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      Liverpool 3 Southampton 1: Darwin Nunez sparks Reds comeback after narrowly avoiding red card in first half disaster

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      DARWIN Nunez and VAR were the controversial heroes as Liverpool moved 16 points clear at the top of the table.The fiery Uruguayan striker escaped a red card by the skin of his teeth in first-half stoppage time shortly after Alisson and Virgil Van Dijk had gifted Southampton the lead.Darwin Nunez sparked Liverpool’s comeback against SouthamptonCredit: AFPHe was lucky not to be sent off in the first halfCredit: ReutersWill Smallbone gave Southampton an unlikely lead at AnfieldCredit: PAArne Slot had to watch on from the stands due to his pitchside banCredit: PAMohamed Salah netted a penalty to put Liverpool aheadCredit: GettyHe then struck again from the spot to seal the winCredit: RexJust as in Paris on Wednesday night, when Ibrahima Konate was lucky not to be sent off before the Reds stole victory, VAR gave Arne Slot’s men a mighty let-off – and then a final helping hand.Wthin nine minutes of the restart Nunez had completely turned the game.First he turned in Luis Diaz’s cross, then he tempted Saints goalscorer Will Smallbone into a rash challenge in the box.Mo Salah, Mr Reliable to Nunez’s Captain Chaos, scored from the spot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Salah stepped up to convert another penalty when VAR Matt Donohoe told referee Lewis Smith to look at Southampton substitute Yukinai Sugawara’s handball in the box.Kop boss Arne Slot was watching from the stands again as he served the second-match of his ban for his comments to referee Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derby.After warning the experienced Oliver that he would blame him if his side failed to win the title, Slot had cause to be grateful to rookie officials.Smith was refereeing his seventh Premier League game and Donohue had only taken charge of two top-flight games himself.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt won’t only be Arsenal fans wondering if Liverpool’s name is on the trophy after this.Liverpool ended a frustrating first half by conceding a ridiculous goal and they could – perhaps should – have been a man down, too.Max Fosh tries SHREDDING yellow card after being booked by ex-Premier League ref in Sidemen vs YouTube All Stars clashSmallbone turned hero to villain as he gave away a penaltyCredit: ReutersSlot was much happier after the full time whistleCredit: RexIf VAR had asked referee Lewis to have another look at Darwin Nunez’s wild kick on Walker-Peters, he would have been well within his rights to dismiss the Reds striker.It would have been an awful end to a half that had threatened to begin so well for the runaway league leaders.Curtis Jones had a shot blocked inside the first minute and should have hit the target with a very presentable chance before there were six on the clock.Southampton barely left their half in the opening 20 minutes and then lost captain Jan Bednarek following a clash of heads with his own full back Ryan Manning.Yet the visitors immediately enjoyed a good spell, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Mateus Fernandes asking Alisson to make the first saves of the match.Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale denied Trent Alexander-Arnold from a narrow angle and Nunez failed to test him with a turn and shot.Liverpool returned to dominating possession and territory yet could not move the ball quickly enough to create really clear-cut openings.The Saints were also defending well, throwing their bodies into blocking shots and crosses. Manning was particularly committed.And the visitors’ refusal to fit into the narrative of a comfortable Liverpool win was rewarded in stoppage-time.As Van Dijk tried to shepherd the ball back to Alisson with Smallbone on his back, the Liverpool players got in each other’s way. In the resulting confusion Smallbone tucked the ball neatly under the Reds’ keeper and into the net.There was still time for Nunez’s lucky escape. The way he brought down Walker-Peters was not an attempt to play the ball, it was a petulant kick. Violent conduct, in other words..VAR took a long hard look but then decided that Lewis’ initial verdict of yellow card was not so outrageous that it needed correcting.It was not much of a shock that Slot made a triple change at the break.The big surprise was Nunez not being one of those to make way.Harvey Elliott almost repeated his incredible entrance to proceedings at the Parc des Princes when he fired in a shot, only for Ramsdale to make an excellent stop.And Slot’s faith in the Uruguayan was soon justified in spectacular style. Luis Diaz made a fabulous run down the left, beating Walker-Peters and pulling it back from the byline.And there was Nunez to tuck in a neat striker’s finish.Unbelievably, Liverpool’s No.9 then turned provider. Smallbone’s challenge on Nunez was clumsy and probably unnecessary. Lewis pointed to the spot and Salah beat Ramsdale’s dive with an excellent penalty.Southampton were understandably deflated. Boss Ivan Juric tried to breathe new life into them by making a double change, bringing on Yukinari Sugawara and Cameron Archer for the ineffective Tyler Dibling and Albert Gronbaek.Liverpool looked as if they were happy to play the game out for a single-goal victory and conserve energy for the PSG return on Tuesday.But they were warned it was a bad idea when Archer escaped and Alisson had to make a decent stop.At the other end Salah fluffed an excellent chance to kill off the game and you wondered whether it would prove costly.Elliott shot wide but little else happened until Juric rolled the dice by throwing on big Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo.Instead, VAR and Salah settled the game.Diaz did well, put pressure on Sugawara but arguably pushed him before the Japanese international moved the ball out of his reach with his arm.Donohue summoned Smith to the monitor and the verdict was penalty.Salah scored again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Liverpool sub Jarell Quansah to pull back Walker-Peters and not be penalised.But Arsenal and the rest are running out of road to halt the Reds juggernaut as it chugs towards the title.Yukinari Sugawara handled the ball in a jostle with Luis DiazCredit: AFPReferee Lewis Smith gave the penalty after being sent to the screen by VARCredit: PA More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Liverpool LOSING at home to Southampton after Man City lose again to Forest – latest

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      MATCHWEEK 28 of the Premier League is full of blockbuster action!Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City kicked off the weekend as the top four rivals clashed in the early kick off.Callum Hudson-Odoi would break the deadlock between the two sides with a near-post strike on the 83rd minute. The standout 3pm match sees Prem leaders Liverpool welcome struggling Southampton to Anfield – with the Saints taking a shock lead at Anfield.This evening, Brentford face Aston Villa before Wolves vs Everton caps off Saturday’s action.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm/8pm GMTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Dan King on Liverpool 0-1 SouthamptonFrom hero to zero, Alisson has gifted Southampton the lead with an horrendous mix-up with Virgil Van Dijk.And you can’t say Saints don’t deserve it, really.Yes the Reds have dominated possession and territory but they look like a side tired after chasing PSG around the pitch on Wednesday.Darwin Nunez has just escaped a red card for a wild kick on Kyle Walker-Peters by the skin of his teeth after a long VAR look resulted in upholding the initial yellow card.Copy linkCopiedFrom Neil Silver at Selhurst ParkIpswich defended well enough in the first half against in-form Palace, who maybe had one eye on Monday’s trip to Marbella for a warm weather training camp.Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze missed decent chances for Palace, whose goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved efforts from Jaden Philogene and Julio Enciso.Copy linkCopiedTime for pie and a pintIt’s half-time in the Premier League’s 3pm kick-offs. Do what you need to.Brighton 1-1 FulhamCrystal Palace 0-0 IpswichLiverpool 0-1 SouthamptonCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 SouthamptonFrustrations are growing in the Liverpool ranks, and now Darwin Nunez has gone full Darwin Nunez.Kyle Walker-Peters is going nowhere as he retreats to the halfway line, but that doesn’t stop the striker having an almighty swipe at the defender’s legs.Nunez is yellow carded but there is a lengthy check as VAR consider firmer action.Eventually, the striker breathes a sigh of relief as the officials stick with the on-field decision.Copy linkCopied45+1 – GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 SouthamptonWell, well, well…Alisson and Virgil van Dijk were Liverpool’s heroes in Paris on Wednesday, but they’ve blundered their way into a massive mix-up here that has allowed Will Smallbone to score his first Premier League goal.The centre-back tries to shepherd the ball back to his keeper but with Smallbone and Mateus Fernandes in pursuit, they only succeed in clattering into each other.With the ball running free, Southampton’s midfielder quickly pivots to send the ball into the empty net in front of a stunned Kop.The team adrift at the foot of the table lead at the runaway leaders. Football, bloody hell!Copy linkCopied41 – GOAL! Brighton 1-1 FulhamFulham’s lead at the Amex did not last long!Jan Paul van Hecke was caught napping for the opener, but he’s made amends with a fine header.Mind you, he’s helped out by some incredibly lazy defending that leaves the Dutchman completely unmarked to meet Yasin Ayari’s free-kick from the left.It’s a great connection though, which sends the ball swerving back beyond Bernd Leno and in off the far post.Copy linkCopied35 – GOAL! Brighton 0-1 FulhamRaul Jimenez gives Fulham the lead!It’s an excellent goal by the Cottagers, who work the ball from back to front.Alex Iwobi drives down the right and sends a cross over Jan Paul van Hecke, who is caught out of position.What follows from Jimenez is sublime; a chest down and shot on the slide that powers past Bart Verbruggen.It could be time to renew your passports, Fulham fans.Copy linkCopiedFrom Neil Silver at Selhurst ParkNketiah should have made his mark within 120 seconds after being released by a brilliant pass from Adam Wharton.With just Alex Palmer to beat, Nketiah delayed pulling the trigger and shot straight at the Ipswich goalkeeper.Wharton was clearly motivated by stories linking him with Real Madrid and the fact that Thomas Tuchel set to name his first England squad this week.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 SouthamptonDarwin Nunez has a couple of sighters, the most recent of which he strikes straight at Aaron Ramsdale.Liverpool have had 80% of possession but are so far being frustrated by Southampton – which should be a familiar feeling for Saints, who made a habit of dominating the ball and doing nothing with it earlier in the season.Copy linkCopiedDan King on Liverpool 0-0 SouthamptonSouthampton barely got out of their half for 20 minutes yet it’s Liverpool’s Paris hero Alisson who has made the only two saves so far.Neither was particularly difficult, mind, but the Saints are coming into this in a way that is making the home crowd uncomfortable.The home side have not threatened since Curtis Jones failed to hit the target with a very good chance inside six minutes.The visitors have lost captain Jan Bednarek after a clash of heads with his own full back, Ryan Manning. Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 SouthamptonSouthampton have shown some attacking intent in the last few minutes, testing Alisson from distance and winning a couple of corners.It’s a good response from the Premier League’s bottom team, who lost their captain Jan Bednarek to a head injury.Armel Bella-Kotchap is on in the centre-back’s place.Copy linkCopiedBest league in the worldAnd I thought the first half between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground was dull.Now we’ve got three of them to endure.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 Ipswich”You know, Ipswich are still in this,” ponders Clinton Morrison on Soccer Saturday. Well, it is 0-0, Clinton.Liam Delap did fire one wide for the Tractor Boys, who have also had Jacob Greaves booked.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-0 FulhamJoao Pedro has scored.Unfortunately for Brighton, it’s not the one leading the line for the Seagulls.Instead, the Brazilian’s namesake has put Hull a goal up at Bristol City in the Championship.Copy linkCopiedFrom Isabelle Barker at the AmexFulham are that bogey team for Brighton. The Seagulls have never beaten the Cottagers in the Premier League in nine attempts. They’ve lost five and drawn four. Both teams are flying high though with three wins and one loss away to Manchester City for Fulham while Brighton have turned a corner since that humiliating 7-0 loss at Nottingham Forest winning their last three league games. Chris Eubank’s son Harlem was paraded around on the pitch after dropping Tyrone McKenna last night at the Brighton Arena, with Fulham fans serenading him to a rendition of “who the f***ing hell are you”. Let’s hope both these sides pack a punch this afternoon. Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-0 SouthamptonSaints have navigated the early minutes an Anfield without too much trouble. Perhaps there’s no need to fear another heavy defeat.A couple of Curtis Jones attempts are as good as it’s got so far for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-0 IpswichEddie Nketiah is making a rare start in the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta – and he could have already made his mark.Put through by a textbook Adam Wharton pass, the former Arsenal man really should score. He just doesn’t look confident though, and the subsequent shot is dealt with by Alex Palmer.Copy linkCopiedAnd they’re off!This afternoon’s Premier League games at Anfield, the Amex and Selhurst Park are now underway. Strap yourselves in. It could be a big afternoon at the top, bottom, and in the race for Europe.Copy linkCopiedDan King on Liverpool versus SouthamptonThey’ve just played Sit Down by James at Anfield and the home fans will be hoping that rock bottom Southampton lie down for Liverpool.Kop boss Arne Slot has made only three changes to the team that started the Great Parc des Princes Heist on Wednesday night.Darwin Nunez’s reward for teeing up Harvey Elliott’s winner against PSG is a start in place of Diogo Jota, with Kostas Tsimikas and Curtis Jones also coming into the team.Saints boss Ivan Juric has made six changes from the side pumped 4-0 at Chelsea in their last game, with only one member of the five-man defence that night, Kyle Walker-Peters, keeping his place.Copy linkCopiedToday’s Premier League gamesIt’s wall-to-wall action in the top-flight today. We’ve already seen Nottingham Forest take care of Manchester City and now eyes turn to a trio of three o’clock games – with more to come later.Nott’m Forest 1-0 Man CityBrighton v Fulham (3pm)Crystal Palace v Ipswich (3pm)Liverpool v Southampton (3pm)Brentford v Aston Villa (5.30pm)Wolves v Everton (8pm)Copy linkCopiedEuropean race intensifies at the AmexTwo in-form sides meet on the South Coast this afternoon as Brighton take on Fulham.The Seagulls have won their last five in all competitions since they were hammered 7-0 at Nottingham Forest, while the Cottagers have been victorious in the last three on the road.With FA Cup quarter-finals to look forward to, their campaigns can still promise so much and a win for either today will go a long way to enhancing their European ambitions.Credit: @OfficialBHAFC on XCredit: @FulhamFC on XCopy linkCopiedDarwin up top for LiverpoolThe Uruguayan striker is one of three changes made by Arne Slot following the midweek smash and grab in Paris.Also in are Kostas Tsmikas and Curtis Jones with Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota dropping outIt’s 11 days since Southampton last played. We will wait to see if Ivan Juric has been able to use that time to prepare his young side for a trip to the runaway leaders.Credit: @LFC on XCredit: @SouthamptonFC on XCopy linkCopiedFrom Neil Silver at Selhurst ParkEddie Nketiah starts for Palace in the Premier League for the first time since November 2nd, hoping to make his mark in the absence of injured top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta.If results go against opponents Ipswich, the Tractor Boys will be eight points from safety.Credit: @CPFC on XCredit: @IpswichTown on XCopy linkCopiedFull time – Nott’m Forest 1-0 Man CityThe champions are beaten, and Forest are closing in on a season among Europe’s elite.Callum Hudson-Odoi was the matchwinner with a late goal that now has Nuno Espirito Santo’s third-placed side four points clear of their opponents.With 10 games remaining, the Tricky Trees remain on course for the Champions League – and it seems little can throw them off, especially on the banks of the Trent.Copy linkCopiedNott’m Forest 1-0 Man City90+3. This is ideal injury time for Forest with the ball stuck up by the corner flag.Can City get out? Can they launch one last attack?They eventually do, and whip the ball into the box……where the safe hands of Matz Sels takes hold.Copy linkCopied More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Man City 0: Callum Hudson-Odoi scores late winner that could propel his side into Champions League

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      THANKS to Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest’s fans can now start to imagine the Champions League theme tune being played at the City Ground next season.Hudson’s Odoi’s winner with seven minutes left proved beyond doubt that Forest now have a brilliant chance of making a long-awaited return to European club football’s top competition.Callum Hudson-Odoi scored Nottingham Forest’s winner against Man CityCredit: ReutersIt’s a major boost in their Champions League hopesCredit: GettyWith 10 games left, they are four points clear of CIty. No-one, absolutely no-one, could have imagined this at the start of what is proving to be a dream season at Forest.Meanwhile, for Pep Guardiola, this was a ninth Premier League loss and his team were truly awful.In a week which saw Alisson deliver a one-man wondershow away to PSG for Liverpool, fellow Brazilian keeper Ederson was caught out badly at his near post for the Hudson-Odoi goal.And this came after he made a decent save from the same player earlier in the second half.READ MORE IN footballSo now for Forest, it is home draws with Liverpool and Arsenal followed by this win over City. This is definitely the type of form which gets you a top four or top five spot.England assistant manager Anthony Barry was here with Thomas Tuchel to name his first squad on Friday and Hudson-Odoi certainly gave himself a chance.In contrast, City’s Phil Foden had little influence and then looked peed off when he was replaced by Kevin de Bruyne with 21 minutes left.Yet despite City bringing on both the Belgian midfielder and forward Omar Marmoush, Forest held firm in a similar cat-and-mouse type of game to the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOnly on this occasion, they stuck the knife in right at the end and as you could imagine, there were jubilant  scenes at the end.It was certainly a lively ending to an otherwise dismal game which had promised so much but delivered very little.For much of the game, Guardiola stood on the touchline with both hands on his head although when Hudson-Odoi grabbed the winner, he was sat on the bench and just took a giant swig of water. At that point, he must have admitted it was something stronger.For Forest, this was a game which started and finished with a standing ovation. There was applause in the third minute for club legend Stuart Pearce who is recovering after failing ill on a transatlantic fight and a “get well soon, Stuart” message flashed up on the big screen.This tribute to the former England no 3 came in the third minute with the home fans singing the name of the ex left-back.Soon after, as City looked to get off to a flying start, Erling Haaland was understandably baffled when he was not given a corner even though his goal-bound shot, which seemed to be heading towards the bottom corner, was deflected wide by Murillo.Bernardo SIlva also showed his complete dismay at what was a poor decision by referee Chris Kavanagh.With Forest struggling to get out of their own half, Nico Gonzalez thumped a shot wide and then delivered an attempt so high and wide it probably ended up in the club shop – but Notts County’s on the other side of the Trent.City’s first official shot on target,  if you do not include the early Haaland strike, came through Jeremy Doku and that was just before half-timeAnd 30 seconds later, Chris Wood also chipped in with Forest’s only shot on target but this attempted lob sailed into the arms of Ederson.Forest were better in the second half and they managed the best chance of the game but City keeper Ederson got down low to his left to turn Hudson-Odoi’s shot against the post.Guardiola made his changes, bringing on Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic at first and De Bruyne and Marmoush soon after.De Bruyne had an immediate chance but lifted his effort into the away end and then hammered a free-kick straight at Matz Sels.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut just when you thought Forest might settle for a point, they turned three points into three.Morgan Gibbs-White launched a long ball to Hudson-Odoi who was given an incredible amount of time and space by Josko Gvardiol. He then hammered an effort which Ederson should have saved by no-one at the City Ground was complaining.Pep Guardiola looks on in frustrationCredit: AlamyIt was a famous win for ForestCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s so famous’ – Pep Guardiola gives blunt nine-word answer when asked about Jack Grealish’s night out at social club

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      PEP GUARDIOLA appears to be growing frustrated with Jack Grealish’s high jinks off the park.The £100million star was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday night clearly enjoying himself.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appears to be growing frustrated with Jack GrealishMan City star Grealish was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday nightCredit: X @footballbreakzHe is understood to have put at least £500 behind the bar for the locals of the club that describes itself as “Washington’s No 1 entertainment venue”.Last month, he was snapped leaving a swanky London eatery at the same time as a mystery blonde, quipping: “She’s not with me!”Guardiola insists he is happy to let his players lead their own lives when they are off duty.When asked about Grealish’s night out near Sunderland, he acidly replied: “He’s so famous. People follow him. Nothing to comment.”Read More on FootballThe Manchester City boss went on to suggest that being Jack the lad is one thing,  producing performances on the pitch is quite another.Asked about his players’ behaviour when they have time to themselves, he said: “They know what they have to do.“A day off is a day off, there is no training. They have private lives to do whatever they want. I’m not going to control what they do in their private life.“I judge what I see on the pitch, the training sessions and the performances in the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola’s judgement of Grealish, who turns 30 in September,  in terms of the number of games he is selecting him for, indicates that he is far from entertained.City visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a clash crucial to both clubs’ chances of making next season’s Champions League.Man City boss Pep Guardiola apologises to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes Grealish impressed in a central midfield role the last time the sides met on December 4, with City winning 3-0.But reminded of that display, edgy Pep replied: “That was a long time ago.”Since then, Grealish has started only one Premier League game, in a 2–1 defeat against the Aston Villa team he left for City four years ago.Pep did apologise to the Treble winner a month ago for not giving him enough minutes on the pitch, saying  the performances of Jeremy Doku and Savinho had forced his hand.But he also added: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I play Savinho.“You can say it’s unfair. If you think that, it’s fine, but you have to prove, ‘OK, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’, every single day, every single week and every single month.”Sympathy fadingAny lingering sympathy Guardiola still had for Grealish appears to be fading.And he stressed: “I wanted Jack at his best. But he had setbacks and didn’t play. “That was sometimes for the injuries, he could not get the rhythm that you need for being ready every three days.”Grealish did start in last Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Plymouth but as part of an eleven–change team.But while Guardiola says he is fit to face Forest after seven days without a game, he is far from guaranteed a start.Grealish’s dip in form this season — he has only two goals in 26 appearances — means he is sweating on being selected for Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager.Grealish wants England returnHis first squad will be announced on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Guardiola said: “I want the best not just for Jack but for everyone.“Jack played really good the last game and hopefully he can have the consistency and I understand all the frustrations of all my players.“It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup with his national team. I’m not bothered with that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What happens in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone, they will be treated at the end of the season but now we are playing for many important things.”Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed defender Nathan Ake will miss the rest of the season after foot surgery and now faces a race against time to be fit for this summer’s Club World Cup. More

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      ‘Normally a bottle of red wine down by then’ – David Moyes hints he’s not happy with unusual Everton kick-off time

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      DAVID MOYES has revealed that Everton’s late kick-off against Wolves might throw a spanner into his Saturday night routine.The Moyesiah worries Everton’s 8pm trip to the West Midlands might throw havoc into his down time.Everton manager David Moyes gave a quick-witted response to Everton’s unusual kick-off timeWolves host Everton at 8pm on Saturday due to broadcasting reasons.The Prem clash was selected for TV broadcast by TNT Sports.TNT will also show Nottingham Forest’s home clash against Manchester City during their usual 12:30pm Saturday slot.Still, Everton are set for 8pm because Sky Sports have the 5:30pm spot on weekends, and they are showing Brentford vs Aston Villa.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Moyes hinted that he’s far from happy with the strange late kick-off.On playing at 8pm, Moyes said: “I’m normally a bottle of red wine down by that time on a Saturday! “If you’re a traditionalist then you probably don’t see 8pm on a Saturday night as a good kick-off time.”But it’s the way it’s going and I think football clubs are signing up to it due to the money that is coming in from the broadcasters. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We have to go with it even if it will ruin some people’s Saturday night out.”Moyes is known for his love of a good glass of red, as he’s frequently recalled enjoying a bottle with Sir Alex Ferguson from time-to-time.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd TNT have 52 live Premier League matches this season.After deciding against selecting certain games in recent weeks, TNT have some extra slots for the remainder of the campaign.At the time of selection, Wolves vs Everton looked to be potentially important in the relegation battle.However, since then, both sides have pulled away from the bottom three, with Everton 15 points clear and ten above Wolves.Wolves will be without top scorer Matheus Cunha for at least the next three matches.The Brazilian will start the first game of his suspension following his red card against Bournemouth in Wolves’ FA Cup defeat last weekend. It is alleged Cunha “acted in an improper manner” after he was sent off for clashing with Cherries defender Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 25-year-old lashed out at Kerkez three times – fighting and kicking out at him before aiming a headbutt when the Hungary full-back got back to his feet.Meanwhile, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure returns after missing the Brentford draw due to the birth of his son. More

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      ‘For the better? I don’t know’ – Match of the Day legend, 87, ‘surprised’ by BBC’s Gary Lineker replacements

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      BARRY DAVIES made his name talking about the stars – he never dreamt he would be joining them.The commentating great has become the first from his trade to be inducted into the National Football Museum hall of fame.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Beeb have replaced hom with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: BBCIconic MOTD commentator Barry Davies has been left surprised by the decisionCredit: PAA day in his company and it is not long before it is clear that being pipped to few too many FA Cup finals by John Motson still grinds.But Davies, 87, now has an honour no other broadcaster can boast.Davies, sitting in his London home surrounded by a number of accolades from his career, cannot hold back a smile when he is asked how it all happened.He told SunSport: “Flabbergasted I was, absolutely.”I couldn’t believe it. When I looked at the list of people who are already members, it’s extraordinary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I heard through my son who really sort of looks after me like an agent these days.”And better than at least one of the agents that I had in my time, I might have got more Cup finals if he’d been there in the role!”Key Barry Davies MomentsFIRST GAME: August 9, 1969 – Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United Davies made his Match of the Day debut nearly 56 years ago from the gantry at Selhurst Park – though it never should have been that way.He said: “It’s extraordinary. It shouldn’t have been the first one.”I was in Leeds. It should have been Leeds against Tottenham which I thought was quite amusing as a Spurs supporter.”I knew quite a lot about Manchester United and had commentated on them several times.”But Crystal Palace had just been promoted and we didn’t do matches outside the top division. So that was a test and it was a good match.”LAST GAME: August 23, 2014 – Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham A decade after he officially left Match of the Day, Davies was called back into action to celebrate the 50th anniversary.That game was the final in an incredible career covering football, with one clear highlight.Davies said: “If I could watch England playing Holland in Euro 96, which I think is the best England performance I’ve ever seen, I would love to see that again.”Euro 96 was my favourite tournament by a distance. They should have been in the final.”I don’t know how we didn’t get there. It was amazing. I used the expression, I don’t believe that.”Davies added: “I have no idea why the decision was made.”I did two, and I took over David Coleman’s interview role for quite a time.Most read in Football’Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce'”I didn’t hold anything against anybody who was involved in the decision.”Davies may have had to play second fiddle at Wembley, but his voice still accompanies a great many iconic moments from sporting history – not just football.That variety made him the best in the game, but presented the odd challenge.Davies and his wife, Penny, recently totted-up that there were 17 different sports he put his voice to, with some of them requiring a fair bit of swatting up.He said: “I was asked to be involved with badminton. I learnt about that as I went on.”I did rather reach the stage where I hoped when I turned up that they would say, ‘Oh not him again!’ But they never did.”I usually got persuaded to do other sports, I mean the Olympics I went from hockey to gymnastics.”But I loved that. I just loved sitting in the chair.”Davies now sits in a rather different chair, in his living room, still consuming plenty of sport.Though he feels there is probably a bit too much football nowadays and certainly too much talking over it.He added: “The television over there gets well looked after.”I would say it’s all a bit too much.Barry Davies began working for the BBC all the way back in 1969Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDBarry Davies was pipped to several FA Cup finals by fellow icon John MotsonCredit: PADavies covered several World Cups for the BeebCredit: PA”I think your man in the street would say the same. He wants to see his team, of course.”But it has changed an awful lot.”I don’t like some of the tackling, that’s certainly going through a bad stage. And the acting. I find that very off-putting.”There are one or two very good commentators around, but too many in the chair at a match, in my opinion.”The viewer wants time to make his own decisions.”If we’re sitting down and watching a match on television there probably will be a couple of points where you’ll make a point or I’ll make a point.”But if we both keep doing it, I would say shut up for a minute. That is my attitude of watching now.”There are too many words. There are good commentators but it’s not their fault, it’s the producer’s fault.”It’s the decision that they think that’s the way it should be done. I don’t think I would have kept a job very long.”Despite not liking the way football has gone since the start of his career with Match of the Day in 1969, Davies can still find some gems.Barry Davies opened up about his iconic career in an exclusive interview with SunSport’s Jack RosserCredit: THE SUNDavies is extremely proud of his accomplishmentsCredit: THE SUNHaving grown up a Tottenham fan with goalkeeper Ted Ditchling his idol, before adoring any chance to commentate on Glenn Hoddle, there is one current player Davies would like to see join him in the hall of fame.He said: “The chap I enjoy watching most of all is Jack Grealish of Manchester City.”I’m very disappointed how things have worked out for him.”Obviously, his manager is considered to be the top in the land, if not in the world.”But Grealish is the sort of player you have to put in and let him play and offer what he can offer.”Sticking him out on the wing I find appalling.”Their last match on the air, I remember, every flipping attack City had in that match started from him.”His ability to see where to go and so on and so forth.”But if he’s being told, you do this, that and the other, I think some players have to be left.”And too many attacks have to go back to the goalkeeper to start again.”The number of passes going back in football now is so different. I don’t quite understand it, I must admit.”One thing Davies does have a deep understanding of is Match of the Day, having started working on the show in 1969 and ending in 2004 before being called back for one more gig in 2014.Huge changes are being made to the BBC’s flagship sports show, with Gary Lineker departing after 25 years to be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.Davies said: “I’m surprised at the decision that’s been made.”But then I’m quite surprised at the jobs that are given to various people these days, and the need apparently to use people.Barry Davies will be inducted to the National Football Museum Hall of FameCredit: THE SUN”They’re very good broadcasters, but I’m surprised that they think it’s better to have three people doing it.”Gary himself would feel that he’s done long enough.”They’re all very good broadcasters, and they know about the games, no doubt about that.”It should go on forever. Because it’s very popular, it’s recorded matches, some of the matches I’ve been watching these days are much better recorded!”I’m sure, as sure as I can be, television has changed and football has changed.”For the better? I don’t know, no.”Davies will be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with his family watching from the stands.Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Barry Davies is a true legend of the game.”His commentary has provided the soundtrack to some of football’s greatest moments and has brought joy to millions of fans.”To honour his incredible contribution to the sport at a venue that means so much to him is truly special.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re thrilled to celebrate Barry’s legacy at Selhurst Park and soon welcome him into the Hall of Fame.” The application window for the Hall of Fame is open, and football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are encouraged to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game. You can find the form at: nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame. More

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      ‘They wear you down’ – Romelu Lukaku reveals lengths Chelsea went to to get rid of him

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      ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exitCredit: GettyThe striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summerCredit: ReutersAfter a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. Read More in Football”They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.”But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. “Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. “Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”Most read in FootballThe striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen “I am someone who does his job and then goes home. “In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season. More

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      Arsenal files: Update on Raheem Sterling’s future after impressing coaches and historic North London derby on the cards

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      RAHEEM STERLING joined Arsenal on loan with the hope of getting more minutes under his belt and lifting his confidence.However, it hasn’t quite worked out that way.Raheem Sterling has had limited minutes at Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyHaving fallen out of favour at Chelsea, the winger was looking for a new challenge to get his smile back.But with limited minutes to his name, Sterling could leave the Emirates feeling disappointed.In this weeks edition of Arsenal Files, Jordan Davies looks at Sterling’s time at the club as well as Ethan Nwaneri’s influence and potential pre-season tour plans.STERLING’S LACK OF CHANCESMore than anything, Sterling was desperate to build a real bond with the Arsenal fans when he joined on Deadline Day last summer, excited to start over after falling out of favour with Chelsea’s ownership.A player in much need of love and support, the Emirates could have been the perfect fit.Sterling has started just nine games so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe forward is yet to score in the Premier League this seasonUnfortunately, seven months into the season, it feels like he will never feel it – purely because he has had very few chances to build any momentum to leave a lasting impression on the Gunners supporters.The call to switch from West to North London was a late one, and so the expectations of what Sterling was going to achieve had to be rational and realistic.A unique opportunity presented itself that Sterling took with open arms, especially because the alternative was sitting in the reserves with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wanting a different profile of winger, or going to the Middle East – something that was never a considerationAt 30 years old, Sterling knew what his role would be under Mikel Arteta – a man he grew to respect and admire when working under him at Manchester City as an assistant under Pep Guardiola.It was not about being the main man, the hero – a title he earned during an impressive seven-year stint at City that saw him lift four Prem titles and score 131 goals in 339 appearances.Mikel Arteta makes light of Arsenal goal rush after PSV thrashing At Arsenal, it was more about being a valuable asset to an already talented squad, using that winning mentality to help Arsenal go on to do the same.And in many aspects, off the pitch in particular, he has executed that part as well as anyone.SunSport understands that he is highly rated and respected by the coaching staff purely for his professionalism and work rate in training, setting standards high.He has worked tirelessly to be a mentor for the young players coming through like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly – a real calming influence in what is a pressurised, cut-throat environment.He has been a likeable and happy presence around London Colney, building a real rapport with staff, thanks partly to his son being in the academy set-up there and loving life in London.He has a great and honest relationship with Arteta.He has never felt frozen out like he did at Chelsea, even when chances have not been presented to him – which is where the real issue lies.Sterling never expected to start every week, but there is a recognition that had he been given more time to prove his worth, to build his confidence, Arsenal would be reaping more rewards, especially given their injury concerns now.He has started just two games back-to-back this term, in October at home to Southampton and then away at Bournemouth – subbed off in the first half of the latter in a 2-0 defeat after William Saliba’s early red card.From November 2 to January 12, he started just once – a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace – albeit with two weeks out during that period due to a minor knee issue.Since then, opportunities have been rare. In one of just TWO games where he has played the full 90 minutes so far this season, he put in a promising performance in a 2-1 Champions League win at Girona on January 29, seeing a late penalty saved.After a challenging display in the 2-0 Prem victory at Leicester on February 15, Arteta told reporters that Sterling needed to have a “big impact” on games with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all out injured.Sterling has been a mentor for young players like Ethan NwaneriCredit: APAnd yet, in the next three matches, he was given a combined 41 minutes from the bench to do so.Critics will say that one goal in 22 appearances is nowhere near good enough, but you can’t do much when you are consistently on the bench, thrown on as an impact sub looking to see out a game.This is down partly to Arteta’s stubbornness as a coach, very rarely rotating even when he has an opportunity to do so – yet that could change for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against PSV next week with a comfortable 7-1 advantage.The latter stages of that competition is where Sterling has historically shown up in his career, with eight goals in the knockouts, something Arteta should take into account.Fellow Englishman Harry Kane has only recently overtaken that tally, scoring his ninth this week for Bayern Munich.So, where does his future lie? SunSport understands that Sterling remains incredibly calm and focused on the present, knowing there are still plenty of games left this season to make his mark.No conversation between club and player regarding his future has taken place just yet, nor has Chelsea been engaged.Perhaps he will only be recognised fully for his achievements for club and country – winning 82 caps for England – once he hangs up his boots, yet Sterling is far from contemplating that just yet.BAGS PACKEDArsenal’s players were filmed boarding the plane for Eindhoven on Monday afternoon following a light training session at London Colney.It is a familiar scene on Prem club social media platforms ahead of a European trip – footballers all smiles strolling across the tarmac, usually clutching a shiny leather holdall or travel bag.Riccardo Calafiori was seen boarding a flight to Eindhoven with an Arsenal-branded bag earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / arsenalThe bag is valued at £90 on Arsenal’s websiteCredit: arsenaldirect.arsenal.comSome of these bags are eye watering in price. In the clip, Brazilian defender Gabriel’s appears to be a carrying a brown Louis Vuitton bag that usually costs around £2k.And yet, when the camera flicks to Italian Riccardo Calafiori, he has – slumped over his right shoulder – an Arsenal-branded bag from the club retail shop costing just £90.SunSport understands that Calafiori sometimes opts to use club retail range luggage on match days instead of a more luxurious personalised one.It appears to be doing the trick, the full-back scoring the seventh of Arsenal’s record-breaking 7-1 win over PSV – popping up on the right wing with an Erling Haaland-style finish.With a Champions League quarter final spot all-but confirmed, Calafiori should be getting some more use out of that bag in the coming weeks.ASIA SUMMER PLANSArsenal are putting together their pre-season plans, with a switch from the United States to Asia this summer potentially on the cards. Hong Kong is an option.Last year, the Gunners played Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles and Liverpool in Philadelphia across seven days in late July.The Gunners could jet to Asia this summer for a pre-season tourCredit: GettyThe Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong could host a matchCredit: APBut the staging of the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA from June 14 to July 13 across 11 host cities has complicated another trip across the pond.There are suggestions Asia could now play host to the first ever North London Derby outside of the UK with Tottenham likely to be in that area with Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou.One of the venues that could hold the match is the newly-developed Kai Tak Sports Park – the 50,000 capacity stadium with a customisable pitch system and retractable roof was only opened on March 1.And a spokesperson from the Hong Kong government has exclusively told SunSport: “We are in active discussion to bring world-class football matches to be staged at the new Kai Tak Stadium. Details will be announced in due course.”Arsenal’s last pre-season in Asia was in the summer of 2018 – Unai Emery’s first months in charge after replacing Arsene Wenger – where they played Atletico Madrid and PSG in Singapore.WAYNE’S WORLDEthan Nwaneri is growing into his role as one of the Prem’s most exciting young players, scoring his eighth goal of the season in all competitions away in Eindhoven.He is now just one behind matching Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen’s record of netting nine senior goals before turning 18.Nwaneri is on the verge of matching a record held by Wayne Rooney and Michael OwenCredit: GettySeventeen-year-old Nwaneri has 14 days to go and beat that before his birthday on March 21.Rooney – the Manchester United and England great – was a pundit for Amazon at the Philips Stadion to watch Nwaneri find the net in the 7-1 thumping of PSV, and was very impressed.But how do the pair compare? There is a pleasing symmetry in terms of their first senior goals – both scoring twice in a League Cup tie.Rooney got his for Everton away at Wrexham in a 3-0 win in October 2002. Nwaneri bagged his brace in September 2024 in a 5-1 victory at home to Bolton.Where Nwaneri perhaps has the edge is that Rooney’s other seven came solely in Prem games – home and away against Arsenal as well as the likes of Leeds and Newcastle.Nwaneri meanwhile has strutted his stuff in the Champions League already, scoring against PSV and also Girona in January.Rooney would likely argue that he was scoring against the reigning Prem champions Arsenal in October 2002 when he was still only 16.Owen perhaps was on another level entirely, scoring a hat-trick against Grimsby in the League Cup in November 1997 as part of his nine, going on to share the Prem Golden Boot with Dion Dublin and Chris Sutton with 18 goals as well as the Prem Player of the Season.How fitting would it be if Nwaneri scores his ninth goal to equal the record at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday – the place where Rooney become a global superstar.Also, both Rooney and Owen had their breakthroughs a year before going to light up a major tournament for England at Euro 2004 and the 1998 World Cup respectively.Will Nwaneri do enough to get his chance under Thomas Tuchel in 2026? 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