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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 3 Bournemouth 1: Villans take huge step towards Champions League with comeback days after Lille heroics

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      VILLA’S shattered stars ended the day on their knees, exhausted following their heroics here and in Lille.But by full-time every Villa fan inside Villa Park was on their feet, roaring their appreciation of their weary wonders!Aston Villa go six points clear of Spurs after beating Bournemouth 3-1Credit: RexMoussa Diaby scored the winning goal for VillaCredit: ReutersTake a bow Unai Emery and his battling heroes, who summoned the strength to come from behind and snatch three crucial points to go six clear of Spurs.Things looked bleak for the Conference League semi-finalists when Dominic Solanke fired the Cherries in front from the penalty spot.But Morgan Rogers levelled in first-half stoppage-time to breathe new life into Emery’s men and Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey finished Bournemouth off after the break.It means if Villa can beat Chelsea next Saturday they will open up a nine-point gap over Ange Postecoglou’s men, who face Arsenal the following day.Emery’s boys were always going to be weary and leggy following their 120 minutes plus penalties drama in Lille, which would have sucked the life out of most teams.So it was a smart move on the part of the club to change the first team coach’s usual route to Villa Park.This took it down Trinity Road where thousands of cheering Villa fans had converged to give their heroes a rowdy welcome – flares and all – to inject fresh life into those weary limbs.Once inside the ground those in Villa’s Holte End really did try to live up to the banner they proudly display at every home game.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey sang themselves hoarse: “Emi Martinez, the World’s No.1,” rang out all around the famous old ground. It worked a treat because Villa started on the front foot, intent on getting off to a good start while there was still freshness in their limbs.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerMoussa Diaby set up Ollie Watkins whose shot was blocked by Illia Zabarnyi.John McGinn fired an angled effort well wide following a short corner from Leon Bailey.And the Jamaican wing king delivered a deliciously teasing cross which just evaded Pau Torres.But Bournemouth weathered the expected early blitzkrieg and Martinez had to show his class to keep out a venomous effort from Justin Kluivert which stung his outstretched palm.Lloyd Kelly then picked out Dango Ouattara at the back post but the Burkina Faso international fired into the side netting.Bournemouth were now in the ascendancy and they took the lead just after the half hour mark – ironically in this week of all weeks – from the penalty spot.Kluivert engaged Matty Cash before slipping the ball to his left where Milos Kerkez was overlapping.Cash, Villa’s hero in Lille took the bait, dived in and sent the wide man tumbling.That left Dominic Solankje with one of the most unappealing jobs in football – trying to beat Emi Martinez from the spot.The Argentine was up to his usual tricks trying to psyche him out, whipping the Holte End into a frenzy.They responded by chanting their Martinez mantra over and over again.Fully three minutes had passed between the penalty being awarded and being taken. But to his credit Solanke showed nerves of steel to fire the ball to Martinez’s right, just high enough to evade his left glove.”You’re just a s**t Ollie Watkins,” jeered Villa fans.Cash tried to make up for his blunder with a rasping right footer which whistled just wide from 25 yards.Then Zabarnyi rode his luck with a blatant push on Watkins in the box which could easily have earned the striker a tit-for-tat penalty.But Villa summoned up one final push before the break and were rewarded with an equaliser.Bailey produced a stunning pass to Morgan Rogers with the outside of his right boot and the 21-year-old expertly chopped inside Adam Smith before lashing the ball high into the roof of the net.It was a stunning strike and it revitalised Villa who ended the half with McGinn and Tielemans bickering after the Belgian failed to deliver the ball into the middle before the half-time whistle blew.Villa’s tails were up now and after Watkins fired a couple of harmless efforts at Neto, they finally hit the front.Rogers played in Watkins who chopped inside Zabarnyi and rolled an inch-perfect pass across the face of goal for Diaby to side-foot past Neto from seven yards.Bailey then sent Watkins clear with a stunning 40 yard pass with the outside of his boot but the striker shot wide.However Villa grabbed a two-goal cushion when Diaby held off Max Aarons to feed Watkins who rounded Neto and Bailey made sure to poke the striker’s shot over the line.Emery punched the air over and over again in delight.Bournemouth were denied a late lifeline when Martinez beat out Semenyo’s shot and Enes Unal netted the rebound – but he was flagged for offside.But there are no signs of Villa flagging and they left the field to an ovation from their 12th man in the stands! BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER More

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      in Soccer

      Everton 2 Nottingham Forest 0: Gueye and McNeil’s long-range strikes earn Toffees crucial win in docked points derby

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      IT WASN’T a pretty sight – and that was just Sean Dyche wearing a track suit.The Everton boss ditched his trademark white shirt and tie for a dark blue number complete with pink flashes that was anything but a stylish fashion statement.Everton came out on top in a crucial relegation battleCredit: GettyNottingham Forest left themselves with plenty to do to ensure survivalCredit: PAYet he still found himself dressed for success as the Toffees produced their first league win at Goodison Park in 23 attempts.Salvation was ugly for most of the time in the win that offers the crisis club a desperately needed lifeline to safety while only adding to the growing worries of opposite number Nuno Espirito Santo.Forest are deeper in the mire with only one win in ten thanks to Idrissa Gueye’s scuffed opener before Dwight McNeil’s classy clincher in the only moment that was beautiful in this desperate “deduction derby”.But Dyche, who only proved that 52 year olds almost never look their best when the wear tight-fitting trackies, could not have cared less about how this looked – or what football’s fashionistas might say about how he looked either.His mood at the final whistle was a whole lot brighter than what it was going into the game.He had pointed the finger at everyone, including his own players, for being labelled as the wrong man to save his side from relegation.Beleaguered majority owner Farhad Moshiri got it in the neck for not warning that the club’s finances were in such a mess that points penalties were possible over huge losses.He condemned fans for the how they were saying he had gone from hero to zero after he led their team to safety last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSean Dyche has managed to navigate his Everton side to the brink of safety despite two point deductionsCredit: AlamyThe former Burnley boss didn’t mince his words with those players, either, in the wake of last Monday’s 6–0 humiliation by Chelsea.From the start they didn’t take kindly, either, to his mocking words in saying to them: “Is it that tie of the year again when you just want an easy life and a new manager”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window“Lads, I’m not that guy. I’m staying, I’m fighting.”Some of those doubting supporters may now have changed their minds although the response from his players at the start suggested they were deeply in the huff with him.It took 27 minutes to get a touch in the Forest box and that a poor, weak header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Ashley Young somehow dodged the attention of referee Anthony Taylor and survived a VAR examination after kicking right through Ona Reyna.A minute from the break the veteran got away with blue murder again, this time clearly sticking out an arm to block Calum Hudson-Odoi’s cross.Jordan Pickford, meanwhile, appeared in no mood for the battle with the other side hit by the Prem for breaching Prem profit and sustainability rules.He sent a shocking clearance straight to Morgan Gibbs-White before his defenders dashed to the rescue.There was also a spill from a straightforward shot from Hudson-Odoi that he desperately grabbed at the second attempt.Dyche’s players were living through their usual Hammers horror movie at home – having lost 17 and drawn five of their previous 22 games.But after Dyche broke the habit of a touchline lifetime Idrissa Gueye suddenly stepped out of his normal guise too.Idrissa Gueye’s long-range effort opened the scoring for EvertonCredit: ReutersAshley Young got away from VAR intervention on multiple occasionsCredit: ReutersThe last time he scored at Goodison was over six years ago yet there he was striding through to score even if his 29th minute strike from outside the box was something of a miss – hit.Everton fans always scream at him not to shoot and this was his 100th effort from outside the box – so little wonder.Yet the Forest rear guard failed to clear their lines and the Senegal international’s low strike somehow beat Matz Sels all ends up.Having suggested in his performance that he was seriously underwhelmed by Dyche’s scathing words, he then morphed into the England No 1 again in his 250th top flight game for the Toffees.His reaction as Gibbs-White fired a cross to Chris Wood was sensational, moving two yards to his left to block the striker’s far post, point – blank volley.Then he stuck up his fist to block the striker’s re-bound effort.Forest boss Nuno had a face like thunder and who could blame him for the move only underlined how technically superior his team had been.Things got more frustrating for him after Young dodged a bullet for a third time, his tackle mid – way through the second half looking less worthy of action from VAR Stuart Atwell..And then, 16 minutes from the end, they got so much worse for the Portuguese and his team as Everton finally came out of their shell.Dyche’s players had been in trench warfare mode for much of the second half but suddenly they produced the game’s only true touch of style.James Garner slid the ball into McNeil who played a one – two with Abdoulaye Doucoure, then delivered the sweetest of low left footers that hit the net off the foot of the post.Dwight McNeil sealed the three points on MerseysideCredit: GettySEE HOW IT HAPPENED… More

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      in Boxing

      Hughie Fury vs Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko LIVE RESULTS: Reaction as Fury secures dominant WIN on boxing return

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      HUGHIE FURY marked his boxing return with a dominant points win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in Rotherham.The 29-year-old went the distance with the Ukranian, utilising all six rounds to boost his fitness levels after almost three years out.Hughie, cousin of Tyson Fury, is set to fight again as soon as next month.
      Result: Hughie Fury def. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Goodnight from us
      Thanks for tuning in with us for Fury’s long-awaited comeback.
      It was a bit of a stroll, where the heavyweight blew away some cobwebs after a three-year absence.
      But, he won points which is all that matters.
      No shame in Dovbyshchenko’s performance, who can go back to Camden Town with his head high.
      It’s goodnight for now.
      Copy linkCopiedConfirmation of your winner
      It really was nothing more of a sparring sessions for Hughie.
      But he prevails after getting a good workout.

      Copy linkCopiedFury by decision
      Well, the ref thought it was closer than we thought.
      Fury wins it 59-56 by way of decision.
      He lifts Dovbyshchenko’s hand in the air. The Ukrainian put up a good fight.
      Good workout, though, for Fury.
      Copy linkCopiedIt went all six rounds
      Now to the judges’ scorecards.
      I mean, Fury walked it.
      It will be interesting to see what the scores do.
      Fairplay to Dovbyshchenko, he was worth his money.
      Copy linkCopiedShowboating
      Dovbyshchenko does a little dance in the ring after hitting Fury with a good right.
      Fury has hit a few shots at Dovbyshchenko and his opening up a little bit more.
      It’s a grandstand finish in the final round.
      Best round from him, despite getting a hit.
      Copy linkCopiedNothing more than a workout
      Fury is strolling this.
      He’s a class above Dovbyshchenko, that’s for sure.
      This is a good workout, and all about getting some minutes in the ring.
      It’s a professional display.
      Copy linkCopiedEnd of Round 2
      Dovbyshchenko might fancy this.
      He is standing up to the 6ft6in Fury, who is showing he’s a decent boxer with a good IQ.
      End of round two and once again not much between them.
      Copy linkCopiedGood first round
      Hughie Fury looks a little ring rusty, but in decent nick.
      He’s thrown a few decent hits, his defence looked good.
      Dovbyshchenko is standing up to it though.
      Nothing to pick between them in the opener.
      Copy linkCopiedRing walks complete
      It’s not quite Riyadh is it Rotherham?
      But it’s baby steps for Fury on his return.
      We’ve just done the ring walks, and we’re set to get underway.
      By the way, Dovbyshchenko comes via Camden Town.
      Copy linkCopiedFury’s next
      And here’s the tale of the tape.

      Copy linkCopiedThat was close
      Referee Michael Alexander had it by just one single point.
      It was scored 76-75, astonishingly, in Molloy’s favour.
      It was that close.
      Molloy remains unbeaten, but he was given a hell of a scare.
      Copy linkCopiedWhat a final round
      Toe-to-toe, both fighters showing incredible determination and spirit.
      Molloy and Herrera have put on a showpiece.
      What heart from the Mexican, what bottle from the Irishman.
      It went all eight rounds, now it’s the judges who will decide.
      Copy linkCopiedHe’s weathered the storm
      Molloy has shown a lot of character to weather the storm.
      Somehow he’s still on his feet, slugging away.
      There’s blood to the nose of Herrera.
      A combo from Molloy followed by a right hand hurts the Mexican.
      Copy linkCopiedNo way
      Molloy is down!
      And he’s in trouble.
      A persistent attack to Molley’s body from Herrera, and now the Irishman is flagging.
      My gosh. Can he hold on in the sixth.
      Copy linkCopiedWaiting for his moment
      You just get the feeling Molloy is getting ready to pull the trigger.
      Fairplay to Herrara, the Mexican is doing all he can though.
      Molloy is having to work for it, showing good defence.
      Another cracking show.
      Copy linkCopiedWorking the body
      Molloy is skipping around the ring, working Herrara’s body.
      He’s quick, agile, and aggressive.
      Looks a very decent prospect this Irishman.
      We’re heading for the fourth round.
      Copy linkCopiedNext up
      It’s the hotly tipped Kieran Molloy up next.
      Here’s the tale of the tape.

      Copy linkCopiedAJ in his sights
      One man who Hughie might want to fight, but would possibly be out of reach, is Anthony Joshua.
      Back in 2023, the 6f6in cousin of Tyson called AJ out.
      Hughie told Pro Boxing Fans: “I’d absolutely blitz him.
      “They’re the fights I want. Joshua honestly wouldn’t stand a chance.
      “He’s a complete stiff altogether. There’s nothing about him whatsoever. I think he’s a stiff and it couldn’t be an easier fight.”
      Copy linkCopiedResult
      Nicola Hopewell becomes the champ!
      And she gets a huge from pal Ebanie Bridges, who has been by her side for all of it.
      Judges scorecards seemed a bit wider than we thought.
      The scores were 96-94, 99-92, 97-94.
      Hmmm.
      Copy linkCopiedIt’s gone to the judges
      An explosive final 10th round saw both Hopewell and Ruegg go for it.
      Ruegg was so consistently persistant.
      Hopewell might’ve technically been the better the boxer over the contest.
      Over to the judges.
      Copy linkCopiedClose contest
      To be fair, this could be the fight of the night.
      We’re going into the last round now, and there is nothing in this one.
      Well done to both fighters – it’s been a contest and a half.
      It might just come down to this last round.
      Copy linkCopiedNot the best record
      Back to the main event, Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko’s record isn’t the best.
      26 fights, he’s lost 15 of them and won 10.
      There’s been a single draw.
      You’d think Fury should walk this, wouldn’t you?
      Copy linkCopiedMight have been wrong
      We’re into round five of 10 now.
      Somehow Ruegg is holding on in there. She’s tough as anything.
      Hopewell has a few cuts of her own, but is throwing the best combos.
      Where’s this going now?
      Copy linkCopiedMeanwhile…
      Could someone turn the lights on at Rotherham’s Magna Centre?
      You can’t see a thing outside of the ring, no reactions from the crowd, nothing.
      Is there anyone even there?
      Copy linkCopiedRound 2
      And it’s already opening up between these two sluggers.
      Ruegg is cut, Hopewell can smell blood (she can see it too).
      Hopewell is dancing around the ring, and looks to have the upper hand.
      This won’t last long.
      Copy linkCopied More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates from huge New York bout – ring-walk time, FULL undercard

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      DEVIN HANEY takes on Ryan Garcia TONIGHT – but the WBC super lightweight title will no longer be on the line.It comes after Garcia weighed in 3.1lb overweight on Friday, meaning The Dream’s 140lb strap is not up for grabs in New York.The pair fought six times as amateurs, winning three times each – but their biggest fight yet takes place this evening.
      US start time: 11.15pm ET (approx)
      UK start time: 4.15am BST (approx)
      Stream/TV: DAZN PPV
      Follow all the action from New York City with our live blog below…Fight night
      Welcome to fight night here at the Barclays Center in New York.
      SunSport will be providing you all the updates as Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia meet in a bitter grudge bout.
      But, Garcia is not eligible to challenge for Haney’s 140lb super-lightweight title after coming in over 3lb OVER weight.

      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Wolves 0-2 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners go back top of Premier League table after goals from Trossard and Odegaard

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      ARSENAL have beaten Wolves 2-0 to go back to the top of the Premier League table.The Gunners took the lead after Leandro Trossard’s superb strike just before half time.Martin Odegaard made sure of all three points with a 95th-minute finish from the tightest of angles as Mikel Arteta’s side put pressure on title rivals Manchester City and Livepool.
      Match result: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal
      Wolves team: Sa, S. Bueno, Kilman, Toti, Doherty, Traore, Joao Gomes, H. Bueno, Doyle, Hwang, Chirewa
      Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFollow all the latest from Molineux with our live blog below…London calling for Gunners
      It is going to be a massive week in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title.
      They face Chelsea at The Emirates next before they go into a crunch North London derby against Tottenham.
      Their fierce rivals would love nothing more than to derail their chances of winning the league.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGunners learn from last season’s heartache
      Arsenal fans will be hoping that Mikel Arteta’s side learnt a lot of lessons from how they threw away the title last season.
      They need to show some grit and steely determination if they are going to force Man City into making an error.
      That started today at Molineux, a pivotal game they needed to win after last week’s defeat against Aston Villa.
      Copy linkCopiedRice perfect side for title takeaway
      Declan Rice was voted the ‘man of the match’ at Molineux this evening.
      Even as the game went into added time, he making lung-bursting runs forward trying to get his side another goal.
      He was heavily involved in Odegaard’s goal and put in a talismanic performance for The Gunners.

      Copy linkCopiedGunners take big stride in title race
      Arsenal find themselves one point clear of Man City now.
      More importantly, they will play anotheer game before the defending champions are back in action.
      That means they could be four points clear by that stage.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal
      It was a dominant performance from Arsenal and although they struggled to create chances at times, they did enough for the victory.
      Arteta will see this as a big win after two defeats as they have managed to stop the rot.
      If they are to stand any chance of winning the title, they are likely to need five wins from their remaining games.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is a big win for Mikel Arteta’s side in the title race.
      Arsenal are top of the Premier League table once again.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Arsenal
      90+6. As Arsenal push forward, Rice finds Odegaard wide in the box.
      He looks to cut the ball back but it is blocked.
      The Norwegian retains the ball and whips a left-footed shot into the back of the net from a tight angle.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      90+4. Rice gets down the byline and putting a teasing ball into the box that is put behind for a corner.
      As they work another short one, Rice shoots from some distance but Jose Sa beats the effort back out.
      Wolves are struggling to hold onto the ball now.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      90+2. Lemina wins the ball off Gabriel in a wide position and is fouled by the centre back.
      He has caused some problems for Arsenal since his introduction.
      Saka cuts inside from the right and weaves his way into the box but his right-footed shot goes high into the stands.
      Chance to put the game to bed there.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      90. It looks like time is running out for the hosts.
      Arsenal will be looking to hold onto their clean sheet now.
      If they do, it will be another three points in the bag for The Gunners.
      We are going to have six additonal minutes.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      88. Raya comes out of his box to intercept the ball.
      He controls it before trying to punt the ball downfield but slices into the crowd.
      The is probably the biggest cheer from the home fans so far this evening.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      86. Lemina is receiving some treatment as he was clattered by Raya as he came to catch the ball.
      The last Gary O’Neil needs now is anymore injuries.
      He is walking gingerly but seems able to continue.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      84. Odegaard is penalised for a foul deep in his own half.
      Chance for Wolves to get some players forward.
      The ball is lofted into the box and too close to Raya who comes off his line to gather.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      82. As we move into the final ten minutes of the match, this game is still finely poised.
      Wolves are growing in confidence and trying to ask more questions of Arsenal defensively.
      Ait-Nouri is dispossessed out wide and felt he was fouled but the referee is not interested.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      80. Wolves start playing some crisp, passing football.
      They work it from one end of the pitch to the other.
      Sarabia looks to drive a cross into the box but it is well gathered by Raya in the Arsenal goal.
      Partey comes on for Jesus for the visitors.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      78. The visitors counter with pace as red and white shirts stream forward.
      Saka clips a cross into the box which is met by the head of Havertz.
      The defender does well to control it on his chest and volley the ball clear.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      76. Doherty looks to whip in a cross but it deflects behind for a corner.
      O’Neil uses the break in play to bring on Ait-Nouri and Sarabia for Chirewa and Doherty.
      The cross comes in and it is half-cleared by The Gunners.
      Traore tries his luck from distance but that is never going to trouble the keeper as it sails well wide of the target.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      74. Gary O’Neil is readying some more changes for the hosts.
      While they are well clear of the bottom of the table, Wolves are still looking to get something out of this game.
      Nerves will set in a little more with Arsenal as we get to the closing stages of the game and they still only have a slender lead.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      72. Lemina cuts onto his left foot and gets a shot away but Raya saves.
      Arsenal go straight up the other end and White drills a shot that Sa saves with his feet.
      The flag then goes up for an offside that occurred sometime in 2024.
      Trossard is replaced by Martinelli for the visitors.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      70. The referee awards another free kick to The Gunners.
      Boos and jeers ring out from the stands as they feel the referee is giving everything the way of the visitors.
      Arsenal will be keen to protect what they have now.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      68. The hosts are starting to see more of the ball in Arsenal half now.
      As Wolves try to play the ball out from the back, Jose Sa almost gifts the ball to Havertz.
      Fortunately for O’Neil’s side the German cannot get it under control.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      66. Saliba and Chirewa have a coming together just outside the box.
      The Wolves’ player was looking for a free kick for the challenge.
      Paul Tierney was not interested at all.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      64. While this stays at one-nil, Wolves are still in this game.
      The stats would show that Arteta’s side have controlled this game but they really need to kill the game off.
      Otherwise they leave themselves open to the sucker punch.
      Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Arsenal
      62. Jesus goes down as he is caught in the mouth with a hand.
      The referee immediately awards the visitors another free kick situation.
      While there was minimal contact with the player, the way he was rolling around on the floor holding his face was almost laughable.
      Maybe that could be a trophy option in the future, the first Arsenal player to be awarded an Oscar.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Man City vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE – FA Cup semi-final: Erling Haaland NOT in City squad as Enzo returns for Blues – updates

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY take on Chelsea in the semi-final of the FA Cup TODAY.And the headline team news from Wembley is that Erling Haaland is NOT in the City squad.Pep Guardiola’s side can no longer match last season’s Treble following their Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.City will still be eyeing a Double this campaign with the Manchester outfit in Pole position for the Premier League title and two wins away from back-to-back FA Cup triumphs.Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his side can salvage Chelsea’s season after failing to find consistency in their performances.
      Kick-off time: 5.15pm BST
      TV channel/ FREE live stream: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
      Man City starting line-up: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez
      Chelsea starting line-up: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Gallagher; Jackson
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFollow ALL of the latest updates from Wembley below…How do we see it?

      Copy linkCopiedOther options
      They’re not really short of options when it comes to goals, anyway.
      Phil Foden the standout player this season and those goal numbers certainly suggest that.
      Julian Alvarez gets his turn from the start here and there’s goals in their midfield too.

      Copy linkCopiedHaaland mystery
      “He has a little injury. It’s not serious but he couldn’t play today.”
      That was the update from Pep Guardiola before this one.
      Copy linkCopiedLatest odds
      Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are favourites to win this tie in normal time.
      There will be plenty taking the value in Chelsea, just shy of 5/1….
      BetMGM latest odds:

      Man City 8/15
      Draw 33/10
      Chelsea 24/5

      Copy linkCopiedSetting the scene
      The fans are piling into Wembley and the atmosphere is already building terrifically.
      A little under half an hour until kick off as the players are put through their paces in the warm-up ahead of kick-off.

      Copy linkCopiedMan in the middle
      The FA’s best referee, Michael Oliver takes charge of this one.
      The 39-year-old has refereed 30 games far this season, showing 121 yellow cards and five red cards.
      David Coote is on VAR. Hopefully we don’t hear much from VAR tonight, though….
      Copy linkCopiedOur picks
      We’ve had a go at picking out a PickYourPunt selection with Betfred for this game.
      As well as that, the bookmaker is offering £50 in free bets to new customers too!
      Our PickYourPunt is a cool 28/1 and we’ve given reasons why for each pick too.

      Copy linkCopiedNumbers to back it
      And the numbers back up what Pep Guardiola has said.
      Palmer’s four goals earlier this week taking him to 20 in the league this season – joint with former team-mate Erling Haaland. And in less shots, too.
      As well as the goals, he’s contributed 9 assists to Haaland’s five, with more than 3x the touches and passes of the Norwegian.

      Copy linkCopiedCole reality
      Pep Guardiola admits Cole Palmer has been the “decisive player of the season” after being forced to sell him to Chelsea.
      But the Manchester City boss insists the England midfielder asked to leave the Etihad for TWO YEARS before he finally got his £40million move to Stamford Bridge last summer.
      And Guardiola confessed: “He said he wanted to leave. What could we do? He was asking for two seasons to leave and I said, ‘No, stay’.
      “I also said in pre-season he should stay because Riyad Mahrez had gone, but he said, ‘No, I want to leave’.
      “So after two seasons what could I say?
      “Playing at his current level is exceptional. He is an incredible threat. Everyone knows it.”

      Copy linkCopiedSo far this season
      These two have met twice already in the Premier League this season.
      And both games finished all square.
      A sensational game at Stamford Bridge ended 4-4 when Cole Palmer scored a late, late penalty.
      While Rodri bagged an 83rd minute equaliser when the sides met at the Etihad in February.
      Copy linkCopiedPoch preview
      Mauricio Pochettino isn’t expecting a wounded animal when City face his Chelsea side this evening.
      He said: “From our point of view, we are going to compete against Manchester City. If you ask me about their situation, I can give my opinion, but we are not talking about that. We are going to compete against them.
      “Today we were preparing, doing meetings, about the Manchester City that played against Real Madrid, that played against us in the Premier League.
      “We are not talking about playing one or playing another. For me, the strength of Manchester City is that they keep the same idea and the same philosophy.”
      Copy linkCopiedSubstitutes
      Man City: Ederson, Dias, Kovacic, Doku, Gomez, Gvardiol, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis
      CHELSEA: Bettinelli, Badiashile, Disasi, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Sterling, Washington

      Copy linkCopiedChelsea team news
      No major surprises as Mauricio Pochettino names his Chelsea team for the semi final.
      Enzo Fernandez takes his place beside Moises Caicedo in the Blues midfield.
      CHELSEA XI: Petrovic, Guston, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson
      Copy linkCopiedMan City team news
      Pep Guardiola names his team for this afternoon’s semi final.
      Kyle Walker captains the side and is included despite playing in midweek on return from injury.
      MAN CITY XI: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez
      Copy linkCopiedTeam news is in!
      And the reports were right – there’s NO Erling Haaland!
      Copy linkCopiedBlues here
      The Chelsea squad arrived a while ago and have walked the Wembley pitch in preparation ahead of warm-ups.
      The squad making time to say hello to each kid, buzzing to meet their heroes on their big day.

      Copy linkCopiedKick off time
      It’s a 5.15pm kick off at Wembley tonight.
      And we’ll go the distance tonight, should we need it.
      And if we get half the drama of the Scottish Cup semi final earlier, we’re in for a treat.
      Celtic drew 3-3 with Aberdeen, with ex-City stopper JOE HART missing a penalty in the shootout to win it for the Hoops.
      Before being the hero in a 6-5 shootout win.
      Copy linkCopiedBounce back
      Pep Guardiola has called on his City stars to forget the heartbreak of midweek and react this afternoon.
      He said: “We don’t have another option and don’t want to feel sorry for ourselves.
      “We performed at our best but were not able to win against Madrid.
      “What next? We don’t have time to reflect. We reflect in the summertime. Football, you compete to win but most of the time you lose games.”
      Copy linkCopiedCityzens arriving
      Here is the City team who arrived a short time ago, with Kevin de Bruyne involved.
      The players took time to shake the hands with the mascot youngsters who gathered inside Wembley.
      Team news will be on the way shortly.

      Copy linkCopiedEarly team News
      And it’s big team news. Reports claim there is no Erling Haaland in the Manchester City squad this afternoon in a massive blow to the Sky Blues.
      Kevin de Bruyne is fit to be involved and is here with the City team. Whether he’s fit enough to start remains to be seen.
      Chelsea should have Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi back in their side having missed the game on Monday.
      Copy linkCopiedSemi Saturday
      Good afternoon and welcome to a huge afternoon in the English football calendar with the first of the FA Cup semi finals this weekend.
      And it’s a belter too with Manchester City and Chelsea doing battle for a spot in the showpiece event at the end of the season.
      City will still be reeling from being dumped out of the Champions League in midweek and need a reaction here.
      While Chelsea come here in their best form of the season, highlighted by the SIX goals scored in that demolition of Everton on Monday night.
      It’s poised to be a great occasion.
      Copy linkCopied More

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