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      Franz Beckenbauer death updates: Tributes pour in for World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend

      by

      THE world is mourning the sad death of World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer.Beckenbauer was twice named European Footballer of the Year and appeared 103 times for West Germany.
      The Bayern Munich legend has also lifted a European Cup Winners’ Cup and his death has sent shock waves around the sporting world.
      Stay up to date with all the tributes…
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2024
      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024
      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024

      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024

      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Summary – Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at 78
      Football legend Franz Beckenbauer has sadly passed away at the age of 78, his family have confirmed
      The Bayern Munich icon is the only man to have both captained and managed World Cup-winning teams.
      Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
      He won the highest individual honour in football twice, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976.
      Beckenbauer featured at the 1966 World Cup for West Germany against England.

      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      Beckenbauer – the early years
      Born in Giesling, a working-class district of Munich, in September 1945, Beckenbauer grew up as a fan of 1860 Munich but joined the youth setup at the then unfashionable Bayern instead.
      He was originally a centre-forward and made his debut for the club in 1964, when they were in West Germany’s second tier, as a left winger. 
      Accusations against Beckenbauer
      Beckenbauer’s post-playing life was marred by accusations of wrongdoing, with the then 71-year-old questioned by Swiss prosecutors in March 2017 over suspected corruption linked to the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany.
      Beckenbauer headed the initial bid in 2000 and was part of the competition’s organising committee.

      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2024

      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024 More

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      FA Cup third round LIVE RESULTS: Man City dismantle Huddersfield, Bristol hold West Ham to a shock draw – latest

      by

      THE FA Cup continues today with a bumper afternoon of third round action.Holders Manchester City have thrashed Huddersfield 5-0, while Bristol City held West Ham to a shock draw.
      And Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in the tie of round three.

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow ALL the action from the FA Cup 3rd round with our live blog below…
      Up next
      Following the conclusion of today’s 2pms its time to look ahead to the rest of the action to come in the FA Cup.
      Arsenal take on Liverpool at home in what is the pick of the fixtures from the round.
      Arsenal will be wearing an all white kit in order to aid victims of knife crime.
      Full time results
      Here’s the full time results for the FA Cup third round from around the country.

      West Ham 1-1 Bristol City
      Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
      Luton 0-0 Bolton
      Peterborough 0-3 Leeds
      Shrewsbury 0-1 Wrexham
      West Brom 4-1 Aldershot
      Man City 5-0 Huddersfield

      Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
      League One Blackpool have held Forest to a 2-2 draw at the City Ground.
      They had been leading 2-0, with Forest scoring one either side of the half-time whistle to just about spare their blushes.
      Luton 0-0 Bolton FULL TIME
      League one bolton have held Premier League Luton to a draw at Kenilworth Road,
      There’ll be a replay at the Tough Sheet Stadium.
      West Brom 4-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
      88′ Tom Fellows’ strike makes it 4-0 to West Brom.
      They’ve absolutely cruised past non-league Aldershot today.
      Can Forest stop a shock? Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
      Forest have come back from two goals down against Blackpool to potentially put stop to a huge upset.
      Blackpool led Forest 2-1 at half-time but Morgan Gibbs-White’s 59th minute equaliser has spared their blushes for now.
      Manchester city 5-0 Huddersfield GOAL!
      Kevin De Bruyne with an assist for Jeremy Doku on his return to the side.
      The midfielder found his compatriot at the back post with Doku firing home on the volley.
      Credit: PA
      Manchester City 4-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
      65′ Phil Foden makes it four to the holders with a wonderful finish.
      The midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in what is increasingly becoming a trademark.
      Shrewsbury 0-1 Wrexham – GOAL!
      Hollywood Wrexham make it 1-0 with a goal through Thomas O’Connor.
      It’s been a complete deadlock so far but Wrecham’s quality has ultimately shone through.
      Manchester City 3-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
      58′ Manchester City have made it 3-0 as the holders continue to stroll past Huddersfield.
      A deflected Oscar Bobb compounds Huddersfield’s misery… Just as Kevin De Bruyne comes on.
      How many could City rack up?
      Peterborough 0-2 Leeds – GOAL!
      47. Leeds have made it 2-0 thanks to an unbelievable strike from Patrick Bamford.
      The striker took the ball down with his chest before volleying it on the turn past the Peterborough keeper.
      Credit: Rex
      Third Round half-time scores
      The half-time whistle has now blown in all of this afternoon’s third round ties, and here is the current state of play.

      Luton 0-0 Bolton
      Man City 2-0 Huddersfield
      Nott’m Forest 1-2 Blackpool
      Peterborough 0-1 Leeds
      Shrewsbury 0-0 Wrexham
      West Brom 3-0 Aldershot
      West Ham 1-0 Bristol City

      League One Blackpool are 45 minutes away from a Premier League scalp, leading 2-1 at Nottingham Forest, while Bolton are currently holding Luton at Kenilworth Road.
      But there are no shocks as far as holders Man City, West Ham and West Brom are concerned with all three sides leading in front of their own fans.
      The fierce derby between League One Shrewsbury and League Two Wrexham is goalless at the break.

      West Ham 1-0 Bristol City
      44. Since scoring the first goal of the day, it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for David Moyes.
      The Hammers still lead their Championship opponents, but have lost both Lucas Paqueta and Konstantinos Mavropanos to injuries in the first half.
      Nott’m Forest 1-2 Blackpool – GOAL!
      39. The Premier League side have one back!
      Argentines combine as a pinpoint cross from Gonzalo Montiel on the right is met powerfully by the head of Nicolas Dominguez.
      No chance, Daniel Grimshaw! Back in with a chance, Nottingham Forest!

      Man City 2-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
      37. Have the floodgates opened at the Etihad?
      Manchester City have a quickfire second after passing Huddersfield into submission in and around the box.
      After some intricate one-touch stuff, Rico Lewis steers an effort towards the far post and Julian Alvarez finishes off.

      Peterborough 0-1 Leeds – GOAL!
      34. Leeds lead at London Road!
      The Championship outfit catch Posh cold with a quick free-kick, and Ethan Ampadu is on hand to convert his first goal for the club.
      Daniel Farke’s visitors are looking pretty in pink.

      Man City 1-0 Huddersfield – GOAL!
      33. Huddersfield Town have performed admirably at the FA Cup holders this afternoon, but they’ve finally been undone by Pep Guardiola’s relentless machine.
      It’s a typically-composed finish from Phil Foden, who is first on to Julian Alvarez’s deflected shot, eventually smashing his own into the roof of the net.
      West Brom 3-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
      27. What a moment for Daryl Dike!
      Back in the West Brom starting line-up after eight months out with an Achilles tendon injury, and he’s already among the goals.
      The American striker powers in a superb volley just shy of the half hour mark, and it already means that there’s no way back for National League Aldershot.

      Nott’m Forest 0-2 Blackpool – GOAL!
      27. It’s two in two minutes for the Seasiders!
      This time, Albie Morgan is the man in the right place this time, sliding in CJ Hamilton’s cross at the far post to double the League One side’s advantage.
      The Nottingham Forest fans are not impressed with what they’re seeing. Cooper out? Oh, hang on…

      Nott’m Forest 0-1 Blackpool – GOAL!
      25. We have a potential upset on the cards at the City Ground where League One Blackpool have edged in front against the Premier League hosts.
      And it’s the former Nottingham Forest man, Jordan Gabriel, who has grabbed the opener.
      The defender took advantage of a poor clearance to loop his header past Odysseas Vlachodimos.

      Man City 0-0 Huddersfield
      18. No goals so far at the Etihad, but Pep Guardiola does have some cause for concern.
      Manuel Akanji has been forced off early after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Huddersfield debutant Alex Matos, on loan from Chelsea.
      Matheus Nunes is on in place for the defender which is likely to see Rico Lewis shit from midfield to the back line.
      West Brom 2-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
      15. About that hard uphill task… it’s a mountain now!
      Jovan Malcolm capitalises on a mistake at the back, and races through to fire low past Jordi van Stappershoef.
      It’s a thoroughly professional job so far from the Baggies, and Aldershot are unlikely to be joining fellow non-league club Maidstone in the fourth round draw.
      West Brom 1-0 Aldershot – GOAL!
      7. From West Ham to West Brom.
      Albion have an early lead against their non-league counterparts courtesy of Nathan Chalobah.
      The former Fulham man wallops Tom Fellows’ cut-back into the top corner from 12 yards out, and a tough ask for the National Leaguers has just got that bit harder.
      West Ham 1-0 Bristol City – GOAL!
      4. Fancy another cup run, West Ham fans?
      This season’s stint in the FA Cup has got off to the best possible start with Jarrod Bowen bagging his 14th goal of the season in all competitions.
      The England international latches on to Pablo Fornals’ clipped through ball, and cooly rounds Max O’Leary to score.

      Underway on third round Sunday
      Whistles have been blown around seven stadiums of varying quality and character, and this afternoon’s FA Cup ties are go. More

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      Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Nelson replaces Jesus while Van Dijk misses out for Reds in FA Cup tie – latest

      by

      ARSENAL are hosting Liverpool in a mouthwatering FA Cup third round clash at the Emirates!The Gunners have headed into the match on the back of a horror run of back to back defeats in the Premier League.
      While Liverpool sit at the top of the league but do go into this one with star man Mo Salah who has joined up with Egypt at AFCON.

      Kick-off time: 4.30pm
      TV channel/ live stream: BBC One/ BBC iPlayer
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Nelson, Havertz
      Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold; Elliot, Jones, Mac Allister, Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo
      Explainer: When is the fourth round draw?

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      Liverpool match up to Arsenal’s 4-3-3
      Alexis Mac Allister returns to Liverpool, and slots straight into the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, where the Argentine will be flanked by youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
      Meanwhile, Joe Gomez continues to fill in at left-back with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas injured while 20-year-old Jarrell Quansah makes his first ever appearance in the FA Cup.

      Havertz up top of hosts
      Jorginho’s inclusion in the Arsenal midfield this afternoon means that Kai Havertz will move into a more advanced role, joining Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson in the front three.
      Meanwhile, it is expected that Declan Rice plays on the right of midfield with captain Martin Odegaard on the left.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has still not shaken off his injury so Jakub Kiwior continues at left-back.

      Klopp selects strong Liverpool line-up
      Jurgen Klopp makes four changes for today’s cup tie at Arsenal, all of which are enforced.
      Mo Salah and Wataru Endo are away with their countries at their respective international tournaments while Virgil van Dijk is ill and Dominik Szoboszlai is injured.
      As a result, in come Jarell Quansah, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo.

      Liverpool (4-3-3): 1 Alisson; 66 Alexander-Arnold. 78 Quansah, 5 Konate, 2 Gomez; 19 Elliott, 10 Mac Allister, 17 Jones; 18 Gakpo, 9 Nunez, 7 Diaz
      Subs: 62 Kelleher, 20 Jota, 38 Gravenberch, 42 Clark, 44 Chambers, 49 Gordon, 53 McConnell, 84 Bradley, 98 Nyoni
      Credit: @Liverpool Twitter
      Ramsdale returns for Arteta’s Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta makes three changes to the Arsenal side beaten by Fulham on New Year’s Eve.
      Aaron Ramsdale, as the Gunners’ designated domestic cup goalkeeper, comes back into the side in place of David Raya.
      There are also starting berths for Jorginho and Reiss Nelson, who replace Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.

      Arsenal (4-3-3): 1 Ramsdale; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 15 Kiwior; 41 Rice, 20 Jorginho, 8 Odegaard; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 24 Nelson
      Subs: 22 Raya, 10 Smith Rowe, 11 Martinelli, 14 Nketiah, 17 Cedric, 19 Trossard, 63 Nwaneri, 76 Walters, Sousa
      Credit: @Arsenal Twitter
      Arsenal relaunch No More Red campaign
      Arsenal will wear an all-white home kit this afternoon for the first time in their history to raise awareness of the club’s campaign against knife crime and youth violence.
      In association with Adidas, the Gunners’ No More Red initiative continues after its initial launch in January 2022.
      It has previously seen Arsenal wear white in away games such as the FA Cup third round tie at Oxford this time last year, but doing so at the Emirates breaks new ground.
      Today’s opponents Liverpool will support Arsenal’s campaign by wearing their changed strip of purple.

      Gunners evens to prevail
      It’s just 15 days since nothing could separate these sides at Anfield, but the bookmakers believe that home advantage is enough to give Arsenal the edge this afternoon.
      The Gunners are priced at evens to get the better of the team currently top of the Premier League with the draw that neither club wants chalked up at 13/5; Liverpool are a 12/5 shot.

      Arsenal win Evs
      Draw 13/5
      Liverpool win 12/5

      Mind you, if you do believe that the draw could be a factor, and it may take a replay for one of these giants to progress then maybe the tie’s outright betting is the way to go.

      Arsenal to qualify 8/11
      Liverpool to qualify 11/10

      Odds from Paddy Power correct at the time of post publication.
      Hello and welcome to Arsenal vs Liverpool
      Arsenal are facing Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium today in a massive FA Cup third-round clash!
      The Gunners have completely capitulated from when they were top of the tree at Christmas with just one win in their last six games.
      Mikel Arteta’s men suffered two consecutive London derby defeats to West Ham and Fulham which has now seen them plummet down to fourth in the Premier League table.
      While their opponents Liverpool capitalised by beating Newcastle and replacing Arsenal at the summit.
      But this weekend’s match is all about the FA Cup – a competition that no other side has lifted more than the Gunners.
      Liverpool are a team in form who will be heading into the fixture full of confidence and present Arteta’s men with a tough challenge.
      The two sides put on a show when they met in the league last month and played out a high quality 1-1 draw at Anfield. More

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      FA Cup third round LIVE RESULTS: 10 games now underway after Newcastle cruise past Sunderland and Stevenage shock exit

      by

      IT doesn’t get much better than an action-packed FA Cup weekend – with several blockbuster clashes happening right now and more on the way later.Newcastle cruised past Sunderland with a 3-0 win at the home of their bitter rivals, while League One Stevenage suffered a shock early exit to non-league Maidstone.
      But now, there are 10 more games underway before Chelsea welcome Championship side Preston to Stamford Bridge in one of four games at 5.30pm.
      And High-flying Aston Villa host Manchester United legend Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough.

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow ALL the action from the FA Cup 3rd round with our live blog below…
      FA Cup half-time scores
      Blackburn 3-2 Cambridge Utd
      Gillingham 0-2 Sheff Utd
      Hull 0-1 Birmingham
      Newport 0-0 Eastleigh
      Norwich 1-1 Bristol Rovers
      Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Sutton Utd
      QPR 2-0 Bournemouth
      Southampton 1-0 Walsall
      Stoke 1-1 Brighton
      Watford 0-1 Chesterfield
      Stoke 1-1 Brighton
      As the hosts fail to clear their lines, Brighton get back on level terms in the sixth minute of added time in the first half.
      Pervis Estupinan is the scorer for Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
      That might change what he has to say to his team during the interval.
      Blackburn 3-2 Cambridge Utd
      Sam Szmodics ends a perfect half for the striker as he completes his hat-trick.
      Breaking the hearts of the visitors, his form this season has seen him become the top scorer in the division.
      Great comeback by the Championship side after going behind twice.
      QPR 2-0 Bournemouth
      Sinclair Armstrong puts the Championship side in the lead.
      Armstrong bends one in the far corner, no more than they have deserved in this game.
      Lyndon Dykes then doubles their lead as QPR score two goals in the space of a minute after having only managed that feat in six games before today.
      Premier League Bournemouth are up against it now.
      Credit: Reuters
      Red card – George Langston (Eastleigh)
      Blackburn 2-2 Cambridge Utd
      Sam Szmodics has equalised for Blackburn Rovers.
      It is end to end stuff at Ewood Park.
      Don’t think we have seen the last of the goals in this one today.
      Watford 0-1 Chesterfield
      Joe Quigley has put the National League side ahead at Championship Watford.
      The visitors have taken a staggering 4,000 fans Vicarage Road.
      A trip being made well worth it by their team right now.
      Blackburn 1-2 Cambridge Utd
      Sam Szmodics has drawn the Championship side level.
      Just as it seemed they could be on the receiving end of an FA Cup upset.
      Jon Dahl Tomasson will be pleased to see his side get back on level terms at Ewood Park.
      However, it is all short-lived as Cambridge go straight down the other end to take the lead once again.
      Sullay Kaikai scores for the visitors to send their fans into raptures.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Getty
      Hull 0-1 Birmingham
      Fresh from the departure of manager Wayne Rooney, Birmingham City take the lead in this one.
      Lukas Jutkiewicz heads home from the penalty spot to send the away fans wild.
      Rooney will no doubt be watching on to see how his old club do without him.
      Norwich 1-1 Bristol Rovers
      Grant Ward has drawn the visitors level at Carrow Road.
      So much for that cup run for David Wagner.
      Bristol Rovers have been in free-scoring form this season and continue at their Championship opponents today.
      Stoke 1-0 Brighton
      Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has turned into his own net to give Stoke City the lead.
      Good pressure by the hosts but The Seagulls’ defender could not sort his feet out and beat his own keeper.
      We could be seeing a Premier League scalp in this one.
      Gillingham 0-1 Sheff Utd
      Will Osula has given the Premier League outfit the lead on the road.
      The keeper could have done better with the shot but the visitors take the lead.
      No cup upset on the cards in this one it seems.
      Norwich 1-0 Bristol Rovers
      No surprises in this one as the Championship outfit take an early lead.
      Ashley Barnes notches for The Canaries against their League One opponents.
      David Wagner will be hoping his side can go on a cup run this season.
      Credit: Getty
      Blackburn 0-1 Cambridge Utd
      League One Cambridge Utd have taken the lead at Championship Blackburn Rovers.
      Jack Lankester netted for the visitors after six minutes.
      Potential shock on the cards if they can hold onto this one.
      Southampton 1-0 Walsall
      Ryan Fraser has put The Saints ahead after only six minutes.
      The hosts start the game with lots of pressure on the visitors from League Two.
      They are up against it now, trailing to their Championship opponents.
      Stones head into fourth round
      Maidstone Utd of the National League South, become the first team to make it to the fourth round from that tier of the league since Havant & Waterlooville in 2007.
      Corne slotted home a penalty to put them in Monday’s draw.
      They will be hoping they can draw a big side at home in the next round.
      FA Cup actions comes thick and fast
      Here are the 3pm kick-offs this afternoon:
      Blackburn Rovers vs Cambridge Utd
      Gillingham vs Sheff Utd
      Hull City vs Birmingham City
      Newport County vs Eastleigh
      Norwich City vs Bristol Rovers
      Plymouth Argyle vs Sutton Utd
      QPR vs Bournemouth
      Southampton vs Walsall
      Stoke City vs Brighton
      Watford vs Chesterfield
      Bruno pulling strings in midfield
      Bruno Guimaraes was awarded the man of the match award against Sunderland today.
      It was a combative performance by the Brazilian, who covered a lot of ground for his side during the game.
      He bossed the Sunderland midfield and was the one of the differences between the two sides.

      FA Cup third round full-time scores
      AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Ipswich Town
      Coventry City 6-2 Oxford United
      Maidstone United 1-0 Stevenage
      Millwall 2-3 Leicester City
      Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
      FT: Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
      Newcastle win the Wear-Tyne derby in comfortable fashion.
      It could have been a lot different but the Black Cats had a frustrating day at the office.
      They scored an own goal, gifted the second to the visitors and gave away a penalty for the third goal.

      FT: Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is a comfortable win for Newcastle in the derby.
      Eddie Howe’s side head into the fourth round of the cup.
      Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
      90+2. Newcastle make a host of changes in added time.
      Dummett, Livramento and Ritchie all come on for the visitors.
      They will have limited time to have an impact on this game.
      Sunderland 0-3 Newcastle
      90. Isak sends the keeper the wrong way and buries it in the bottom corner of the goal.
      It is the icing on the cake for Eddie Howe’s side.
      The rash challenge from Ballard on Gordon gave the penalty away.
      Sunderland fans head to the exits now.
      Goal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
      Penalty to Newcastle More

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      Tottenham 1 Burnley 0: Pedro Porro’s ROCKET wins it but Amdouni misses sitter in stoppage time to force FA Cup replay

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      PEDRO PORRO showed Trent Alexander-Arnold he has some competition for the title of most electrifying right-back-turned-playmaker around.This game was looking like the first dull encounter of the Ange Postecoglou era and heading towards an unwanted replay.
      Pedro Porro produced the big moment of quality to send Spurs in round fourCredit: Getty
      Porro wellied it past Burnley keeper Aro MuricCredit: Getty
      Muric could only watch it fly past himCredit: Rex
      That was until Porro, Spurs’ shining light all game, stole the ball in the 78th minute and let fly from 25 yards.
      The Spaniard could not have hit it any sweeter, as it flew into the top corner with all the laser-like precision of a vintage Cristiano Ronaldo howitzer.
      Porro has been a revelation this season under Postecoglou, quietly undergoing one of the most impressive full-back transformations since Patrice Evra all those years ago at Manchester United.
      Evra famously struggled during his first six months in English football but then went on to become a United legend.
      It is fair to say Porro had a nightmare in the second half of last season, after arriving from Sporting Lisbon, amid the end of the Antonio Conte era and the chaos that followed it.
      Fans were left wondering just what Postecoglou was going to do with the Spain international, who did not start the first game of the season at Brentford.
      The answer has been to turn him into one of the most creative players in the league who, like Alexander-Arnold, makes a mockery of his alleged right-back position by popping up all over the shop and making things happen.
      Spurs badly needed him here as they looked out of ideas without all their injured players and particularly inspirational captain Son Heung-min, who has jetted off to the Asian Cup with South Korea.
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      In fairness to Postecoglou, he went as full strength as he could – not that he had an excuse not to, given how few games there are this month.
      Spurs were boosted by the return to the bench of star defender Micky van de Ven after two months out with a hamstring problem. Within a minute, fans were singing the Dutchman’s name.
      Unlike their hosts, Burnley did make changes – five in total – and it was fresh face Anass Zaroury who was the centre of attention in the early stages.
      First, the Moroccan risked giving away a penalty with a clumsy tackle on Destiny Udogie that VAR looked at but agreed with on-field ref Sam Barrott’s decision not to give a spot-kick.
      Then Zaroury stung the fingertips of Guglielmo Vicario with a fizzing drive from distance.
      In the 16th minute, nigh-on all of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including Postecoglou, were applauding in honour of 16-year-old Spurs fan Harry Pitman, who was tragically stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve.
      Without Son, the goal-scoring burden fell even more on Richarlison, who has finally found his shooting boots for Spurs over the festive period with five goals in as many games.
      But he still has a long way to convince the fanbase he is good enough to be a regular for them.
      Zeki Amdouni missed a sitter at the end after keeper Muric won a header in the Spurs boxCredit: Reuters

      And the way he squandered two first-half chances, weakly firing at the keeper, will have done little to persuade them.
      Burnley should have taken the lead when Zaroury impudently flicked the ball over the Spurs backline to play in team-mate Zeki Amdouni, who somehow got it stuck under his feet and then blazed over from a few yards out.
      Spurs tried to up the tempo after the break – during which Burnley’s star striker Lyle Foster was subbed off – but they lacked creativity.
      The absentee list, which also included James Maddison and Manor Solomon, was telling.
      Postecoglou took action by bringing on Bryan Gil for Gio Lo Celso and moving Dejan Kulusevski into the middle.
      It did not appear to have the desired effect and as Richarlison failed to make the most of another opening in the Burnley box, a replay looked inevitable.

      Yet from the resulting move, as Muric threw the ball out to sub Ameen Al-Dakhil, Porro burst into action to change the narrative.
      He tackled Al-Dakhil, drove towards the box, took aim and let fly.
      It whistled into the top corner for a magnificent first goal of the season and one worthy of winning any game. 
      Spurs almost made it 2-0 when sub Ryan Sessegnon making a surprise return after a lengthy spell out with a hamstring problem saw Muric tip his shot wide.
      Muric then went up for a Burnley corner deep into seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs held out to ensure it was Porro’s day.
      The 24-year-old told SunSport in an exclusive interview that there is a saying in Spain that “the sun will come up tomorrow” – ie that better times will be ahead, no matter how gloomy things look.
      After last season’s misery, a new day has certainly dawned for Porro in N17.
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      Fulham 1 Rotherham 0: De Cordova-Reid screamer settles it for the Cottagers but brave Millers push them all the way

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      BOBBY DE CORDOVA-REID survived a mass rotation to fire Fulham into the fourth round of the FA Cup.The winger was just one of three players to keep his place in the starting XI that beat Arsenal last Sunday.
      Bobby De Cordova-Reid fired the only goal in the first halfCredit: Reuters
      De Cordova-Reid celebrates his FA Cup winnerCredit: Getty

      And after scoring the winner to down the Gunners last weekend, De Cordova-Reid scored again to see off stubborn Rotherham.
      But where Fulham showed power and panache to see off last season’s Premier League runners up with a brilliant fightback, they struggled against the Championship’s bottom team.
      De Cordova-Reid’s classy first half strike was one of few highlights in a gritty performance that nonetheless opens up a second cup front for Marco Silva’s in-form team. 
      With a trip to Liverpool high in the manager’s mind for next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg, Silva took the opportunity against such lowly opposition to rest most of his key men.
      In particular, the absence of midfield general Palhinha always leaves a hole and there is no doubt that the home team’s tempo was down a notch or two compared to recent games without him.
      Even so, you shouldn’t have to be on tip top form when hosting a side that hasn’t felt the thrill of victory on the road in any shape or form since November 2022.
      That is now 29 successive games for the long-suffering Yorkshire club’s fans who rallied around 500 hardy souls for a Friday night trip to South West London in faint hope of a rare away win.
      Silva made eight changes to the team which fought back from a goal down against Arsenal at the weekend to claim a spirited 2-1 victory.

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      He at least kept faith with De Cordova-Reid against the ailing Millers and it proved decisive.
      After 24 minutes of toying around, Fulham finally got the breakthrough but thanks to a defensive lapse.
      Left back Sebastian Revan, on loan at Rotherham from Aston Villa, cracked under pressure trying to play his way out of his goal area.
      His rash clearance only found its way as far as De Cordova-Reid on the edge of the box who hammered a right foot shot into the top corner with his second touch.
      Harrison Reed later hit the post and Wilson also went close but scuffed a shot from the edge of the area.
      Millers’ keeper Viktor Johansson then saved one-handed from a Tosin header and again stopped a powerful drive from Wilson as the struggling second tier side put up a surprisingly stubborn rearguard fight while failing to register a single shot on target.
      Despite their superiority, Silva still had to bring on fresh faces deep into the second half to inject some energy into the performance.
      Club captain Tom Cairney and Brazilian winger Willian came off the bench with 16 minutes left.
      With just thirty seconds of five minutes added time left, Fulham squandered a cracking chance to seal the game.
      They broke free from their own half with Willian on the ball and sub striker Carlos Vinicius in hot pursuit.
      But the two Brazilians failed to summon up any Samba soccer magic and Vinicius rolled a lame shot straight at the keeper when put clean through by his fellow countryman.
      Rotherham defender Sebastian Revan outleaps Fulham’s Rodrigo MunizCredit: AFP More

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      Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0: Calvert-Lewin given ‘disgraceful’ red card after VAR review in FA Cup snoozefest

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      DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN suffered the first red card of his career — after another VARcical call.The dullest of FA Cup third round snooze-fests at Selhurst Park was momentarily sparked into life as Calvert-Lewin was shown a bizarre straight red in the 79th minute.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off for his tackle on Nathaniel ClyneCredit: Getty
      The Everton striker will miss the next three gamesCredit: Getty

      In real time, referee Chris Kavanagh saw nothing wrong with the Toffees forward’s lunged tackle on Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne. The ball was won and play carried on.
      Clyne rolled around on the ground for long enough that VAR reared its ugly head with a booming announcement on the big screen to the surprise of the entire ground.
      In slow-motion, studs were up but barely made any contact with Clyne’s shin, explaining the look of pure bafflement on Calvert-Lewin’s face when Kavanagh sent him off after a lengthy review on the pitch side monitor. Harsh is an understatement.
      Fans slammed the decision to send the striker off on social media.
      One posted: “No physical contact at all. Goodness what is going on.”
      A second wrote: “Discgraceful decision by a terrible ref.”
      A third commented: “An absolute joke. The beautiful game is finished RIP FOOTBALL.”
      Fortunately for Sean Dyche – who was both seething and perplexed on the sidelines – the first red card of Calvert-Lewin’s career did not cost his team against Roy Hodgson’s toothless Eagles outfit, going close with a few Eberechi Eze attempts.
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      Dyche’s night got worse as he then watched Dwight McNeil also leave the pitch – carried off on a stretcher after an awkward fall late on.
      In truth, neither side deserved a fourth round spot with an unwanted replay on the horizon later this month. Hopefully that one will have more footballing quality on show.
      Hodgson made just two changes with Matheus Franca and Jeffrey Schlupp replacing Jordan Ayew – away with Ghana for the African Cup of Nations – and Michael Olise, who limped off with another hamstring injury at the end of Palace’s 3-1 Prem win over Brentford last week.
      Brazilian wonderkid Franca, 19, was making his first start for the club since joining on an initial £17m from Flamengo in the summer.
      Dyche also went strong but was clearly not happy with the manner of his side’s recent 3-0 thumping at the hands of Wolves. Jordan Pickford was dropped for the first time this campaign, ending a 24-game stretch, while Seamus Coleman and Arnaut Danjuma were chucked in too.
      A dour first 13 minutes were interrupted by a similarly woeful dive from Eze that earned him a deserved early yellow card.
      In the swirling wind and rain, Everton were dealing with the conditions far better. Danjuma went close twice, smashing the side-netting before forcing Dean Henderson into his first meaningful save, tipping over from a tight angle.
      Donning a tracksuit and old-school Copa Mundial boots, Hodgson was growing frustrated at Nathaniel Clyne’s inability to feed their Samba Boy down the right flank.

      It took 23 minutes for Franca to get his first real run at Toffees left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, skipping past the Ukrainian before being clobbered by James Tarkowski just outside the box.
      Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was living off scraps, but Eze showed magical glimpses, teeing up Jefferson Lerma from 18 yards for a shot that had Virginia worried.
      With what was on offer, there is a reason Palace came into this one with just one league win in nine and Everton had lost their last three.
      At least after the break there was a shot on target to lift the home crowd, who watched Virginia palm away Eze’s directed thump towards the top corner.
      Calvert-Lewin responded, galloping goalwards from Clyne’s error with his ponytail undone and his hair blowing in the London breeze, but the outcome was a tame effort on target.
      Danjuma’s rushed stab at goal was straight at an expectant Henderson, and then out of nowhere, VAR decided to make itself the star of this uninspiring spectacle.
      Mark Halsey on Calvert Lewin red cardIT was an extremely harsh decision to send off Dominic Calvert-Lewin
      Referee Chris Kavanagh had a great view of the incident and did not even give a free-kick initially.
      The Everton striker’s foot was high with studs showing but the contact was minimal on the side of Nathaniel Clyne’s shin.
      None of the players on either side reacted to the challenge.
      I do not understand why VAR Craig Pawson recommended a pitchside review and I’m surprised Kavanagh did not stick with his original decision.
      You can argue it was ‘reckless’ and worthy of a caution but it did not meet the criteria for ‘serious foul play’.
      It did not ‘endanger the safety of an opponent with excessive force or brutality’.
      Those challenges happen all the time and the slo-mo replays always make them appear worse than they are.

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      West Ham vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates and team news as Hammers welcome the Seagulls

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      WEST HAM welcome Brighton to the London Stadium hoping to make it four wins from their last four in the Premier League.In-form West Ham have secured impressive victories over Arsenal and Manchester United over the Christmas period, while Brighton are looking to follow up on an excellent 4-2 win over Tottenham last time out.

      Kick-off time: 7.30pm
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event/ NOW

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