Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes ownership stake in Man Utd as he injects millions more but it won’t help Amorim

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has increased his ownership stake in Manchester United after injecting an extra £79million into the club.The Ineos chief previously owned 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils after paying the Glazers £1.2billion earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has increased his stake in Man UtdCredit: PARatcliffe’s deal saw him promise to invest a further £237m.And a final payment of £79m has now been confirmed after being listed on the US Securities and Exchange Commission.It means Ratcliffe’s stake in United has increased to 28.94 per cent.Some of those shares have also been transferred from the chief to Ineos itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Ruben Amorim will not be seeing any of the extra cash.United’s new boss is hoping to reshape his squad in January with several signings.Amorim wants to sign a new left-back and could also look to strengthen in midfield.But the Mail claims Ratcliffe’s £79m will not be added to the transfer coffers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInstead, it will be used to boost infrastructure across the club in a variety of areas.The latest cash injection comes as Ratcliffe and Ineos look to cut costs on and off the pitch.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ A whopping 250 members of staff have been let go – including sporting director Dan Ashworth.While players like Marcus Rashford are up for sale amid links with Arsenal.Ratcliffe has also come under fire for raising the price of match-day tickets with zero concessions for children or pensioners.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

    • 238 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

      by

      ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

    • 213 Shares74 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton takeover COMPLETED as crisis club release statement with new owners set to bring ‘immediate financial stability’

      by

      EVERTON’S takeover has officially been completed as the club finally part ways with Farhad Moshiri after a turbulent eight years.The Friedkin Group (TFG) finalised it’s majority takeover in a deal which is believed to be worth in excess of £400m.The Friedkin Group (TFG) has completed its takeover of Everton, ending the Premier League club’s long search for new ownershipThe takeover ends the eight year turbulent tenure of Farhad MoshiriThe Texas-based group is led by billionaire chairman Dan FriedkinRoundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, which is an entity within The Friedkin Group, have bought Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The group reached an agreement with Moshiri on 23 September and were awaiting regulatory approval, with the Premier League having the final say on the deal, which has now been granted.Formal confirmation that the deal could go ahead came on Wednesday from the Premier League’s independent oversight panel.As part of the takeover agreement, TFG will significantly reduce the debt burden at the previously cash-strapped club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe owners have committed to paying off the £200m owed to American insurance firm ACAP via a series of instalments, and refinancing a further £150m owed to another lender, Rights and Media Funding, on long-term, low interest rates. TFG’s own loans to the club, which have since risen by the tens of millions in recent months, will now be treated as a mix of equity and long-term senior debt, secured against the new stadium.The Texas-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin and also owns Italian Serie A club Roma.Friedkin has a net worth of £6.1bn, according to Forbes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFriedkin has been proposed as the chairman of Everton’s board, with Marc Watts serving as executive chairman. Friedkin said in an open letter: “I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Arsenal player ratings vs Everton”Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.”Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.”We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”Watts will be responsible for the management of the club.He said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. “Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. “While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri has sold his 94.1 per cent stakeThe Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart in July over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.The debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.TFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will open at the start of the 2025-2026 seasonCredit: GettyRepresentatives are in the UK and will be at Sunday’s Premier League match with Chelsea at Goodison Park.The focus will be on maintaining the club’s position in the Prem and the Blues are 16th, three points above the relegation zone.It ends the Premier League club’s long search for new ownership.The Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership.British-Iranian businessman Moshiri first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton for £87.5m in 2016, before increasing his holding to 94.1 per cent in 2022.While no sums have been disclosed, Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss. Everton fans have held numerous banners up protesting the old ownershipIn all, Moshiri invested around £750m in his dream but ended with little or no financial return as the blue side of Merseyside spiralled downwards.Moshiri said: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success.”I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”Ana Dunkel, TFG’s chief financial officer and Colin Chong, the club’s interim CEO, will also serve on the board. Additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks.Houston-based TFG made money through its subsidiary Gulf States Toyota before branching into other spheres including film and entertainment.The group posted revenues of over £10bn for the last financial year.Fans inside Goodison frequently protested against Farhad Moshiri’s ownershipWhat happened under Farhad Moshiri’s reign?Everton were regarded as a model of stability during the 11-year reign of David Moyes from 2002-13.However, Moshiri replaced this bliss with a rapid-fire revolving door approach during which he made seven full-time appointments.The first six lasting an average of only 309 days each between their first and final games before current gaffer Sean Dyche.Many supporters protested about his ownership, with Moshiri mostly absent from matches at Goodison Park since October 2021.He and the club were hit hard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Everton suspending commercial sponsorships with USM Holdings, which was part-owned by Alisher Usmanov.The billionaire had his assets frozen by the European Union and Moshiri resigned from his role as chairman in the company when Usmanov was sanctioned.Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 85th minute winner kept Everton in the Prem in May 2022Moshiri had been looking for a buyer and agreed to sell his stake to 777 Partners in September 2023.But eight months later it missed a deadline to complete the takeover.Last season, Everton were deducted points twice – amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process – for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.The club have been flirting with relegation since the 2021-2022 season.Moshiri made his most controversial move that season by appointing former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who departed within seven months.Frank Lampard came in January 2022 and helped Everton to preserve their top-flight status on a dramatic final day of the season with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lampard was sacked in January 2023 and replaced by Dyche, who also battled hard to keep them in the Prem.The Toffees again had to secure survival on tense a final day in May 2023, with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth getting them over the line.Toffees fans reacted furiously to the club’s point deductions last season More

    • 250 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson reunites with Man Utd cult hero, 38, on Portugal holiday just days after star retired from football

      by

      SIR Alex Ferguson got together with Manchester United cult hero Nani while on holiday in Portugal.The meet-up happened 10 days after the 38-year-old announced his retirement from professional football shortly after the death of his dad.Nani and Sir Alex Ferguson reunited in Portugal before ChristmasThe Manchester United legends enjoyed breakfast in Nani’s sunny homelandEx-United winger Nani shared pictures of Ferguson joining him over breakfast on Wednesday.Both were dressed smart for the occasion as they enjoyed a food spread of toast, cake and coffee in the sunshine. Nani wrote: “Delicious breakfast – this time in Portugal – with the great and special company of Sir Alex Ferguson. “Amazing time, great memories. See you again soon, Boss 😁.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited re-posted the former Portugal international’s X post and wrote: “Things you love to see.”And fans loved to see the Prem legends reunite after all these years.One wrote: “Nani and Fergie are looking sharp!”, while a second said: “Time flies, we miss you both 💖.”Another noticed: “Ferguson looks so healthy and happy, brilliant to see.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNani announced his formal retirement from football on December 8.The wideman’s announcement was a surprise given he was playing in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Although the club are in a relegation battle, Nani had appeared 10 times this season and was considered a first team regular.Part of Nani’s decision to retire, he revealed in his post, was down to the recent passing of his father.That tragedy forced him to contemplate his future – vowing to spend more with his family.He said: “I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts.Nani won four Prem titles and the 2008 Champions League with Ferguson”They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”Nani joined the Red Devils in 2007, just two years after making his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon.He spent eight years at United, where he won four Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and two League Cups under the tutelage of Ferguson.Nani turned out 230 times, scoring 40 goals.Ferguson and Nani once lived NEXT DOOR to each other in Wilmslow, Manchester. In fact, Nani used to drive Ferguson to and from the team meeting points for games.He previously revealed that Ferguson gave him the silent treatment in an uncomfortable car journey after he took a penalty off Ryan Giggs and missed.Nani told United team-mate Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “Giggs was there with the ball, I pulled Giggs aside, took the ball and I missed the penalty. My goodness.”It finished 2-2 and it was supposed to finish 3-2 for us with that penalty. We came inside the dressing room and straight away, first of all he kills Giggsy saying ‘Giggsy, with your experience, what the hell are you doing?'”Giggsy was like ‘he wanted to take the penalty, I let him take it’. And then he finished with Giggsy, turns to me. ‘Nani! You’re never going to take a penalty again!'”And then we went home. We arrived in Macclesfield and the gaffer lives next to me. “He was asking ‘anyone live in Wilmslow?’ I was looking round like ‘I don’t want to take him!’ The Portuguese star buried a late winner against Man City in the 2011 Community ShieldNani scored in the penalty shootout against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final”Someone said ‘Nani you live in Wilmslow, yeah? Can you take the boss?'”So I took him in my car and for at least two minutes we were just looking straight, we don’t talk. “And then I said ‘boss, sorry for the penalty’. He was like ‘no son, it’s okay. You should take it a little bit stronger, in the corner’. And when he said that… ahhh.”Nani also helped his country win the Euros in 2016 alongside fellow United alumni Cristiano Ronaldo.The ex-Portugal international will continue to remain associated with football after his retirement.He will work on projects such as the Nani Football Academy in Fernao Ferro. The former Prem star also owns a minority stake in the Portuguese lower-division club Sintrense SAD.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2015, he returned to Portugal on loan with Sporting.Then spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting again, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor followed.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS  More

    • 238 Shares92 Views

      in Soccer

      Saudi Pro League ready to offer Marcus Rashford a Man Utd escape route as part of three-man transfer shortlist

      by

      SAUDI PRO LEAGUE clubs are showing interest in Marcus Rashford, according to reports.The Manchester United star, 27, admitted this week that he is “ready for a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford wants to leave Manchester UnitedCredit: RexRashford was left out of boss Ruben Amorim’s squad entirely for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad.Ahead of the January transfer window, Saudi sides are keen on swooping for the forward.According to the Telegraph, Public Investment Fund-backed Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are all interested in Rashford.While newly-promoted Al-Qadsiah could also make a move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhether Rashford would leave European football remains to be seen, particularly given that he wants to resurrect his England career under Thomas Tuchel.It’s claimed that he’d prefer to move to Spain, although a transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona is unlikely at this time.Rashford’s £325,000-a-week contract runs until the summer of 2028, with a fee of around £40million expected to be enough to convince United to sell.In addition to Rashford, Saudi sides are expected to target Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah next summer, with both set to be out of contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim has had his say on Rashford’s situationCredit: GettyAhead of tonight’s League Cup quarter-final clash with Tottenham, Amorim admitted that Rashford’s situation has left him feeling “emotional”.Asked what he would have done during his career if he’d found himself in a similar situation as the forward, Amorim replied: “I would speak with the manager.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho The 39-year-old then added: “It’s hard to explain what I am going to do. I’m a little bit emotional.”I need to prepare for the game and then we will see. Let’s focus on the team, not individual players.”Alejandro Garnacho, who was also left out of last Sunday’s Manchester derby, is believed to have travelled south for tonight’s clash with Tottenham.But Rashford has not been spotted among United’s travelling party.The United academy product was most recently in action in last Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen, in which he played 56 minutes.Prior to that he made substitute appearances against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis last start came in the 4-0 win over Everton on December 1, a game in which he scored twice.He also netted against Ipswich in Amorim’s first match in charge. More

    • 175 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal career OVER as Gunners decide against extending former Celtic star’s contract

      by

      KIERAN TIERNEY’S Arsenal career is over after the Gunners decided against extending his contract.The 27-year-old’s time at the Emirates has been blighted by numerous injury problems.Kieran Tierney is free to leave Arsenal after the club decided against extending his contractCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have decided the time is right to let him leave.Tierney’s latest setback came in last night’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace – his first appearance in six months.The Scot was forced off the field late on, leading to fears he is set for another spell on sidelines.But regardless of the outcome of scans, Tierney’s Arsenal career is now completely over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis contract expires in the summerAnd Arsenal have decided against triggering a one-year extension, with the deadline for that action having now passed.The Gunners are even ready to let Tierney go as soon as January, but a free transfer next summer is the more likely outcome.Celtic’s former left-back can strike a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut suitors are likely to wait and see the outcome of his latest injury setback, with Tierney having made just two appearances in as many years for Arsenal.The ace joined them from Parkhead in 2019 for £25million and became an instant hit with fans.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykTierney won the FA Cup in his first season at the club.But injuries began to take their toll, and the ace has only made 125 appearances across six seasons in north London.Last term saw Tierney join Spanish side Real Sociedad on loan.He played 26 times as they finished sixth in LaLiga while also reaching the last-16 of the Champions League.Tierney is already attracting attention from several teams overseas.And he will have to wait until his Arsenal deal expires if he wants to negotiate with any fellow Premier League sides. More

    • 200 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans furious Crystal Palace ‘robbed’ in Arsenal clash with Gabriel Jesus ‘clearly offside’ for crucial goal

      by

      FANS fumed at Crystal Palace being “robbed” against Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus’ goal “clearly offside”. The North Londoners are into the Carabao Cup semi-final following a dramatic 3-2 win against Crystal Palace. Fans were convinced Gabriel Jesus was offsideJesus bagged a hat-trick, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Gunner Eddie Nketiah scored for Palace. But controversy struck for Jesus’ second goal as fans were convinced replays proved the striker was offside. Bukayo Saka played through Jesus, who hammered past Dean Henderson as fans fumed online. One said: “Anyone with eyes can see Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside before he scored. READ MORE IN football “Arsenal can consider themselves extremely lucky here. It’s almost like these officials forgot how to do their jobs without VAR.”Another added: “The linesman had a CLEAR view but STILL couldn’t see that Gabriel Jesus was OFFSIDE!”One raged: “Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside in the second goal. Crystal Palace have been robbed!”But another argued: “He’s not. The the defender above him puts him onside.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVAR is not used up until the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup – as Arsenal progressed into the last four alongside Newcastle and Liverpool. Jesus said: “I have scored a lot of goals but sometimes I have this problem with a lack of goals.Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future“I can create, I can make assist, I can run and help the team defending. “When I score everyone sees, but when I don’t they want their striker to score goals and I agree with that.“That is why I am working a lot in training, finishing more, putting myself in a good position to finish the action. I think my hard work has paid off.”Jesus got his hands on the match ballCredit: AP More

    • 238 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Southampton 1 Liverpool 2: Arne Slot watches on from stands as much-changed Reds cling on to reach last four

      by

      ARNE SLOT will have enjoyed the shelter of Southampton’s press box, but he will not have been sitting comfortably.The Liverpool manager, in the stands due to suspension, watched as his much changed side had to hang on to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Arne Slot watched victory from the standsCredit: ReutersLiverpool are into the semi-finalsCredit: RexSouthampton had looked to be waving the holders through to the last four after a tepid first half.It had not been much better than the performance against Tottenham on Sunday which got Russell Martin sacked.Liverpool took advantage, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott giving them a comfortable lead.But changes at the break and a step up from Saints made for a tense second half – sparked by Cameron Archer’s strike.READ MORE IN football Simon Rusk, the Under-21s coach who only arrived in the summer, was given the ‘privilege’ of stepping in as interim following Martin’s sacking.It is not an attractive job for many coaches, but fans will at least take comfort that Rusk got them showing some fight – eventually.The former Brighton, Nottingham Forest and England youth coach named a strong side given there is little need to save players for their doomed Premier League campaign.Slot had left seven first team regulars, including Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, on Merseyside.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVan Dijk’s absence and Ibrahima Konate being injured meant midfielder Wataru Endo started at centre-back, while teenager Trey Nyoni was handed a full debut.If Martin was watching from home, he would not have liked that the first action without him in the dugout was a lumped ball forwards from kick-off.While that drew some ironic cheers, there was soon a sign that Southampton’s woes had not all been down to Martin as more mistakes – and the rank weather – combined to give Liverpool the open.Trent Alexander-Arnold, captain on the night, spun away from Matheus Fernandes deep in his own half and looked to thread a left-footed ball through for Nunez.Jan Bednarek swung a leg at the pass and sent the ball looping towards his own goal, dropping in acres of space for the Liverpool striker.Alex McCarthy dropped instead of coming out to engage Nunez and slipped on the greasy surface, making it easy for the Uruguayan to finish before cocking his ear to the home fans – who had been calling him a “s*** Andy Carroll”.The goal saw Southampton drop, in an effort to avoid crumbling like they did against Spurs, and afforded Liverpool control.But this Southampton defence is one of the most obliging in Europe and, despite having one bank of five and another of four ahead, still left gaps.Darwin Nunez opened the scoringCredit: GettyTrent Alexaner-Arnold embraces NunezCredit: PACody Gakpo drifted into one of those, before exchanging passes with Endo and feeding Elliott.The tenacious midfielder controlled well and saw his shot take a slight deflection off Ryan Manning before nestling in the back of the net.Their progress had been so straightforward in the first half that Slot decided to hook Alexander-Arnold, who had been dictating, at the break.Another one resting up, as Federico Chiesa was sent on for some precious minutes while Joe Gomez was also given the second half off.But Southampton hit back, in comical and clinical fashion.The lively Fernandes looked to thump a ball forwards but sent it square into Endo’s face.With the Japanese midfield starry-eyed on the floor the ball fell for Archer, who cut inside Jarrell Quansah and Tyler Morton before lashing into the far post.St. Mary’s was suddenly alive and would have erupted if, two minutes later, Archer had managed to convert a far easier chance.Harvey Elliot scored the deciding goalCredit: RexIt sent the Reds throughCredit: AFPSub Yuki Sugawara bent a cross into the small striker, whose soft touch allowed Kelleher to save before Morton hooked clear. Neither should have been given a chance.Despite being tested, Liverpool continued to hook the experienced figures as Alexis Mac Allister and then Gakpo were replaced.Amidst the wind and rain there was a sense that, despite all their failings, Southampton had a chance here.They were much improved and caused continuous problems.Liverpool had the opportunity to extinguish that hope, but Taylor Harwood-Bellis recovered to block from Chiesa on the line – as he would do in added time.Rusk sent on towering striker Paul Onuachu, who within seconds had pinched the ball from Nyoni but could not take advantage of the break.The striker, dubbed Tall Paul, should have grabbed a leveller when meeting Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cross, but miss-hit and wasted the opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts rained long throws and corners into their box and had a huge injury time penalty shout waved away as Quansah dragged down Fernandes.Liverpool were now the ones looking ropey, but just about managed to hang on.Cameron Archer pulled one back lateCredit: GettyThere was late hope for the SaintsCredit: Rex More