELY deflected goal to give visitors vital away win

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ’s late deflected goal earned Manchester United a massive three points.United entered the clash on the back of a dramatic victory over Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to create chances and Martinez’s deflected strike was their only shot on target – but was enough to earn the win.The away side also had young Toby Collyer to thank for the win after his vital goal-line clearance.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…That’s all, folks!We’re going to call it a night there, thanks very much for joining us. Just a reminder that Lisandro Martinez handed Man Utd all three points with a heavily deflected late goal.Ruben Amorim then aimed a brutal dig at Marcus Rashford, who continues to be left out.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd fixturesHere’s how the next six games are looking for United – some very winnable games in there.Jan 30 – FCSB (a) – Europa LeagueFeb 2 – Crystal Palace (h) – Premier LeagueFeb 7 – Leicester City (h) FA CupFeb 16 – Tottenham (a) – Premier LeagueFeb 22 – Everton (a) – Premier LeagueFeb 26 – Ipswich (h) – Premier LeagueCopy linkCopied’One scrappy goal’Bernd Leno didn’t sound too impressed with the way United performaned.The Fulham goalkeeper said: “I think United were waiting for one sloppy goal and unfortunately that ball went into the top corner and we couldn’t take our chances.”But that’s football, that’s part of the game. “I think there were a lot of positive things we can take from the game.”Copy linkCopied’Nobody knows’Amorim was also asked about Alejandro Garnacho, who continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.The Portuguese said: “Nobody knows. Anything can happen. He’s improving in every department of the game, the way they recover, the understanding of the game when they defend. “I’m trying to find the best position for him, today he played a little more open, not so much inside. “We need the guys one against one but I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedRash decisionWow, some very, very strong quotes from Ruben Amorim on Marcus Rashford after that game – who says he would currently rather pick a goalkeeper than the forward.I must admit, I haven’t seen the clip, but these are all across social media. Asked why Rashford still isn’t involved, Amorim reportedly said: “It’s always the same reason. The training. “The way I see a footballer should do. In life. It’s every day, every detail.”If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.”You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench. “But I would put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTransfers?Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim didn’t give too much away in terms of transfer news after tonight’s contest.He did urge “caution” heading into the final week of the window though with the club having made “mistakes” in the past.Asked about transfers, he said: “We have to cautious. The rules here and you know that we have to follow the rules, we have made mistakes in the past and we cannot do it now.”Copy linkCopied”Toby saved our team” – AmorimManchester Untied boss Ruben Amorim: “That feeling of winning and three points is really important for us.”You cannot see a great improvement in the team and that is a fact. But to win helps us to improve. We’ve had some lack of luck in some games. Today, was not the best match but we managed to win.”The important thing is I have a clear idea of what I want to do. Sometimes I’m frustrated. We want to play a different style and we are going to play different style in the future.”On Harry Maguire: “When we defend a little bit lower it’s really good on Harry – he doesn’t have to cover a lot of space.”On Toby Collyer’s clearance off the line: “He did it in practice one time. Toby saved our team today.”Thumbs upCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedAway daysAll three of Lisandro Martínez’s Premier League goals have come away from home (also vs Arsenal in January 2023 & Liverpool in December 2024) while he netted tonight with Manchester United’s first shot on target of the game.Copy linkCopiedBirthday boyIt’s Ruben Amorim’s 40th birthday tomorrow, but the Portuguese says he feels closer to 50 after his short stint at Manchester United.Asked about turning the big 4 0 tomorrow, he said: “It’s not 40… I’m 50! After two months at Manchester United it’s 50. It’s a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here.”Copy linkCopied”A lucky goal”Fulham manager Marco Silva speaking to TNT Sports: “Frustration really with the result in our dressing room right now.”Overall looking at the game, we should have deserved more and taken more from the game. One shot on target from Man Utd, a lucky goal deflection and all that stuff.”First half, better play from ourselves. We were the team that dominated more.”Marco Silva applaudsCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedHas that gone over?Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer, speaking to TNT Sports about the praise he received from Lisandro Martinez: “Unbelievable, coming from a World Cup winner. I couldn’t ask for anymore really.”A tough environment and that makes you better as a player and your character. I am looking to improve everyday and help the team as much as I can.”On his clearance: “I remember clearing it and thinking, ‘has that gone over?'”We did it as a team, together.”Toby Collyer clears the ball off the lineCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedPlayer ratings!”One player is simply not good enough to play for United…”Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Check out our full player ratings for tonight’s clash HERE!Copy linkCopied”It’s not normal” – AmorimManchester United manager Ruben Amorim speaking to TNT Sports about the club’s travelling supporters: “The fans deserve it.”It’s amazing. It’s not normal. I know you guys are used to this environment, but it’s not normal.”Congratulations to our fans. It’s a big privilege to work for this club and give them wins. We want to give them wins, today we did it. But we need to improve a lot and we are going to do that.”Copy linkCopied”We didn’t suffer too much today” – AmorimManchester United manager Ruben Amorim to TNT Sports: “Really important, to have this feeling away from home.”Great support from our away fans as always. Not a great game and you can feel it, no great chances, just in the end with long balls.”We tried to control the game, tried to play our game but we need to improve a lot and you can feel it. We need to hold the result, one goal and we closed the game. It’s really important to win now.”It’s really important because clearly you are closer to wining games and getting confidence. We didn’t suffer too much today and that’s a good sign. It’s not just the clean sheet, its the way we defended.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedLate arrivers68% of Manchester United’s Premier League goals this season have come in the second half (19/28), with only Leicester scoring a higher ratio of their goals after the break (72%).Copy linkCopied’I was lucky’ – MartinezMan Utd goalscorer Lisandro Martinez, speaking to TNT Sports: “I think I was lucky, but an important win.”I am happy with the way we won the game. It doesn’t matter who scores – the most important is the three points.”I am so happy because of this guy [Toby Collyer]. This guy is a big example for the young generation. He his working so hard everyday and he is so humble.”It means a lot. Not only to the fans, but for us because we have suffered a lot.”It is a hard win, this club the pressure is hard, but we are here. We know how difficult it is. Even a game like today we have to win and be humble after winning.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedNo home comfortsFulham are winless in their last five Premier League home games (D4 L1) since a 3-1 win over Brighton at the start of December. Indeed, this was just the second time they’ve failed to score on home soil in the top-flight this term (0-0 vs Southampton in December).Copy linkCopiedUp next…Marco Silva’s side face a very difficult assignment next with a trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United. After that it’s an FA Cup clash against Wigan before Premier League games against Nottingham Forest (H), Crystal Palace (H) and Wolves (A).As for Manchester United, they are in Europa League action against FCSB on Thursday, before hosting Crystal Palace in the Premier League and an FA Cup showdown with Leicester.Tough runCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedRepeat…Three of Manchester United’s last four 1-0 wins in the Premier League have come against Fulham with goals scored in the 78th minute or later.Copy linkCopiedGrind it outFormer Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports: “We can sit here and talk about lack of creativity, but I have played here and away games in the Premier League are tough assignments.”Sometimes you have to grind it out.”Copy linkCopiedHow many?I don’t want to take the shine off for Manchester United fans, and they probably couldn’t care less about this stat but…With just 13 shots, that clash saw the lowest number of shots seen in a Premier League game this season!One for the purists perhapsCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedThe standingsSo that’s how things look after another fairly bonkers weekend of Premier League football.Victory sees Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United climb into 12th position – 13 point clear of the relegation zone and 11 adrift of European qualification.Fulham remain in 10th.Credit: GOOGLECopy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTDView of SunSport’s Andy Dillon from Craven CottageLisandro Martinez got the winning goal but no doubt Fulham will be angry that he was on the pitch to score it.Prior to his 78th minute deflected shot that dipped over Bernd Leno, the defender looked to have launched a two-footed tackle on Fulham sub Adama Traore.Suspect Marco Silva the Fulham boss will have plenty to say about it. Manchester United took their time waking up but have their first away win in the Premier League since mid-December.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTDFT: Manchester United take maximum points at Craven Cottage!It was by no means a classic, but a moment of good fortune for Lisandro Martinez and a fantastic goal-saving clearance from Toby Collyer means that the Red Devils take three points on the road.Copy linkCopiedFULHAM 0-1 MAN UTD94: Disallowed goal!It looks to be game, set and match Manchester United as Amad Diallo plays a beautiful back-heeled one-two with Kobbie Mainoo before firing it beyond Leno and wheeling away in celebration.VAR takes a close look and it appears that he’s a few millimetres offside. Not quite done this yet…Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopied More

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      Rasmus Hojlund spotted berating Man Utd team-mate during Fulham clash as fans ask ‘when will we learn’

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      RASMUS HOJLUND was spotted berating Manchester United teammate Andre Onana during Sunday’s clash at Fulham.The Red Devils made the trip to Craven Cottage for a rarely-seen 7pm kick-off.Rasmus Hojlund berated Andre Onana early on in Man Utd’s clash at FulhamCredit: APHojlund was not pleased with Onana’s distributionCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim named a strong XI as he looked to bounce back from United’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton last week.But there was plenty of tension on the pitch just minutes into the clash.Hojlund led the line for the visitors as he looked to muscle his way past Fulham defenders Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey.The tactic saw goalkeeper Onana attempt to launch long balls into United’s Danish striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, one kick from Onana fell painfully short and instead put his side under pressure from Fulham.It saw Hojlund berate the stopper for attempting the pass.And fans could not resist reacting online.One said: “Hojlund having a go at Onana for that lofted pass. He has a point as he hardly ever wins those duels.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother declared: “Hojlund barking at Onana’s s**t distribution lol.”One noted: “Hojlund in attack and Onana trying to progress the ball through long balls. 4 failed attempts in opening 5 mins, when will we learn?”Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everAnother boomed: “Every ball has resulted in a loss of possession. How do we stop doing this?”One chortled: “This is ridiculous, Onana to Hojlund and it’s just gone every single f*****g time. Stop it.”Another added: “Someone tell Onana not to go long with Hojlund as our 9.”A late deflected goal from Lisandro Martinez saw Man Utd secure a priceless 1-0 away win to relieve some pressure on boss Amorim.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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      Former Chelsea flop forced to explain himself after he is spotted sitting with Man City fans for defeat at Etihad

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      CHELSEA flop Danny Drinkwater has sparked a row after sitting with Manchester City fans and appearing to brand his old club a circus.The ex-England midfielder saw City dent the Blues’ top-four hopes with a 3-1 comeback win at the Etihad.Danny Drinkwater was with Man City fans, not in the Chelsea endDrinkwater offered this reason for his sittingCredit: InstagramDrinkwater is far from a favourite with Chelsea supporters following a dismal spell at Stamford Bridge from 2017-2022 after his £35million switch from Leicester.And fans who reckoned he was a waste of money were seething again after spotting him with home supporters in Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash.Drinkwater justified his actions on social media afterwards  – but his explanation stirred up more discontent.The now-retired star, 34, posted on Instagram: “For the @Chelsea fans asking why I’m in the City end… I asked the club for tickets!?! I didn’t receive any.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDrinkwater then spelt out his feelings by adding two emojis – a circus and an eye roll.That didn’t go down well with fans who recalled his anonymous, injury-hit six years at Stamford Bridge.But other supporters slammed Drinkwater’s treatment by Chelsea at the weekend as proof of the “disrespectful” way former players are treated under the club’s majority owners Clearlake.The fortunes of the three-cap ace hurtled downwards on and off the pitch once he immediately swapped 2015-16 Prem title glory with Leicester for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballThe ex-midfielder had five injury-hit years with ChelseaCredit: 2021 VisionhausJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd one fan said of his ‘snub’ at the Etihad: “Why would they give him tickets lol.”Another posted: “He took enough from the club. They gave him a nice retirement package.” Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him A third wrote: “I wouldn’t give him any tickets either. He can f*****g buy them with the wage he received.”A fourth added: “If he really wanted to support the club then I don’t see any harm in him buying a ticket btw.” A fifth chuckled: “Did him dirty.. Didn’t do anything notable for the club.”But despite Drinkwater being such a costly misfit at Chelsea, the Etihad episode left some supporters pointing their finger at the current Stamford Bridge reign of Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake.One fan said: “Clearlake disrespecting former Chelsea players, get them out.”Another demanded the same: “Get the owners out of here” – followed by two clown emojis.Drinkwater has described his humbling descent while at Chelsea as “the darkest I’d felt. It was like I was drowning and forgotten how to swim”. And his life away from the pitch has also been beset by an array of difficulties in recent years.He was banned from the wheel for 20 months in 2019 after admitting drink-driving following a crash in his Range Rover that injured his two passengers.And in September that year, Drinkwater was attacked outside a Manchester nightclub, suffering head injuries and ankle ligament damage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen in November 2023, just a week after quitting playing, the Sun revealed how he lost £782,000 from a failed restaurant business.Drinkwater has since been working as a property developer. More

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      Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card

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      POLICE have opened an investigation after referee Michael Oliver was subjected to “abhorrent attacks”.The official sent off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Wolves.Michael Oliver has been targeted by ‘abhorrent attacks’Credit: GettyIt has followed his sending off of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: AlamyThe decision was deemed as controversial and was not changed by VAR.The defender, 18, tripped Matt Doherty as he looked to break away.Replays showed that the Arsenal star’s studs caught the Wolves player.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe PGMOL have now released a statement confirming that the police have opened an investigation into abuse targeting the referee.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.Most read in Football”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly oneJamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to OliverCredit: Sky Sports”We will continue to support all investigations.”Former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to Oliver.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It is absolutely disgraceful.”We are getting to the point now with referees where if you are right, you’re right and if you are wrong you are corrupt.”If we get to that point we won’t have any young referees wanting to work in the game.”Michael Oliver is by far the best referee we have I don’t think it is close.”Everyone makes mistakes, they are honest mistakes, we can probably count on one hand how many he has made in his career.”If I was to play one more match in my life he would be the referee I would want to do it.”I hope whoever is giving this abuse is found out.”Meanwhile, former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett believes Oliver should be dropped following the red card.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was fuming with the decision as he spoke to the media after the match.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.”I think it is obvious that we don’t need any comments today, and hopefully, the right thing will happen after today.”Hopefully, we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.”So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”The manager could even be seen giving Oliver a death stare at full-time.Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

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      Tottenham break unwanted record dating back 113 YEARS with stinging defeat at home to relegation rivals Leicester

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      TOTTENHAM have broken an unwanted record that had lasted over a century.The North London outfit were beaten by Leicester City to compound further misery on their season.Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure at TottenhamCredit: EPAThe defeat to Leicester City was the first time in over a century Tottenham have lost to a team in such bad formCredit: GettyFans have lost patience with the clubCredit: ReutersSpurs had taken the lead in the 33rd minute as Richarlison fired in from close range.However, just five minutes after the restart, Ange Postcoglou’s side found themselves losing.Jamie Vardy netted the equaliser before Bilal El Khannouss curled in the eventual winner.It was the first time Spurs have conceded twice in the opening five minutes of a second-half match in the Prem since November 1987 against Liverpool.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Foxes went into the game as heavy underdogs, having lost their previous seven games in the Premier League.The result meant it was the first time Spurs had been beaten by a team on such a run since 1912, 113 years ago.Just like Leicester, it was an East Midlands club that beat them then as well in Notts County.Tottenham are 15th place in the league table, just eight points clear of the bottom three.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club has not won any of their previous seven league games, losing six and drawing just one.This is the side’s longest winless streak in the Prem since the nine-game stretch between May and October 2008. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs bossBilal El Khannouss’s goal condemned Spurs to another defeatCredit: GettyTottenham have not won a league game since December 15, that coming against bottom-side SouthamptonCredit: AFPThe Foxes are just seven points behind SpursCredit: GettyIt now means Spurs have lost THIRTEEN of their 23 Premier League games, winning just seven and drawing three.After the defeat, Postcoglou insisted the team was giving their best efforts. He told the BBC: “It is a disappointing result, but at the same time I can’t ask anymore from this group of players.”They are trying their hardest and things just aren’t falling for us.”We certainly had opportunities to kill the game off and we didn’t take them.”It wasn’t for the want of trying, the players gave everything but we fell short.”I thought first half we were good and probably could have had a couple more goals and for the most part they didn’t threaten us.”We conceded a couple of goals but after that we had the majority of the play but just weren’t able to get the goals we needed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUp next for Spurs is a Europa League tie against Elfsborg at home.In the league, it does not get easier with trips to Brentford and Aston Villa either side of their visit to Anfield for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. More

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      Aston Villa 1 West Ham 1: Emerson’s equaliser sends Hammers home happy… but Potter’s side unlucky to miss out on win

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      ASTON VILLA’S Champions League curse continued as they remained winless in their last SIX games on their return from European action.Emerson’s headed equaliser cancelled out Jacob Ramsey’s first half opener to make it three home draws and three away defeats on the back of their Euro exploits.Emerson Palmieri’s equaliser saw West Ham draw 1-1 at Aston VillaCredit: PAJacob Ramsey netted Villa’s opener early on but the hosts couldn’t hold out for victoryCredit: GettyBut it could have been so much worse if Tomas Soucek hadn’t strayed offside to deny the Hammers a stoppage time winner.In the end a draw was a fair result as Villa dominated the first half, only to suffer an injury blow to Tyrone Mings, which left them having to play Lucas Digne as a makeshift centre half.Happily Mings later returned to the bench with a smile on his face. But it wasn’t as big as Graham Potter’s after his Hammers earned a valuable away point.Villa were without the inspirational presence of their manager Unai Emery for this one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard was sentenced to sit on the naughty step in the stand after collecting his third booking of the season against Arsenal last weekend.But the first observations he had to scribble into his notebook were positive ones as his side stormed into an early lead.Emery only made one change to the side which lost in Monaco on Tuesday- but it turned out to be an inspired one as Jacob Ramsey replaced Emi Buendia.Because the local boy came good after eight minutes to fire his side in front.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoubacar Kamara rolled the ball into his path and the 23-year-old drove forward and played a neat one-two with Ollie Watkins.Then, from inside the Hammers box, he expertly held off Vladimir Coufal and placed a perfectly timed left-footer beyond Alphonse Areola into the far corner.Ex-West Ham Technical Director Tim Steidten explains the clubs recruitment process It was the midfielder’s first Premier League goal of the season and his first since he scored in a 6-1 win over Brighton way back in September 2023.It also brought up a major milestone for Ollie Watkins, whose assist clocked up his 100th Premier League goal involvement for Villa on his 200th Villa appearance.That took Watkins’ tally to 69 goals and 31 assists in 169 Premier League outings – the fewest games of any player since Kevin De Bruyne achieved the feat in 155 matches in July 2020.  Encouraged by their speedy start, Villa surged forward in search of a second.Kamara had a shot charged down by Edson Alvarez and it wasn’t long before Villa had the ball in the net again – only to have it ruled out for offside.Watkins appeared to have drifted just beyond the Hammers’ backline when he collected beyond the back post.He pulled the ball back for Morgan Rogers to tap home but the flag went up and VAR confirmed Watkins was indeed offside.Ramsey just needed several minutes to fire Villa aheadCredit: GettyThe home side were hoping to make up for their Champions League defeat to MonacoCredit: GettyAs West Ham wobbled Leon Bailey cut inside and let fly with a shot that Areola did well to save.But the Hammers steadied the ship and Alvarez crashed a shot off Tyrone Mings before the visitors’ had an optimistic claim for a penalty.Tomas Soucek headed Aaron Cresswell’s corner towards goal and it did strike Youri Tielemans’ arm.But the Belgian had kept his limb tight to his chest and VAR agreed with ref Peter Bankes that no offence had taken place.Villa then suffered a huge injury blow just before the half hour when Tyrone Mings went down clutching his left knee following a block tackle with Mo Kudus.Villa Park held its breath as Mings writhed in agony, with memories flooding back of the ACL injury at the start of last season which kept him out for over a year.At least this was not the right knee he damaged so severely then but, after trying to soldier on for a few minutes, Mings signalled to the bench that he had to come off.Emerson equalised with a powerful headerCredit: PAWest Ham cranked the pressure but couldn’t find a winnerCredit: GettyHe trudged up the touchline shirt covering his face to hide his anguish and he was consoled by subs John McGinn and his former teammate Danny Ings as Ian Maatsen came on to replace him.Lucas Digne was forced to play as a stop-gap centre-half and suddenly the Hammers smelled blood.The Frenchman was at the centre of a VAR red card check on the stroke of half-time after elbowing Paqueta in the ribs.But Digne escaped without punishment as Paqueta made a meal of it, although Tielemans did earn a booking for an earlier foul on the Brazilian.West Ham looked a different side after the break as Aaron Wan-Bissaka terrorised Villa’s makeshift defence with a string of superb crosses from the right.From one, Emerson kept the ball alive but Paqueta stabbed his shot wide on the turn.Digne swept a free-kick over from a promising position before Martinez dropped a cross under pressure and Soler’s shot was brilliantly blocked by Ezri Konsa on the line.Graham Potter was pleased to get a point on the roadCredit: ReutersUnai Emery watched from the stands as he served a suspensionCredit: ReutersEmery had seen enough and sent on West Ham’s favourite target Jhon Duran along with new signing Donyell Malen for Watkins and Bailey.Graham Potter was on the brink of making a couple of subs himself but was relieved he didn’t as one of his targets, Emerson, pulled his side level.Alvarez launched a deep cross and Emerson ghosted in at the back post to power his header beyond Martinez.It was no more than the Hammers deserved and they went for the kill.Wan-Bissaka drilled in a low cross which found no takers then sub Danny Ings fired inches wide.Alvarez was lucky to avoid a red card after avoiding a second yellow for a body check on Kamara – and was withdrawn second later by a relieved Potter.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game raged into seven minutes of stoppage time and West Ham thought they had sneaked a win at the end when Martinez spilled sub Andy Irving’s shot and Soucek squared for Paqueta to tap home.But Potters’ wild celebrations were cut short as Soucek was clearly offside when the initial shot was struck. 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      Ange Postecoglou set for massive payout if Tottenham sack him with Daniel Levy now facing major dilemma

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is set for a massive payout if Tottenham decide to sack him.The Australian’s future is in huge doubt after Spurs lost for the sixth time in their last seven matches on Sunday.Ange Postecoglou is set for a tasty payout if he is sacked by SpursCredit: ReutersThe Londoners were beaten 2-1 at home by lowly Leicester, who themselves were on a seven-game losing streak.Tottenham were booed off the pitch by their fans, who have now witnessed eight defeats in the previous 10 games.And Postecoglou gave a sheepish wave as he left the pitch before trudging down the tunnel.The Aussie’s boss Daniel Levy now has a huge decision to make.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the one hand, Tottenham are potentially facing a relegation battle if their losing streak in the league continues.On the other, Spurs are 1-0 up in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool and could land a first trophy since 2008.Should Levy decide to sack Postecoglou though, it is sure to cost him a pretty penny.Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told the Inside Track podcast that Big Ange is earning £5million-a-year on a four-year deal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd with Postecoglou only being 18 months through it, Levy would have to shell out £12m to get rid of him right now.The former Celtic boss now faces an anxious wait to see if he will take charge of the next match against IF Elfsborg.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis When asked if he reckons he’ll still be in a job next month, Postecoglou said: “Who knows. I reckon there is probably a fair chunk that will say no. “When you are the manager of a football club you can be very vulnerable and isolated. I don’t feel that.”I feel like this group of players are giving everything for the club. I have a group of staff that is really committed. I focus on that.”Big Ange added: “I have felt all along that the players are still very committed to what we’re doing. “That’s important to me, because I firmly believe in it.“This is as low as we’ve been so far this year but I still think that in these last three months we can do something really special and these players believe that.” More

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      ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen today

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson would get “intel” that current managers would not get today.The former Manchester United star played under the legendary manager between 2002 and 2013.Rio Ferdinand has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson would get ‘intel’ on his playersCredit: BBCThe manager would be fed information from people in ManchesterCredit: ReutersFerdinand, 46, has suggested that the Scot would have a huge amount of people in Manchester feeding him information about the players.He claimed that Ferguson, 83, would know “everything” that the players were up to when they were away from the pitch and training ground.He told the BBC: “Everyone in the city wanted to talk to him.”Everyone in the city is telling him what the players are drinking or what they are eating.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”When they are out and what they are doing. He knew everything. “Managers don’t get that info nowadays, that intel.”Ferdinand also revealed that people who worked for the players would also feed “intel” to Ferguson.He compared the sources of knowledge to Ferguson to “mafia-type stuff” without the players knowing about it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “You had nightclub managers who were ringing in, taking pictures and sending in the receipts of players’ bills.”Like, who is getting that now? Who is running a city like that?Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’Ferdinand spent 11 years at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty”If you had a party at your house he would know about it.”Because your driver or security was telling him and they are working for you.”But they are working for him as well, what is going on?”It was almost like mafia-type stuff. It was just and you had to learn quickly because if you didn’t, you were gone.”Ferguson enjoyed great success during his 27-year reign at Old Trafford.He won 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice as well as nine domestic cups with the Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Ferdinand is now working as a pundit and often appears on broadcasters covering Man United.During the Europa League win over Rangers, he tweeted during the match to slam a disallowed goal. More