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      Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE: Blues denied 95th-minute winner by controversial VAR decision – latest updates

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      CHELSEA were denied a late win over Aston Villa thanks to VAR as a fiery contest finished 2-2 at Villa Park. The Blues went 2-0 down in the first half thanks to a Marc Cucurella own goal and Morgan Rogers’ smart finish. But Chelsea were excellent in the second period as they were brought back level by Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. Axel Diasi scored a 95th-minute winner but VAR adjudged Benoit Badiashile’s nudge on Diego Carlos in the build-up to be a foul and it was ruled out.
      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Stream/TV: NOW TV/Sky Sports PL
      Villa XI: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Bailey, McGinn, Luiz, Rogers, Tielemans, Watkins
      Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
      Follow all the action with our live blog below…READ MORE IN CHELSEAWhat are the odds?Match result
      Aston Villa – 23/20
      Draw – 11/4
      Chelsea – 2/1
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.Match report:
      CHELSEA proved they do have a backbone as they clawed their way back from two goals down to keep their European hopes alive.
      They could even have won it at a push – and thought they had – until VAR spotted Benoit Badiashile’s shove on Diego Carlos just before he crossed for sub Axel Disasi to head home.
      VAR Chris Kavanagh spotted the infringement and invited ref Craig Pawson to look at the pitchside monitor.
      And amid dramatic scenes it was Villa fans’ turn to cheer as Chelsea’s late strike was controversially chalked off.
      More of tonight’s match report can be found here from Graeme Bryce.
      Copy linkCopiedMauricio Pochettino reacts:
      Mauricio Pochettino has reacted on TNT Sports post-match to the game and in particular to VAR and the end of this game.
      “Everyone that was watching the game feels disappointed. I think we need to explain to the people, the referee saying foul and then confirming on VAR is one thing, but changing his decision after seeing it on the screen is another, it is ridiculous.””I think it [VAR] has damaged English football.”
      “If every challenge like this [the foul on Diego Carlos] is a foul then we will end every game with no players left.”
      “I think the performance was very good and we performed very well. In the first half we conceded two goals and we were very soft… but I am very pleased with the performance of the team and the players were very good.”
      “VAR has damaged English football”Mauricio Pochettinoon VAR
      Copy linkCopiedMan of the match
      The prestigious SunSport man of the match tonight could go to a few players in blue shirts.
      Conor Gallagher drove his team on brilliantly, and scored a beautiful equalizer to level things up.
      Noni Madueke proved a threat all day long on the right hand side, and gave Lucas Digne a torrid time, and finished with composure to start the comeback.
      But man of the match tonight goes to Moises Caicedo.
      The Ecuadorian has come under a lot of scrutiny following his big money move, but was sublime in midfield tonight alongside captain Conor Gallagher.
      He broke up play incredibly well, drove his team forwards at times, and set the standard for the rest of the team.
      Great show.
      Moises Caicedo’s heat map vs Aston Villa
      Copy linkCopiedConor Gallagher speaks:
      “I’m proud of the lads.
      “We had chances to win and showed great character in the second half, the goal at the end should have counted but it’s not my decision. We can hold our heads high and take a lot of confidence from that.
      “We are nowhere near where we want to be as a club, and there is a lot of work to be done but the second half was great tonight”
      “It was a swinger!”Conor Gallagher on his goalVia TNT Sports
      Conor Gallagher said “It was a swinger!” relating to his stunning equalizerCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedFULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      FT. The referee calls the end of the game, but what a game that was!
      The Chelsea players are absolutely incensed at the end of the game, and Madueke is booked after the whistle goes.
      Copy linkCopiedVAR INTERVENES! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      90+7. THE GOAL IS RULED OUT!
      VAR recommends that Craig Pawson goes to the monitor, and the goal is ruled out for a nudge on Diego Carlos from Benoit Badiashile in the build up.
      Villa are coming forward now with Rogers, and they have a corner!
      Copy linkCopiedTHEY’VE DONE IT! Aston Villa 2-3 Chelsea
      90+6. CHELSEA HAVE TURNED IT AROUND!
      The corner is whipped in by Cole Palmer, to Benoit Badiashile at the back post.
      He lifts the ball back into Axel Disasi, who heads it off the bar and in!
      Copy linkCopiedHUGE CHANCE! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      90+4. HUGE CHANCE FOR COLE PALMER!
      Right at the death he brilliantly beats two defenders and is 1v1 against Robin Olsen.
      It’s on his left foot and Olsen makes a great save to deny him!
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      90. There will be seven minutes of added time at the end of this one.
      Will either team grab a winner?
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      89. Double change for Chelsea.
      Axel Disasi comes on for Thiago Silva, who seems to be hurt.
      And Cesare Casadei comes on for Mykhailo Mudryk.
      Copy linkCopiedCHANCE! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      88. HUGE chance for Ollie Watkins in the middle for Aston Villa, and if there is one man you want that chance to fall to this season it’s him.
      McGinn works the ball nicely down the right side into Cash, who sets it back for Watkins, but he fires it over the bar.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      86. It would be brilliant to just see both teams go for this now, with four minutes of normal time left to play.
      Thiago Silva brings down John McGinn, who is leading the Villa charge on the halfway line and receives a yellow card for his efforts.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      84. What a response, what a turnaround from Chelsea in the second half.
      They feel in the ascendancy and Jackson strikes a shot off of a Villa defender and out for a corner to the Blues.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
      81. OH MY WORD! WHAT A GOAL CONOR GALLAGHER!
      That is simply sensational from the Chelsea academy product!Noni Madueke plays Conor Gallagher inside, and he shifts it onto his left foot and CURLS it into the top left corner!
      Sublime!
      Conor Gallagher scored a screamer to draw Chelsea levelCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      78. Close from Cole Palmer, following great out of possession play from the Blues.
      Badiashile won it high up the pitch and found Marc Cucurella inside, who gave it to Palmer on the edge of the box.
      His curling effort was wide of the post and goes out for a goal kick.
      Copy linkCopiedSUBS: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      75. Double change for Villa.
      Tim Iroegbunam comes on for Douglas Luiz, and Diego Carlos comes on for Leon Bailey.
      A defensive shift from Villa who are gonna look to see this one out it seems.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      73. Trouble for Chelsea, as Bailey drives at the defence and fires a shot on goal which Petrovic saves.
      It bounces just behind Ollie Watkins and Silva and Petrovic scramble it clear between them for a Villa corner.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      70. Caicedo looks like he is struggling in the middle of the park after being stood on by Douglas Luiz, before he DIVES into a challenge on the front foot.
      If he wasn’t injured, he had me fooled.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      68. Lucas Digne goes down injured having been caused plenty of problems by Noni Madueke in this second half.
      It looks like he will be okay to continue but one to keep an eye on.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      65. This has been a brilliant fight back from Chelsea since half-time.
      Madueke wins a free-kick on the edge of the box straight after kick-off, but Palmer fires it wide.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
      62. NONI MADUEKE GETS ONE BACK FOR CHELSEA!
      Great pressure from Chelsea and Conor Gallagher sees Chelsea win the ball back high up the pitch – he turns the ball onto Madueke who calmly slots it into the bottom corner!
      Great finish! Game on!
      Noni Madueke celebrates getting Chelsea back in the gameCredit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
      60. Chelsea have two successive corners, the first of which is headed on target by Thiago Silva and blocked.
      The second is put into Robin Olsen’s hands, who is fouled by Trevoh Chalobah.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
      57. Villa can’t seem to hold onto the ball here, but Chelsea cannot seem to get the final ball to stick.
      Chelsea are resorting to efforts from range and they just aren’t troubling the Villa defence.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
      55. Moises Caicedo hits a powerful effort from distance, but it doesn’t trouble Robin Olsen.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
      52. Good effort from Noni Madueke, who takes a great touch on the right side and cuts inside before lashing a shot just wide of the post.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Eagle-eyed fans reckon they’ve worked out reason for Mo Salah’s heated row with Jurgen Klopp in brand new footage

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      MO SALAH and Jurgen Klopp clashed after the winger hesitated to shake his manager’s hand, fans believe.The Egyptian was left on the bench for the start of Liverpool’s visit to West Ham.Mo Salah appeared to ignore Jurgen Klopp’s handshake offerThe winger eventually reached out before exchanging tense wordsCredit: beIN SportsSalah appeared defiant after starting the match on the benchAnd Salah appeared to reeling from that decision late on into the match when Klopp finally decided to use him.Liverpool had overturned a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1 at London Stadium, before Michail Antonio levelled things up.Joe Gomez and Darwin Nunez were getting ready to come on in the 82nd minute alongside Salah, who took a while to shake Klopp’s outstretched hand.The Reds boss appeared to have words with his star man, who did not back down and appeared agitated as he stuck out his arms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKlopp then embraced Nunez and Gomez before exchanging more fiery words with Salah.Nunez stepped in between the pair to de-escalate the situation.Klopp tried to pour cold water on the incident during his post-match press conference by insisting the matter was closed after a discussion in the dressing room.However, the Liverpool star suggested otherwise as he walked through the mixed zone telling journalists he couldn’t speak as he suggested things would get even worse if he did.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      Salah said: “There’s going to be fire today if I speak.”Liverpool’s season has unravelled over the last few games following defeats to Everton and Crystal Palace, as well as Atalanta in the Europa League.They are now two points off Premier League leaders Arsenal having played a game more.Awkward moment Sky Sports reporter grabbed by security as he asks Liverpool target Arne Slot question live on air More

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      ‘F***ing too big, teeth are too bright.. I’ll be glad he’s gone’, says David Moyes in bizarre X-rated farewell to Klopp

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      DAVID MOYES has left fans open-mouthed in shock with a dazzling tribute to Jurgen Klopp: “F***ing teeth too bright.. glad he’s gone.”Buoyed by a 2-2 comeback draw, the West Ham chief fired off a jokey response to the Liverpool manager’s upcoming summer departure.David Moyes jokingly urged Jurgen Klopp to ‘hurry up’ and leaveCredit: GettyIncoming Arne Slot will hope he is smiles better than KloppCredit: PAAnd with Arne Slot preparing to succeed Klopp at the end of the season, the Scot had own way of saying “Fangs for the memories”.”I’m glad he’s gone,” began Moyes, before his X-rated teeth-teasing.The former Manchester United manager added: “I hate saying it because I’ve worked against him in the other clubs that are probably their biggest rivals, but I think he’s been immense for Liverpool. He really has been.  “He’s the daddy there  and has been able to control a big football club. Hurry up and get away, Jurgen!”READ MORE TOP STORIES”I am glad to see the back of him, I’ve got to say.”Moyes hinted he admired Klopp’s relatively long stint of nine years at such a Prem giant.And when he exits in the summer the German will have 2019 Champions League glory as well as the following year’s Prem title under his belt.Moyes said: “Some come and go very quickly. Some can last the course — Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex [Ferguson], Pep [Guardiola], Arsene [Wenger], obviously Jurgen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Others can’t last that course. I have to say Jurgen has been really good for Liverpool.”He then appeared to speak almost directly to the 56-year-old.Who is Arne Slot?Moyes, 61, said: “I’ll be pleased to see you move on. “To manage a club like Liverpool you have to be very good, and he’s very good at his job.”Sadly for Klopp, Saturday’s stalemate at the London Stadium all but confirmed the end of his dream to bow out with a second Prem crown.What they have said about Arne Slot
      MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
      “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
      “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
      “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
      SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
      “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
      “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
      “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
      Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
      “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
      “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
      Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
      “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
      “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

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      Man Utd 1 Burnley 1: Zeki Amdouni scores last-gasp penalty to boost Premier League survival hopes in gripping finale

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      ANTONY accepted Burnley’s gift to scrape past the relegation-threatened side – only for Andre Onana to give it straight back.The Red Devils goalkeeper clumsily clattered into Zeki Amdouni with a leap in the area.It was another poor performance and result for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyZeki Amdouni converted a late penalty to salvage a draw at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAndre Onana clattered into the Clarets man in the closing stagesCredit: ReutersReferee John Brooks checked the VAR monitor and pointed to the spot.And Amdouni stepped up to slot the spot-kick in, sending Onana the wrong way. Earlier on, frustrations were beginning to build at Old Trafford.But a shocking pass across the defensive line allowed Antony to race clear.And the Brazilian, losing his balance, showed composure to guide the ball into the bottom corner with 11 minutes to go.However, his hard work was undone by an erratic piece of goalkeeping from his team-mate.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Onana cut a dejected figure after giving the penalty awayCredit: ReutersAntony produced an unorthodox finish into the bottom cornerCredit: AFPHe put the ball under his shirt to celebrateCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho rolls around in pain after taking a whackCredit: GettyHe was also lucky to avoid a booking for going down easily in the boxCredit: PAJacob Bruun Larsen tries his luck with a free-kickCredit: GettyThere were boos when Erik ten Hag took off local hero Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyScott McTominay limped off injured late onCredit: PAUsain Bolt was in the crowd… but he did not see a fast start from his beloved UnitedCredit: ReutersVincent Kompany’s side face a mammoth task to avoid the dropCredit: PA More

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      ‘Mo Salah’s gone full Jose Mourinho’, say fans as Liverpool star reacts to Klopp row with scathing nine-word statement

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has been compared to Jose Mourinho over his reaction to his explosive row with Jurgen Klopp.Salah, 31, started the trip to West Ham on the bench, much to the surprise of many, and was getting ready to come on during the 82nd minute.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah refused to address his row with Jurgen KloppCredit: GettyLiverpool star Salah was compared to Jose Mourinho after his fiery statementCredit: ReutersThat was when Klopp, 56, approached the star winger on the touchline and whispered something to his ear.That led to a fiery reaction from the Egypt international who started yelling towards his manager while gesticulating with his arms.The argument got so heated team-mates Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez had to get involved and separate the two in front of the cameras and a packed London Stadium.Klopp tried to pour cold water on the incident during his post-match press conference insisting the matter was closed after a discussion in the dressing room.Read More on FootballHowever, the Liverpool star suggested otherwise as he walked through the mixed zone telling journalists he couldn’t speak as he suggested things would get even worse if he did.Salah said: “There’s going to be fire today if I speak.”That brought back memories of Mourinho’s infamous post-match interview in 2014.The Special One cut a frustrated figure during his second spell at Chelsea after a loss to Aston Villa and stated he shouldn’t express his true feelings or there would be repercussions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMourinho said 10 years ago: “I prefer not to speak. If I speak I am in big trouble. In big trouble. And I don’t want to be in big trouble.”Fans couldn’t help but see the resemblance as they stormed social media.Jurgen Klopp insists Mo Salah is 100% committed to Liverpool amidst speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia One fan tweeted: “Wonderful. Salah gone full Mourinho. Great look Mo.”Another posted: “Mohamed Salah doing his best Jose Mourinho impression.”A third commented: “After the argument between Salah and Klopp it’s Mourinho’s iconic speech recreated all over again lmaoooo.”This one said: “Why not just decline and walk away quietly.”And that one stated: “You are not Jose bro.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Erik ten Hag angrily BOOED by Man Utd fans after ‘bizarre’ double substitution as fans predict ‘this is the end for him’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans booed in response to Erik ten Hag deciding to take off Rasmus Hojlund against Burnley.The striker was hauled off just after the hour mark despite the 0-0 scoreline.Fans booed Erik ten Hag’s double substitutionCredit: ReutersStriker Rasmus Hojlund was taken off with United in need of a goalCredit: PAKobbie Mainoo was also withdrawn and Scott McTominay brought on in his place.The midfielder is United’s third-highest scorer this season with ten goals, behind Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes.He received a warm reception from the Old Trafford faithful after they made their feelings clear in response to Hojlund’s withdrawal.Amad Diallo replaced the Dane and the change paid off as Antony struck 15 minutes later – his first Premier League goal of the season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever Burnley equalised late on through a Zeki Amdouni penalty, leading fans to criticise Ten Hag’s changes.One said: “Need a goal? Take off the striker?!?!? Makes sense.”Another added: “Jesus Christ Mainoo off instead of Eriksen. These bizarre substitutions will be the end of Ten Hag.”And a third said: “Absolutely shameful.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “The Hojlund sub was horrendous.”United have made a habit of conceding late goals of late and it cost them against Burnley as the game ended 1-1.That goal could be crucial for Vincent Kompany’s side who are now just two points off safety.Marcus Rashford should be scoring up to 35 goals a year but ‘needs support’ says Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag More

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      Luton fans unveil cheeky Stuart Attwell banner.. and it’s bound to anger Premier League relegation rivals

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      LUTON fans brilliantly mocked Nottingham Forest’s issues with Stuart Attwell on a cheeky banner.Forest alleged that Attwell, who was the VAR for their 2-0 defeat to Everton, is a Hatters fan and complained about his involvement in not giving them three penalties.A Luton fan showed off his handiworkCredit: X@richyhardyWolves fans had a message of their ownCredit: AFPThe Premier League relegation strugglers hit out at the PGMOL, suggesting that they had alerted ref chiefs before the game – a point which has since been disputed.And the Luton faithful have waded into the row ahead of their crunch clash with Wolves this afternoon.A homemade banner reading “Stuart Attwell he’s one of our own” in white paint on a black background was proudly shown off on X.One fan commented: “This will push Forest over the edge. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They are spewing over this whole thing, we’re all sitting there laughing and not caring if we stay up or go down. It’s beautiful.”A Forest fan clearly enjoyed the joke, adding: “Fair play, this is actually quite funny..”PGMOL have wisely stashed Attwell on the relatively safe game of Fulham vs Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.And Luton boss Rob Edwards has also had his say.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I don’t think anyone can question the integrity of our officials, first and foremost.”I don’t know who supports who and obviously then we have been brought into it so I understand why you’re talking about it.Mo Salah held back by team-mates after explosive touchline row with Jurgen Klopp before coming on at West Ham”I certainly don’t want to be questioning any of the officials’ integrity – they’ve got a difficult enough job. “Mistakes can happen and people can feel aggrieved and we can maybe stick to that rather than question anything else”There is so much scrutiny with what is said – everything that I’m saying right now. You’ve always got to be careful with that.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      West Ham blow in bid to replace David Moyes as top manager target opens talks with European giants

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      WEST HAM are set to miss out on first choice manager Julen Lopetegui with the ex-Wolves boss close to joining AC Milan.Hammers chiefs have held talks with Lopetegui and Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim in the last week with David Moyes expected to leave when his contract runs out this summer.West Ham target Julen Lopetegui has begun talks with AC MilanCredit: PADavid Moyes is expected to leave the Hammers in the summerCredit: AFPLopetegui, who left Wolves days before the start of the season after a dispute over transfer spending, had emerged as West Ham’s first choice.However, Italian giants AC Milan have also approached the former Spain and Real Madrid boss and now appear to be his preferred choice.His decision to choose Milan over Stratford is a significant knock for the Hammers, with Amorim still yet to make a decision as to whether continue talks with the East Londoners.Lille manager Paulo Fonseca, himself out of contract in June, has been considered while ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick has also been suggested and also attended a game at the London Stadium earlier this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Chelsea manager Graham Potter is still out of work, though West Ham had previously decided he would not be a good fit for the club, while Ajax are also interested in appointing the Englishman.Ahead of their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, Moyes said he understood why there was speculation but offered a reminder of his achievements at the club.Moyes said: “There’s been three or four games I have hated, but there’s been a bundle of good moments like the win against Tottenham, beating Chelsea, going to Brighton and winning and beating Manchester United at home.”But all that is quite easily forgotten.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Scot, who was offered a new deal earlier in the season but did not sign it, has not ruled out staying on – though the decision has now been taken out of his hands.A very strong end to the season could change his standing with the West Ham hierarchy, with no final decision expected to be made before the end of the campaign.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padThe club and fans have been happy to accept a more pragmatic style of football under Moyes so long as the results continued coming, though form has dipped dramatically in 2024.In a further blow to the Hammers, Amorim has apologised to Sporting and the club’s fans for travelling to meet with West Ham.Speaking at length for the first time since Monday’s meeting, he said: “The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip but it was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong. “It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s actions can overpower the team. I have removed players from the squad for much less. “I apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff, and mainly publicly to my players. “It was a mistake because the fact that we are close to winning the championship, nothing has been decided yet, and the team leader causes this noise.”Asked about his future, Amorim said: “I have no answer to give you, nor do I know what I’m going to do.”Ruben Amorim has apologised for meeting with West Ham chiefsCredit: Getty More