More stories

  • in

    Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Diogo Jota scores stunning winner as Beto is made to rue missed chance

    ARNE SLOT was hoping to land a Liverpool treble but at least he has avoided a wobble.Just when it seemed the club’s players had decided to cause panic among their fans with another poor result, Diogo Jota chose a good time to end his 10-game goal drought.Diogo Jota netted a stunning winner as Liverpool won the Merseyside derbyCredit: PABeto had a goal ruled out for offside as Everton lost 1-0 at AnfieldCredit: ReutersSo despite being booted out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and then beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final,  Slot’s men continue their inevitable march to the Premier League title.As for David Moyes, who had overseen a tremendous nine-game unbeaten run at Everton, it was yet another disappointing night at Anfield where he has now failed to win any of his 22 matches at his least-favourite stadium.There was some degree of controversy over Liverpool’s winner with Luis Diaz coming from an offside position – with James Tarkowski playing the ball to stop it from getting to the Colombian – before Jota struck only his ninth goal of the season.Yet equally, Tarkowski was fortunate to be on the pitch as he should have been sent off at the start after a crunching tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut on the final whistle, there was relief all round as Liverpool restored the 12-point gap meaning they are sleepwalking to their first title in five years.At the end, there were smiles, hugs and fist-bumps all around from the players while the supporters sang about winning the league.Liverpool certainly did not play well last night despite having lots of the ball. The last two performances have whisked us back to the 2022-23 season when they finished fifth.Because like the loss to Newcastle at Wembley, they were sluggish in midfield, created very little in the final third and their two centre-halves, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, looked as though they have never played with each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEqually, Liverpool continue to miss the right-boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back although that is something they will have to get used to next season.Even Mo Salah, who is also out of contact, has suddenly suffered a major dip in form even though he will clean up in the end-of-season awards.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports But for Liverpool fans, there really is not much to grumble about. And Slot finished last night’s game in a much calmer mood than after the previous Merseyside derby when he was given a red card and told Michael Oliver that he would be to blame if they did not win the title.Because of the mayhem at Goodison, it was a surprise that the Premier League chose an inexperienced referee in Sam Barrott who had never taken charge of a top-flight game at Anfield.And he made the big call not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute after he delivered a crunching, studs-up challenge on Mac Allister despite winning the ball.Jota jinxed his way through Everton’s defence before burying home a lovely strikeCredit: EPAHis 57th effort proved to be the only goal of the gameCredit: AFPPaul Tierney on VAR at Stockley Park decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red and Tarkowski – who scored the 98th minute leveller in the 2-2 draw at Goodison – got lucky.The next VAR check went in Liverpool’s favour when the decision to rule out a strike by Beto for offside was upheld.Beto, after shrugging off Van Dijk too easily, threaded a shot through the legs of Caoimhin Kelleher. Beto had put Everton ahead moments beforeCredit: ReutersThe striker’s effort was ruled out for offsideCredit: GettyAnd that was certainly a relief for the Irish keeper who replaced No1 Alisson as he was following FA concussions protocols after suffering a head injury while on international duty with Brazil.Kelleher was then grateful for the woodwork as Beto hammered a shot against the left post after capitalising on more ponderous defending from Van Dijk. Carlos Alcaraz could have scored with the last touch of the first half – with Liverpool’s defenders again switching off – but the Argentine’s header was poor.James Tarkowski made a huge challenge on Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: APIt resulted in just a yellow card for the defenderCredit: ReutersAnd while Liverpool once again had more of the possession after the break they were faced with a blue wall of players putting their bodies on the line, such as Jarrad Branthwaite who flung his head towards the boot of Salah to divert the ball away from danger.Yet while they were not at their best, Slot’s team were clearly desperate not to cock this up.James Garner was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Jota and then received the ball back courtesy of a wonderful flick from Diaz. A heated game saw plenty of clashes all over the fieldCredit: GettyDavid Moyes was not impressed by some decisionsCredit: GettyJota jogged past Idrissa Gueye then stuck a shot past Pickford on the penalty spot.After a VAR check focusing on Diaz, the goal was confirmed and everyone at Anfield breathed a little easier.Read More on The SunLiverpool are now 26 games unbeaten in the Premier League and while winning the treble would be nice, there is only one trophy that all the supporters really crave.Captain Van Dijk is looking particularly tired, right now, but he should still have enough strength to lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks. More

  • in

    Premier League release statement as James Tarkowski controversially dodges red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister

    EVERTON captain James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a brutal tackle on Alexis Mac Allister just 10 minutes into the Toffees’ Merseyside derby loss at Anfield.The defender won the ball in a slide tackle before crashing into Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder.James Tarkowski crunched through Alexis Mac AllisterTarkowski’s follow through saw his boot planted on Mac Allister’s legCredit: ReutersThe incident was looked at by VAR Paul TierneyLiverpool’s Argentine midfielder was left in agony after the challengeCredit: APReferee Sam Barrott immediately brandished a yellow card at Tarkowski.The incident was subsequently looked at by VAR Paul Tierney.But surprisingly, Tierney did NOT urge Barrott to go and take another look on the monitor.In a statement posted on social media, the Premier League confirmed: “The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChallenges deemed to be “reckless” by the letter of the law are worthy of a yellow card.For a red card to be shown, officials must determine the tackle to have been “endangering an opponent” or to have used “excessive force”.This means that neither Barrott or Tierney felt that Tarkowski’s challenge had met either criteria for a red.After Mac Allister received treatment, Liverpool got the game going again – with Dominik Szoboszlai missing the resulting free-kick.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFormer Premier League referee Mike Dean was watching the game for Sky Sports News.Reviewing the incident, the 56-year-old said: “The follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his leg planted, luckily enough.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey ‘amazed’ James Tarkowski dodged red card in Merseyside derby”But it’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through… it’s a terrible challenge.”For me he (Barrott) should have gone to the screen, should have sent Tarkowski off – 100 per cent.”At half-time, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of Barrott: “He’s in a great position, he has to see that.”Carragher then added: “For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.”Everton hero Duncan Ferguson agreed, saying “no argument, straight red” – before calling the challenge a “leg-breaker”.Gary Neville added: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.”Toffees boss David Moyes called it a “brilliant tackle for a derby game” – but then admitted that his side may have been “fortunate”.RECORD BOOKSTarkowski’s booking means that he has tied the Premier League record for receiving the most yellow cards without being sent off.The centre-back has now been booked 63 times in 300 appearances in England’s top flight, taking him level with Oriol Romeu’s tally of bookings.Following the contentious incident, Everton caused Liverpool problems at Anfield.Forward Beto was in the thick of the action, having a goal ruled out for offside in the 21st minute.The lanky front-man later burst through on goal, only to strike the post as the Kop End held its collective breath.Read More on The SunDavid Moyes’ side were made to regret their missed opportunities, with Diogo Jota firing Liverpool into the lead just shy of the hour mark.The Premier League leaders were then able to see out a 1-0 victory, reclaiming their 12-point lead at the top of the table.Tarkowski somehow looked incredulous at being bookedCredit: PA More

  • in

    Premier League LIVE SCORES: Liverpool go 12 points clear at the top after Jota strike, Grealish scores in Man City win

    LIVERPOOL have charged back to 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 win over Everton.Diogo Jota settled a fiery Merseyside derby with a calmly taken 57th minute strike.While Toffees defender James Tarkowski avoided a red card after a horror lunge on Alexis Mac Allister, with a yellow the outcome following a VAR check.Tonight’s results: Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich, Brighton 0-3 Aston Villa, Man City 2-0 Leicester, Newcastle 2-1 Brentford, Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace, Liverpool 1-0 EvertonBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…All about getting the job doneLiverpool will be keen to ensure they have mathematically won the title at the earliest point possible.This begins on the weekend with a tricky trip to West London to face Fulham.The Reds would love nothing more than to have things done and dusted before Arsenal visit Anfield, meaning The Gunners would have to give them a guard of honour before the game.Copy linkCopiedTractor Boys upset odds on south coastWhile many people have already condemned the bottom three to relegation, Kieran McKenna’s side think differently.Goals from Nathan Broadhead and Liam Delap puts the Tractor Boys in a dominant position at the Vitality Stadium.Evanilson pulled a goal back for The Cherries but Ipswich managed to hold for a crucial three points.With a match against Wolves on the weekend, victory could see them only six points from safety.Copy linkCopiedSultan of Unai continues chargeIt has been a tricky season for Aston Villa, juggling European exploits with domestic duties.However, a comprehensive win at the Amex Stadium kept their hopes of securing Champions League qualification alive.Goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen secured an important three points for the visitors.Copy linkCopiedPep on course for Champions LeagueHaving had a very poor season by their own standards, aside from the FA Cup, the main aim for Guardiola’s team is to ensure they are in the Champions League next season.They took an early lead through Jack Grealish, a rare sight, having gone 16 months since his last goal.Omar Marmoush, standing in for the injured Erling Haaland, added a second and put the game beyond The Foxes.Copy linkCopiedItalian screamer sets St James’ Park alightEddie Howe’s side found Brentford difficult to break down until Alexander Isak came to their rescue in added-time at the end of the first-half.Hoping this would open the game up for plenty more Newcastle goals, Nick Pope gave away a penalty and Bryan Mbuemo slotted home.However, a stunning strike from Sandro Tonali into the top corner was enough to ensure all three points for The Magpies, to keep their Champions League hopes alive.Copy linkCopiedSaints miss out on winning feelingFor much of this game, it looked like The Saints were heading for a rare win in front of their own fans.Deep into added time, with three points in touching distance, Crystal Palace broke the hearts of most in St Mary’s.Franca’s late header grabbed The Eagles a draw from the jaws of defeat.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool show how much victory meansOver the course of the match, The Reds dominated this encounter and were good value for their win.However, with such a slender-lead, as the full-time whistle went you could see how much the three points meant.Slot will be looking to make sure his squad are fighting for every win, edging closer to sealing another Premier League trophy.Credit: PACredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedCurtis shows his passion for clubBeing at your hometown club, seems to make it mean so much more for football players.There were a few raised eyebrows before the game when Curtis Jones was named as right-back in the starting line-up.The Liverpool midfielder would play anywhere his manager asked and put in some shift this evening to show why he is such an important player in this squad with his versatility.Copy linkCopiedReds’ manager shows he is a class actDespite some things going against his side this evening, Liverpool’s Dutch manager showed his style speaking with Sky Sports when asked about Tarkowski’s challenge on Mac Allister:Yes, against a very difficult team to play, our boys showed great character today. We score a good goal and kept a clean sheet. I like much more what I saw from the away game. We knew if we wanted to win this game we needed to keep a clean sheet. He’s used to these things as he is from South America. Everyone else has spoken about this so I do not see the point in commenting.Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedReds lead the way by some distanceArsenal fans convinced themselves they were still in a title race for so long, after beating Fulham last night, they were sure of it.The aim for Liverpool was simple, get three points and restore your 12-point lead at the top.Mission accomplished for Arne Slot’s side, this could be a big step on their journey to a 20th Premier League trophy.Credit: @premierleagueCopy linkCopiedToffees’ manager gives opinion on performanceSpeaking with Sky Sports, David Moyes spoke about how he saw the game from his side’s point of view:I think we were a lot closer to them tonight than before I came back in. There was an offside goal that was the difference tonight. It was a clear offside, it was very easy to give and I cannot understand why that was not given at all. We’re not kidding ourselves, Liverpool were by far the better team. At the moment, they are the best team in the league.David MoyesEvertonCopy linkCopiedEx-Premier League referee has sayAs it turned out, it did not impact the result, but the foul by James Tarkowski only being yellow card was a huge moment.Mark Halsey, the former referee in the top-flight, had his say on how he saw the incident.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey ‘amazed’ James Tarkowski dodged red card in Merseyside derbyCopy linkCopiedPremier League full-time scoresBournemouth 1-2 Ipswich TownBrighton 0-3 Aston VillaMan City 2-0 Leicester CityNewcastle 2-1 BrentfordSouthampton 1-1 Crystal PalaceLiverpool 1-0 EvertonCopy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-0 EvertonThe Reds get the win they craved in this Merseyside derby.While the scoreline seems a close affair, no one can argue that Liverpool were deserved winners here.This is a huge step towards winning the Premier League title for the Anfield outfit.Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-0 EvertonThe referee brings the game to a close.It is a massive win for Liverpool in their title pursuit.They restore their 12-point lead at the top of the table.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton90+4. Nervy times for the hosts at the moment.Everton are looking to throw more players forward, trying to find an equaliser.Ndiaye wins a corner for The Toffees.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton90+2. Statement of intent from Arne Slot.He brings of Salah, replacing him with Endo.That tends to be the move when they want to see games out.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton90. We are in the dying embers of the game now.Whether Liverpool continue to press or look to see the game out will be interesting to see.The fourth official raises the board showing there will be six added minutes.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton88. The levels of ineptness of Premier League referees is truly baffling.Play is stopped for a foul on Szoboszlai but nobody can hear the whistle as Nunez chases the ball.He gets there before Pickford and the Everton keeper kicks the striker firmly in the leg.Nunez goes down, everyone thinks it is a penalty, Sam Barrott waits for him to get up and books him.Mental stuff. PGMOL apologies incoming at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton85. Diaz has had a good game tonight for Slot’s side.He makes way for some fresh legs as Gakpo replaces him.That is a sign of intent from The Reds’ manager as they look to grab that second goal.Meanwhile for the visitors, Chermi replaces Doucoure.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadTHOSE who stayed in the stands for the first nine minutes missed the best moment of the game. – a  first Prem goal in 15 months for Jack Grealish.  It was something of a collector’s item as he turned home a cross from Savinho before Omar Marmoush added a second on the half hour to ensure injured Erling Haaland was not missed.As for Leicester, they barely put a glove on City in a forgettable game and are doomed to the drop.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Aston Villa90+10. This is a convincing win for Unai Emery’s side.Very deep into added time a quick break from the visitors saw Asensio feed it into the path of Malen.His right-footed shot nestles into the far corner of the goal.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Donyell Malen (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Everton80. We are into the final ten minutes at Anfield now.Everton will still feel they can get something from this match.The Reds need a second goal to put this game to bed.Nunez has now come on for the goalscorer Jota.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-1 Crystal Palace90+2. Heartbreak for The Saints’ fans late on.Lerma puts a cross into the box and it is headed home by Franca.Southampton were so close to a much-needed victory.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Why is Alisson not playing for Liverpool?

    ALISSON has not made the squad for Liverpool’s game against Everton. The sides are meeting tonight in a HUGE Merseyside derby at Anfield.Alisson and Davinson Sanchez clashed heads during the international breakCredit: AP Photo/Eraldo PeresThe sides met in a FIFA World Cup qualifier over the international breakCredit: REUTERS/Ueslei MarcelinoDavinson Sanchez was knocked out during the collisionCredit: AP Photo/Eraldo PeresDavinson Sanchez left the field on a stretcherCredit: GettyAlisson remains under concussion protocols after the clashCredit: EPA/ANDRE COELHOAlisson has not made the squad for Arne Slot’s first Merseyside derby at Anfield. He joins the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley on the injury list for the tie. Liverpool’s number two Caoimhin Kelleher will step in for the Brazilian stopper for the clash.SunSport can reveal why Alisson is not part of tonight’s squad.Read more FootballWhy is Alisson not playing for Liverpool?Alisson is under concussion protocols, and therefore will not feature tonight for Liverpool.The ‘keeper collided with Davinson Sanchez during Brazil’s game with Colombia in the international break.He left Brazil camp early, and is still side-lined under protocols. Alisson has been training with the Reds, but has to miss the game due to the protocols.Most read in FootballArne Slot commented on the matter, saying yesterday: “Ali trained with us as well. “The last check has to be made, I think that’s this afternoon after the session, [to determine] if he is available to play.”How to watch Liverpool vs EvertonLiverpool vs Everton is LIVE on Sky Sports at 8pm BST.The game is also available for stream on Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.Action from Anfield kicks off at 8pm BST.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog of ALL the Premier League fixtures. More

  • in

    Liverpool vs Everton live stream: How to watch huge Merseyside derby TONIGHT

    LIVERPOOL continue their pursuit of the Premier League title by hosting local rivals Everton TONIGHT.The Reds are nine points clear of Arsenal in second – with this game in hand – and are looking to wrap up the Premier League title sooner rather than later.Mo Salah will be hoping to fire Liverpool to a Premier League titleCredit: GettyEverton secured a dramatic late point the last time these two sides metCredit: Nick Potts/PA WireArne Slot will be hoping to see a reaction from his side after disappointing Champions League and Carabao Cup exitsCredit: GettyDavid Moyes has steadied the ship at Goodison since his returnCredit: GettyArne Slot’s side endured a tough week heading into the international break, losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle after being knocked out of the Champions League by PSG.Everton themselves are enjoying an excellent run of form since the return of David Moyes.The Toffees are unbeaten in NINE Premier League matches, but their form has stagnated as of late.Four draws in a row suggest the Toffees are not at their very best, although their form has seen them climb away from relegation contention.Read more FootballThe blue half of Merseyside will be hoping for a repeat of James Tarkowski’s last gasp heroics at Goodison Park, which earned them a point in the final Merseyside derby at the famous stadium. How to watch Liverpool vs Everton and is there a live stream?Liverpool vs Everton will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event.Action will be available for stream live on Sky Go or the Sky Sports App.The match in Liverpool starts at 8pm GMT.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog. More

  • in

    ‘A brilliant failure’ – Incredible footage of Arne Slot’s craziest coaching idea resurfaces from his playing days

    ARNE SLOT has taken the Premier League by storm in his debut season as Liverpool manager.The Dutchman, 46, looks on course to win the title – just the Reds’ second in the Prem era – ahead of Arsenal. Arne Slot’s bizarre kick-off technique has resurfacedCredit: XThe Dutchman flicked the ball up and booted it in the airCredit: XThe idea was to kick it high and into the opposition half to cause chaos for the defendersCredit: XThe ball ended up bouncing on the centre circle in his own halfCredit: XSlot’s experiment was dubbed a ‘brilliant failure’Credit: GettyBut this is not the first time he has caused a stir and sent shockwaves around football with his tactical revolution.Although, his never-seen-before-or-since idea from 2011 did not quite have the same success.In fact, it was branded “een briljante mislukking” – “a brilliant failure”.Because what Slot did was utterly baffling. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPlaying as a midfielder for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch second tier, he got permission from his coaches to try something new in an attempt to bamboozle the opposition.He certainly did that – and no doubt his own team-mates and fans, too.Playmaker Slot took kick-off with Joey van den Berg, flicked the ball up and then booted it as high as possible into the air in barely believable scenes. The original idea was to try and kick the ball high into the opposition half – even into the penalty area – and for Slot’s Zwolle team-mates to chase it down and cause chaos in the hope of taking advantage of the defence’s confusion and scoring. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe idea was done in training – and to good enough effect to give the experiment a go in a match.But when it came to the crunch moment, Slot got the kick all wrong as he sent the football almost directly vertically upwards – actually slightly backwards – rather than towards the goal. Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’ It bounced in his own half just inside the centre circle between a bunch of very confused footballers amid ironic cheers from the crowd – while the commentator described the unfathomable start to the match as “extraordinarily strange”. Slot’s embarrassing blunder is still remembered fondly in Dutch football, regularly shown on TV and those involved can’t help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. Slot’s manager at the time, Art Langeler, told the De Stentor newspaper: “By firing the ball as high as possible into the penalty area, the idea was our three strikers would run forward and be there (for when it dropped) on the edge of the area. And who knows what would come of that?”[We tried it in training] three times even. That’s why [assistant] Jaap Stam and I said to each other, ‘Let’s try it’. ‘MADE HIMSELF LOOK RIDICULOUS'”But it needed the right execution, of course.”It looked funny. And if you didn’t know the background, you’d think, ‘What on earth are they doing? They just shoot the ball into the air.’ “No, this was a brilliant failure, let’s leave it at that.”Another Zwolle coach Jan Everse added to The Athletic: “It was still a ridiculous idea. Arne has a lot of ideas — this, unfortunately, was one of his worst ones.”The kick was not what he wanted. He got it totally wrong.”He made himself look ridiculous — it was unbelievable.”Read More on The SunIncredibly, Slot was determined to try the tactic again and did so later the same year – again against Cambuur – and again it went horribly wrong. Safe to say, we won’t expect the likes of Mo Salah or Dominik Szoboszlai to introduce the hoof-it-really-high-in-the-air-and-hope-it-causes-chaos play in the Premier League anytime soon…Liverpool fans won’t be expecting any similar experimentsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘in talks to sign Ipswich star Liam Delap but face FIVE-WAY fight’ for former City ace dubbed ‘Kane’s heir’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held internal talks over a potential move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Portman Road following his £20million move from Manchester City in July.Man Utd are reportedly targeting a move for Liam DelapCredit: ReutersIn 28 Premier League appearances, Delap has scored 10 goals and provided two assists.And with Ipswich facing relegation back to the Championship at the end of the campaign, he is being tipped for a move away.The Daily Mail claims that Man Utd are among the clubs interested.United officials held internal discussions over the potential transfer in recent weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDelap is also being monitored by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Man City, his former club.The reigning Prem champions allegedly have a buy-back clause for the striker, while United technical director Jason Wilcox knows him from his time at City’s academy.Delap, the son of Stoke City icon Rory Delap, joined Derby County’s academy at the age of six and spent 10 years at the club before moving to Man City.He made his first team debut in a Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth in September 2020 and received praise from Pep Guardiola.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut the striker struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting line-up and was sent on loan to Stoke, Preston and Hull before joining Ipswich permanently.He is now being lined up for another transfer.Amorim says Man Utd ‘need to be better’ after 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Man Utd are expected to prioritise signing new forward this summer.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to meet expectations this season.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could make his Aston Villa loan permanent for £40m at the end of the campaign.The Red Devils could also find themselves in a tricky situation with Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea until June.The Blues have an obligation to buy the winger but could pay a fee of £5m to back out of the deal. More

  • in

    ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

    LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More