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      ‘He played for us didn’t he?’ – Arne Slot hits back at Michael Owen’s claim that winning Prem’s not enough for Liverpool

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      ARNE SLOT has hit back at Michael Owen’s “strange” claim that winning the Premier League will leave a “bitter taste” for Liverpool.The Reds went into this weekend sitting 12 points above Arsenal with just eight matches remaining.Arne Slot is on the verge of guiding Liverpool to the titleCredit: RexMichael Owen recently interviewed Reds captain Virgil van DijkCredit: AlamyWhile sitting pretty in the Premier League, Liverpool have crashed out of all three cup competitions since January.The Reds were beaten by Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League – before losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle last month.During an interview with Virgil van Dijk, former Liverpool striker Owen suggested that his former club may be left with a “bitter taste” from only winning the Prem this season.Reds skipper Van Dijk immediately hit back, however, saying: “Well, I think we have to change that narrative a little bit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’re fighting for the biggest prize of the season, we worked so hard for it, 20 teams are working so hard to be on top of the Premier League.”We have eight games to go, we know what’s at stake, we have to go for it, we have to fight, we have to enjoy the whole ride and then let’s see. Like I said, it’s still looking very special in my eyes.”I think what you said, at the start of the season, I think no one expected us to even try to fight on all four fronts, obviously we’re at the stage now where we’re still fighting for the biggest, and that’s the reality.”It’s still a possibility that this season will be very, very special.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVan Dijk has been a pillar for the Reds this seasonCredit: RexAhead of Liverpool’s trip to Fulham tomorrow, Slot backed up his captain.The 46-year-old said: “Let me understand it right, Virgil was a bit frustrated because it came across as it’s not enough to ‘only’ win the Premier League?Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG “Michael (Owen) played for us, didn’t he? So he is aware of the fact that in 35 years we won the league once?”There is your answer. If you can win the league with this club then, phew, nothing else matters. If you do it 10 times in a row then I could understand that people say, ‘Oh but you only win the Premier League’.”At this club, you can compete for it and let alone win it, then it is a strange question to ask in my opinion.”If Virgil has this opinion as well then I agree with him. I follow the Dutch media a bit more than the media here and… no, let’s leave it!”I think the league is better than it ever was, the strength overall is getting better.”I think even Pep (Guardiola) said there will not be a team again as long as he lives that gets more than 100 points and wins the league four times in a row.”Read More on The SunSlot will still be without Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez for tomorrow’s trip to Fulham.But Alisson and Conor Bradley have trained and could be in line to return. More

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      ‘Being released wasn’t easy’ – Former Arsenal starlet who played with Bukayo Saka now in Championship relegation scrap

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      OLLIE TANNER used to play alongside Arsenal star Bukayo Saka but ended up in non-league before being snapped up by Cardiff.And now the 22-year-old winger is hoping to repay the Bluebirds’ faith by helping them avoid relegation into League One.Ollie Tanner is hoping to keep Cardiff in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe winger dropped down to non-league after coming through at ArsenalCardiff travel to QPR this afternoon sitting third from bottom after Derby beat Preston on Wednesday night to dump the Welsh side into the drop zone.Tanner is enjoying his second full season playing Championship football. And he is in no mood to fall back down a division.He said: “We shouldn’t be in this position but we must get ourselves out of it. Cardiff should be a club challenging for promotion to the Premier League where it belongs — not fighting relegation.“Some games this season, we’ve been unlucky. But other times we’ve not been good enough.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“Conceding poor goals has been a problem a lot of the time and it’s our own doing.“We work so hard to create and score goals then concede easy ones.“It’s the most frustrating thing. We are where we are and we must correct that, stop letting them in and score more. It’s the basics.”Tanner is mentally tough for the fight ahead.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates He experienced the glamour of being at Arsenal and the hard yards of slugging it out in non-league with the likes of Bromley, Folkestone and Lewes.The winger played alongside Saka in the Gunners’ youth team during his six years with the North Londoners.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football FixersHe said: “Saka was unbelievable — right from the first game I played with him.“He was always the one that was going to the top. It was a great education at Arsenal but being released by them wasn’t easy.“I ended up in non-league and that taught me a lot. It’s so easy to lose your way.“You either sink or swim. Thankfully, I swam.“I found a club in Lewes, who were playing in the Isthmian Premier, and a manager in Tony Russell and his assistant Joe Vines who helped me massively.“They are a big reason I’m now playing in the Championship.”Tanner signed from Lewes three years ago and had a tough first season where he had to not only adapt to training full-time rather than part-time but also cope with a five-division leap.He added: “There were lots of things where I had to sharpen up but I’ve got there now.Read More on The Sun“It’s a hard division but I’ve got lots of games under my belt. “All focus now is on staying up.”Tanner played with Bukayo Saka in the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      How Andre Onana went from skipping school and playing barefooted to overcoming double ban to play for Man Utd

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      BY the age of 11, Andre Onana had already made up his mind – school wasn’t for him and goalkeeping was.His journey has been tough. But his spirit has always been strong.Andre Onana skipped school, played barefooted and overcame two bans on his journey to Man UtdCredit: AFPHe was born in a tiny village in Cameroon and only had his eyes for football from a young ageCredit: GettyOnana has needed all that mental strength at Manchester United amid a period of ups and downs.His fortitude has been tested after his wife Melanie Kamayou was robbed of her £62,000 Hermes Birkin bag and a Rolex watch outside a Cheshire restaurant.The robbery is the latest challenge for Onana.It took the 29-year-old a while to settle into life at Old Trafford and he became a figure of ridicule due to several mistakes soon after he arrived in the summer of 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite another tough season at United, Onana has looked more composed between the sticks and has an FA Cup medal to his name. Success at Wembley feels a world away from being born in the tiny village of Nkol Ngok, 84 miles away from Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde.As a boy, Andre would skip school to go watch his elder brother Christian play football.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHis parents tried to force him to focus in class, but his brother, a goalkeeper whose influence would eventually rub off and shape his future, says it was impossible to stop him from coming along with him.Most read in FootballHe told SunSport: “It’s so hard to stop Andre when he sets his sights on something.”When he was five, I remember once he wanted to come with me to training, then I was playing for a second division team.“So I tried to deceive him. I told him to get changed and, when he went in, I went to training. Can you believe he walked all the way by himself to the training park? “I was shocked when I saw him, and I tell you, this is like a 30-minute walk from where our home is. He was just relentless for that age.”Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonIf you’re born in a country like Cameroon, opportunities are limited.You need a combination of sheer grit, determination, and an unshakable mental capacity to even stand a chance. Onana had all that when he joined his first football club ASVP.Located in Yaounde, they would play barefooted and when the nail on his big toe was ripped off, he would tie a cloth round his toe and continue playing. Onana shone out in matches against clubs from other parts of Cameroon and there were attempts to get him to move upfield, but he enjoyed being a goalkeeper, denying goals instead of trying to create them.The first sign of the player who has graced European football came when Fundesport, a club owned by Cameroon and Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o, organised a nationwide tournament to pick the best young players. Christian explains: “This is where I started to see the future for him.”Andre was picked from Yaounde and others from other parts of the country by Fundesport, who had connections. And of course, it was owned by Eto’o, and he is like a god to us, so there was belief that if you played in his team, you could go to Europe.”Life has a way of connecting the dots. At Fundesport, Onana tasted just a small part of what professionalism was, they played in kits, he had gloves, and they would occasionally travel to Europe to play in tournaments.It was at one of those invitational events that Barcelona’s La Masia academy spotted him, and signed him up straight away. Andre Onana was brought to Europe by BarcelonaCredit: GettyHe was initially scouted by a team owned by Cameroon hero Samuel Eto’oCredit: APFor years, La Masia had signed Cameroonian players as they desperately tried to discover the next Eto’o.But try as they did, it just never happened, and Onana was the last Fundesport player to be signed by La Masia. Samuel Aroko, his junior coach at ASVP, told SunSport: “I remember when he got to Barcelona, it was like a party for everyone at ASVP. “We knew he was good, but we just never knew he would get to Spain as quickly as he did.“It’s credit to him what he’s made of his career, you can’t get there if you give up easily. “Historically, Cameroon has always had great goalkeepers, but the way he plays today is the same way he played back then, with his hands and feet and always looking to make a difference.”La Masia came with its own challenges. In his mind, he’d gotten to the holy grail. He was finally in Europe, he was going to be earning big-money and the weather was cooler than the constant baking heat in Cameroon. But all that would come crashing down when he found out that a Fifa ban on youth transfers meant he could not play for the club for 18 months.When he returned, he played in a junior Champions League game for Barcelona against Ajax and it opened a new chapter.His brother Christian said: “That is where Ajax saw him and said, ‘For the way we develop players, he is the main man’.”At Ajax, there was a plan. He was made the first-choice goalkeeper for the second team, but every now and then, he would come onto the bench for the first team. Their No1 Jasper Cillessen moved to Barcelona for £11.1m, but Ajax still felt Onana wasn’t ready for top-level football.They signed Tim Krul from Newcastle on loan, but he arrived with an injury that would need at least three weeks to heal. The former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was working at Ajax and before handing Onana his debut said: “I believe in you. I know you’re young, but don’t be scared. You are talented, you’ve got a chance here, take it.”As fate would have it, Onana’s first game ended in a 2-2 draw, his second game they won 2-1 and he saved a penalty, and his third game Ajax won again. You don’t fix what isn’t broken, so he kept his spot and Krul had to move elsewhere.But then another ban reared its head, threatening to destroy not only his career but his reputation at a time when he was a growing star in European football. He was an international at 20, a Europa League finalist at 21, a Champions League semi-finalist at 23, leader of a brilliant young Ajax team on course for the title. But his career seemed on the edge of collapse at 24.He had taken medication prescribed for his wife while feeling unwell and furosemide, a banned substance because it causes increased urine production and can be used to flush the system of other prohibited substances prior to doping, was found in his urine sample. After his ban, Onana said: “I’m just a number. They can’t deal with it case by case. I think they should, but there are rules, and the rules are the rules.“The doctors said [furosemide] is for water retention and doesn’t benefit you. They recognised it was a genuine mistake, but you’re responsible for everything in your body. If I buy a bottle of water that turns out to be contaminated, it’s my responsibility.”The Court of Arbitration for Sport would find “no significant fault” and reduce his ban from 12 months to nine.Christian revealed: “It was maybe the toughest I have ever seen him be.“There was genuine fear in his eyes, and he would be on the phone with family all day, but to be honest, his agents Miguel and Albert Botines were incredibly supportive.“They were more than psychologists, and they made sure Andre felt confident and counted down the time until he was back. They worked hard to take him to Inter Milan.”Onana caught the eye in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: APAt Inter, he was met with Samir Handanovic, the veteran goalkeeper and club captain, but instead of competing, Onana took the role of a junior brother. He’d go to Handanovic for tips and the Slovenian instantly took to him.They shared the games until it became clear that the future was Onana. His presence in goal, his distribution, his footballing brain and his athleticism was on full show against Manchester City in the Champions League final.It was a performance many consider as one of the best goalkeeping displays in the history of the competition.That would end his one and only season at Inter before United made him the third most expensive goalkeeper in the world after agreeing a £47m deal.Things have not been easy for Onana since moving to the Premier League, there has been match-winning saves but also high-profile howlers.Read More on The SunHis future at United is said to be uncertain amid interest from Saudi Arabia.But if he stays in Manchester beyond the summer, there is no doubt he has the mental strength needed to help the club battle the tough times and get United back at the right end of the table.There has been ups and downs during his spell between the sticks for UnitedCredit: Getty More

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      Spurs can’t fall into the Ten Hag trap with Ange even if he somehow wins the Europa – he looks lonely, isolated and DONE

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      TOTTENHAM cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag trap’.Manchester United were all but certain of giving Ten Hag the elbow at the end of last season.Ange Postecoglou lost his rag after Tottenham lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday nightBut Tottenham cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag’ trapCredit: ReutersEveryone was aligned with the plan — he had to go.And then came the FA Cup final. United somehow managed to beat Manchester City and, for a brief moment, everything looked rosy.Sir Jim Ratcliffe mulled it over and over and eventually he decided on  an almighty U-turn that included giving Ten Hag yet another summer to spend money they didn’t have.And what happened? Nine games into the new season, with just three Premier League wins on the board, they realised they had been duped. It was the same Ten Hag as before. He finally got the chop and United have failed to recover since.Tottenham simply have to look at that situation and think: “Let’s not do that. Let’s not fall into that trap with Ange Postecoglou.”The Spurs boss looks done. No matter what happens, he is gone.And yet everyone is saying that Ange will save his job if he somehow turns things around and guides the club to the Europa League trophy come May.What difference will that make? It just prolongs the inevitable, just like United did with Ten Hag. And look how that ended up.In years gone by, winning a cup would be enough to keep a Spurs manager in the job. Not any more.James Maddison reveals awkward confrontation with Tottenham fans That’s how bad things have become.Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy cannot afford another calamity of a season after this one. But then who do they get next?Mauricio Pochettino seems to be flirting with the idea of a return but he surely won’t be available until after next summer’s World Cup. So what do they do until then?Postecoglou claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate. Come on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Troy DeeneyI have watched Ange’s post-match Sky interview from the defeat at Chelsea about eight times now and my conclusion is that he went there with an agenda and stuck to it.He was expecting people to hammer him — he was expecting there to be nasty questions and the reaction was so unnecessary and odd.I don’t think the interviewer, Patrick Davison, did anything wrong.Postecoglou then claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate.Spurs fans took to the streets chanting ‘we want Levy out’ in a protest against the club’s ownership in FebruaryCome on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Those are the actions of a man who is incredibly frustrated and under pressure.After all, he is human, and that whole club is so f***ing toxic. The whole place needs a revamp.But as a result, Ange has got into this weird, messy state of desperately trying to control the narrative in the most awkward, cringeworthy way possible.He looks like one lonely, isolated guy, especially at full-time at Stamford Bridge.Tottenham fans were angry after another dismal loss at Chelsea this weekThat being said, I am not surprised he did not go over to the away end to applaud them at the end. He got that right, at least.There’s no point stoking the fire even further to get even more abuse.What concerns me is that Ange looks to have no one to bounce ideas off or to seek reassurance from that he is saying the right things and making the right decisions.And why is he still sticking up for this group of players?For too long Spurs have brought in mediocre players who are not up to it to take them to the next level.For Spurs to change, they need to figure out what they are.Are they wanting to be top-four challengers? Are they wanting to simply compete for cups? Do they just want to be a nice, entertaining team  neutrals enjoy watching?At the moment, they aren’t anything — and that’s the biggest concern of the lot.CHELSEA RATINGS V SPURSCHELSEA hung on to clinch a controversial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Spurs.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Maresca’s players.SANCHEZ – 7Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect. It was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display. Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring. GUSTO – 6Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England. That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.  Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield. CHALOBAH – 8With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more. He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability. It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post. COLWILL – 8A rock personified. Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans. Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground. CUCURELLA – 9With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign. He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far. Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines. CAICEDO – 9 Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again. Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most. Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10. FERNANDEZ – 9Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight. He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net. The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time. His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight. NETO – 6The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker. Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned. Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment. PALMER – 8His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year. After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did. A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games. He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.SANCHO – 4Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score. It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net. Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause. He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window. JACKSON – 6Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies. A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence. That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post. Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.SUBSNoni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season. He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead. His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd. Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game. He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly. Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5The ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did. Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign.  More

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      Sarina Wiegman praises Keira Walsh’s first England goal after wonder strike against Belgium

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hailed Keira Walsh for breaking her England goal duck after the Lionesses thrashed Belgium on Friday night.  The Chelsea ace lashed a shot from distance on her 83rd senior appearance with the visitors falling to a 5-0 defeat in Bristol in the Nations League. Keira Walsh opened her England goals account with a superb strike following a foul on team-mate Jess ParkCredit: PAWalsh’s team-mates Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones also netted with Beever scoring her first senior England goalCredit: GettyAlong with Beth Mead, Lauren James also impressed in England’s attack with both forwards registering assistsCredit: AlamyHer club and country pals Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Aggie Beever-Jones were also on target during the convincing victory at Ashton Gate.The win saw the hosts remain top of group three in League A with Spain second following their 3-2 toppling of Portugal.  It also saw them fire another warning to their Euros rivals with the European champions hoping to retain their title when this year’s tournament begins in July in Switzerland. Of her first England goal and the team’s performance, Walsh told ITV Sport: “It took a big deflection but a goal is a goal. Read More Football Stories“All the girls are super happy for me which is a really nice feeling. “I finally got one in the end. A few of them like to remind me how long it’s taken me but I’m over the moon and it’s really good to be off the mark.Following her side’s second win in three Nations League outings this year, Wiegman mentioned her hope to see Walsh have more attempts on goal. The England boss added: “I was very happy for her because we want her to shoot more. Most read in Football“She has a very good shot and we want her to get higher up the pitch which she did. “Now we are joking, it’s our own-goal! But it’s her goal so I’m very happy for her.”Wiegman’s side were without the services of Chloe Kelly with the in-form forward joining her national team’s list of crocked stars. On Thursday the England boss revealed Fran Kirby and Kelly would miss last night’s game due to niggles. And less than two hours before kick-off it was announced Kelly would be returning to her Arsenal, where she is loan from Manchester City for treatment on a foot injury  This means Kelly will also miss England’s away duel with Belgium on Tuesday.  And the Gunners are likely to be sweating on her fitness before their mammoth Champions League first-leg semis clash with Lyon on April 27.  With Kelly absent Wiegman turned to fit-again Beth Mead who played in a front three with striker Alessia Russo and Lauren James. England began brightly causing problems with their threat from set-pieces Forward James was among the players who impressed with few of her crosses into the box wreaking havoc. Her fine lofted delivery found Bronze in the box with the right-back, making her 130th appearance,, glancing a 21st-minute header beyond Belgium keeper Nicky Evrard.Belgium were undone again by another dangerous delivery to a Chelsea and England player.This time centre-back Bright was there to bundle the ball home on the stroke of half-time. The visitors shuffled their deck in the second-half in the hope of upping their game in midfield with Feli Delacauw replacing Kassandra Missipo. And the Belgian midfielder had a strike deflected onto the roof of the net in the 66th minute. Sarina Wiegman will targeting another victory when England visit Belgium in Leuven on April 8 for their second Nations League clash with them this monthCredit: ReutersHowever any hope of the visitors trying to get anything from this game were blown away by cameo appearances from two rising Lionesses stars. Read More on The Sun Beever-Jones made it 3-0 with Mead laying the ball for her to tap in her first senior England goal with 23 minutes of normal time remaining. And Jess Park made it 4-0 soon after with a slotted finish before Walsh’s thumped shot from distance rounded off the rout. More

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      ‘It’s pretty good for Tottenham!’ – Ange Postecoglou sends clear message to Daniel Levy amid sack fears

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has told Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to stop firing managers so often.The Aussie is in danger of becoming the THIRTEENTH permanent boss to be axed by Levy.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has told chairman Daniel Levy to stop firing managers so oftenCredit: AlamyLevy has fired 12 permanent managers at TottenhamCredit: PAPostecoglou clashed with Tottenham fans at ChelseaCredit: RexSpurs supporters were furious with the team after the loss at ChelseaBut with Spurs on course for their worst finish in 17 years, Postecoglou said: “At some point, the club needs to stick to something. “I’ve almost lasted two years, it’s pretty good for Tottenham.“If I say it now it sounds self-serving, and defeats the purpose. But if you want to change the course of your events, you need to change materially a lot of things in terms of your outlook as a club.”Postecoglou’s comments echo those of predecessor Antonio Conte, who attacked the club’s “mentality” and claimed consistently firing managers will not change anything.Read More on FootballAnd asked why so often trophy-winning bosses come to Spurs and fail to replicate that success, Postecoglou replied: “I just don’t think it’s about the managers.“My perspective, while I’m in this chair, is to find a way to navigate where others have struggled.”Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008, are 14th in the Prem.And fuming fans chanted, “You don’t know what you’re doing” at the manager during Thursday’s defeat at Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Aussie responded by cupping his ear at the away end when sub Pape Matar Sarr levelled — only for it to be ruled out.While his tone was far calmer, Postecoglou’s words were reminiscent of the fiery rant Conte produced in his final press conference as Tottenham boss in March 2023.’People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea lossPostecoglou added: “There’s never any sort of defending of the club or the club defending itself.“I hear plenty of people defending other clubs but with Tottenham wherever there’s a sore there’s a real pile-on to stick a finger in and then we accept our fate. The only voice you hear is me.”Postecoglou echoed former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte’s rantCredit: AFP More

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      Roy Keane hailed as an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital

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      FOOTIE great Roy Keane has been hailed an “absolute gentleman” after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospital.The former Manchester United captain agreed to meet ailing Pat O’Sullivan, 77, after a radio plea from his family.Roy Keane has been hailed an ‘absolute gentleman’ after visiting a superfan with dementia in hospitalCredit: GettyRoy spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with PatCredit: corksredfm / InstagramPat, who regards Roy as a “total legend”, wept as the two embraced.Irishman Roy, 53, spent 35 minutes at Mercy hospital in his home city of Cork with Pat, his wife Catherine, and sons Derek, 44, and Rob, 41.Rob said: “What an amazing thing for Roy to do. “My dad was absolutely delighted.”Read More on FootballThe footballer grew up close to the family home in Cork and he once shared a pint with Pat in the Temple Acre pub.Rob added: “My dad always talks about his friend Roy Keane. “He was so happy to meet him that he cried twice.“Roy put his arm around him and shared a joke with him. Most read in Football”He loved it.”‘As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digRoy and Pat pose for a photoCredit: corksredfm / Instagram More

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      Arsenal could be forced to rip up transfer plans thanks to ‘big question marks’ over two players, reveals Arteta

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      MIKEL ARTETA says there are “big question marks” over Kai Havertz and Gabriel’s post-surgery recoveries that could force Arsenal to change their transfer plans.The Gunners are still reeling after Brazilian star Gabriel was ruled out for the season following an operation on a hamstring injury picked up in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham.Mikel Arteta says there are ‘big question marks’ over Kai Havertz and Gabriel’s post-surgery recoveriesCredit: GettyGabriel has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: ReutersArteta said Arsenal may have to adapt their targets based on how Gabriel and Havertz recoverCredit: GettyHe joins striker Havertz in the medical room — with the German plotting a return next term following hamstring surgery in February, while forward Gabriel Jesus and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are out until the end of 2025.Arsenal boss Arteta as previously said this summer’s transfer window — with new sporting director Andrea Berta through the door — will be a “big one” as they look to sign an elite No 9.Yet the Spaniard now says they may have to adapt their targets based on how Gabriel and Havertz return to pre-season and whether a much deeper squad is required to protect the pair from being pushed too hard  on their returns.Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday, on how tough it is to plan for the  summer with the injuries they have, Arteta explained: “It makes it harder. READ MORE ON ARSENAL“There are some players who will start the season after surgical intervention and that’s always a big question mark.“We don’t know how  capable those players are going to be to sustain  congested periods.“Let’s see if it affects our transfer plans but we have to be very conscious of that.“There are a lot of uncertainties in relation to what some of those players are going to be able to cope with, especially for the first five, six months of the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have now had four players suffer from hamstring injuries this season.Gabriel Martinelli was out for a month earlier this year, while Bukayo Saka only made his comeback against the Cottagers in midweek from an op in December.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHavertz could be back in training by June but Gabriel faces an uphill battle to return before the start of next season in early August.Arteta has hit back at those who criticise the club’s training and medical methods, suggesting it is something they “cannot control”.He was forced to rest centre-back Gabriel for games against Manchester United and Fulham back in December with a tight hamstring and he added: “I was very tempted to play him.“If I would’ve played him and he has the injury that he’s sustained now and misses four months (cut throat gesture), I would be hammered.“So, sometimes when the player is totally protected, this happens as well. There is an element we cannot control.”Timber was also forced off against FulhamBen White and Jurrien Timber, both with knee issues, are also doubts for today as well as Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Real Madrid.Timber hobbled off late on against Fulham and the defensive duo will face late fitness tests on Saturday morning before the Goodison clash.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Saka is pushing to start for the first time since December 21, after scoring seven minutes into a cameo off the bench in Tuesday’s comeback.Arteta added: “He needs exposure and he’s going to have exposure. It’s clear in the last two days, he’s demanding more, so that’s a good sign.”Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. 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