Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool 2 Man Utd 2: Amad Diallo’s late leveller earns Ruben Amorim’s side a point in Anfield classic

      by

      HERE was everything we thought Manchester United were not – proud, resilient, brilliant and above all United.Sure, they had to settle for a point. Sure, Liverpool remain red-hot favourites to equal their record of 20 top-flight titles.Amad Diallo’s late equaliser rescued a point for Man Utd against LiverpoolCredit: AFPThe Reds thought they had won the clash through Mo Salah’s penaltyCredit: ReutersBut the way this match had been previewed, you’d have thought we were talking about Accrington Stanley’s FA Cup visit to Anfield next weekend, rather than the grandest fixture in English football.Amad Diallo, whose winner at the end of extra-time knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in a classic quarter-final last season, stole a point with a cool finish.United, written off as cannon fodder, had deservedly led through a Lisandro Martinez strike early in the second half, before a spectacular Cody Gakpo equaliser and a Mo Salah penalty propelled Liverpool into the lead. Yet there was a never-say-die attitude about United which we barely thought them capable of – Harry Maguire magnificent in defence, Manuel Ugarte dynamic in midfield – as Ruben Amorim seemed to discover his best available team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis after United had suffered four straight defeats, failing to score in the previous three.The fixture had never felt so much of a home banker, the gap between two mighty clubs hadn’t been bigger for half a century.In December, United had lost six games in a calendar month for the first time since 1930. Nobody saw this coming.Earlier, it felt as if only the weather could stop Liverpool, that only the miserable Merseyside climate could give us the faintest illusion of a title race – after the trip to Goodison Park was called off in the autumn.Most read in FootballMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut after further slip-ups from Arsenal and Chelsea on Saturday, Liverpool were looking impregnable.A midday safety meeting gave this fixture the green light amid the slow and ice, which had turned to teeming rain before kick-off. ‘Some players are getting on a bit.. they need to go’ – Luke Littler offers savage verdict on his beloved Man UtdAmorim had admitted his side were gripped by fear and anxiety. The Portuguese is not mincing his words about the scale of the task he faces, even bringing up the prospect of relegation.  United fans were even worrying about Ipswich winning at Fulham to further narrow the gap between their side and the bottom three – and it was a measure of their pessimism that they welcomed a late equaliser from Raul Jimenez at Craven Cottage.Ugarte was back from suspension, with Kobbie Mainoo also restored to the midfield.And United started with a basic competence few expected of them, having a fair share of the ball and defending their box with determination.Martinez gave United a shock lead at AnfieldCredit: GettyThe ace celebrated with the ball under his jerseyCredit: AFPGakpo had the first clear sight of goal but shot wide across the face after Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch had combined to tee him up.Then Salah conjured a gorgeous lofted centre but Alexis Mac Allister’s half-volley was blocked by Andre Onana at his near post.Suddenly, on 20 minutes, United created a glaring chance – Diogo Dalot darting down the left and centring for Amad Diallo who somehow headed in the opposite direction with the goal gaping.United enjoyed a decent spell of pressure, although Gravenberch galloped forward to ping one just wide from range.United’s lead didn’t last long as Cody Gakpo netted an equaliserCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman continued his fine form under Arne SlotCredit: ReutersIn the piddling rain and with the odds stacked against him, it felt like a day for Maguire and the England centre-half was putting himself about in a none-shall-pass mood.United were threatening down the left and when Rasmus Hojlund was released, Alisson rushed off his line to block.Without a win at Anfield since 2016 and without a goal in five and a half hours, United were still heading in for half-time feeling heartened.Liverpool have tended to come alive after half-time this season but not this time.Salah looked to have sealed a Liverpool win from the spotCredit: PAAnfield eagerly anticipated moving eight points clear at the top of the tableCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold – a Galactico-in-waiting who had been struggling all afternoon – misplaced a pass to Martinez, who fed Fernandes.The United skipper cased the joint for an opening before he slipped a pass to the Argentinian centre-half, who thumped in off the underside of the crossbar.United’s supporters went berserk, cameramen being knocked to the floor amid the bedlam.Yet the lead lasted just seven minutes. McAllister fed Gakpo with an angled pass and the Liverpool forward cut inside, sent his fellow Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt for a bag of chips then lashed into the roof of the net from an angle.Diallo had the final say in a thriller on MerseysideCredit: ReutersThe ace took his chance and delivered, much to the delight of travelling fansCredit: ReutersIt was a goal of quality, just when Liverpool needed it most.And when Alexander-Arnold centred from the right, Gakpo headed against the upturned arm of his marker, De Ligt, who completed a miserable few minutes by conceding a penalty – the offence spotted by VAR Chris Kavanagh.Onana dived left and almost stopped Salah’s spot-kick but the Egyptian’s effort had too much power.Amorim showed attacking intent by sending on Alejandro Garnacho for Mainoo.And the Argentinian winger – who had incurred Amorim’s wrath in recent weeks, played a sweet cut-back for Diallo to steer his shot past Alisson. READ MORE SUN STORIESConor Bradley was denied by Onana when he shot from a tight angle but United were well worth their point.Then from a Joshua Zirkzee pass, Maguire had a chance to win it in the dying seconds, only to blaze over the bar. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool 2-2 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Amad’s late equaliser stuns Anfield as United take a shock point on a snowy derby day

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have claimed a shock point against Liverpool after a frantic derby day on Merseyside.Early in the day, severe snow hit the region, which prompted an emergency meeting to discuss whether the game would go ahead with the safety of supporters at the forefront of everyone’s mind.But the show went on and Man Utd took a shock lead on 52 minutes after Lisandro Martinez slammed home the opener to stun Anfield into silence.Minutes later, Cody Gakpo fired in a superb equaliser to send the home fans wild.Liverpool were awarded a penalty midway through the second half after Matthijs de Ligt was adjudged to of handled the ball in the box after a VAR check – and Mohamed Salah tucked away the pen to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.But there was another twist in the tale as Amad slotted away a stunning equaliser late on to make it 2-2 and secure a shock point for the Red Devils.Match result: Liverpool 2-2 Man UtdLiverpool team: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Salah, DiazMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Amad, Fernandes, HojlundFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from AnfieldWe woke up this morning expecting the game to be frozen off – but it went ahead and the action was red hot!In what was billed as a contest between two clubs in stark contrast, the action was thrilling, and for 90 minutes there was nothing between them.The 2-2 draw has set the bar high for Premier League action in 2025, and there’s plenty more football to be played before either Liverpool are crowned champions, or Manchester United’s resurgence is cemented.Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.Copy linkCopiedAmorim furious despite improved performanceOr perhaps that should be because of the improved performance.In an astonishing post-match interview with Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison, the Manchester United boss could barely contain his anger.And while he expects many plaudits for the manner in which his side played at the league leaders, he admitted he was furious because of the previous displays from his team.The 39-year-old is demanding to know where the mentality that his players showed today was during some of their shambolic showings in recent weeks.Amorim went on to reveal that he hadn’t even spoken to his players because he was so mad.We always talk about the system, but you can see that it’s not hard. It’s not about the system, it’s about the mentality. Today was a good performance, but I want to tell my players that I’m very angry about the previous games. We have to do this in every game.Ruben AmorimSky SportsCopy linkCopiedRed Devils target TrentThe final statistics show that 53.8% of Manchester United’s attacks this afternoon came down their left-hand side, compared to just 28.1% on the right.Was it an approach to target the defensive frailties of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, or did United purely see Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes as their most creative options?Speaking on Sky Sports, Roy Keane was in no doubt: “United definitely targeted him. They would have looked at how he is defensively. He’s usually brilliant going forward but when he’s not and they’re running at him, United got so much joy. I thought Liverpool would have taken him off earlier.””I thought he was really poor,” added Jamie Carragher. “I don’t think the game could have gone much worse for him.”Copy linkCopiedArne fires parting SlotLiverpool manager Arne Slot paid tribute to opponents Manchester United after today’s thrilling 2-2 draw – but perhaps with one or two barbed comments thrown in for good measure.The Dutch coach suggested that the faltering Red Devils are actually a squad full of good players, who were desperate to show their ability against their rivals – a desire that had been missing in recent weeks.We played against many good individuals, and it was a chance for them to show themselves against us, more than they have in other games. It was a chance to compete with the best in the league. We weren’t surprised with anything they did, they’ve played this style for a few weeks, but maybe the only thing that was different was that they mostly played the ball long.”Arne SlotSky SportsCopy linkCopiedA touch of classBruno Fernandes may be down on some of his recent performances (and rightly so), but the Manchester United captain was excellent today.The midfielder led his side for most touches (88), most final third entries (12), most duels won (11), most possessions won (8) and most chances created (4).Copy linkCopiedCaptain Bruno questions recent showingsBruno Fernandes finally put in a performance worthy of a Manchester United captain – and then asked why he and his teammates can’t do so consisently?In a frank post-match interview, the Portuguese midfielder criticised his recent performances, and indicated that they need to back up today’s showing with the same commitment in the coming weeks. If we can show this here at Anfield against Liverpool, why can’t we do it every week? This is the first proper performance from myself for a while. Today was about putting real effort into the game, and playing with passion. Obviously you have your tactics, but at the end of the day you have to put the effort in to get something.Bruno FernandesSky SportsCopy linkCopiedDiallo Amad for derby daysAmad Diallo is Manchester United’s hero again.After his 90th-minute winner at Manchester City last month, the 22-year-old has popped up with another late goal at the home of a fierce rival.In doing so, the winger becomes only the third Manchester United player to score away to both Manchester City and Liverpool in the same Premier League season.Amad follows in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney in 2004-05, and Robin van Persie in 2012-13.Copy linkCopiedUnited on Anfield road to recoveryManchester United remain winless in 10 away games against Liverpool in all competitions (D5 L5), their longest ever run without victory away at their old rivals.However, they scored as many goals today (2) as they had in their previous 10 visits to Anfield combined.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from AnfieldManchester United’s 13 shots are their most at Anfield since 2013.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Liverpool 2-2 Man UtdAnd breathe.A classic Liverpool v Manchester United contest of old.After a first half that was competitive if uneventful, this exploded into life in the second.Lisandro Martinez thundered United in front, but the league leaders roared back through Cody Gakpo and a Mo Salah penalty.But the Red Devils weren’t done, and defying the dross of recent weeks found themselves a late leveller through Amad.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+7. HARRY MAGUIRE TO WIN IT!! OVER THE CROSSBAR!!With just 25 seconds remaining, Joshua Zirkzee broke free down on the left and moved in on Alisson.Rather than shooting, the striker squares to Maguire, who – having stayed up from a set-piece – fired over from ten yards.In fairness to the defender, it was a bobbly pass that sat him unkindly for him, but it will still go down as a huge chance to win an epic game.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+6. Anfield groans as one as Gravenberch miscontrols a sloppy Robertson pass.Has the chance gone? Has their momentum gone?Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+4. Have United settled for what would be an excellent point?Those in white have dropped very deep with just a couple of minutes remaining.But Liverpool keep on coming…Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90+2. Inside seven minutes of stoppage time, and still both sides believe they can win.Conor Bradley is almost the unlikely hero with an attempt to catch out Andre Onana with a shot towards the near post from the byline.The United goalkeeper claws it behind, and from the subsequent corner, Virgil van Dijk heads straight at him from point blank range following Alexis Mac Allister’s flick-on.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd90. Brilliant challenge from Yoro!Nunez burst into the box and looked to set to thump home the winner until the United substitute dived in and denied him.The Kop scream for a penalty, but that is as clean a sliding tackle as you’re likely to see.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd88. Bruno Fernandes is putting in a captain’s performance now.The Portuguese playmaker is enjoying himself now, and almost catches out Alisson from wide on the left.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd86. But not now.Arne Slot does replace the troubled Trent with Conor Bradley while Harvey Elliot is on for Cody Gakpo.Who will make themselves a hero in the final minutes?Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd84. Another change for the visitors sees young Leny Yoro on to replace Matthijs de Ligt.Trent stays on for now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd82. Another bonehead Trent Alexander-Arnold moment sparks another Manchester United counter!Amad leads the charge and finds Bruno Fernandes, whose cross is only cut out by some brilliant Virgil van Dijk defending.”He’s not at it today, Alexander-Arnold,” panics Jamie Carragher. “He needs to come off.”Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-2 Man Utd80. It’s level once again at Anfield, and Amad continues his reputation for scoring big Manchester United goals!Trent Alexander-Arnold is caught out of position, not for the first time, and the visitors move to exploit the Liverpool right.Substitute Alejandro Garnacho pulls a low cross back beyond Virgil van Dijk from the byline, and Amad gets in ahead of Andy Robertson to sweep past Alisson.What a second half!Copy linkCopiedAmad for it!Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd77. Ooof! Darwin Nunez!The Liverpool substitute absolutely clatters into Matthijs de Ligt as they challenge for an aerial ball, and is rightly booked.It will be a one-game suspension for the Uruguayan too.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd75. Salah hits the free-kick, but he’s less accurate with the dead ball from 20 yards than he was from 12.Fifteen minutes remain, and the home side’s lead is slender.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd74. Harry Maguire has been hard done by there!The United man lunges as Salah weaves his way across the pitch, and appears to win the ball.Michael Oliver is right there though, and immediately whistles for a Liverpool free-kick and books the centre-back.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-1 Man Utd72. Ruben Amorim’s response to that second Liverpool goal is to throw on Alejandro Garnacho.The Argentine forward replaces Kobbie Mainoo as United switch up the shape.Copy linkCopied More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘schoolboy’ defending vs Man utd

      by

      ROY KEANE tore into Trent Alexander-Arnold for his “schoolboy” defending against Manchester United – and had a cheeky pop at his Real Madrid links.The right-back was caught out of position for a key United chance in the first half.Roy Keane slamed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defendingThe right-back was caught out of position for a Man Utd chanceCredit: AlamyDaniel Sturridge had his head in his hands over the commentAlexander-Arnold failed to stay in line with the rest of his back four which meant he played Rasmus Hojlund onside for a golden opportunity.His team-mate Ibrahima Konate could not get back in time so Hojlund got his shot off, but hit it straight at goalkeeper Alisson.Alexander-Arnold could breathe a sigh of relief but he was targeted for criticism by pundit Keane at half-time.He said on Sky Sports: “Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They’re talking about him going to Real Madrid? He’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this! He’s got to do better.”He has to do better defensively.”Keane’s colleagues could do nothing but laugh with Daniel Sturridge burying his head in his hands before adding that he had “no words”.Alexander-Arnold was punished for another mistake early in the second half as he gave the ball away in the build-up to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star’s pass was cut out and he then failed to pressure Bruno Fernandes, who slipped the ball through to Martinez in an area Alexander-Arnold had vacated.He was later booked and subsequently hauled off by manager Arne Slot, who brought on youngster Conor Bradley in his place.Roy Keane says ‘looked like he’d never played right-back’ in savage criticism of England star Trent Alexander-ArnoldAlexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid with reports in Spain this week claiming a deal has already been agreed.Tranmere produced an amusing response to Keane’s comments as they shared a photo of their right-back Cameron Norman alongside the caption: “❔ Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.” More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Gillingham SACK manager Mark Bonner and brutally announce his replacement less than an hour later

      by

      GILLINGHAM have sacked manger Mark Bonner following a dismal run of form – and announced his appointment less than an hour later.The Gills sit 14th in League Two – without a win in four and beaten in their last three matches.Gillingham have sacked manger Mark BonnerCredit: GettyGillingham confirmed they have sacked Bonner at 6pm on Sunday, and announced Accrington Stanley legend John Coleman as his replacement barely 45 minutes later.The 62-year-old will take charge immediately, with his first game at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.Discussing Bonner’s exit, managing director Joe Comper said: “Mark is a top guy, a top professional and has given absolutely everything he could have given to help the club succeed.“We liked him from the moment we met him, and we still do, which makes this decision even tougher.READ MORE IN football “The staff have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, however, we felt if we were going to achieve something this season with what we believe to be a very talented group of players, we needed to make a change to give us the best possible opportunity of getting to where we want to be come the start of May.“With regret we have decided to part company. I would like to place on record my thanks to Mark and I wish every success for the future.”Bonner took over in May and was even named manager of the month in August after an unbeaten start. But performances soon dipped as The Gills sunk down the wrong end of the table. Most read in FootballGillingham were beaten 3-0 by Bromley in their last match under Bonner – as their trip to Chesterfield was postponed due to horrific weather. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Bonner had admitted afterwards: “I understand the frustration of the fans because it wasn’t very good, and there have been too many games where we haven’t been good enough.”We haven’t really got a leg to stand on tonight so we can’t really argue with the fans’ reaction, what I do know is that the club has potential. Two games OFF as heavy snow storms and sub-zero temperatures hit football fixtures with freezing rain to come”I know that I am good and I know we have some good players. It has to change quickly because we need to find the formula for getting to where we want to be.” Gillingham added in their statement: “We would like to thank Mark and Anthony for their efforts while at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and we expect to make a further announcement regarding the management of the team later this evening.” More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League midfielder given red card but bizarrely allowed to continue playing after discussion with opponents

      by

      FORMER Everton star Davy Klaassen was remarkably sent off for Ajax before being allowed to PLAY ON.The referee showed Klaassen a straight red with Ajax 2-1 down – but their opponents Stuttgart agreed for the midfielder to continue.Davy Klaassen was remarkably sent off for Ajax before being allowed to play on during a friendlyCredit: GettyKlaassen commits a foul in front of the refereeFormer Everton star Klaasen on the ground as his challenge sparks meleeThe referee brandishes the red card at KlaasenBoth managers are said to have agreed that it would be better to continue playing with 11 players each.Ajax boss Francesco Farioli and Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness could be seen talking after the incident.And the ref concurred before Klaassen walked back into action in unprecedented scenes in their friendly clash.Klaassen had committed a nasty foul in the 56th minute but his subsequent red card was seemingly revoked.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir justification was that both wanted match practice with complete numbers on both sides as the match was a friendly.They reportedly argued that playing with a man down would not be helpful to either side.It ended 2-2 after substitute Chuba Akpom levelled in the 85th minute.Netherlands international Klaassen is in his third spell with Ajax after beginning his career with the Dutch giants.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 31-year-old spent one season at Everton, where he played just 16 games as he failed to live up to the £24m fee the Toffees paid Ajax.Klaassen endured a difficult season in England, falling out of favour with both Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva after Ronald Koeman was fired in October 2017.Furious Jordan Henderson pulled apart from Ajax team-mate in Europa League clashHe returned in the 2020-23 season before leaving for a year at Inter Milan last term.He then headed back to the Amsterdam outfit last year, who also boast former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson among their ranks.Henderson was subbed off to allow other players minutes before the challenge.Ajax, who sit second in the division behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, are back in Eredivisie action on Saturday against basement side RKC Waalwijk.Klaassen spent one year at Everton in the 2017-18 season More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Worst ever Premier League teams after 20 games revealed as Southampton have fewer points than record-breaking Derby

      by

      SOUTHAMPTON are officially the worst ever Premier League team at the midway point of the season.The Saints find themselves rock bottom after 20 games with just six points following Saturday’s 5-0 home thrashing from Brentford.Southampton are on course to become Premier League’s worst ever teamCredit: RexMick McCarthy’s Sunderland side also had six points by this stageCredit: GettyEven Derby County in 2007-08 – the worst team in Premier League history – had one more point at this stage.Southampton are on their way to stealing that unwanted record after 20 games.It has been a rough return to top-flight action for the Saints after their one-season stay in the Championship.The once steady top-flight club, who replaced Russell Martin with Ivan Juric last month, have only beaten Everton this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSouthampton have shipped 44 goals since August, while scoring just 12 to leave them with a goal difference of -32.The Sunderland side of 2005/06 also had six points after 20 matches, but had conceded nine less goals.Mick McCarthy was managing Sunderland that season as they were relegated from the Prem after finishing rock bottom with 15 points.Derby overtook the Black Cats’ shameful accolade and recorded the lowest tally ever seen with 11 points in 2007-08.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rams finished the campaign with a -69 goal difference and only secured one sole victory.Yet after 19 games they had seven points – one more than Southampton do now.In the last 122 years, only five teams have had six points or fewer at this stage in an English top flight season. All five went on to be relegated.But those at St Mary’s can take heart from Sheffield United’s 2020-21 season.The Blades looked on course to replace Derby as the Prem’s worst side when they entered December 2020 with just five points.Unfortunately for Derby, Sheffield United – although they still finished bottom – had 23 points come the end of the season.In 2016, Aston Villa had eight points a midway point, and Sheffield United’s most recent Prem flock recorded just nine last season.Derby County had seven points under Paul Jewell by this stage in 2007-08Credit: PA:Press Association More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Celtic Park plunged into DARKNESS during St Mirren clash as live broadcast cuts out and fans left baffled

      by

      CELTIC PARK was plunged into darkness DURING the Hoops’ Premiership clash with St Mirren.And it led to chaos with the lights going out, broadcasts being CUT and problems with VAR.There was a power outage at Celtic ParkCredit: PACeltic TV pictures were affectedSome fans could only see a green screen for a period of timeCeltic led 2-0 at half-time thanks to strikes from Nicolas Kuhn and Auston Trusty.But after a somewhat uneventful start to the second half, chaos arrived.An eyewitness at Celtic Park told SunSport that power went out inside the stadium for around about 10 seconds.Everything went totally DARK, before a few floodlights flickered back on and then all came back on.The scoreboards inside Celtic Park also went down.While the outage didn’t necessarily affect what was going on on the pitch, there were plenty of issues afterwards.Referee Grant Irvine spoke to both managers, Brendan Rodgers and Stephen Robinson, with the power outage causing problems with communicating with VAR back at Clydesdale House.On BBC Radio Scotland, commentator Alistair Lamont had no idea if he was even still on air!Most read in FootballAfter the lights went out, he told listeners: “Wow. Power cut momentarily at Celtic Park. actually no idea if you’re still with us.”I’ll keep talking just in case – every single light at Celtic Park went out there! I’m not sure if we’re still on air, I’ve never witnessed anything like this! It is a big power cut!”Will Celtic will get value for money on Kieran Tierney’s HUGE wages asks Kris BoydBBC reporter Andy Burke added: “For a few seconds Celtic Park is plunged into almost complete darkness as the floodlights cut out!”A few gasps from the crowd followed by an ironic cheer as the lights come back to life a few seconds later.”The incident also saw Celtic TV plunged into darkness.The club’s channel was showing live coverage of the match for UK viewers via PPV, as well as its usual coverage for overseas viewers.But fans trying to watch were met, for around ten minutes, with a green screen or nothing at all.St Mirren TV was showing a test card during the chaos.Fans watching on at home were left confused and totally unaware what was going on at the stadium.One posted: “Celtic TV? Did you pull a plug out?”A second said: “Anyone’s Celtic TV playing up?”A third posted: “Celtic TV down. Nobody seeing anything.”A fourth said: “Celtic TV PPV only a green screen. Get it sorted!”Other fans, within the stadium, rushed to clarify what was going on.One said: “If your Celtic TV went down, they had a power cut at Parkhead.”When the pictures came back, they weren’t of great quality with punters still struggling to actually make out what was going on.The pictures eventually resumed their full, intended quality after a period of time.VAR, too, returned and was operational for the last 20 minutes of the game.The BBC radio commentary briefly cut out with Sportsound Extra forced to switch to their Open All Mics feed but this too was quickly sorted after a matter of seconds.The power cut appeared to affect wider areas of Glasgow’s East End, with the Celtic stadium announcer warning fans leaving the stadium of poor street lighting in the area.Hundreds of homes were plunged into darkness with around 52 postcodes, including G31, G32 and G40 affected.Residents took to X to complain about the lack of power. One said: “Power cut across the east end I think, my power went out for a split second and now there’s about 20 alarms going off along my street haha.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s pitch black out here in the east end can confirm,” another added.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Santos chasing shock Josh Windass transfer just days after Premier League cult hero Dean’s son scored 60-yard wondergoal

      by

      JOSH WINDASS could be set to swap Sheffield for Brazil in a sensational January transfer. Santos have reportedly submitted a bid to Sheffield Wednesday for the 30-year-old son of Premier League cult hero Dean Windass.Josh Windass has confirmed than offer from Santos has come in for himCredit: RexIt comes just five days after Windass channelled David Beckham after scoring from inside his own half against Derby County.With the Owls 1-0 up in the 61st minute, Windass received the ball from Michael Smith before unleashing a strike around 60 yards out from goal.His effort flew over the head of goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was stranded on the edge of his box, before landing perfectly in the net.Windass has earned rave reviews at Hillsborough this season having banged in 10 Championship goals at the halfway stage.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd his impressive form has caught the eye of Santos, who have formalised their interest in the ex-Wigan striker.Speaking on talkSPORT with Shaun Custis and Henry Winter, Windass confirmed that an offer has indeed come in for him.Custis commented on a reported £10million offer, which led to Windass quipping: “I don’t think it’s that much!”His former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha – now in charge at Santos – is keen on a reunion with Windass.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe two worked together briefly between March 2017 and October 2017.Commenting on the bid and a potential reunion with Caixinha, Windass said: “I used to work with him.Fans convinced Jude Bellingham sang X-rated chant about Alan Shearer while watching brother Jobe for Sunderland”It came as a surprise this morning to be honest when my agent called me.”Though Windass ultimately remained coy on a switch, as he stated: “I love playing where I’m playing.”Obviously when your contract is up and stuff like that, there’s always going to be talk like there always is.”It came as a surprise this morning because I’ve not spoken to or seen Pedro in a long time.”But it is what it is, when you’re in form, this sort of stuff happens.”Windass, who was promoted back to the Championship with Wednesday in 2023, will become a free agent in the summer.He was also reminded that three-time World Cup winner Pele spent 18 years at Santos.To which he joked: “I know, he weren’t bad was he!READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure if any Hull-born players have played in Brazil to be honest, so we’ll have to see.”Wednesday currently sit 10th in the table – three points off the top six – while Santos currently sit top of the Brazilian Serie B.Josh is the son of Premier League cult hero Dean Windass, who earned promotion with Hull in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association More