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      West Ham 0-5 Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Reds cruise to victory as Slot’s side extend lead at top of Premier League table

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      LIVERPOOL have thrashed West Ham 5-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota fired the Reds to a third straight top-flight triumph on a routine night for Arne Slot’s men.Earlier, Manchester City finally stopped the rot with a 2-0 win over Leicester in the early kick-off.Elsewhere, Tottenham had to settle for a point after Wolves scored late on to secure a 2-2 draw.Nottingham Forest continued their good run with a 2-0 win away at Everton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Fans want clarity on contract rebelsWith January fast-approaching, the trio of Liverpool players who are out of contract in the summer would be able to speak to foreign clubs.As a result, the supporters just want to know who is planning to stay at Anfield.Not that the ongoing talks seem to be bothering the players, all three put in world-class performances today.Credit: ReutersCredit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTough fixtures ahead for RedsLiverpool will need to keep putting in the performances as we head into 2025.They have some tricky away trips in their next five games and will be hoping for more performances like today.Not many teams in the Premier League will be relishing facing Arne Slot’s side right now.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives his thoughts on matchAfter their emphatic win in the capital, Liverpool’s Dutch manager gave Sky Sports his view on the performance:Today we kept control of the whole game. We spoke about giving the chances to teams. If you look at his numbers, Mo is in a very good place. The way we played with the ball, the amount of chances we created pleased me. I don’t think we give the West Ham fans a lot to cheer about, that was important.Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedSalah stars as contract talks continueMohamed Salah put in another vintage display this evening.The Egyptian King was rightly awarded the man of the match award for his performance against The Hammers.Reds’ fans will be hoping that the club can tie down Salah to a new contract as he is currently playing some of the best football of his career.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool send message to rivalsArne Slot’s side sent a warning to the rest of the Premier League today against West Ham.Week by week they seem to be getting better under their new manager.Next up, rivals Man Utd travel to Anfield.Ruben Amorim will be having some sleepless nights between now and then.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolThis was the definition of the word demolition.Liverpool are just scoring goals for fun this season.As the stats show, it could have been so many more.West Ham can count themselves lucky that it was only five-nil.Copy linkCopiedFT: West Ham 0-5 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool90+2. We are into the second minute of the four added.Not that most of the West Ham fans would know, judging by all the empty seats, they are all back sat in their front rooms.For the Liverpool fans, this has been an enjoyable trip to the capital.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool88. This is some way for West Ham to end their unbeaten run.They need to count their blessings though, had their keeper not had such a good game, this would have been double figures.Liverpool have been irresistible once again.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-5 Liverpool84. This Liverpool team will take some stopping this season.Salah dribbles the ball from the halfway line, dancing past The Hammers’ challenges.He lays it off to Jota, who slots it in the top corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Diogo Jota (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool80. The London Stadium is emptying out like the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics has ended.West Ham’s fans will be disgruntled with the display today but they have to be more realistic and on this occasion admit they met a team who are just too good for them.Arne Slot’s side have well and truly burst some bubbles here today.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool76. Liverpool bring on Elliott and Tsimikas.They replace Jones and Robertson.Chance for the league leaders to rotate their team with plenty of fixtures coming up.The Hammers look like they have been run ragged tonight.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool72. If it wasn’t for Areola, this would look like a rugby score.As The Reds pile forward once again, Jota brings a ball down in the box brilliantly before getting a well-struck shot away.The Hammers keeper reacts well to keep it out.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool68. The West Ham players are going down like they are made of glass.Any contact, mainly where the ball has been won fairly, and they are rolling around on the floor like they have been kneecapped by the mafia.There are more goals in this game, sadly for the hosts, they seem they will all come from Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool64. West Ham are taking the damage limitation approach now.Five defenders and everyone behind the ball when The Reds have it.As a result, Slot’s side have so much time on the ball the game is just turning into one-way traffic.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool60. Arne Slot’s side are just fearless this season.Home or away, they take the game to whoever they are playing.You could rename this stadium to the ‘London Library’ now.Bowen comes off, struggling to shake off an injury.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-4 Liverpool56. This is men against boys in the capital.Lopetegui’s side are not even in the same league as the visitors.The ball is played to Alexander-Arnold some way out, he shifts it in front of him and lets fly from distance.It takes a deflection off Kilman, wrong-footing Areola, and heads straight into the back of the net.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool52. As it seems technology is here to stay in the game, maybe we need to go full tilt and have fully automated officiating.Bowen looks the run away from Mac Allister, who slides in and wins the ball before looking to go forward.Anthony Taylor blows up for a free-kick, what even are the rules of football now?The Liverpool man clearly won the ball there.Copy linkCopiedWest Ham 0-3 Liverpool48. We are back underway at the London Stadium.A threaded ball finds Salah but as he looks to bend one in the far corner, Areola tips it around the post for a corner.The Hammers have brought on Fullkrug and Todibo at the interval.To be fair, unless this was a FIFA game and they were bringing on a peak Bobby Moore, Paulo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez they are unlikely to worry The Reds too much.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolBig test for The Hammers in their own backyard now.They need to try and get the next goal or they could be on the end of the same sort of hiding The Reds gave Tottenham.For the league leaders, it is all about keeping the levels up and not taking their foot off the gas.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolIt is a footballing masterclass from Arne Slot’s side in the capital.They are so much better than this West Ham team that the hosts look a punch-drunk boxer each time they attack.The important thing for the league leaders now is not to take their foot off the gas and put The Hammers to the sword.Copy linkCopiedHT: West Ham 0-3 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett in LondonLiverpool are good value for a three-goal lead and this could now get really messy for West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half.West Ham fell to pieces once Mohammed Kudus saw his shot hit the post with the team trailing at 1-0. Lots of boos at half-time although some fans have already gone home.Copy linkCopied More

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      Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously

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      ERLING HAALAND swore live on Sky Sports following Manchester City’s win over Leicester.The Norwegian, 24, scored for the first time in four Premier League games as Pep Guardiola’s side ended a run of five games without a win.Erling Haaland swore during his post-match interview on Sky SportsThe result moves the champions up to fifth in the table despite a dismal couple of months.But Haaland surprised the Sky Sports reporter after the game with his shock remark.When asked about moving forward after a poor run, Haaland could be heard saying “s*** happens”.The interviewer then nervously laughs before the pair move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on social media were quick to highlight Haaland’s X-rated comment.One said: “Did Haaland just swear on live TV then.”Another added: “Swear Haaland just swore on live TV 😂.”A third replied: “FINE HIM😤.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth responded: “Did Haaland just say s*** happens on the interview 😭😭.”Haaland now has 19 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season.Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French leagueHe has 14 in the Premier League, although 10 of those came in the opening five matches.He has netted just four times in Man City’s last 14 league games. More

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      West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko makes emotional return to club before Liverpool clash after revealing tragic cancer fight

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      WEST HAM legend Ludek Miklosko received a hero’s welcome from fans at the London Stadium after opening up on his heartbreaking battle with cancer.The former Hammers keeper, 63, was cheered onto the side of the pitch in emotional scenes ahead of his old club’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.Ludek Miklosko walked out in front of the West Ham fans on Saturday eveningCredit: West HamHe wore a Hammers scarf in an emotional return to the clubCredit: ReutersMiklosko recently revealed the cancer diagnosis he received several years agoCredit: PAMiklosko revealed on Sunday that he was diagnosed three years ago after finding a small lump on his hip.Unfortunately despite the initial treatment going well, doctors subsequently discovered other tumours.And the Czech star has now decided against chemotherapy to ensure he has the best quality of life in his final days.West Ham faithful gave Miklosko a superb reception as he was seen for the first time since the news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiklosko wore a West Ham scarf, before the club tweeted: “We are all with you, Ludo.”Explaining his decision not to have treatment, he told West Ham’s official website: “I was thinking about this, and had another conversation with the doctor in Ostrava.”And it was made clear to me that there could be no guarantees that it would work.”Maybe it would help to slow it down a little bit, but it would not stop it and there would be other issues to deal with.Most read in Football”I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life.Ludek Miklosko spent eight years as a keeper at West HamCredit: PAHe returned to the London Stadium on Saturday eveningCredit: Getty”I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.”Miklosko upped sticks from his native Czech Republic with his wife and son in February 1990 to join the Hammers.He went on to make 318 appearances for the East Londoners during an eight-year stint.Miklosko and his family enjoyed their time in England, so much that his son asked him to move back to London after they returned to the Czech Republic.Miklosko was also in attendance for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph against Fiorentina last summer.Miklosko played more than 300 games for West HamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Crystal Palace 2 Southampton 1: Chalobah and Eze give Eagles breathing room in bid to avoid relegation

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      OLIVER GLASNER used Kobe Bryant as a source of inspiration for his pre-match programme notes.And Eberechi Eze responded by producing an MVP performance to help Crystal Palace see off relegation rivals Southampton thanks to a 52nd-minute net-bulging, slam dunk of a winner.Eberechi Eze netted a brilliant winner as Palace fought back to beat SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old smashed home just after the break to complete a quickfire comebackCredit: ReutersSouthampton are now ten points from safetyCredit: ReutersGlasner quoted the late NBA legend Bryant before kick-off: “Try to be better today than you were yesterday, and better tomorrow than you were today. This won’t stop in 2025.”With just one defeat in their last eight, those words are beginning to have the desired effect.Meanwhile, the Saints look like a basketball team full of players trying to shoot wild three-pointers with one arm behind their backs, still treading serious water at the foot of the Prem.No win in nine, just one victory all season and without an away-day top-flight triumph since February 2023 – almost TWO YEARS – now puts them 10 points from safety.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Palace edge away from danger, Southampton look no closer to survival under Ivan Juric than the recently sacked Russell Martin.And even when there is a glimmer of hope, it is quickly dashed. Tyler Dibling’s 14th minute opener was cancelled out by Trevoh Chalobah’s 31st minute header with Aaron Ramsdale in the spotlight again.Juric’s dreams of becoming just the fifth manager to guide a Prem team to safety after being bottom at Christmas look more fanciful by the second, even with 19 games to go.Most read in FootballSouthampton are the kings of shaking things up this season when it comes to squad rotation, using 31 different players this term.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnsurprisingly then, Juric made three changes to his starting line-up in south London with Dibling, James Bree and Joe Aribo in for Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu.Palace were without the suspended Marc Guehi, seeing Chris Richards step into the heart of defence. Disgusted Southampton fans stream out of St Mary’s 27 minutes into Tottenham clash after going 4-0 downIt also meant Will Hughes shook off a slight niggle to captain the side.Richards’ presence was perhaps a blessing in disguise – the American has height on his side compared to Guehi, up against the 6ft7 monster in Paul Onuachu.Juric has so far favoured the towering Nigerian to lead the line, a player who admitted earlier this season he was looking to leave in the summer under a disapproving Martin.Away from Martin’s frustrating tippy-tappy style – one that earned the sack – Juric has utilised Onuachu heavily early on, even if his hold-up play is far from polished.And yet, you could be mistaken for thinking Martin was still in charge – an opening goal straight from the pass-pass-pass playbook.Tyler Dibling prodded Saints ahead in murky conditions at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyThe strike was just Southampton’s 5th goal on the road all seasonCredit: ReutersDibling dropped off the front and started the move, ending up with Kyle Walker-Peters doing Daniel Munoz for pace and finding Adam Armstrong in the middle to flick into the six-yard box.Dibling tapped into an empty net, leaving the rest of his teammates stunned. Just a 12th Prem goal this term, their first in five matches – since December 4 – and their first opener in a game since November 2.A brief gust of confidence in their battered sails almost saw the visitors grab another – James Bree volleying at Dean Henderson at the far post from an Onuachu header.But Palace seized back momentum with some consistently wasteful openings until a slice of luck from a corner. VAR deemed Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shove on Aaron Ramsdale was not enough to send the Englishman down, subsequently flapping at Chalobah’s header that bobbled over the line.Trevoh Chalobah prodded home to start the comebackCredit: ReutersRamsdale was still moaning to himself when he was called into action twice in quick succession, palming away Ismaila Sarr’s driving effort and standing firm against Jefferson Lerma’s bicycle kick.Sarr turned creator soon after but his low cross was somehow fluffed by Munoz at the back post, striking the heels of Walker-Peters on the line.Inside seven second-half minutes, we then got a glimpse of why Southampton are where they are, conceding a highly unnecessary goal after failing to clear a bog-standard corner not once but twice.The result? Eze thumping one heck of a volley from outside the box through a sea of bodies and scorching the net of a helpless Ramsdale.And about time too, the Eagles star scoring in the Prem for just the second time, and the first time at Selhurst Park. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is still not at the levels of last season where he notched 11.He eyed another, sending a low 70th minute free-kick off the wall and just over Ramsdale’s bar, the last of the good chances as Palace saw out an important victory. More

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      Fulham 2 Bournemouth 2: Super sub Dango Ouattara scores last-minute goal to rescue point as visitors fight back twice

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      DANGO OUATTARA turned the tables on late show hosts Fulham to keep Bournemouth’s remarkable European dream on track.The Cherries sub grabbed an equaliser in the 89th minute that rescued a point for his massively-depleted team.Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham before half-timeCredit: RexEvanilson equlised for Bournemouth early in the second halfCredit: RexHarry Wilson thought he sealed the three points for FulhamCredit: RexDango Ouattara salvaged a late point for BournemouthCredit: ReutersInjuries and suspensions meant boss Andoni Iraola had to name four academy kids and two keepers on his bench.But the lack of numbers did not dampen their spirits and twice they fought from behind to salvage a hard-won point.It was also a lesson for Fulham who have developed a knack of turning up late to claim vital points as they too chase the prospect of the Europa League next season.They even thought they had won it when last-gasp specialist Harry Wilson produced a classy header to give his team the lead with 18 minutes to go.Read Moe on FootballThat is relatively early by his standards – just five days ago Wilson grabbed an 82nd minute equaliser from which Fulham went on to claim a first Premier League win at Chelsea.He also struck twice in second-half injury time to beat Brentford and scored late against Crystal Palace.But it was Bournemouth’s turn to snatch something from nothing when sub Ouattaro was allowed a simple tap in the 89th minute after a defensive cock-up.Issa Diop’s mishit clearance led to Antione Semenyo crossing for Ouattaro to bury a shot at the far post.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoth teams can still look back on a positive Christmas period as the festive fixture season draws to a close.Bournemouth smashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford and the Fulham fans were singing lustily of their surprise win down the road at Chelsea.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ But those performances had clearly had an effect on both sides too.Jimenez produced a text book header to give Fulham the lead and a much-needed injection of life.Prior to his goal five minutes before half time, the home side looked leggy and looked like missing out on cashing in against a massively depleted Bournemouth side with eight players missing.Andreas Pereira swung out a corner into the middle of the area. Jimenez ghosted in from the back and met the ball in mid-air, twisting in the process to plant it snugly in the bottom, opposite corner for a peach of an opener.Bournemouth had the ball in the back of the net from a corner through rookie defender James Hill, only for ref Jones to signal for a foul despite only the faintest of nudges on centre-back Calvin Bassey.Fulham keeper Bernd Leno did well holding a snap shot from David Brooks and blocked a shot on the break from Semenyo.Christie escapes red cardBournemouth were unfortunate in front of goal but dead lucky to still have 11 men at half-time.Ryan Christie escaped with just a yellow card despite a studs-up lunge on defender Antonee Robinson.Having clattered into Pereira seconds earlier, Christie lost control of the ball and lunged forwards trying to regain it, only to plant his foot on the left shin of Fulham’s captain.Jones gave a yellow but VAR Peter Bankes took a second look, then decided that was punishment enough for what appeared to be a stonewall red offence.With so many changes forced upon him before kick-off, the last thing Cherries boss Iraola needed was another enforced rejig of his depleted squad.Fortune smiled on Iraola again five minutes into the second half when they equalised through record-signing Evanilson.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth equalise twiceHill dropped an inviting ball into the Fulham box and the £40million Brazilian got the better of Joachim Andersen, then took one touch before volleying over Leno for a goal to match Fulham’s for its classy execution.Wilson’s tireless energy put him in space to head home a cross from Robinson in the 72nd minute and just as Fulham were dreaming of going level on 31 points with defending champions Manchester City, Ouattara had the final say.Fulham and Bournemouth played out an entertaining drawCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham pair do ‘Spursiest thing ever’ before Postecoglou’s men are booed off after collapsing to 2-2 draw with Wolves

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      TOTTENHAM pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke left fans in stitches after colliding in the box as they lined up to shoot during their 2-2 draw with Wolves.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou came into his side’s clash with Wolves under huge pressure following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.Dominic Solanke and Rodrigo Bentancur both went for the ball as it rolled across the boxCredit: beIN SportsThey collided and ended up in a heap on the floorCredit: beIN SportsThe moment left fans on social media in hystericsCredit: beIN SportsThey kicked off in the bottom half of the Premier League table with nine defeats from 18 games.And things got even bleaker for fans of the North London side when Hwang Hee-chan fired in to give the visitors the lead.Bentancur levelled with a header from a corner, before the calamitous incident occurred between the Uruguayan and Solanke.As the ball rolled across the box they both ran onto it and took each other out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately, the flag went up for offside in the build-up.But that did not stop fans from making fun of the hapless moment.One said: “Solanke shoving Bentancur off the ball (or was it the other way around?) is the most Spursy thing I’ve ever seen.”Another added: “That Bentancur-Solanke collision in the box sums up our whole season lmao.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHwang Hee-chan gave Wolves an early lead at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: ReutersBentancur levelled from a corner with a powerful headerCredit: GettyA third replied: “If you could describe SPURS in a clip… Solanke and Bentancur going for the same ball 😂.”While a fourth responded: “The way Solanke and Bentancur tackled each other 😭😭😭 best comedy show on earth.”Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossSpurs went in front through Brennan Johnson but then conceded late on through Jorgen Strand Larsen.Postecoglou really needed a win here after a run of just one victory in six league games had left his injury-hit side languishing in mid-table.He looked like he might have it after goals from Bentancur and Johnson before half-time overturned Hwang’s opener.But Strand Larsen came to the rescue to preserve Vitor Pereira’s unbeaten record since taking over.And it left Postecoglou, whose side were booed at full-time, looking on shaky ground as chairman Daniel Levy watched from the stands.Pereira has had such a quick impact at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil just before Christmas that the away fans were singing his name before kick-off.They were belting it out after seven minutes though when Hwang broke the deadlock.The South Korean was starting his first league game since August as a reward for his killer strike against Manchester United on Boxing Day.His strike showed no signs of rustiness though as Rayan Ait-Nouri rolled a free-kick off to the forward on the edge of the area and Hwang did the rest, curling beautifully in off the post.Brennan Johnson scored to put Spurs in frontCredit: GettySpurs were trying to claim a foul on Johnson from Santiago Bueno in the build-up but it looked an optimistic claim at best.Matheus Cunha, who had won the set-piece in the first place, has been Wolves’ star man in a dreary campaign.And the Brazilian showed just why he is being coveted by the likes of Arsenal with some Champions League-quality tricks and flicks throughout the first half.Spurs hit back five minutes later though with a corner routine that had worked a charm against Ipswich last month, even if it was overlooked by Spurs losing that game.Just as they did against the Tractor Boys, Pedro Porro sent in the delivery to the near post where Rodrigo Bentancur rose highest to crash home a header.Spurs were not playing well and yet they were still creating chances.Radu Dragusin probably should have levelled with a header from another Porro corner that whistled the wrong side of the post.Yves Bissouma had a blast over the bar when Kulusevski neatly laid it off to him.While there was a farcical moment when Solanke and Bentancur clattered into each other trying to latch onto the same cutback from Kulusevski, who was offside anyway.Son Heung-min has looked out of sorts for some time now given the amazing service he has given Spurs over the last ten years.He was anonymous here until out of nowhere, he was presented with a golden chance to put Spurs ahead.Jorgen Strand Larsen netted a late equaliser for the visitorsCredit: PAIt extends Wolves’ unbeaten run to three matches since Vitor Pereira’s arrivalCredit: GettyJohnson had been needlessly tripped by Andre in the box as tried to latch onto Kulusevsi’s lock-picking pass.Son picked up the ball as the penalty-taker but just like Erling Haaland against Everton last week, the master goal-scorer looked so short of confidence that you feared a miss was coming.So it proved as his tame effort to Jose Sa’s right was repelled by the Wanderers stopper.Postecoglou must have felt this is just how things are going for him right now.But then Johnson offered him a reprieve in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.The Welshman played a one-two with the excellent Kulusevski – who at times seemed to be carrying Spurs – and then smartly converted the return pass for 2-1.Wolves were dealt a surprise blow when Cunha was part of a double-sub at half-time and was spotted soon after with ice under his left knee.While Postecoglou surely could not believe his luck when Destiny Udogie went down with a hamstring injury, given how decimated his defence already was.The Italian gingerly walked off to be replaced by the lesser-spotted Sergio Reguilon, who was making his first league appearance for Spurs since April 2022.Since then he has been out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.The smart money is on him being shipped out permanently next month too, although Spurs may have to assess the damage to Udogie first.Both sides looked tired and short of quality in a clunky second half.Spurs were desperately trying to see it out but then on 87 minutes, Rayan Ait-Nouri slipped in sub Strand Larsen who belted the ball past Fraser Forster high into the roof of the net.Spurs old-boy Matt Doherty almost nicked all three points too for the visitors but his header was repelled by Forster.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Strand Larsen’s strike was enough of a hammer blow to Postecoglou – who also saw Bentancur pick up a fifth yellow of the season with a wild late tackle on Rodrigo Gomes, meaning he is now suspended for Newcastle.When it rains, it pours. More

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      Everton 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Red hot visitors keep European charge going thanks to goals from Wood and Gibbs-White

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      THE RISE and rise of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side just got more spectacular thanks to fine strikes from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White.Their goals produced a Nottingham Forest record – the first time in the Premier League era that they have won five games in a row.Nottingham Forest picked up their fifth consecutive victory against EvertonCredit: ReutersChris Wood opened the scoring for Forest in the first halfCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White sealed the three points for ForestCredit: ReutersForest lost Murillo to an injury during the pre-match warm-upCredit: AlamyThe Tricky Trees also occupy a stunning second place in the table.The surprise team of the season might not still be there by the end of the night but even getting that high halfway through the season remains a massive testament to the way Nuno has made them very real Champions League candidates.He had to deal with what looked like a major blow after defensive rock Murillo was forced to pull out in the warm up.Winger Ramon Sosa replaced him with midfielder Nico Williams dropping to left-back in a rebuild back-four.Read More on FootballBut no problem. Forest’s players are a proper unit, composed, hardworking and, above all, believers.And no supporter of the club would be surprised if Nuno were to walk across the River Trent.The reincarnation of Brian Clough he may not be but still, that’s how much those fans believe in him too in his bid to bring back the glory days of “Ol Big Head.”The rear guard that actually suffered from the start was Everton’s – no thanks to sloppy work from the midfield ahead of them – and they never got over it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJames Tarkowski picked up an eighth-minute yellow card for flying through Sosa after losing control of the ball then twice lost Wood, the Kiwi firing wide from decent positions both times.But even in those opening moments it was clear the big striker fancied his chances and in the 15th minute he proved it.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Once again the home side lost the ball in a failed attacking scramble and Gibbs-White didn’t hesitate.He went instant and long, finding Wood with a 40-yard pass but if that part of the move was basic what followed was poetic.The striker headed sideways to Anthony Elanga who replied in kind as Jordan Pickford dashed off his line and clipped a right-footed volley perfectly over the advancing England No1.That was his 11th strike of the season and the numbers looked good in a different way too.Forest scored first 14 times in this campaign before arriving at Goodison Park and won nine of those games.They absolutely deserved to be ahead, too against a Sean Dyche side that other than a brief early spurt from the electric Iliman Ndiaye had started flat and formless.Forest eyeing European qualificationTheir approach will have mystified home fans given that the Toffees should have been on something of a high after navigating their way to three successive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.The Merseysiders had lost only one of their last seven games and Dyche attempted to perk them up further by replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin – no goals in 13 straight games – with Armando Broja.Yet in his first start the bustling Albania international, on loan from Chelsea, became a bit like the striker dumped to the bench – a passenger looking on as his team-mates struggled to put a footprint on the game.Forest spent the first half showing exactly why making it to the Champions League is now much more than a dream no Tricky Trees fan would have had at the start of the campaign.They may not be the prettiest team to watch, although that Wood goal was a stunner.But Nuno has them organised, sure of themselves and they can break brilliantly.Everton bereft of ideasThat loss of Murillo in the warm-up didn’t disturb them nor did the absence of skipper Ryan Yates.Meanwhile Dyche’s players, the resourceful Ndiaye apart, just try to grind their way through games with little or no art.They were completely bereft of ideas during a first half that really only underlined that new owners The Friedkin Group have to come up with some transfer dosh next month to bring in badly-needed new inspiration.Dyche replaced Jack Harrison, one of those guilty of ceding possession, for another winger in Jesper Lindstrom but his side looked no less desperate.And Jarrad Branthwaite got very lucky in the 54th minute.He dived into a challenge on Gibbs-White, wearing the armband with Yates suspended, and while the centre-half missed connection with his left leg he clattered into the playmaker with his right.Defensive woesThe fact that he got some of the ball prompted referee Tony Harrington to brandish only a yellow but the defender will still have breathed a sigh of relief.No such luck for his manager Dyche as Gibbs-White produced the killer blow and while his 61st minute finish was impeccable it came only as a result of more tawdry work by the Toffees.Abdoulaye Doucoure mindlessly gifted Elanga possession 30 yards out and the former Manchester United attacker immediately found Wood on the edge of the box.He despatched rapidly across to Gibbs-White who coolly side-stepped a desperate bid for salvation from Doucoure to leave Pickford for dead from ten yards.It could have got worse for the keeper too after he spilled a shot from Sosa before saving his blushes with a double save.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it was never going to get any better for him and his team that took 81 minutes to get a shot on target.They simply got lost amongst those Tricky Trees.Nottingham Forest’s European dream remains aliveCredit: Alamy More

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      Leicester 0 Man City 2: Erling Haaland breaks his duck as visitors get their first win in SEVEN games

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      MANCHESTER City finally stopped the rot.But not the questions about their short and long-term future.Savinho netted his first goal of the season to break the deadlock at the King PowerCredit: GettyThe Brazilian lashed home on the rebound after Phil Foden’s shot was savedCredit: APGuardiola’s side rode their luck in the second half at the King PowerCredit: ReutersIn normal times, Pep Guardiola’s side would have cruised to victory after taking a first-half lead through Savinho’s first goal for the club.Instead, Leicester sensed the champions’ uncertainty and would have grabbed the equaliser they deserved if Jamie Vardy had converted a golden chance.It took an Erling Haaland header, City’s first effort on target of the second half, to kill the game, The brilliant away fans gleefully sang “We’re staying up” and “You’re going down with United” after Haaland’s 14th goal of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut on this showing, Leicester have more chance of avoiding the Championship than City do of finishing in the Champions League spots. Both these teams were looking to their captains for inspiration.Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting line-up was the only change for City from the draw against Everton. Vardy was fit again for Leicester after missing the defeat at Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Bruyne had already sent one shot over the bar when Rico Lewis’s pass found him deep in the Foxes’ box.The cross for Haaland was perfect and the striker’s connection was good, but the shot was close enough to home goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk for him to save with his legs.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind’Leicester were happy to sit back and absorb pressure before attempting to hit City on the break.Vardy thought he had won a penalty when he ran onto Facundo Buonanotte’s through ball, went round Stefan Ortega and was felled by the City keeper.But the former England striker had strayed offside.A real chance came Vardy’s way in the 19th minute. He intercepted Josko Gvardiol’s poor header but the angle was narrowing all the time and he could not beat Ortega.City prompty went down the other end and scored.Foden drifted inside and hit a shot which Stolarczyk could only parry sideways. Savinho followed up and lifted the ball into the net to break his duck at last.In the past, that would probably have been it.Haaland got his name on the score sheet in the second halfCredit: ReutersBut City have not been doing routine wins of late, regularly going ahead only to draw or lose.Leicester could have drawn level when Bilal El Khannouss sent in a teasing cross from the right but Vardy decided he could not make decisive contact and no-one else did, either.Swift punishment almost followed again, but Haaland fired wide after an uncharacteristic solo run.The Foxes fans were nonetheless beginning to sense a way back and when City failed to clear, Buonanotte hit the post with a header.The on-loan Brighton forward was worrying City again soon after the break.But after turning back inside Nathan Ake, Buonanotte chose to topple backwards under the challenge rather than cross the ball.Referee Michael Oliver – rightly – decided not to award a penalty.El Khannouss was also giving Guardiola’s team plenty to think about and sent a dipping effort over the crossbar.The City goal machine powered in a header to seal the three points late onCredit: APThe first proper chance fell to right-back James Justin. After a free kick, Conor Coady crossed, Vardy headed back across goal and Justin sent the ball goalwards with an improvised flick.Manuel Akanji came to the rescue, clearing from just in front of Ortega’s right-hand post.But the City keeper was helpless when Stephy Mavididi crossed into the six-yard box.Yet Vardy could only help the ball over the bar from point-blank range.By now it was City playing on the break and they made one count.De Bruyne found Savinho and the Brazilian’s cross reached an unmarked Haaland, who headed powerfully back across Stolarczyk and into the net.There was still time for Leicester substitute Hamza Choudhury to send in a dangerous cross but no one in dark blue had the legs or the will to get on the end of it.READ MORE SUN STORIESVardy looped a late header onto the junction of bar and post. He and Leicester will know that they let City off the hook. More