Premier League

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD couldn’t bear to watch as he hid his head during Liverpool’s defeat to Everton.Jurgen Klopp’s men saw their title hopes fade with a shock loss against their Merseyside rivals last night.Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t bear to watch as Liverpool lost 2-0 at EvertonHe buried his head in his shirt after being subbed off at Goodison ParkGoals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a huge win for Everton on home soil.It saw them all-but-secure safety from the drop zone, despite their six-point deduction.While Liverpool are now three points leaders Arsenal and just one ahead of Man City — who still have two games in hand.And the moment was too much to bear for Alexander-Arnold.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe right-back started the game at Goodison Park but was unable to make an impact.He ended up being hauled off by Klopp late on in the game.And as he sat on the bench, Alexander-Arnold buried his head in his shirt as he refused to watch the unfolding scenes.The England star’s reaction summed up Liverpool’s recent form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Reds’ title bid has seemingly collapsed with just one win from their last four league games, and two defeats in their last three.Despite initially building up steam following Klopp’s announcement that he will be leaving this summer, it appears the wheels have fallen off.Brutal Van Dijk says ‘everyone has to look in the mirror’ and questions whether team-mates ‘really want to win league’To make matters worse, Liverpool have already seen their FA Cup and Europa League hopes ended too.They were dumped from the Cup by Man United in last month’s epic 4-3 quarter-final clash.And last week Liverpool crashed out of Europe with a shock 3-1 aggregate defeat to Atalanta, also in the quarters.Klopp now faces the very real prospect of ending his final season with just the Carabao Cup, which Liverpool narrowly won in extra time.And captain Virgil van Dijk questioned his teammates’ desire in a brutal post-match interview.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
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.

He said: “Do they really want to win the league?”If you play like this overall in the game and not win any challenges and give the referee an opportunity to give a free-kick away then we have no chance to win the title.”Very disappointed in so many ways. Everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and think if they gave everything.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is a tough one and obviously we have to do better against a side near the relegation [positions] it is time to focus.”If you play like today we have no chance to consider ourselves in the title race.” More

VIRGIL VAN DIJK admits the Premier League will become a two-horse if Liverpool do not improve fast.The Reds left Goodison Park with their tails between their legs after being humbled 2-0 by Everton to hand the advantage to Manchester City and Arsenal.Virgil van Dijk delivers his honest verdict to SkyVirgil van Dijk wasn’t holding back in his post-match interviewCredit: RexLiverpool may have seen their title hopes endedCredit: ReutersAnd their Dutch skipper, 32, had some incredibly brutal words for his team-mates as he faced up to the Sky Sports cameras.He said: “[We’re] Disappointed in so many ways.”I think everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and ask if they really gave everything? Do they really want to win the league?”Obviously we’re fighting and we still have games after tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But if we play like we did overall today, not winning challenges and giving the ref the opportunity to give a free-kick like he did many, many times, then we have no chance to win the title.”It’s a tough one and obviously we had to play much better against a side who are fighting relegation.”Everton had an early chance to score from the spot taken away by a VAR review.But Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck either side of the break for a famous victory that eases their relegation fears.Most read in FootballLiverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the writing is on the wall already with Arsenal three points clear and boasting a vastly superior goal difference.The pundit cannot see how Jurgen Klopp can secure a fairy-tale finish before he leaves Anfield this summer, especially with City a point behind with two games in hand.Jamie Carragher delivers brutal Liverpool admission after shocking display to lose Merseyside derby to EvertonHe said on Sky Sports: It’s Everton’s night. You have to accept that as a Liverpool fan. “It’s the end of the title run. They’ve just got to make sure they finish the season really strong now.”They had enough chances to win the game but at the moment they’re not clinical enough in both boxes.”I don’t think it’s the time to get too angry with the team and Jurgen Klopp. “It’s been a great ride but it’s Everton’s night.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED survived a major scare against Sheffield United as Bruno Fernandes’ second-half double handed Erik ten Hag a lifeline.The Blades took a shock lead against the run of play as Andre Onana played a hospital pass to Diogo Dalot and Jayden Bogle pounced.Bruno Fernandes was on point from the spotCredit: GettySheffield United twice took the lead at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire continued his excellent season to head United level after 42 minutes.Ben Brereton Diaz put the visitors ahead again with a poacher’s finish only to see Fernandes level from the spot just after the hour-mark.The Portuguese sensation hit an incredible long-range effort as United took their first lead of the night with 10 minutes remaining and played a superb ball to Rasmus Hojlund for the fourth.SunSport’s Martin Blackburn delivers his verdict from a six-goal thriller.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 5 Gifted the Blades the opener with horrendous pass to Dalot which was intercepted by Bogle. Partly made amends with good late save to keep out Hamer’s header.DIOGO DALOT – 6Early shot tipped over but gave the ball away to set up the chance which resulted in the Blades second goal. Wasted a golden chance when clean through.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCASEMIRO – 6Once again asked to fill in at centre back due to injuries –not his natural position but did a job for his team. One great tackle to clean up after Eriksen mistake.Premier League’s ‘most disliked player’ joins condemnation of Man Utd ace Antony as he says ‘not even I would do this’HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Super glancing header to pull United level and scored for a second consecutive game.Also won United the penalty to get them level. Harry Maguire has been impressive this seasonCredit: RexAARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6Link-up with Antony showed a few promising signs early on but it soon fizzled out. Limited as an attacking threat but coped OK with Osborn down his flank. CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5First league start since mid January and in any game since the end of Feb. Some nice moments but lost possession just after Blades second which could have been costly and was hooked soon afterwards.  KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Low shot smartly saved by Wes Foderingham and a couple of moments of real quality including the pass to set up Fernandes for the winner. Did his bit in the turnaround.  ANTONY – 4Another disappointing night for the Brazilian. Tried a few tricks that didn’t come off and was replaced by Amad Diallo within 10 minutes of the re-start.  Just not happening for him.  Antony was hauled off by Erik ten HagCredit: PABRUNO FERNANDES – 8Skipper almost single handedly dragged his team over the line. Kept his cool to level from the spot and then thumped home a long range effort – then set up Hojlund’s late goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Saw plenty of the ball and always looked a menace. Nice cross for Maguire equaliser and denied by Foderingham on a couple of occasions. RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Unselfish pass for Garnacho at end of first half but might have been better going himself.  Eventually got the tap in which will do his confidence the world of good. 6Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

SUBSTITUTESDIALLO (for Antony 55) – More of a threat than the man he replaced 5MCTOMINAY (for Eriksen, 65) – Added some urgency to the team and helped turn it round. 6READ MORE SUN STORIESAMRABAT (for Mainoo, 90) – brought on to see the game out. 5WHEATLEY (for Hojlund, 90) – special night as he became the latest academy product to get a first team debut. 6 More

BRUNO FERNANDES spared Manchester United more embarrassment as they came from behind to beat rock bottom Sheffield United.Erik ten Hag’s men were behind twice but in the end a Fernandes penalty and long-range blast proved the difference, putting them ahead.Man Utd came from behind twice to beat Sheffield UnitedCredit: PAJayden Bogle opened the scoring following a howler from Andre OnanaCredit: GettyThen he was the supplier with a cross for Rasmus Hojlund to make it all safe.Having made more than hard work of getting past Coventry City on Sunday this looked at one point that it could easily have gone against them too.But superior quality showed in the end.No doubt in Erik’s eyes this was more evidence of the resilience in his team as they fight it out for a place in the Europa League.Read More on Man UtdAnd this just three days after their ‘gallant triumph’ over Coventry to earn a second successive FA Cup Final berth.A game in which they lead 3-0 and eventually needed VAR and a penalty shoot-out to see them home.The Manchester United manager was not happy about the reaction to that but this will at least have earned a few more pleasing headlines for the beleaguered boss.Having said that if anyone thought United’s penalty shoot-out success at Wembley might have put a spring in their step last night they could think again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBen Brereton Diaz put the visitors 2-1 upCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot to equalise for the second timeCredit: EPAFernandes hit a stunner to give Man Utd the leadCredit: GettyThere was certainly a subdued atmosphere among the home fans – many of whom had witnessed Sunday’s affairThere was a flashback to that wretched Wembley display early on here last night as they went behind to a team who had won one league game away from home all season.The home side did at least have a bit of a go at taking the lead themselves.But woeful finishing and the acrobatics of recalled Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was keeping them at bay.As always Alejandro Garnacho was looking the most dangerous of United’s attacking players.There is surely no coincidence that when Ten Hag subs him off United get worse.Diogo Dalot has been one of the few bright lights of this season too and it was he who had the first effort last night with a shot after just 27 seconds that Foderingham tipped over.Then Garnacho’s quick feet and brain saw him wriggle into the visitors box but the finish did not match his own build up and was denied one handed by the Blades goalkeeper.Rasmus Hojlund also got on the scoresheetCredit: APThe result spared Erik ten Hag some embarrassment following Sunday’s display against CoventryCredit: GettyThe visitors were struggling to get out of their own half, but with a bit of help from the home side they managed to take the lead.Andre Onana was the man at fault and not for the first time this season.There is no way the manager can claim that the former Inter Milan number one has been an upgrade on David de Gea.The lackadaisical way he passed the ball across his own box left Dalot exposed and in darted Jayden Bogle to pick up possession and fire the ball back past the 28-year-old Cameroon international.‘How s*** must you be, we’re winning away’ came the chat from the fans who are sticking with their team until the bitter end of their forlorn relegation battle.The Red Devils would respond with Maguire heading home at the end of the half just as he had done at Wembley.Garnacho crossed from the left and the centre back executed a fine flick header that saw the ball fly across Foderingham and into the far side of the goal.Muted cheers filled the ground.There were louder ones just five minutes after the break and they came from the corner of Old Trafford housing the Blades faithful as their side retook the lead.This time it was Dalot half asleep as he gave the ball away.Gustavo Hamer fed it Ben Osborn who cut a cross back from the byline which Ben Brereton Diaz turned in.Ten Hag starred on in disbelief and decided to make a change bringing off the hapless Antony.No cupping of the ears on this occasion.The Red Devils were back on level terms on the hour in slightly bizarre circumstances.Maguire was hauled down in the box by Auston Trusty and the whistle blew just as the ball was forced over the line with help of Dalot.Referee Michael Salisbury insisted that the penalty award had to stand despite complaints.They can rely on Fernandes in these situations as he rolled home another spot-kick for his side.The visitors were showing some real guts and quickly responded with Brereton Diaz bursting forward and when his shot deflected off Maguire, Onana was left flat footed and the ball span just wide.But Fernandes would come to the rescue with his second in the 80th minute a left foot rocket that Foderingham was not stopping.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Hojlund, who had barely touched the ball all night, was there five minutes later to turn home Fernandes far post cross.Drama over.Andre Onana gifted Sheffield United the opening goalCredit: Getty More