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      Everton 0 Aston Villa 1: David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park can’t save Toffees from another loss after Watkins strike

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      MEMORIES were hardly made of this for David Moyes on a night that did nothing to trumpet a re-birth of the Blues.Not that he didn’t know anyway, but his first game back after almost 12 years away only underlined what a monumental task he faces to keep his beloved Everton in the Premier League.Ollie Watkins scored his ninth goal this season with a clever finishCredit: GettyVilla have won their last three gamesCredit: GettyDavid Moyes’ second spell in charge of Everton got off to a bad startCredit: GettyWhile opposite number Unai Emery celebrated a first away win after five successive defeats on the road, Moyes had much to chew on after watching the Toffees surrender to a fine 51st minute strike by Ollie Watkins.Emery was able to celebrate the victory that lifted his side to seventh and a first away clean sheet since April but there was only more Goodison gloom and doom.No wonder Moyes, just one game into his second stint, looked a worried man.That’s only one win 12 games and they have got just one goal in the last six.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe declared that his return as Sean Dyche’s predecessor was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.But on the evidence of another sub-quality performance, some might say he let his heart rule his head.The dodgy scarf brigade did a brisk trade in with “Return of Moyes” merchandise outside the ground.But inside his welcome didn’t exactly suggest the fans were responding to the return of a prodigal son.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere were a few banners around the place and warm enough applause but those supporters weren’t expecting him to walk on water, not with the players Dyche left behind.The nightmare run Moyes now finds himself locked into tells the s tory of what produced Dyche’s P45 from new owners The Friedkin Group.Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son TylerBut it all fell flat right from the start and Villa should certainly have been one goal ahead and maybe two, within the first 17 minutes.Earlier in the day, Dyche broke his silence on his sacking a week ago to say he had left them in a “stable” and “good place”.Dyche had plenty of problems, not least two years of financial crisis during his time in charge, but Everton’s league position – and their start in Moyes’ first game back – made that statement seem delusional.Morgan Rogers was forcing Jordan Pickford to mark his 300th appearance for the Toffees with a fine deflection by the fifth minute.Amadou Onana, one of the enforced sales by previous owner Farhad Moshiri to keep the club afloat for £50million, was given a free run but pulled a shot wide.James Tarkowski made an heroic block to deny Youri Tielemans and then in that 17th minute Ashley Young so nearly gifted one of his former clubs the opener.Almost on the half-way line, he tried to knock a pass back to Pickford, got it horribly wrong, and Ollie Watkins pounced…. only to show that the confidence built from last season’s 28-goal haul is a memory.As Pickford advanced towards his England team-mate, the Villa striker, who arrived with just eight strikes from 27 appearances in this campaign lost his cool, shooting too early and wide.Somehow Everton survived all of that and found a way to produce some problems for Villa.Abdoulaye Doucoure met a cross from Vitaliy Mykolenko but shot straight at Emi Martinez.Just before the break Dominic Calvert-Lewin got on the end of a cross from Jack Harrison but unluckily the ball was just behind him.He made contact but could get no purpose on his shot, his strike rolling slowly forward for Boubacar Kamara to make the easiest ever goal line clearance.Any Blues bounce from that encouraging final part of the first-half was soon gone.Watkins profited from exactly the kind of muddled midfield thinking that has dragged the side down so often in the past months.Rogers picked up on yet another show of sloppiness, powered forward into space and found the striker, who suddenly found his memory loss had suddenly gone.This time he was the picture of self-belief and composure as he met the pass from the blossoming midfielder.Watkins let Pickford make his charge, then calmly rolled the ball beyond him to collect the opener that said everything about how much quality he does have.READ MORE SUN STORIESCue an increase in the kind of negative noise that Dyche spent so much time listening to, trying to make the best of an increasingly tough situation.After two years he wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Moyes is welcome to it. More

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      Arsenal star Leandro Trossard ‘breaks Pedro Porro in half’ with piece of skill that leaves ‘whole stadium gasping’

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      AWED fans saw Leandro Trossard “break Pedro Porro in half” with skill that left the “whole stadium gasping” in a dramatic North London derby.Tottenham’s Porro writhed in agony – and “embarrassment” – after the Arsenal winger’s twist and turn sent him sprawling to the ground.Pedro Porro was left in agony following Leandro Trossard’s moveCredit: AFPTrossard’s magical manoeuvre impressed everyone except PorroCredit: EPATrossard remained at the centre of attention for the rest of the first half as he inspired the Gunners’ 2-1 comeback victory.Spurs had led through Son Heung-Min’s surprise opener.But Trossard then won a controversial corner from which Dominic Solanke put through his own net for a 40th-minute equaliser.And the Belgian himself lashed Arsenal’s winner before the break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was Trossard’s “Cruyff turn” that most captivated viewers.He darted down the left with his back to Porro, before dummying the Spaniard.Porro came close to doing the splits as he slumped to the floor holding his leg.One fan said: “Trossard may have just injured Pedro Porro with a Cruyff turn. Felt like the whole stadium gasped there. Play’s stopped for him to receive treatment.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother posted: “Leandro Trossard just ended Pedro Porro’s career.”Referee Simon Hooper promptly stopped play for the stricken Spurs star to get treatment.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham But one fan claimed the 25-year-old was only suffering from an “embarrassment injury”. Another wrote: “Trossard actually broke Porro in half.” A few minutes later the ex-Sporting Lisbon wideman played his Arsenal tormentor onside.And TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand said: “I don’t think he’s recovered from that bit of skill earlier.”Ferdy’s colleague Darren Fletcher added: “The first thing the physio did was untie him.”Arsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time. More

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      Why Harry Maguire’s contract extension could save Man Utd more than £70MILLION after defender’s stunning renaissance

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      HARRY MAGUIRE’S return to top form looks set to save Manchester United £70million.The 31-year-old has impressed since the arrival of Ruben Amorim and the club have triggered a one-year extension in his contract.Harry Maguire is set to stay at Man Utd beyond the end of the seasonCredit: PAUnited will no longer pursue a move for Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexMaguire’s £190,000-a-week deal was going to expire at the end of this season, with him expected to leave Old Trafford alongside fellow centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.But United’s U-turn on his future means they no longer need to spend big on a replacement.The Mail report that the Red Devils were targeting a “ready-made” defender in the summer.Everton’s £70m rated Jarrad Branthwaite was high up their shortlist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut instead United are more likely to go for a younger and cheaper centre-back to add depth to their squad.The funds set aside for Maguire’s replacement can now be re-directed to improve other areas of the squad.Amorim is happy with the England star, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro as his centre-back options.The boss can also put Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw into his back three in makeshift roles.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaguire’s improvement in form comes after he fell down the pecking order and was stripped of the captaincy under Erik ten Hag.But Amorim highlighted his importance to the squad, saying: “When you look at our team we are starving for leaders. He is a leader.”MOTD2 presenters in hysterics after spotting Man Utd stars’ response to Harry Maguire miss “I think Maguire coped very well with his struggles while when you loo at our team we are starving for leaders.”He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game and we are happy to continue with him.”United are also looking to trigger an extension in Amad Diallo’s contract.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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      Arsenal vs Tottenham live stream: How to watch huge Premier League North London derby

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      ARSENAL host North London rivals Tottenham in a blockbuster Premier League clash at the Emirates TONIGHT.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is feeling the heat after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Manchester United last weekend.Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyTottenham needed extra time to beat National League Tamworth last SundayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils triumphed on penalties after they survived an Arsenal onslaught in extra time with 10 men.Following the Gunners’ FA Cup exit, Arteta is staring at another trophyless season.His side also faces an uphill battle to stay in the Carabao Cup after losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their semi-final.And Arsenal will need Premier League leaders Liverpool’s form to drastically slump in the second half of the season to give them any hope of ending their more than 20-year wait for a top-flight title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnge Postecolgu will be desperate for his Spurs side to return to winning ways in the league after picking up just one point from their last four games.ARSENAL VS SPURS LIVE – LATEST UPDATESTottenham have slipped into the bottom half of the table and will need a near-perfect end to the season to stand any chance of finishing in the European spots.Both clubs are in great need of three points, making tonight’s North London derby one you won’t want to miss.Most read in FootballSunSport brings you all the streaming information you need ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham.How to watch Arsenal vs TottenhamArsenal’s blockbuster clash with rivals Tottenham will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1.TNT Sports subscribers can live stream all the action via the discovery+ app/website.Coverage is due to begin at 6.30pm GMT, with kick off scheduled for 8pm.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What other Premier League fixtures are taking place during Matchweek 21?Tuesday, January 14Brentford 2-2 Man City Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth West Ham 3-2 FulhamNottingham Forest 1-1 LiverpoolWednesday, January 157.30pm Everton vs Aston Villa (TNT Sports)7.30pm Leicester vs Crystal Palace (TNT Sports)7.30pm Newcastle vs Wolves (TNT Sports)8pm Arsenal vs Tottenham (TNT Sports)Thursday, January 167.30pm Ipswich v Brighton (TNT Sports)8pm Man Utd v Southampton (TNT Sports) More

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      West Ham ready to cut losses on £20m flop who has played just 43 minutes all season as Potter starts to clear decks

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      WEST HAM are in talks to sell Luis Guilherme to a Saudi Arabian side just six months after signing him for £20million.The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras to much fanfare but has played just 43 minutes across five sub appearances this season.West Ham could sell Luis Guilherme just six months after signing himCredit: RexCashing in on him would raise funds for new boss Graham PotterCredit: PAThe Hammers need to raise funds to make signings for new boss Graham Potter this month and may cut their losses on Guilherme.Saudi clubs were interested in the Brazilian during the summer and West Ham pushed hard to bring him to London over the Gulf, with the player saying a move to the Premier League was a “dream” come true.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah are both showing an interest in the versatile attacker.Former boss Julen Lopetegui backed Guilherme to make the step up to competing in the Premier League soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite being short on attacking talent, new boss Potter opted to start central midfielder Carlos Soler on the left in the 3-2 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Soler scored one and played a role in setting up Tomas Soucek’s goal too.West Ham are desperate to land a striker this month following injury to Niclas Fullkrug, who joins Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the injury list.Talks have been held over a move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, while RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also under consideration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey would like to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson but the Seagulls are yet to decide whether or not to loan him out.Potter has also identified the midfield as an area in need of improvement, and wants to add a ball-playing holding midfielder this month.Graham Potter is appointed the new manager of West Ham Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka have been linked with moves across the capital.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui. More

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      Alexander Isak scoops prestigious prize with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg & Jobe Bellingham honoured alongside Newcastle star

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      ALEXANDER ISAK is celebrating after being named North East Football Writers’ Association Senior Men’s Player of the Year.Sunderland pair Chris Rigg, 17, and Jobe Bellingham, 19, are joint winners of the Men’s Young Player of the Year.Alexander Isak has been named North East Football Writers’ Association Senior Men’s Player of the YearCredit: GettyAnd Mollie Lambert, 26, was named the North East Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Player of the Year.Swedish striker Isak’s 28 goals in 2024 for Newcastle ensured he will become the 45th recipient of the prestigious award.He beat team-mate Anthony Gordon in second and Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath in third.Isak succeeds fellow Toon star Kieran Trippier, and is the fourth successive Newcastle player to win the prize.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was treble delight for the Magpies as Elysia Boddy, 21, won the Young Women’s Player of the Year accolade.Meanwhile, there was nothing to separate Sunderland’s talented teen duo of Rigg and Bellingham.Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was third in one of the closest votes in the award’s 17 year history.After receiving the news, Bellingham said: “I’m proud to have won this award alongside Riggy, who had an incredible year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a testament to the belief the club has shown in us and the support we receive from our team-mates and the staff.“Sharing this recognition with Riggy highlights the club’s ambition and our focus is now on the final 20 games of the season.”Rising star Chris Rigg talks about his rise through the ranks at Sunderland Rigg added: “The award is even more special because Jobe is unbelievable.“It’s amazing to share this award with him and to be recognised for our performances. 2024 was a massive year for me and it is hard to put it into words.“I owe so much to the players and staff who have supported me throughout my time at the club. After coming back on Saturday, I can’t wait to play my part in the final run-in.”Durham midfielder Lambert narrowly beat Newcastle’s Claudia Moan and Toon captain Amber Keegan-Stobbs in the Women’s vote.The awards will be officially handed out at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on Sunday 2 March.The event will also feature the presentation of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/NEFWA personality of the year award which has been won in the past by the likes of Alan Shearer, Chris Kamara, Jill Scott and current holder Gary Bennett. Tickets for the North East Football Writers’ Association annual dinner are available from claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk. More

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      Sean Dyche breaks silence on brutal Everton sacking after ‘one of toughest periods in Toffees’ history’

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      SEAN DYCHE has broken his silence on his Everton sacking.The 53-year-old was axed just hours before the Toffees’ FA Cup clash with Peterborough last Thursday.Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton last weekCredit: AFPDavid Moyes has been unveiled as Everton’s new bossCredit: PAEverton have since confirmed David Moyes as Dyche’s successor.In a classy statement released via the League Managers Association, Dyche thanked everyone involved in his tenure as Toffees boss, while insisting that he has left the club in a strong position.He said: “It was an honour to manage Everton, a football club with a significant heritage and an enormous following in Liverpool and all over the world, through one of its toughest periods in its history.”Despite the challenges we faced, I wanted to ensure that the club’s narrative was focused on the positive direction it will take in the future and that the team could focus on competing in the Premier League in the present.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I thank my staff, the players and all involved who played their part, as it simply wasn’t possible without their support and expertise.”I also thank the fans who came through for us many times when we all needed their support.”The right time has come to leave the club, with the team in good shape.”David is a manager who I have great respect for and I believe he and his staff will help to push the club forward again and build on the stable footing we have implemented in the past two years.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”I wish everyone well going forwards including the new owners, who I hope will take the club to the next level and deliver the success which every Evertonian wants.”My part as a custodian has been played and I will forever take great pride in that.Leighton Baines praises Everton response after victory on ‘difficult day’ “After going through some extremely difficult situations, I never lost faith in everyone around me and we did everything we could to protect the badge, safeguarding it and the name of Everton Football Club.”Dyche took charge of 84 matches as Toffees boss between January 2023 and 2025.He won 26 and drew 26 – losing the remaining 32.The former Burnley boss comfortably kept Everton up last season, despite their points deduction.’A DIFFERENT BEAST’Everton are 16th in the Prem table going into tonight’s clash with Aston Villa.Ahead of his Goodison Park homecoming this evening, Moyes said: “I thought Sean was doing a really good job and I didn’t see any changes materialising at the time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wasn’t necessarily out there looking to go back but as everyone knows this is a different beast to me than other clubs.”Moyes previously managed Everton between 2002 and 2013, achieving a top four finish in 2005.Moyes previously took charge of the Toffees in 2002Credit: PA More

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      Real Madrid ABANDON transfer pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after star’s slump in form

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      REAL MADRID are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, reports suggest.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been intensely linked with a move to Real during the January transfer window.Real Madrid are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyReal don’t believe Liverpool will let Alexander-Anrold leave mid-seasonCredit: AlamyIn fact, Los Blancos have been so keen that they reportedly offered a £20million fee despite the fact the full-back’s contract runs out in June.According to Relevo, however, the reigning Spanish and European champions are beginning to pull back in their pursuit of the England international.That is because Real see no chance of Liverpool releasing TAA during the winter market.The high-flying Reds are favourites to win the Premier League as they are six points ahead of second place with a game in hand.Read More on FootballAnd the Merseysiders’ title push could be affected if manager Arne Slot lost one of his key players mid-season.That is despite Alexander-Arnold’s recent slump in form, which led to intense criticism from fans.A section of the Anfield faithful fear that Real’s interest got into the defender’s head.The right-back was met by groans and moans during his disasterclass in the 2-2 draw against struggling rivals Manchester United two weeks ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTrent’s defensive frailties have long been documented, despite noticeable improvements in recent months.Liverpool are also facing the risk of losing two more stars for free in the summer transfer window.How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksAnd those are defensive rock Virgil van Dijk as well as megastar Mohamed Salah. More