Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League release statement after Evanilson’s match-winner against Arsenal is allowed following lengthy VAR delay

      by

      ARSENAL were left fuming after Evanilson’s match-winning goal was confirmed by VAR following a lengthy review.Bournemouth came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 and completed their first ever league double over the Gunners.Evanilson fought off Martin Odegaard as he scored the winner for BournemouthCredit: AlamyEvanilson completed a shock turnaround over ArsenalCredit: RexIt couldn’t have gone worse for Arsenal before their Champions League second legCredit: AlamyThe hosts held the advantage at the break thanks to a Declan Rice goal after 34 minutes, but the Cherries turned the game around in the second half.Dean Huijsen’s header from a long throw brought Bournemouth level in the 67th minute.Before Evanilson netted a scrappy second after battling Martin Odegaard during a corner routine in the 75th minute.The striker’s goal was checked by VAR due to claims from the Arsenal players that the Brazilian had handled the ball. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockley Park official Michael Salisbury stuck with the referee’s decision and now the league have explained why.An X post read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring.”And former England goalkeeper Robert Green agreed with the decision. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: “In the VAR booth there’s no evidence to say it’s off the hand. It’s not conclusive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvanilson was initially suspended for the match before the FA overturned his red card against Manchester United during the week.The result is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s European hopes as they jumped up to eighth in the Premier League table.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Should the Cherries stay there and Manchester City win the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola’s side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal fans were fuming with Arteta’s starting line-up before kick-off.The Spaniard fielded his strongest XI against the Cherries, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.This is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique, who leads 1-0 from the first leg.The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ratings: Declan Rice scores on 100th Gunners appearance but David Raya at fault for Bournemouth winner

      by

      TWO goals in eight minutes left Arsenal stars stunned as they lost to Bournemouth in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta opted to play a strong side despite the vital second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain just days away.Evanilson’s goal condemned Arsenal to their first home loss to BournemouthCredit: ReutersArsenal’s preparation to face PSG could have been much betterCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta opted for a strong line-up against BournemouthCredit: ReutersThe hosts had escaped a couple of close calls before taking the lead in the first half.Declan Rice finished off a neat move after being played through on goal by Martin Odegaard.The England midfielder was able to round Kepa Arrizabalaga before firing home.However, the Gunners’ hard work was undone by a long throw-in during the second period.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ball was thrown into the box with purpose and headed into the far post by Cherries star Dean Huijsen.The visitors made the most of their momentum as Evanilson was able to smuggle the ball into the net past a flailing David Raya.The goal was allowed to stand as an in-depth VAR review could not say conclusively that there was a handball from the forward.Despite changes to the team from the bench, the Gunners fell short as they succumbed to their second defeat in a row.Most read in FootballHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners from the Emirates.David Raya – 5David Raya made a mess of Bournemouth’s second goalCredit: ReutersSpent most of the first half twiddling his thumbs only to give Odegaard a horrible pass that Evanilson gobbled up and almost chipped the Arsenal No.1 with.Raya has been making a habit of this recently, including being caught out by Mateta’s stunning attempt last month. Worrying for one with a fine reputation as a sweeper keeper.He had no chance with the leveller, but should not have let the ball dribble over his line off his foot from Evanilson’s effort.Ben White – 5Ben White saw plenty of the ball from right-backCredit: ReutersNot a great start – nut-megged by Ouattara inside the opening two minutes.There were some bright sparks – his link-up with Saka down the right never fails to cause chaos, chipping brilliantly for Rice at the far post that was well defended.Yet he does not look his normal self, hardly surprising given how much time he has spent in the medical room. Has the look of a player desperate for a nice, relaxing summer.William Saliba – 8William Saliba made some crucial tackles during the matchCredit: AlamyWhen Arsenal are not at their best, there is always one man you can count on.Made a stunning last-ditch on Outtara to deny a certain goal just after the half-hour mark and then deflected Kluivert’s curler onto the roof of the net before timing a tackle brilliantly with Semenyo clear in the second half.Also played his part in Rice’s opener, a cute flick around the corner to start the attack.Jakub Kiwior – 6Jakub Kiwior was not at his bestCredit: GettyReally impressed with his range of passing in recent weeks and today no different, lofting over the top for Martinelli that almost produced a one-v-one.However, he is still suspect defensively, slipping in the box to allow Evanilson a free header that the Brazilian should have converted.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Myles Lewis-Skelly continued to impressCredit: AlamyWhat more can you say about this kid? Looks like he belongs at this level, but definitely misses having Gabriel next to him for protection instead of Kiwior.Was close to Huijsen from the long-throw before Bournemouth’s leveller but was always struggling to compete to head the ball clear with the height difference.Moved into midfield in the closing stages with the score and time against them.Thomas Partey – 6Thomas Partey made his return to the starting line-upCredit: GettyOne of those games. Some good, some bad, with several passes going astray.Missed a tackle on Outtara that allowed Bournemouth to counter, but his presence that was greatly missed against PSG was much-needed, allowing Rice and Odegaard to bomb forward.Martin Odegaard – 7Martin Odegaard got the assist for the first goalCredit: APRather quiet and subdued to begin with. Had he been listening to the critics? Not a chance. A player of this quality never loses it, and the timing of his pass to put in Rice was inch-perfect.That’s now three assists in his last four games in all competitions – not bad for a player supposedly in a rut?But the footballing gods are never kind, and he was caught scrambling to defend Evanilson at a corner and watched it bobble over the line.Declan Rice – 9Declan Rice netted his third goal in the Premier League this seasonCredit: PAWas practically a second No.10 in the early stages. Drove into the box from a Martinelli flick but dragged wide, then volleyed an awkward one with a similar result.Could have then headed in at the far post, but he finally got his reward with a cool finish rounding Kepa from a superb Odegaard pass.Just his third Prem strike this term, but eighth in all competitions, surpassing last season’s tally, and all on his 100th appearance for the Gunners.Bukayo Saka – 6Bukayo Saka did not manage a single dribble against the CherriesCredit: APWas kept quiet by Kerkez in the first half, perhaps saving his energy, and he certainly exploded out of the blocks in the second half, seeing a header saved by Kepa and then whipping one just past the far post.Yet after that, he struggled to get into the game.Leandro Trossard – 6Leandro Trossard left Arsenal without a target manCredit: EPALively and weaving, wanting to win a place in that PSG starting XI, but often looks lost as a No.9, dropping too deep or too wide leaving the team without a focal point.When he stayed central, he got chances, seeing a clever header saved on the line by Kepa.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Gabriel Martinelli drew a blank in the matchCredit: GettyEffective as a creator, teeing up Rice twice, but fluffed his side’s best chance of the first half with a bobbled shot just inside the box.But again, when Arsenal needed something extra – especially when the scores were at 1-1 – he did not have the answer.Read More on The SunSubs:Mikel Merino 74′ – 6One of his first acts was running back to the halfway line after Bournemouth made it 2-1.From there, it was all a bit desperate and last-gasp.Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – N/AOleksandr Zinchenko 85′ – N/ARaheem Sterling 85′ – N/AArsenal need to regroup before facing PSGCredit: APJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 1 Bournemouth 2: Gunners suffer worst possible warm up for PSG clash as they fall to controversial goal

      by

      ARSENAL dream of being No 1 in Europe.But if they keep up this league form they could end up finishing third or even worse in what was supposed to be a two-horse race to be kings of England.Arsenal warmed up for their second leg against PSG with a damaging defeat to BournemouthCredit: ReutersThe Cherries came from a goal down to win at the EmiratesCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta’s decision to make just one change to his side backfiredCredit: ReutersJust as in the 2-2 home draw against Brentford between the two legs of the Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid, Arsenal failed to turn their first-half superiority into goals.And the Gunners will have to hope it is some kind of perverse omen for when they go to Paris on Wednesday trying to overcome a one-goal semi-final deficit against PSG.Declan Rice put the home side ahead with a well-worked effort, but the Gunners could not find a second.And Bournemouth took the opportunity to boost their own hopes of playing in Uefa competition next season by scoring two quickfire goals to seal a precious victory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal boss Mikel Arteta will not appreciate the irony of his team being undone by two set-pieces, with Dean Huijsen heading the equaliser direct from an Antoine Semenyo long throw and Evanilson credited with the winner after a corner.The tinfoil-hat section of the Gunners’ support will note how VAR Michael Salisbury and his team could find no reason to disallow the Cherries’ winner after a long-ish check.But the brutal truth is that Arsenal did not deserve to win.Even before Liverpool had confirmed the inevitable last weekend, the Gunners’  Premier League games were feeling like a contractual obligation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSomething to be endured or survived intact, rather than enjoyed.Arsenal’s season has been all about the Champions League for a while.Declan Rice in rousing speech as he explains what Arsenal stars MUST do against PSG ‘or we die’Which is what made Mikel Arteta’s team selection a bit surprising.On the same day, PSG had fielded a starting 11 showing 10 changes from the first leg at the Emirates for their game at Strasbourg – and duly lost 2-1.Arteta chose to play his strongest available team, with Thomas Partey coming back in after missing the 1-0 defeat through suspension and just one other alteration prompted by caution over Jurrien Timber.Yet Arsenal suffered the same fate.The Clock End displayed a new banner that read, “Believe and take us to Munich”.A resident of the city that will host the Champions League final, England boss Thomas Tuchel was in the crowd. Declan Rice fired the Gunners ahead in the 34th minuteCredit: ReutersThe Gunners looked to be sailing towards victoryCredit: PAIn the early stages you – and probably he – wondered why he had bothered.Very little indeed happened for the opening 15 minutes or so.Then Rice had three glimpses of goal in quick succession. He sent shots wide from the first two openings, and was then denied the opportunity to nod in Ben White’s cross by Illia Zabarnyi’s vigilant defensive header.“You’re just a s**t Harry Arter,” was the mocking chant from the away fans.Those same supporters should have been celebrating in the 26th minute.Bournemouth equalised in the 67th minuteCredit: GettyDean Huijsen celebrated his goal in styleCredit: ReutersLeft back Milos Kerkez sent in a lovely cross and Evanilson wrestled free of Jakub Kiwior. But the Brazilian centre forward, playing after his ridiculous red card against Manchester United was rescinded, headed wastefully over the bar.Stung into action, Arsenal ought then to have scored themselves. But Gabriel Martinelli dragged his shot badly wide after being teed up by Bukayo Saka.Martinelli soon turned provider, only for Kepa to get down well to save Leandro Trossard’s header. Rice was not to be denied, however. Martin Odegaard burst clear and laid a well-weighted ball into the path of his team-mate’s intelligent run.Rice kept his cool, took the ball past Kepa and then clipped it into the net despite Zabarnyi’s best efforts.Evanilson then scored a controversial winnerCredit: AFPThe Brazilian didn’t care as he toasted his strikeCredit: GettyBournemouth were disappointing, but threatened twice late in the half. Justin Kluivert’s shot was deflected over by William Saliba, then Evanilson clipped the ball too high, wasting a great chance after Arsenal lost the ball 30 yards out.Both teams started the second period with more vim and vigour than they had the first.Saka wriggled free in the box but a shot with his less potent right foot went flashing wide of the far post. The second goal that the home team needed for comfort would not come.Apart from one Dango Ouattara cross, the Cherries did not look like finding an equaliser.It was not the result Arsenal wanted ahead of their PSG clashCredit: AlamyThe Gunners’ season rests on the result in France next weekCredit: ReutersIraola saw that and sent on Alex Scott and Semenyo with just over 25 minutes to go.Semenyo was immediately guilty of a heavy touch on a promising run and Saliba cleared the ball wide.But Semenyo launched the resulting throw into the box, where it was met by Huijsen with a deft header that nestled inside the far post.Eight minutes later Bournemouth had the lead.Marcus Tavernier headed on Alex Scott’s corner and the ball was bundled in at the far post by a combination of Evanilson, Odegaard and David Raya.A VAR check first ruled out offside against the Brazilian and then handball. The away fans went bananas.Read More on The SunSome of the home supporters were getting annoyed by a perceived lack of commitment from their team.Arteta made a triple change inside the last five minutes. But it was the same old story, for Arsenal’s league season at least. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 2 Southampton 0: Foxes finally put an end to humiliating Premier League record in battle of relegated sides

      by

      JAMIE VARDY may be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season – but that has not stopped him from lining up yet another landmark piece of Foxes history.Trust Vardy to grab a slice of the action – in more ways than one – as he turned from goalscorer to whistleblower.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the matchCredit: GettyJordan Ayew doubled the lead before half-timeCredit: ReutersRuud van Nistelrooy’s side may be heading back to the Championship, but Vardy scored the first Premier League goal seen at the King Power Stadium since December.And that puts him one away from the 200-milestone for the club since joining from Fleetwood Town in 2012.He put Leicester ahead after 17 minutes after great work on the left by Bilal El Khannouss. His cross found Vardy who lashed the ball home with his left foot.It ended a run of nine home games without a goal – the last time was on December 8 against Brighton.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFoxes fans then sang ‘We’ve scored a goal’.But Vardy also found time to raise another laugh among Leicester supporters.When ref David Webb went down injured after colliding with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew, Vardy reached down and blew the official’s whistle to stop the game.It then became obvious that Webb – making his debut as a Premier League ref – was unable to carry on and a 12-minute delay followed while a replacement fourth official was found.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhen the game resumed, Leicester increased their lead when Jordan Ayew found the net.Ayew’s free-kick from 20 yards hit the wall,  but he cleared the path for another attempt and drilled home the rebound from the edge of the area.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut rock bottom Southampton still cannot get to that magic 12 point mark that would keep them out of the record books.Their 11-point tally means that they are still on course for a share of having the worst ever Premier League return – an unwanted mention they currently share with Derby County.Saints rarely looked like pulling back Leicester’s lead and their fans turned on interim boss Simon Rusk in the second half.Rusk took off Matty Fernandes just before the hour – minutes after he had had a goal ruled out for offside.The travelling fans chanted ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and sang Fernandes’ name for the remainder of the game.Anyone who thought this game was the deadest of dead rubbers – with both teams relegated was made to think again.Although Southampton showed why they are going down in a game they might have been expected to take something from.Off the field, Leicester fans made their views known in numbers.A banner aimed at the owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Director of Football, Jon Rudkin, read: ‘Top, Rudkin, what’s so funny’. However, because the club were showing the broadcaster’s feed on the big screen, it was magnified in front of the entire stadium before the pictures were taken down.Read More on The SunThere were also chants of ‘sack the board’ – but they disappeared once Vardy had scored.Vardy was given a standing ovation as he left the field – and will now aim for his history-making goal at East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest next weekend.Referee David Webb was forced offCredit: GettyVardy was quick to act to help the officialCredit: GettySouthampton remain stuck on 11 pointsCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth LIVE RESULT: Cherries fight back as Gunners STUNNED before crucial PSG clash – updates

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH fought back from a goal down to stun Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates.The Gunners preparations for the huge Champions League second leg against PSG on Wednesday were hit by an almighty blow after Evanilson and Dean Huijsen scored in quick succession.Mikel Arteta picked a strong team for the match with Thomas Partey returning after his suspension in the first leg against PSG last week.Kick off time: 5.30pm BSTTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier LeagueArsenal starting line-up: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, TrossardBournemouth starting line-up: Arrizabalaga; Araujo, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Adams, Kluivert; Tavernier, Ouattara. EvanilsonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Cooking Rice only bright spotThere wasn’t much for Arsenal fans to celebrate at the Emirates – but the performance of Declan Rice was a joy.On his 100th appearance for the club, his opener was his 15th goal for Gunners.It’s as many goals as he managed in 245 games for West Ham.Copy linkCopiedArteta: We must use our rageA furious Mikel Arteta insists his side must take all of their negative emotions and use them for good in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.Speaking after his side gave up a one-goal lead to Bournemouth, the Arsenal boss pulled no punches.We didn’t create the right momentum. We certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Now we have to use that for good on Wednesday. That is what we have to do.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from the EmiratesArsenal have now dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season – it is their joint-most ever in a single campaign (also 21 in 2019-20).Copy linkCopiedFull time – Arsenal 1-2 BournemouthAdvantage Cherries in the race for the Conference League!Bournemouth have won away at Arsenal for the first time in their history, completing an impressive double over the Champions League semi-finalists.The Gunners were hoisted by their own petard, losing to two set-pieces in second half, first when Dean Huijsen headed in from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw, and then when Evanilson bundled a corner in at the far post.Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do to pick his players up for a huge night in Paris on Wednesday.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+4. There’s a lot of head shaking going on as Arsenal move nowhere in their latest attack.Bournemouth are cruising towards an important, historic win that will leave them with a real chance of European football – and it’s thoroughly deserved.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90+2. A modicum of excitement engulfs the Emirates as a free-kick is awarded to Arsenal 25 yards from goal.It soon evaporates when Odegaardly meekly hits it into the wall.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth90. Six minutes of additional time are signalled but even those Arsenal fans who have remained in their seats aren’t enthused by the news.Just blow the whistle and let these poor people get home for Britain’s Got Talent.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth87. This has been a nothing performance from Arsenal.No wonder Declan Rice has his head in his hands on the bench.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth84. Don’t worry, Arsenal fans, the calvary are coming.Perhaps Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko and (the admittedly very good) Ethan Nwaneri can save the day. Yeah, I couldn’t type it with a straight face.Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the ones to make way.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth82. If you were expecting Arsenal to respond in fighting fashion after falling behind, you were severely mistaken.If anything, Bournemouth look as though they could score again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth79. This is the first time that Bournemouth have scored two goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) in a Premier League away game since January 2018.Arsenal are having a taste of their own medicine.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bournemouth75. Paris Saint-Germain will be shaking in their boots at this latest bout of pathetic defending.Alex Scott swings a corner over from the left for Marcus Tavernier to flick on across goal from the near post.At the back stick, Martin Odegaard is more concerned with wrestling Evanilson than dealing with the imminent danger of the football, and falls over as the Brazilian bundles beyond some equally shambolic goalkeeping from David Raya.There’s a VAR check for both handball and offside, but not wanting to upset the Cherries after last week’s mess, the officials decide that the footage is inconclusive in deciding whether Evanilson used his elbow to score.Bournemouth deservedly lead at the Emirates, and move into pole position in the race for the Conference League.Copy linkCopiedTurnaround!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth74. Never make a substitution at a corner, right?Well, both Arsenal and Bournemouth have done just that.Admittedly, the one for the Cherries is forced with Dango Ouattara in some discomfort; he’s replaced by David Brooks.The hosts, though, have made the decision to swap Declan Rice with Mikel Merino while having a set-piece to defend.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth70. Mikel Arteta is yet to make a change, and now Bournemouth are the team on top.The equaliser has shook Arsenal, and they’re being dragged all over the place by Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and co.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-1 Bournemouth67. Bournemouth have their equaliser!In the end, it didn’t take much finesse or even football, just one long throw launched into the box by substitute Antoine Semenyo.Young defender Dean Huijsen rose to meet it, and none of the five Arsenal players in his vicinity bothered to join him.One cleverly steered header later and the ball is beyond David Raya, and the travelling fans behind that goal are going absolutely beserk.All square!Copy linkCopiedThere it is!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth63. Andoni Iraola is preparing changes which is the perfect time for commentator Rob Hawthorne to remind us that Bournemouth have had 12 goals scored by substitutes this season.Only Fulham with 15 have scored more.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth61. “Bournemouth can smell an equaliser,” is Alan Smith’s latest worry.Mind you, he says it just as Kluivert turns and spoons one over from 25 yards.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth59. Evanilson is booked for a textbook foul that halts Arsenal’s progress in the middle of the pitch.No danger of a red card for the Brazilian on this occasion. Not even VAR can get this wrong.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth56. Saka is starting to influence the game a lot more now.Moving over to the left, he’s quick to skip inside Araujo and curl a shot towards the top corner. There’s not enough bend though, and it drifts agonisingly wide.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth54. “Arsenal need a second goal here,” worries Alan Smith.The big man’s got a point. This is a game that reeks of an 82nd minute equaliser from substitute Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth52. Back down the other end, and Saka – unusually quiet tonight – has a shot blocked behind for a corner.Let’s hope the Arsenal forward is saving himself for the Parc des Princes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-0 Bournemouth49. It didn’t take long for Kerkez to threaten again.The rampaging left-back pushes down the flank and whips in a teasing delivery that is just too far ahead of Tavernier.It’s a reminder of the threat Bournemouth carry.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth46. The action restarts at the Emirates, where Arsenal are in frnot. It’s a slender lead, but a lead nonetheless.The object for the Gunners in the second half is to see this game through without picking up any injuries while Paris awaits. Standing in their way, Bournemouth have very different ideas.Copy linkCopied More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Graham Potter ‘loses entire West Ham fanbase in 20 seconds’ with shocking Tottenham comments

      by

      WEST HAM manager Graham Potter has enraged the club’s fanbase after shocking Tottenham comments on Friday.The 49-year-old spoke about the Hammers’ London neighbours ahead of their Premier League meeting on Sunday with a lack of regard for the clubs’ longstanding rivalry.West Ham manager Graham Potter has angered his own fanbase over Tottenham commentsThe comments came after Spurs defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi final.Potter said: “They’ve had a tough season. I’m pretty sure if you speak to Ange [Postecoglou], injuries, young players, the double competition [has had an impact].”In this league, nothing is forgiven.”They’ve done well in Europe and hopefully they can finish the job and reach the final.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham fans were quick to jump to X in disbelief over the comments, some even calling for Potter to be sacked.One fan said: “How is a former Chelsea manager who’s now current West Ham coach wishing Spurs all that good?”What happened to rivalry? At least pretend to care about the fans. Come on.”Another kept it short: “Yeah sack him.”Most read in FootballThe two London clubs have traditionally endured a fierce rivalry, dating back to their early years.West Ham legend Mark Noble said to TNT Sports: “I was brought up as a West Ham fan and being around loads of West Ham fans myself, they always ingrained in me that ‘we’ve always got to beat Spurs’.”Potter adopted a much friendlier tone at his press conference, well-wishing a team that his fans hold in contempt.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe former Chelsea manager was already on thin ice with the fanbase, only winning three games since taking over from Julen Lopetegui in January.Even his predecessor managed more with a win percentage of 30 percent to Potter’s 21 percent so far.At 17th, the club have actually slipped three places down the table since their managerial change.It has been a disappointing season for the Hammers who started it with European aspirations.If they win on Sunday, however, they could leapfrog Spurs who currently sit at 16th. A positive result might be the only thing that could save Potter’s fractured relationship with West Ham. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment Jamie Vardy grabs referee’s wrist and blows whistle to stop game while official lies prone on the ground

      by

      THIS is the moment Jamie Vardy grabbed a referee’s wrist and blew his whistle top stop the game as the official lay prone on the ground.The bizarre incident occurred during Leicester’s Premier League clash against Southampton.Jamie Vardy grabbed a ref’s wrist before blowing into his whistleCredit: GettyThe bizarre moment occurred after David Webb went down injured after a collisionCredit: PAThere was nothing at stake for either side following their confirmed relegations to the Championship.But Leicester made sure they turned up in front of their home fans when Vardy bagged an opener in the 17th minute.The Foxes began to turn up the heat on Southampton at the King Power Stadium.But just four minutes later, the game was suspended after referee David Webb suffered an injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe official fell to the floor holding his face after a collision with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew.Webb rolled around on the turf as players from both sides gathered round to check on him.But Vardy left fans in stitches as he bent down to grab Webb’s wrist.The Premier League winner, who is leaving Leicester when his contract expires this summer, then took hold of Webb’s whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd he brought the game to a halt by blowing into it for a cheeky ‘peep’.Proceedings ended up stopping for 12 whole minutes as Webb received treatment.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut fans were left tickled by Vardy’s behaviour on a warm afternoon.One said: “There’s no f*****g way.”Another declared: “The PL is going to miss him.”One noted: “This is prime Vardy.”Another added: “Peaky Barclays man.”The delay failed to knock the wind out of Leicester’s sails though, with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men doubling their lead before half-time through Ayew. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester vs Southampton DELAYED as referee forced off on his DEBUT after undergoing treatment

      by

      LEICESTER CITY’S Premier League clash with Southampton was DELAYED for 12 minutes after the referee was forced to go off for treatment.Ref David Webb – who was replaced on his Prem debut – fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with him as he ran past. Leicester City’s Premier League clash with Southampton has been suspended after the referee was forced to go off for treatmentThe referee fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with himThe official was making his Premier League debutDavid Webb was forced off down the tunnel for a concussion checkPlay was delayed for 12 minutesThe unfortunate incident happened in the 33rd minute after Jamie Vardy scored Leicester’s first goal at home since December 8.But Webb couldn’t have endured a worse Premier League refereeing debut.The official dropped to the turf and held his face for several seconds after catching the shoulder of Leicester star Ayew in the middle of the pitch.And Leicester captain Vardy felt compelled to step in as he bent down to lift Webb’s arm to blow the whistle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPREMIER LEAGUE LIVE – LATEST GOAL UPDATESIn fact, Vardy blew the whistle while it was still in Webb’s hand as he laid on the pitch face down.Vardy – who scored his 199th goal for Leicester – then instantly walked off, before physios stormed the pitch to come to the official’s aid.Webb came back to his feet after a few minutes before heading down the tunnel for a concussion check at the King Power Stadium.Most read in FootballWith play formally suspended thanks to Vardy’s intervention, both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waiting.Leicester star Ayew accidentally bumped into WebbJamie Vardy ran over to take the whistle from the referee and blow itCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Webb couldn’t continue the rest of the game, so fourth official Sam Barratt was subbed in to resume play after the lengthy delay.A commentator said: “Webb is said to be OK and is under observation.”Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsReferee’s delegate Phil Sharp was forced to step in as the fourth official during the unprecedented scenes.And it was Ayew who then extended relegated Leicester’s lead in the 44th minute.The former Crystal Palace star’s free-kick hit the wall from 25 yards, before he hammered in a half-volley into the bottom left corner.Both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waitingFourth official Sam Barratt was forced to sub in for Webb More