Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      It’s grim down south as London’s so-called football elite lose out again and keep the capital a trophy-free zone

      by

      FROM Hackney Marshes to Wembley Stadium, London is a city which eats, sleeps and breathes football.Forget the supposed heartlands and  hotbeds of the north, England’s capital boasts more professional clubs than any metropolis outside South America — 16 of them in the top five tiers, with seven in the Premier League.Arteta’s hopes of domestic silverware look to have gone againCredit: RexMaresca has a long way to go to make Chelsea top boys once againCredit: GettyAnge’s hopes of a trophy rest with the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyYet Erik ten Hag won more silverware during his dismal Manchester United reign than the whole of London put together.And after a major February meltdown, it’s highly likely that no London club  will lift a domestic trophy for a fifth  consecutive season.Arsenal have blown another title, the Gunners and Spurs lost the League Cup semi-finals, while only Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall remain in  the FA Cup — with none of them having previously lifted the trophy.Arsenal don’t have a striker and don’t have any discipline, Chelsea’s owners have spent a billion and don’t have any senior players, while Tottenham don’t even want to be referred to as Tottenham any more.READ MORE FOOTBALLWest Ham are the worst Premier League team in the capital after sacking their best manager in decades — and David Moyes is the only boss to have won a major trophy for a London club in front of a full stadium since 2018. If Uefa’s Conference League even counts.Chelsea won the Champions League in front of a post-pandemic sprinkling of supporters in 2021 but the Blues have lost six successive Wembley finals, while Arsenal haven’t  won the title since 2004 and Spurs have won nothing since 2008.So with London such a des res for footballers, and with more than a third  of the Premier League based in the  capital, why do all major domestic  trophies head north?The winner of next month’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle will be the 14th consecutive English trophy-winner from north of Watford.Most read in FootballOne common factor, a perennial  problem for all of the capital’s clubs, is the sheer weight of derby fixtures.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Derbies tend to be levellers which take their toll — and while Arsenal are top of this season’s London derby table, they have lost at home to West Ham twice in succession and failed to beat Fulham this term or last.Since the exits of Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich — the two most  influential figures in London football over the previous half-century — the city is becoming a trophy-free zone.Wenger took the Premier League by storm with his genius during his early years at Arsenal — and kept winning FA Cups even in his dog days.By then, Vladimir Putin’s pal  Abramovich had arrived at Stamford Bridge and, as Arsenal director David Dein put it, “parked his Russian tank in our front garden and fired £50 notes at us” — before we’d even heard of FFP or PSR.With Manchester City in meltdown, this ought to have been Arsenal’s time for a first title since Wenger’s heyday. Yet five red cards have cost them up to ten points and the lack of a fit striker, or any authentic No 9, means their chances of catching Liverpool were always remote.Under Abramovich, Chelsea collected five Premier League titles and the only two European Cups ever won by any London club.Since he scarpered into exile, the Blues have become prisoners of their own dogmatic business model — signing young players on extremely long contracts, with no senior pros to guide them.Now Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old who has carried the club for 18 months, faces another season without Champions League football.And with six years to run on his Blues deal, a player who sees himself as Ballon d’Or material might soon be getting itchy feet. A Conference League title won’t cut it.Then there’s the football club formerly known as Tottenham who, in a bizarre missive, requested broadcasters no longer refer to them as “Tottenham”, only as “Spurs” or by their full name, Tottenham Hotspur.We knew Ange Postecoglou’s men were having a poor season but we didn’t realise they needed to seek a new identity under the witness  protection programme.All in all, it’s grim down south.Pep Guardiola made the north football’s dominant region – and Arne Slot is making sure things stay that wayCredit: RexEven Erik ten Hag lifted two trophies as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersDIFFERENT LEAGUELAST season, the clubs promoted to the Premier League all went back down.While two of those relegated to the Championship came straight up and the third, Leeds, lost the play-off final.This term, the three promoted clubs look relegation certs.And all three were  hammered at home this weekend by an aggregate scoreline of 12-1.Opposition players aren’t even properly  celebrating their goals against Southampton or Leicester any more.Meanwhile two of last season’s relegated clubs — Sheffield United  and Burnley — sit in  the Championship’s top three, along with Leeds.If it seems the gap between the top two divisions is widening again, then how on Earth do you explain the plight of Luton Town?The Hatters  made a decent stab at top-flight survival last year but are rock-bottom of the Championship right now.Luton could be set for two drops in a rowCredit: RexASH CLOUDOVERTURNING the injury-time penalty awarded to Everton’s Ashley Young against Manchester United proves the supposed VAR ‘high bar’ has been forgotten and matches are again being re-refereed from Stockley Park.And, after ref Andy Madley had made an honest, instinctive on-field decision on a 50-50 call in awarding the spot-kick, it’s also possible his VAR might have had time to take into account Young’s previous for taking a tumble.Which wouldn’t be right.Ashley Young thought Everton had won a penalty against his old sideCredit: GettyLEAKY BUM TIMEIF you thought Manchester United were bad on the pitch, consider the mess behind the scenes.Chief executive Omar Berrada is threatening to sack any United employees who turn whistle-blower and leak news of plans to axe even more staff.These job cuts will help pay for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s disastrous decision to offer a new contract to Erik ten Hag, then sack him, and to poach sporting director  Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, only to fall out with him and pay him off five months later.Ratcliffe’s chum Sir Dave Brailsford is apparently sick of hearing about the Sir Alex Ferguson era.Brailsford reckons it puts unfair pressure on the Ratcliffe regime to mention that, under Fergie, United dominated the English game, winning 13 Prem titles and two European Cups.In which case, why didn’t Ratcliffe buy a club which had never won so much as a raffle prize, and run that one into the ground instead?Ratcliffe and Berrada are trying to stop the leaksCredit: GettyHOME RULE?YOU’VE got to turn your home stadium into a fortress because it’s always tough to win  on the road in the Premier League, isn’t it?Well, hardly any tougher than winning  at home, actually.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were seven away wins in the top flight this weekend, meaning a total of 101 home victories and 95 away successes this season.With plenty of teams enjoying success on the counter-attack, with defensive ‘low blocks’ difficult to break down and away ends invariably out-singing home fans, home advantage is a thing of the past. More

    • 200 Shares125 Views

      in Soccer

      Galatasaray accuse Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist comments’ and will file criminal complaint against Fenerbahce boss

      by

      GALATASARAY have vowed to file a criminal complaint against Jose Mourinho amid claims he made “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby.Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side drew 0-0 away with their bitter rivals but the match was overshadowed by allegations of racism.Jose Mourinho in his post-match press conference following the Istanbul derbyCredit: GettyMonday’s huge derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce ended goallessCredit: GettyMourinho was not happy with how Galatasaray behavedCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.Galatasaray immediately hit back and accused the Portuguese manager, 62, of “regularly using derogatory words towards the Turkish people” since moving to Istanbul.In a damning statement, accompanied by a #SayNoToRacism tag, the reigning Turkish champions added: “[He] has now added inhumane rhetoric to his immoral statements.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We would like to inform you that we will file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and that we will also file a complaint with UEFA and FIFA regarding these racist statements against Jose Mourinho.”Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce — an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’— in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.”In his post-match press conference, Mourinho claimed Galatasary players had played for a draw and tried to get one of his players a yellow card.Praising Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was reportedly drafted in from abroad following a string of controversies surrounding Turkish officials, Mourinho said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.Most read in Football”He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.”However, it was his comments that followed which are believed to have caused uproar.Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to interveneMourinho continued: “In the situation I mentioned, everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.”If it were a Turkish referee, they would have immediately given the card, and I would have had to take the player off in a minute.”It was a great match for him.””After the match, I went to the referee’s room. I said to the first referee, ‘Thank you for managing this big match well.’ “I said to the [Turkish] fourth official, ‘If it was you, this match would have been a disaster’. It was a very, very good match in terms of emotion and competition.”Mourinho is yet to respond to the allegations made against him. The former Man Utd boss has previously spoken out on how football is plagued by racist incidents.Fenerbahce’s supporters hurled red flares into the Galatasaray endCredit: AFPJose and opposite number Buruk enjoy a friendly handshake before kick-offCredit: GettyThe feisty derby saw seven yellow cards dished out, and the match was also stopped momentarily when Fenerbahce fans launched flares into the home fans beneath them.Some 30,000 police officers were believed to be on duty for Monday night’s match.Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen later shared his club’s statement to his Instagram story.Mourinho had previously criticised Osimhen for his on-pitch antics, labelling him a fantastic player, but claiming he “dives too much”.Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk later took aim at the “Special One” for going into the referee’s dressing room to talk to him.Buruk said: “Mourinho took a long time to cry. The Crying One… He’s famous for crying. He went into the referee’s room and cried. Let him keep crying.”Mourinho entered the referee’s room. It is very wrong for him to speak insultingly to the Turkish referee. He said that if they were the ones managing, it would be like this. “This is very wrong. I cannot believe that he is humiliating the Turkish referees so much, I condemn it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss Mourinho took over at Fenerbahce last year. Monday’s result leaves them in second place, six points behind Galatasaray with 12 Super Lig games remaining. More

    • 213 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer humiliates Chelsea team-mates in training ground fitness test despite fears England star could face burnout

      by

      COLE PALMER is used to mopping the floor with Premier League opponents.And the Chelsea star has been so angry with recent results that he is now taking his own team-mates to the cleaners – by dominating fitness tests at Cobham.Cole Palmer has consistently featured in Chelsea’s starting line-upCredit: RexThere were fears Chelsea star Palmer could be heading towards burnoutCredit: AlamyBut Palmer still aced a fitness test and did much better than Chelsea team-matesCredit: GettyThe Blues welcome struggling Southampton to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday needing to kick-start their Prem campaign back into life with Champions League qualification a priority.That ambition has been hampered by a stinking run of form – collecting NINE points from a possible 30 in the league since December 22 to leave them in seventh.Hope is not lost just yet, especially with fifth potentially earning a Champions League spot this year.Enzo Maresca’s men remain just four points off the top three with third-placed Nottingham Forest, fourth-placed Manchester City and sixth-placed Bournemouth all losing at the weekend.Read More on ChelseaAnd Palmer, 22 – goalless since drawing 2-2 with the Cherries on January 14 – is leading the way in training, to the delight of Maresca ahead of facing the Saints.Asked if Palmer trains harder when things aren’t going well, the Italian coach explained: “Yeah absolutely. I will tell you one detail that is very important.“Every six or seven months we do a physical test. So we did one in pre-season and we did another last week and [Palmer] was the strongest one. The one that won the test.“So that’s sure that he has desire not only on the ball, but he is working hard and he’s doing fantastic. I absolutely love that.Most read in Football“Every game, we expect a goal or assist from him. Because everyone relies on Cole, people see Cole as the solution. But the solution at the end has to be always the team.”Off the back of reaching – and scoring in – the Euros final 2-1 defeat to Spain for England last summer, Palmer has started all 26 of Chelsea’s Prem games this term.Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa: Jorgensen howler, Rashford super-subWith 2,283 Prem minutes to his name – subbed off just seven times so far – no Blues player has featured more.It is no wonder then that Palmer has suffered a slight dip in form in recent weeks, without a Prem goal in five outings and without a league assist since December 1.With the score at 1-1 away to Aston Villa on Saturday night, Palmer missed a golden opportunity to score his 15th league goal of the season before the hosts grabbed a late winner through Marco Asensio thanks to a Filip Jorgensen goalkeeping howler.It was not the Palmer we are used to watching – one who notched a Chelsea-record 26 goals and 13 assists in the Prem in 2024.Whether he could do with a rest against relegation-bound Southampton, Maresca said: “No. Cole belongs to that kind of players that in some moment they can do something different.“For sure in terms of numbers, goal and assist is a moment where he struggles but at the end he had the chances. He was there, then he missed, OK, but he was there.Southampton game plan“The problem is when you are not there. But it’s not just about Cole. We have had more chances with different players but because it’s Cole, everyone is watching. That is OK.“From now on, we have 12 games to go and no doubt that all of them are a must win for us.“Probably in this moment it’s not enough, we need to find something extra to get results. But for sure we’re going to be there.”Despite letting Asensio’s shot wriggle under his body, Jorgensen is set to start in goal once more ahead of error-strewn Robert Sanchez, with Maresca explaining: “If we need to change players every time they make a mistake, we need to change players game by game, many players. But nothing has changed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He feels a little bit sad or upset because he recognised that it has been a mistake but he’s ok.”Centre-back Trevoh Chalobah will miss the Southampton game and will be out for another week after being forced off against Villa – another defensive blow with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana targeting a comeback next month.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. More

    • 213 Shares111 Views

      in Soccer

      How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘back-pedal trick’ as Arne Slot perfectly outwitted Pep Guardiola

      by

      LIVERPOOL have one hand on the Premier League title after dismantling champions Manchester City on Sunday.The Reds put in a top away performance as they left the Etihad with a 2-0 win.Mo Salah’s magic saw Liverpool cruise to victory over Man CityCredit: PAAnd there was magic all over the pitch from Arne Slot’s men.But how did Mo Salah bamboozle City with a genius back-pedal trick?And which midfielder carried out Liverpool’s team’s instructions perfectly?SunSport’s tactical expert Dean Scoggins reveals all on our brilliant Tactics Exposed show…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMo Salah has enjoyed a stunning season so farONE MAN WENT TO MOMO SALAH is tactically brilliant. The first thing is this back-pedal thing he does. It sounds easy, but it’s the timing of it and when he does it. When Josko Gvardiol, the Man City left-back, pushes up the field, Salah waits for that to happen when he’s in a space close to Nathan Ake, the left centre-back.When he sees the ball go into a certain area, he back-pedals towards the touchline. He takes a few steps back.It means two things. He’s got the space in front to receive the ball to feet, and also Gvardiol is blindsided. He’s behind him and Ake’s stuck.Most read in FootballDoes Ake go all the way out, leaving space for other Liverpool stars to run? Or does he stay where he is and then give Salah that run?Salah’s roasted him on the outside. The other time Ake did the other option and Jones went bombing through the space, he can’t win.For Szoboszlai’s goal, Salah backs into that position and has Gvardiol with his back to him. If you see the number on the back of someone else’s shirt, you’re winning.Salah then runs into that space, then it’s all about timing. Amazing touch from the ball in the air, a little nudge on Gvardiol and then he backs in and plays it into Szboszlai who runs into the box.Salah’s clever positioning meant City struggled to pick him upHe exploited the space around Gvardiol and AkeWith the disallowed goal where Jones scored, Salah’s wide and Ryan Gravenberch plays a difficult pass.Saslah does the exact thing where he back-pedals into space, then as Gravenberch is about to play him the ball, Salah goes, “Not me, I don’t want it. Turn and play it in behind.”The City defence all come one way and it opens up that running channel for Szoboszlai. You can see those two vertical runners from midfield and in attack the two wide men dragging the defence out.You see Salah’s unbelievable tactical brain to see a situation unfold in front of him and his role in it. We’re talking Lionel Messi levels here, and that’s not an exaggeration.BLOCKERS IN THE SLOTTHIS is straight off the training ground for the first goal. Liverpool are going to take a free corner to the front post, and they’ve got a man running off the front to play the ball around the corner.What’s important here is Andy Robertson is a blocker at the front who stops Kevin De Bruyne getting the ball.There’s also three other blockers on the edge, and City are not marking Salah.Liverpool used clever blockers at set-piecesThis freed up space for Salah to make an impactLiverpool identified City sit just outside the six-yard box, so there’s a huge open space to the edge of the penalty area.Blockers stop the City players coming out, the ball is flicked round the corner, Salah is in loads of space.After the goal, it also created indecision from City so the rest of Liverpool’s set-pieces were very dangerous.City fell for it hook, line and sinker. A bit lucky with the deflection, but you earn your luck.SZO-BOSSING ITSZOBOSLAI was the best player on the pitch other than Salah. He’s the player who carries out the manager’s duties for him.The midfielder breaks from a third-man run. The ball gets played back into Salah’s feet.He pops it back to Trent Alexander-Arnold and they know the ball’s going over the top.Szoboszlai runs into that space for the trick. He’s offside and Ake’s left in there. The focus is on Szoboszlai.Szoboszlai tricked City’s defence with his runsThe ace made sure he was not offside, allowing Salah to sneak in behindThis is like a decoy runner in order for Salah to get in, a ghost run.Then the offside player joins in again. He’s in an offside position, but he’s not offside because he’s not touching the ball, he’s not impacting the play.But what he’s doing is impacting a defender’s ability to defend Salah. He goes into that space, Gvardiol turns his back and Ake comes across.They all think it’s offside and slow down, but as the ball’s in the air, Salah then runs.Salah’s onside and takes the ball, Szoboszlai peels off, gets into the space and Salah gives him the ball — goal.It’s a new phase of play, Salah’s not offside, City all drop off. There’s a big space in front and Jones also blocks Khusanov. Just brilliant.IT’S 4-4-2 AGAINOLD school stuff. A big reason Liverpool are top is Arne Slot can adapt his formation to play against whatever he’s facing.This was 4-4-2 out of possession, so no striker. Salah on the right, Diaz on the left.But with no striker they played Jones and Szboszlai as vertical runners, the two up front.Liverpool’s versatility saw them switch to a 4-4-2 shapeThey remained solid despite players changing positionsGravenberch and Mac Allister could then separate with Jones and Szoboszlai coming into the two.And it meant the attacking players then were the wingers. So four defensive players keeping it compact in the middle, with Diaz and Salah the outballs.It was lovely from Slot, Liverpool were so comfy out of possession and were actually more dangerous because they move out of their positions and then go. VAN DIJK STOPS CITY ATTACKYOU could see Van Dijk and Slot communicating early on.They know what they’re doing. There was a message from the bench, and it was as simple as: Virgil, you go.Phil Foden was kept far away from Liverpool’s goal by Virgil van DijkVan Dijk doesn’t normally do that. He marshals that back line and stays in it. But this time he was told to go out and engage Phil Foden.He was told: Don’t be frightened to go out and do it. Konate is going to cover the space for Omar Marmoush to run in behind.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt evolved into Mac Allister dropping into pockets that Foden was picking up, so Van Dijk’s coming one way and Mac Allister’s blocking the space.In the second half they even sacrificed Salah going forward for some defending as well. It was the perfect away performance. More

    • 263 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United 1 Leeds 3: Farke’s side dreaming of Premier League promotion as epic comeback sends them 5 clear at top

      by

      THERE is no Leeds falling apart again after they brilliantly came from behind for a second Monday in a row to beat a promotion rival.Daniel Farke’s side moved five points clear after Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe all scored late to secure a famous Yorkshire derby victory at Bramall Lane.Leeds moved five points clear in the Championship with a 3-1 win at Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyLeeds were 1-0 down before scoring three late goalsCredit: RexLeeds are now five points in front of Sheffield United, who had bossed most of the game until the final 25 minutes but failed to add to an unfortunate 14th-minute Illan Meslier own goal.That is now 19 games since Leeds lost a Yorkshire derby – to United’s bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January 2020.Leeds are now unbeaten in 16 Championship games – with 11 wins and five draws — having not lost since Blackburn turned them over in November.Pascal Struijk returned to the team after coming off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland at Elland Road last Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIllan Meslier had Leeds’ hearts in mouths twice in the opening 10 minutes.First a long throw was lofted in and the keeper dropped the ball before managing to collect at the second attempt.But then he claimed to have been clattered as he came out to punch the ball and Ilia Gruev superbly headed the ball off the line.Yet there was no stopping the Blades from moving in front.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBen Brereton Diaz’s cross was superb and Callum O’Hare’s flicked header was outrageous, sending it over the top of Meslier.He made a stunning save to push the ball on to the bar. The ball bounced down and Tyrese Campbell headed the ball on to the right post but the ball hit the back of Meslier to deflect it over the line.Tottenham star Archie Gray’s younger brother Harry scores ton of wondergoals for Leeds academy as he looks to be latest star in Elland Road family dynastyAnd the hosts should have doubled the lead when O’Hare just failed to reach another quality cross into the box — this time from Harrison Burrows.Firpo then made a crucial interception just before O’Hare was set to pounce on a Campbell cross.But James wasted a good opening when Brenden Aaronson fed the winger. He cut inside but shot wildly off target.Leeds made their best move of the game and should have levelled seven minutes before the break.The hosts took the lead after just 14 minutesCredit: GettyAn own-goal from Illan Meslier put Leeds on the back footCredit: ReutersManor Solomon took down a perfect long pass from Struijk on the left side of the box and with Harry Clarke and Burrows at sixes and seven he shot straight at the keeper. He had a simple squared pass to Firpo, who was fuming with his team-mate.Chris Wilder brought on Hamza Choudhury for Harry Clarke at the break.And the Blades regained control of proceedings.Leeds powered back 20 minutes from time through Junior FirpoCredit: PAAo Tanaka then put the visitors ahead in the 89th minuteCredit: RexCampbell was sent clear past Joe Rodon but Meslier managed to get to the ball first and keep it in the area as he slide in.Leeds brought on Mateo Joseph and Joe Rothwell for Aaronson and Gruev.Souza had a dig from 25-yards but it was straight down Meslier’s throat.The visitors twice appealed for penalties.Joel Piroe made sure of the result a minute laterCredit: PAIt was heartache for the Blades as Leeds pulled clearCredit: GettyJames went down under a challenge from Jack Robinson but it was fanciful to think they would get a spot kick.Then ex-Blades Jayden Bogle’s cross struck the arm of Burrows — but ref David Webb ruled it was not in an unnatural position.Leeds had a glorious chance to level when Solomon from 16 yards half volleyed over the bar.And, against the run of play, they got it.READ MORE SUN STORIESJames provided the cross and Firo powered a header past Cooper to spark wild scenes in the away end.Piroe then forced Cooper into a fine low save to his right and kept out a powerful Wilfried Gnonto. More

    • 200 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to intervene

      by

      GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was interrupted after a raft of flares were thrown in the stands.The historic clash between the two bitter rivals had everything except goals as the two Istanbul foes played out a goalless draw at the RAMS Park.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was halted in IstanbulCredit: AFPFenerbahce fans repotedly threw flares towards Galatasaray supportersCredit: ReutersThe derby was halted on 52 minutes by the refereeCredit: RexTrouble erupted despite the presence of 30,000 police officersCredit: GettyMourinho had to settle for a pointCredit: GettyTensions were sky high before kick-off as the two sets of players refused to shake hands after making their way on to the pitch.And Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to interrupt the clash in the 52nd minute due to crowd trouble.According to Hurriyet, Fener fans threw flares towards rival supporters.Scary scenes ensued despite the strict security measures which saw a reported 30,000 police officers on duty at the game.Read More on FootballHowever, the match was restarted after the authorities intervened and regained control.Jose Mourinho’s side were desperate for the three points to cut down the deficit with Galatasaray.And the visitors almost pulled it off on 67 minutes with the biggest chance of the match.Fenerbahce star Filip Kostic delivered a corner-kick that was met by Alexander Djiku’s header.Most read in FootballHowever, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a stunning double save as he denied Djiku and then Edin Djeko who came close to scoring from the rebound.Mourinho’s men, who will face Rangers in the Europa League’s last 16, are now in second place with six points separating them from the top.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray are now favourites to win a third successive Super Lig title. More

    • 225 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel holds talks with Arsenal star Ben White over shock England recall after three-year exile from squad

      by

      BEN WHITE has held talks with Thomas Tuchel over a potential England return.The Arsenal right-back has not played for the Three Lions since March 2022 following an alleged falling out with former assistant Steve Holland at the Qatar World Cup.Ben White has not played for England in almost three yearsCredit: GettyTuchel will name his first Three Lions squad within weeksCredit: AFPSince then, White, 27, has ruled himself out of selection for the national team – missing the run to the Euro 2024 final in Germany under Gareth Southgate last summer.But Tuchel – who officially began work as England boss on January 1 after his October 2024 appointment – has made contact with White to determine whether he should include him in next month’s World Cup qualifiers squad.England face Albania on March 21 before taking on Latvia on March 24.German coach Tuchel has spent the first seven weeks of his reign attending more than 20 live games across Europe and speaking to players in person or over video calls – including White.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking at the 2026 World Cup draw back in December, Tuchel confirmed that he would reach out to White and that has now happened.It is unknown what was said in the pair’s chat, as well as whether Arsenal would allow the player to join up with England having only just returned from a three-month lay-off after knee surgery.White, 27, flew home from the Qatar World Cup after a fall-out with Three Lions coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said back in March 2024: “As manager I want the best for him, personally and professionally, and he really needs to feel it.“Hopefully he’s prepared to represent his country in the best way possible one day. That would be the best option for everybody. But that’s completely up to him.”Most read in FootballWhite would be competing with the likes of Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Tino Livramento, but offers great versatility as a right-back, centre back and midfielder.He has four caps, and made his senior debut on June 2, 2021 in a pre-Euros friendly against Austria. He was not included in the final squad before a late call-up for the injured Alexander-Arnold.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidIn England’s Qatar World Cup camp, White left early for “personal reasons” without making a single appearance – with it later being put down to a comment Holland made to him in front of the rest of the squad.Upon returning to play for Arsenal, White was abused from stands in the Premier League with chants of: “You let your country down.”Southgate – who resigned after the Euro 2024 final 2-1 defeat to Spain – later stressed it had nothing to do with the player’s relationship with Holland.James Maddison is hoping for a return to the England fold in next month’s internationalsCredit: ReutersSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024James Maddison is among those hoping for an England recall too, while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner urged the new boss to hand Eberechi Eze a place in the squad.Speaking after Saturday’s win over Fulham, Glasner said: “I have known him for a year now and he has a lot of potential. If he shows this then he has the potential to be a starter for England.”In the last weeks and months, he’s had some struggles with injuries and it is now about supporting him to get back into his best shape.” More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Marc Cucurella reveals he watches same classic film twice every single day

      by

      MARC CUCURELLA has revealed he watches the same classic film with his family TWICE a day, EVERY day.The Chelsea star, 26, has cemented himself as a key man under Enzo Maresca this season following a £62million move from Brighton in 2022.Marc Cucurella has revealed his favourite filmCredit: ReutersThe ace named a surprise flick that he watches with his young familyCredit: Instagram @cucurella3Cucurella has played 29 times for the Blues since leading Spain to Euros glory last summer.And he is determined to help Chelsea get back on track for a top four finish after a disastrous run of form.Off the pitch, Cucurella is just as committed to the cause, playing the role of doting dad and partner.The ex-Barcelona and Brighton man has been with girlfriend Claudio Rodriguez since 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey met when Cucurella was still at the Nou Camp.And she moved with him to the UK when he joined Brighton in 2021.They share three children together in Mateo, Rio and Claudia.But looking after his young family means Cucurella has been left with a limited options of movies to watch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd one classic film for kids gets played regularly in his household as a result.Speaking to TNT Sports, Cucurella revealed that his favourite film is none other than Disney epic The Lion King.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him The original Lion King came out in 1994, with its remake released in 2019Credit: RexThe original movie was released in 1994, four years before Cucurella was born, and follows lion Simba as he avenges his father’s death at the hands of his uncle Scar.And with his young children loving the movie too, Cucurella admits that The Lion King gets played several times a day in his house.The ace said: “(My favourite film?) The Lion King.“I watch it maybe twice each day, so I want to choose this one.” More