Premier League

ANGE POSTECOGLOU was right about one thing: We will miss him when he’s gone.Neutral fans will, at least, with this the very latest in a madcap series of matches during his Spurs tenure, full of goals, incident and helter-skelter action.Marcus Tavernier fired in the opener for BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson doubled the lead in the second halfCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou was not happy with the performance for 70 minutesCredit: ReutersPape Matar Sarr scored for TottenhamCredit: ReutersHis cross found its way flying all the way inCredit: RexTottenham supporters may be less enamoured by all the chaos, though.And many had had just about enough of it when Bournemouth were looking on course to inflict what would have been a record eighth Prem home defeat of the season.That was after clinical goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had them cruising at 2-0.But then Pape Matar Sarr’s bizarre strike grabbed Postecoglou a lifeline.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBefore Kepa Arrizabalaga helped revive them completely by needlessly taking out Son Heung-min in the box.Son’s scuffed penalty – nothing seems to go smoothly for Postecoglou this season – grabbed an unlikely point.Whether it provides any confidence for the team or for supporters going into Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg against AZ Alkmaar is another matter.That match, after all, is the one that really matters to saving Spurs’ season – and possibly Postecoglou’s job – with the North Londoners’ 1-0 down from Thursday’s horrendous first leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Aussie had his big-hitters back here too with Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke starting for the first time in months.While Micky van de Ven came off the bench too after his own lengthy injury lay-off.Former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic does ‘Spursiest’ thing ever as Arsenal hammer his PSV sideKepa Arrizabalaga brought down Son Heung-Min in the boxCredit: EPAThe forward converted from the spotCredit: ReutersThe goal was enough to earn Spurs a pointCredit: RexYet Tottenham looked as shambolic as ever for most of the match.And Cherries boss Andoni Iraola – likely a prime candidate to take over here if Postecoglou does not make it to next season – must be scratching his head over how his team did not win.To say Romero looked rusty on his long-awaited return would be an understatement – he was all over the place.The Argentine’s awful pass with 18 seconds on the clock went straight to Evanilson, who should have scored but was denied by Guglielmo Vicario’s excellent save.More poor Romero distribution led to Yves Bissouma giving the ball away on the edge of his box three minutes later but once again Vicario came to the rescue to repel Justin Kluivert.A few weeks ago, Spurs survived an early onslaught from Ipswich to win 4-1 at Portman Road.That victory was their third league one in a row, earning Postecoglou a nomination for Premier League manager of the month for February, even if the performances had been unconvincing.But Bournemouth are a far better team than Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, so a similar turnaround was never on the cards.Iraola’s side were not exactly hitting top gear – they themselves had lost their last two league games – but always carried a threat.And when Pedro Porro’s misplaced pass went to Milos Kerkez just outside the Cherries box on 42 minutes, that threat turned to punishment for the hosts.The Hungarian galloped the ball forward into space, driving midway into the Spurs’ half before sending a sumptuous, swerving cross towards the far post.It flew over Kevin Danso’s head and there was Tavernier, who had ghosted past Djed Spence and clinically dispatched a half-volley this time too good for Vicario.There has been a lot of transfer talk surrounding Kerkez who has been one of many success stories under Iraola.Liverpool have been consistently mentioned as possible suitors as part of their succession planning for when Andy Robertson’s time comes to an end.There was certainly a resemblance there to a peak Robertson in Kerkez’s assist here, from the long-busting stride into enemy territory to the sweet-as-a-nut delivery.The goal rocked fragile Spurs and angered their frustrated supporters.There were widespread boos as the half-time whistle goes, with patience fast running out after yet another dismal half.Postecoglou clearly knew it had not been good enough because he made two subs at the break, hauling off Brennan Johnson and Bissouma with captain Son Heung-min and Lucas Bergvall introduced.The game looked up for his side just seven minutes into the rebound when Justin Kluivert dispatched Evanilson’s cross to conclude a devastating counter-attack.But mercifully for Postecoglou and his side, VAR spotted that Antoine Semenyo had been offside in the build-up.The Aussie desperately needed a response and he almost got one straight away as Son’s deflected effort clipped a post.Spurs called for yet more reinforcements on the hour as James Maddison came on – along with the returning Micky van de Ven.The Dutchman had played just 45 minutes since that Chelsea game in December – the same one when Romero got injured – due to a hamstring problem.He did come back for a half against Elfsborg on January 30 but it proved a false dawn.So no wonder the Spurs physio spent a good minute or so massaging the Dutchman’s upper legs before he took to the field.Van de Ven had only been on for a few minutes before Bournemouth doubled their lead.That man Kerkez, who had just drawn a super stop from Vicario with a blast, gave it to Kluivert who fed Evanilson and the Brazilian produced a delightful dinked finish over Vicario.That looked game, set and match, even when Bergvall crashed the woodwork soon after from 30 yards.But then a Sarr’ wildly mishit cross somehow flew in off the post and the contest was back on.READ MORE SUN STORIESChaos reigned supreme as Vicario was almost charged down on his goal-line by Evanilson, before Kluivert struck a post after Maddison lost the ball.Then just as Bournemouth looked like they were going to see it out, Kepa needlessly took Son out in the box, allowing the South Korean to convert a point-saving spot-kick. 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CHELSEA star Cole Palmer saw his stellar penalty record finally coming to an end against Leicester.It has been eight games since Palmer, 22, last scored for the Blues and he had the best chance of ending that hoodoo against the Foxes in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea star Cole Palmer saw his stellar penalty record finally coming to an endCredit: APChelsea’s Palmer missed his first ever penalty against Leicester goalkeeper Mads HermansenCredit: RexThe West Londoners earned a penalty after just 19 minutes when Victor Kristiansen tipped Jadon Sancho inside the visitors’ box.The England international stepped up to the challenge looking set to break the deadlock against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.The signs looked very promising as the winger had scored all of his previous 12 spot-kicks across all seasons and competitions.However, Palmer’s stunning run came to an end thanks to a magnificent save by Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermanen.Read More on ChelseaThe ex-Manchester City ace fired a tame effort to the left but Hermansen dived smartly to paw the shot away.Chelsea have really been missing Palmer’s influence in the last few weeks.The forward has also been cutting quite a frustrated figure on the pitch amid a poor run of four defeats in the last seven matches across all competitions – of which they won three.Palmer, though, still poses as the best player in Enzo Maresca’s side.Most read in FootballThe Chelsea star has amassed a total of 14 goals and six assists in 31 appearances.However, the Blues’ inconsistency has raised questions regarding the possibility of a top-four finish.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich And after their elimination from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the most realistic prospect of silverware lies in the Conference League. More

THOUSANDS of Manchester United fans have launched a furious protest at the way the club is run.Supporters believe the club is “slowly dying” and are making their voices heard ahead of the match against Arsenal.Manchester United fans are protesting the club’s ownershipCredit: GettyIt is thought that there are thousands of fans in the marchCredit: GettyOne fan’s side criticised the club’s ticket process for childrenCredit: AFPOne banner asked fans to ‘fight’ for the clubCredit: EPAAnother claimed fan culture had diedCredit: GettyMan United are facing the title-chasing Gunners at Old Trafford TODAY.It has been reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and at least one member of the Glazer family will be in attendance.The Manchester Evening News has claimed that there are an estimated 5,000 fans taking part in the protest.Fans – many of which were dressed in black -have been photographed protesting the club’s ownership with various signs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne read: “£66 for kids tickets! Exploiting dreams!”We’re more than just a seat number.”Another stated: “Fight fight fight for United. Glazers out.”Another banner even claimed that “fan culture” has died this year.Most read in FootballFans will protest from the Tollgate Pub and march to Old Trafford before the 4.30pm kick off against Arsenal.The 1958 spokesperson Steve Crompton has claimed that the club is “dying” and is “facing financial Armageddon”.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inThey are marching from Tollgate Pub and march to Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

RUBEN AMORIM believes it is difficult to turn things around at Manchester United as there are deep scars in the team.United have endured a nightmare campaign, with Amorim unable to change the club’s fortunes since being appointed manager.Ruben Amorim believes there are ‘scars’ in the Man Utd teamCredit: Sky SportsUnited have won just ten out of 25 game since Amorim took chargeCredit: AlamyAmorim has won just ten of his 25 games in charge and he feels there is not a quick fix to the issues at the club.He told Sky Sports: “To tell you the truth, I feel sometimes there are scars in our team, in our players.“They are good players, but they (scars) are so deep, they are so long here that it is hard to change things in one moment.“Some players had one coach and then comes a new coach, new hope, new momentum and then we go to the same place.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Imagine this for any person, in any job. Imagine this as a player, with all the media and social media. So it’s really hard to turn things around just like that.”United go into the home clash with Arsenal marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League table after just six victories — and eight defeats — in 18 top-flight matches on his watch.Amorim, 40, openly admits to making mistakes — particularly in his handling of relationships with staff outside the dressing room.He said: “When you are a player you just focus on you but when you are a manager you have to focus on a lot of people, not just the players but all the staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“All the staff are paying attention to you so you have to pay attention to that, and that is something that I didn’t do very well in the beginning here in Manchester because I was focused on the games.“At the moment I am starting to get a really good connection with all the staff and the players.” More

IN 20 years of taking teams to Old Trafford, there was one thing I never worked out — how come it was always the longest game of the season?Not just a few minutes of Fergie time, either. Some afternoons I’d sit in the dugout for what seemed like hours.Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light for Manchester United this seasonCredit: RexBut Harry Redknapp claims he would be handing out bibs to his team-mates if he was in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd squadCredit: RexThat’s how it felt back then, anyway, when a trip to Manchester United pretty much meant respectability at best.These days there isn’t a side in the Premier League who goes to Old Trafford and doesn’t believe they can’t win.Seven have done so already. United have lost more than they’ve won — when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager, two home defeats meant a crisis.United were the best team in the country — Sir Alex built a few of them, too — and if they were on it,  you were in for it.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThere were days, after we had conceded an early goal, and I’d think, “My God, this is going to be a long, long afternoon”.Sir Alex had stars coming out of his ears, you didn’t only have to stop one or two. Never mind the Red Devils, it was more like the Red Arrows.You were bombarded with pace down either wing, crosses were flying in, incredible movement, goals everywhere. United could run all over anyone.People rave about what Pep Guardiola has done at City but when United were on their game, they were just as good  — believe me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSome of the football they played under Sir Alex was out of this world . . . yet you don’t admire it quite so much when you’re in the opposition dugout!I’d be praying for the ref to blow his whistle as soon as possible — thinking, “Let’s get out of here as quickly as possible with a bit of pride intact”.One of football’s greatest commentators – Barry Davies – set to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of FameI lost every league game as boss of West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth twice and finally QPR. And I’m not the only one by any means.Mind you, I do know what it feels like to be a winning manager at Old Trafford . . . and, no, I’m not talking  Soccer Aid, but two FA Cup ties remembered for very different reasons.The first was with West Ham in 2001, when Paolo Di Canio scored the winner as Fabian Barthez stood appealing for offside.Keeper Barthez was trying to con Paolo into turning to look at the ref, then he’d dive on the ball. But he didn’t fall for it and carried on to stick it in the corner instead.Paolo di Canio scored an infamous goal against Manchester United in 2001Credit: PA:Press AssociationSulley Muntari helped Portsmouth beat the Red Devils in 2008Credit: AP:Associated PressPortsmouth’s win in 2008 caused even more controversy when Sulley Muntari scored the winner past Rio Ferdinand because Tomasz Kuszczak had been sent off.Kuszczak had replaced Edwin van der Sar at half-time, leaving United without a keeper when he got the red card for his foul on Milan Baros.Rio Ferdinand took the gloves — quite ironic seeing his boy is a keeper on Brighton’s books now — but Muntari put us in the semis.Sir Alex was very, very down after that because he had his eyes on another Treble. At least he can say United lost to the losers, because we went on to win the Cup that year!But every other trip ended in defeat. There were even sides who effectively lost before they left the tunnel.You’d hope the team talk would give them a bit of belief, and then David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes or one of the others would blow it away in minutes.Players have always gone on about making their ground a fortress but Old Trafford was the strongest of all.There was a genuine fear about going there . . . now the only ones it strikes terror into are those in red shirts.In Fergie’s era teams went to United hoping for a point. These days many are actually expecting a win — Arsenal certainly will be on Sunday.After seven Champions League goals away from home in midweek, why wouldn’t they?Imagine how many they’d have got if all their strikers were fit!United can’t stick the ball in the net even when they are. They are so far behind the top teams, it’s frightening.I like manager Ruben Amorim but it will take years to turn them around . . . if it can be done at all. It has become a great club in name only.You’d look at the United of Fergie’s day and see superstars everywhere. Amorim would love just one.Bruno Fernandes is the closest and even then no more than a place in the squad. He wouldn’t have a prayer of making the team.Who would you drop? Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Roy Keane, Paul Ince, even Nicky Butt or Darren Fletcher? Not a chance.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggled to get a game,  Fernandes wouldn’t get beyond putting the cones down and handing out bibs.And I tell you what — if Bruno and Co had been at United when I was managing, I’d know all about winning at Old Trafford. More