Premier League

WHEN the second-placed team in the division are incapable of putting together a proper title challenge, defeats like this do not really matter.Liverpool were blown to pieces by Fulham in 14 first-half minutes but still finished the weekend 11 points clear with just seven games to play and their fans still celebrating at the end singing that they are going to win the league.Liverpool suffered a frustrating afternoon in west LondonCredit: GettyRodrigo Muniz took his goal brilliantly to put Fulham 3-1 upCredit: RexAlex Iwobi found the net with the help of a deflectionCredit: ReutersAlexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a fine strikeCredit: PAOf course they are.Alexis Mac Allister’s belting strike was followed by goals from Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz. While Luis Diaz pulled one back with 18 minutes left, Liverpool were unable to draw level but ultimately, they did not really need to worry.Arsenal’s inconsistent form, as illustrated by their 1-1 draw at Everton 24 hours earlier, is the reason for that.Yet this loss for the champions-elect also made you think of another Arsenal team – one 21 years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause it was the 2003-04 season that Arsene Wenger’s team managed to go 38 games without being beaten and it seems unthinkable that it will ever be replicated.Liverpool have been completely dominant this season and this was only their second defeat and first away from home.Although the Premier League is less entertaining these days, the overall strength of clubs outside the so-called big six is much higher.And that is proved by Nottingham Forest winning at Anfield and now Fulham who have certainly enjoyed a decent season under Marco Silva and can still dream of Europe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFulham deserved the win even though they had to withstand some major Liverpool pressure at the end.It started off superbly for Slot’s side who overcame two poor results against PSG and Newcastle with a win over Everton in midweek.Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Mac Allister had only scored five times for Liverpool this season but maybe he should try a few more shots from outside the area. He took the ball off the toes of Iwobi, kept on his feet despite a challenge from Sander Berge and then hammered an unstoppable shot into the top left corner.Fulham deserved their equaliser, though, although Slot will be annoyed at the way Berge was able to saunter forward so easily.Andreas Pereira’s first-time cross bounced off Jones’ knee and fell perfectly for Sessegnon who lashed his shot past Caoimhin Kelleher before Van Dijk could deliver a block.Yet if that was poor defending from Liverpool, Fulham’s second was even worse. Andy Roberton’s suicidal diagonal ball out of defence was cut out by Iwobi. Although his first shot was blocked by Ryan Gravenberch, his second effort was deflected into the goal off the unfortunate Robertson who had scampered across to try and make amends for his cock-up.Iwobi thought he had made it 3-1 and although Kelleher made a decent save, it was from Pereira’s subsequent corner that saw Muniz deliver his moment of genius.Liverpool failed to clear the corner properly and Iwobi accidentally punted the ball almost vertically into the air. Yet Munoz kept his eye on the ball, delivered a killer first touch to move the ball beyond Van Dijk and then buried a shot through Kelleher’s legs.Read More on The SunDiogo Jota was denied by a brilliant save from Bernd Leno at the start of the second half and Liverpool barely threatened again until Diaz produced a delightful finish.The end to the game was entertaining enough, though. Kelleher kept out a ferocious shot by Harrison Reed and at the other end, Bernd Leno made a good save from Federico Chiesa. More

EVERTON’S new stadium has cost £802.1million — with the final bill set to be even higher.The Toffees are to move into their 53,000-seater Bramley-Moore Dock home this summer after recently completing several test outings.Everton’s new stadium will open this summerCredit: GettyThe 53,000-seater stadium has cost nearly £1billionCredit: GettyThe Toffees have staged a few test eventsCredit: AFPClub chiefs have spent £802,121,353 according to new figures covering the year to June 30, 2024.Yet this bill will grow as the club are “continuing negotiations to secure the next stage of funding”.Everton took out two new loans in February with US firms Aramark Limited and Glas Trust Corporation.The original estimate for the stadium — which has taken four years to build — was £500m.READ MORE ON EVERTONBut they have already spent more than an extra 60 per cent so far. Everton’s second test event saw 25,000 fans watch Everton Under-21s take on Bolton’s B team – with a planned evacuation on 65 minutes. But it will not just be football being played at the Bramley-Moore Dock ground next season.That is because Everton announced that the Second Test of the Rugby League Ashes will take place at their new stadium on November 1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe historic competition between England and Australia has not taken place in 22 years.But it will finally return in a blockbuster three-series event.What James Tarkowski did at full-time spotted after avoiding red card for horror lunge in Liverpool vs Everton clashEverton have three Premier League games left at Goodison Park, their home since 1892. David Moyes’ side host Manchester City on April 19 and Ipswich on May 3.Then their final emotional goodbye will be against Southampton on the penultimate weekend of the season. Everton have just three Premier League games left at Goodison ParkCredit: Getty More

FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey insists VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.Mikel Arteta was left fuming as his Gunners side lost more ground in the title race with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against ArsenalCredit: GettyMark Halsey has revealed why the spot-kick stood, ultimately denying Arsenal victoryCredit: AFPMikel Arteta had plenty to say on the incidentCredit: EPALeandro Trossard gave the visitors the lead on Merseyside before half-time.But minutes into the second 45, Iliman Ndiaye fired Everton back on level terms from the penalty spot.Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison, despite replays suggesting it was a 50/50 AND may not have even taken place in the box.But speaking exclusively to SunSport, former Premier League ref Halsey revealed why there was no chance the decision was ever going to be overturned.READ MORE IN football He said: “Darren England awarded a second-half penalty when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Everton.“They were both tussling for the ball and it was difficult to see who was fouling who – or if there was any foul at all – with contact also beginning well outside the penalty area.“Not one Everton player appealed for a penalty – Harrison got straight back up to play the ball – but VAR Stuart Attwell was never going to recommend a review as it was not a clear and obvious error.“It was one of those subjective calls where if it goes against you, you certainly feel hard done by. And had it not been given it would certainly have stayed not given.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was certainly left raging after handing Liverpool the chance to move 14 points clear.He said: “I’ve seen it 15 times. There’s no way, in my opinion, that’s a penalty.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible “There’s no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and the result.”I think we deserve more, but that’s what we got at the end. We had two big chances to win the game, we didn’t convert them, so we have to accept the point.” More

ASTON VILLA’S two-goal blast in two minutes ultimately settled a game of two halves.But Unai Emery’s Champions League quarter finalists were made to fight for their seventh win in a row right until the end by Forest, their unlikely rivals for an automatic spot in next season’s competition.Aston Villa moved within one point of Chelsea in the race for top four as Youri Tielemans looks to play PSG in the Champions League nextCredit: RexMorgan Rogers fired Aston Villa in front inside 13 minutesCredit: AlamyThe England star channelled Cole Palmer’s favourite celebrationCredit: AlamyDonyell Malen’s tap-in doubled Villa’s lead within two minutesCredit: PASuper sub Jota Silva pulled one back in the 57th minuteCredit: ReutersWhat brilliant seasons these clubs are having, and what an entertaining game this was, especially in the second half.When the Forest fans struck up an early chorus of “Que Sera Sera”, the home supporters joined in to mark their shared achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley.It will be Paris in springtime for Villa on Wednesday when they take on PSG in the first leg.On a deceptively cold afternoon in the West Midlands, boss Emery rested a number of key players for a match that was important for both clubs’ chances of playing elite European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEmery’s judgement seemed sound when Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen put the home side ahead with two goals in two first-half  minutes against a Forest team that seemed to be running on fumes.But Nuno Espirito Santo’s injury-hit band of brothers dug deep and rocked VIlla back on their heels after the break.Half-time sub Jota Silva pulled one back and Forest squandered a number of other chances to end Villa’s winning streak.Before the game started, Villa seemed to be giving Forest a lesson in how much they will need to improve if they do make it to the Champions League and want to compete.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEmery was able to make eight changes to the starting line-up that had won at Brighton yet still field a formidable team.Meanwhile Nuno had to stick with the tried and trusted as injuries to Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi left him without a centre forward and needing to reshuffle.Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationForest had looked leggy and a little nervous in beating Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s early wondergoal.A better, more incisive team than United would probably have beaten them.And Villa, for 15 minutes at least, were a much better and more incisive team than United.Forest were 3-4-3 out of possession but very much a 5-2-3 when Villa had the ball.It mattered not. Ian Maatsen drew a save from Matz Sels, then Marco Asensio and Youri Tielemans went close-ish before Rogers and Malen dealt the visitors a quick one-two combination right in the chops.Visiting centre half Morato looked up from fiddling with a shinpad to find Tielemans was about to clip a lovely pass between him and makeshift wing-back Nico Dominguez. Rogers’ control was exquisite. A quick look up, a couple of confident strides forward, a firm left-footed shot, 1-0.The second goal soon arrived and was also a little gem.Silva was a handful during his second-half cameoCredit: AFPThe weight on Tielemans’ pass to Maatsen was perfect, allowing the Dutchman to throw Ryan Yates off balance and then head to the byline.The cross was tempting, Malen’s run was well timed and the finish, a formality.Emery celebrated with his customary gusto. But the Villa boss was animated for different reasons midway through the half when Forest finally showed their teeth.Elanga attempted to recreate his incredible sprint and finish from the United game but pulled his left-foot shot wide of the far post.Then fellow flying winger Callum Hudson-Odoi found space and was also off target.Villa had lost a bit of momentum but Forest did not register a shot on goal until the 40th minute, when Emi Martinez saved easily from Yates.The visitors needed to find some energy from somewhere and Nuno sent on Silva for Elanga at the break to play as a more conventional centre forward.Villa manager Unai Emery was animated for different reasons midway through the halfCredit: ReutersEmiliano Martinez clashed with Silva as the pair squared up to each other afterCredit: AFPMartinez and Jota came to blowsCredit: AlamyUnfortunately for Forest the first chance to pull one back fell to Neco Williams, who fired wide of the far post after Hudson-Odoi retrieved a deep cross.Then the winger himself had a go from a similar position, with a similarly frustrating resultBut it was third time lucky. Williams crossed from the left, Elliot Anderson swung and missed, and Silva pounced to steer a left-footed shot across Martinez and into the net.Moments later Tielemans stopped Anderson from converting another Williams centre. Then Anderson did get a shot away, only to fire wide.Villa were on the ropes and Emery had seen enough, making a triple change just after the hour.The game had plenty of edge by now, with Silva provoking a clash with Martinez that attracted a few other players.Rogers could have restored the two-goal lead after leaving Murillo in a heap on the halfway line. But a heavy touch meant that Forest goalkeeper Sels could make a save.Back came Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White shooting wide. Sels saved from Asensio and then Tielemans as the game became end to end.Gibbs-White went close twice more, sending a header and then a right-footed shot wide.Read More on The SunSels scrambled away a Marcus Rashford corner, and in stoppage time Murillo hit the bar before Sels denied Rashford again.The Champions League needs both these clubs and their fans next year. More