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      Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners hold off late fight back to BEAT Spurs in frantic North London derby – latest

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      ARSENAL beat Tottenham 3-2 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League in a frantic north London derby. Pierre Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal put the Gunners ahead before Saka put the visitors two up. Kai Havertz then rose above all to make it three.Christian Romero and Heung-min Son then pulled goals back for the home side.
      Kick-off time: 2pm BST
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
      Tottenham XI:  Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son
      Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from the north London derby below…That’s all from Tottenham
      Arsenl picked up a huge win over Tottenham in the North London Derby to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
      The Gunners dominated a controversial first half that saw Spurs being denied Micky van de Ven’s equaliser as well as two penalty appeals by James Maddison and Timo Werner.
      However, Mikel Arteta’s men still managed to lead 3-0 by half-time thanks to an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and goals by Bukayo Saka as well as Kai Havertz.
      Spurs tied to stage a dramatic comeback with Cristian Romero’s strike and Son Heung-min’s penalty kick but Arteta’s men held firm.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great evening!
      Credit: Alamy
      Copy linkCopiedBukayo Saka speaks
      Arsenal star Bukayo Saka suggested Mikel Arteta’s men will have to be “perfect” in their final run of fixtures in order to win their first Premier League title in 20 years.
      The last 20 minutes wasn’t nice, but we’ll take it to get the win. I’m proud of all the boys, we fought to the end.
      We just needed to be calm, showed level heads … we know what it means to the fans, and to us. It means everything. Three games to go.
      Do we need to be perfect? Yeah! We’ve learned our lessons, we’re ready for these last three games.Bukayo Saka
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedAnge Postecoglou reacts
      Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou admitted today’s performance was “very disappointing”.
      It’s disappointing – we allowed them way too easy access to our goal.
      It’s not acceptable at this level and we paid the price.
      We fought back – we had to, there’s no other choice – but it’s still very disappointing.Ange Postecoglou
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedKai Havertz stands out
      Arsenal star Kai Havertz’s stunning run continued against Tottenham.
      Havertz notched a goal and a brilliant assist that set up Bukayo Saka’s beautiful finish.
      That takes the playmaker’s grand total to 11 goals and five assists in 33 Premier League matches.
      And as the heat map shows, the Germany international also shone bright at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

      Copy linkCopiedUpdated Premier League table
      Arsenal’s 3-2 victory at Tottenham has seen them remain at the top of the Premier League table.
      And the Gunners are now four points ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
      Spurs, on the other hand, are fifth with two games in hand and seven points separating them from fourth-placed Aston Villa.
      More below:

      Copy linkCopiedTottenham vs Arsenal stats
      Tottenham dominated 63 per cent of possession against Arsenal after a strong comeback int he second half.
      Spurs registered a total of 14 shots but only two of them were on target.
      Arsenal, on the other hand, completed nine shots but only a third were on target.
      More below:

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      What a match…
      Tottenham faced a thrashing after going 3-0 down by half-time and then convinced everyone they could do the unthinkable by picking up a dramatic draw against rivals Arsenal.
      But at the end, the Gunners held on and picked up probably their biggest victory that could lead them to their first Premier League title in 20 years.
      The entertaining derby started with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg failing to clear the ball and instead heading a corner-kick by Bukayo Saka to the back of his own net after just 15 minutes.
      Spurs thought they equalised with Micky van de Ven but the centre-back was caught just inches offside by VAR even though Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to be marking him.
      Then the hosts called for a penalty when James Maddison was brought down inside Arsenal’s box.
      That was when the visitors produced a lethal counter-attack with Kai Havertz who found Saka with a brilliant long ball and the England international got a silky touch before beating Guglielmo Vicario with a brilliant finish on 27 minutes.
      Things got even worse for Ange Postecoglou’s side as they lost Timo Werner to an injury that came after another penalty shout as it seemed like the Germany international was clipped inside the area by Leandro Trossard.
      Tottenham then conceded a third by Havertz who picked up a corner-kick by Declan Rice and beat Vicario with a thunderous header in the 38th minute.
      Second half was a completely different affair as Cristian Romero put his team back in the game after a horrendous howler by David Raya as he gifted the ball to the defender who finished with ease on 64 minutes.
      Then Son Heing-min beat Raya from the penalty spot three minutes before full-time after Declan Rice fouled Ben Davies inside the area.
      However, Tottenham couldn’t complete their comeback with Arsenal proving why they have the best defence in the league.
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Peep!
      That’s full-time at Tottenham!!!
      Copy linkCopied90+3 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Arsenal trying to stop the clock for Tottenham by playng the ball down the right corner in order to hold it by the flag.
      Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is going crazy!
      Copy linkCopied90 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Six more minutes of added time to go.
      Plenty of time for Tottenham to do the unthinkable!
      Copy linkCopied89 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Substitution
      And now Arsenal boss Arteta goes all defence with Kiwior replacing Odegaard.
      Copy linkCopied88 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Substitution
      Tottenham boss Postecoglou goes all attack with Lo Celso replacing Davies.
      Copy linkCopied87 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      We have got a game on our hands ladies and gentlemen!
      Son sends it to Raya;s top right corner, the Arsenal keeper lunges to the right side but can’t get there.
      Great shot!
      Credit: Rex
      Copy linkCopied87 Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
      Goal!
      Son beats Raya from the penalty spot!!!

      Copy linkCopied86 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Penalty for Tottenham!
      Son is ready…
      Copy linkCopied85 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Penalty appeal
      Tottenham are appealing for another penalty as Rice kicks Davies down inside the area.
      VAR checking…
      Copy linkCopied83 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Yellow card
      Partey becomes the first Arsenal player to go to the book after fouling Son during a Tottenham counter-attack.
      Copy linkCopied81 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Yellow card
      Another booking for Tottenham with Davies penalised for a late challenge on Saka.
      Copy linkCopied80 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Tottenham are trying to create chances with attacks down the wings, still mainly down to Arsenal’s left with Tomiyasu playing out of position.
      However, Spurs’ crosses are easily picked up by Raya.
      Copy linkCopied77 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Yellow card
      And we have the first booking of the North London Derby as Kulusevski pushes Martinelli during a dangerous counter-attack.
      With all the drama, we forgot there were no yellow cards shown in the match…
      Copy linkCopied76 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Tottenham are playing the ball quickly at every turn.
      Richarlison is now spearheading the attack with Son and Johnson on the flanks.
      Copy linkCopied73 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Tottenham are looking to take full advantage of their high press, which led to Raya’s unbelievable gaffe that gifted their goal.
      The Gunners struggled to play out the back while under pressure from Spurs in the opening minutes of the first half.
      Copy linkCopied70 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Tottenham have very little time to get something bigger going in front of their revived crowd.
      And Arsenal are still controlling the game rather comfortably.
      Copy linkCopied67 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      The mood has completely changed, Tottenham have got a taste and got a goal at a very good time.
      However, Arsenal continue to move the ball forward and dominate possession as well as tempo.
      Credit: Rex
      Copy linkCopied64 Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal
      Romero huffed and he puffed, until he finally got his goal with a lot of help from Raya.
      The Arsenal goalkeeper tries to clear the ball but instead finds the Tottenham defender who had moved forward.
      The Spanish keeper’s terrible mistake leads to an easy finish and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium comes alive!
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Raging Chelsea stars pushed away from referee and linesmen by Blues coaches in explosive bust-up after VAR stops goal

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      RAGING Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston Villa. The Blues came from two behind to level the game thanks to Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston VillaCredit: GettyNoni Madueke had to be restrained by a Chelsea coachCredit: ReutersAnd the visitors thought they had won the game at the death after Axel Disasi headed home what looked to be a late winner.But VAR ruled it out after adjudging that Benoit Badiashile had nudged Diego Carlos in the back illegally in the build-up to the goal. It denied Chelsea a come-from-behind victory and their players were incensed at full time.Badiashile and Madueke were fuming with the referee and linesmen following the final whistle and had to be restrained by coaches. READ MORE IN football Madueke was evidently still fuming with the decision when probed by the BBC post-match. He said: “Should it have been three points? Yes.”Madueke, 22, added: “Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation.” Under-fire Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was equally angry in the aftermath as he told TNT Sports: “Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The referee said it was a foul and disallowed the goal and then going to the VAR to confirm.”The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal”It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.”They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].”We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game. I am calm and it is only to help. “Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy 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…

      Mauricio Pochettino raged after Chelsea’s 1-1 drawCredit: AFP More

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      I played against the Invincibles when they won the league at White Hart Lane…Spurs must focus on themselves today

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      LEDLEY KING puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen when he is reminded about an unfortunate anniversary.The former Tottenham captain is doing some community work ahead of the North London derby – 20 years to the day since he and his Spurs team-mates were unable to prevent Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles from winning the Premier League at the old White Hart Lane.Ledley King celebrates scoring for Spurs against Arsenal – but six months after the Gunners won the league at the LaneCredit: AP:Associated PressArsenal players did celebrate at the end after Spurs has led the wayKing, now 43, said: “20 years? “Our main emotion was to play our best game but also to do everything in our powers to stop them winning the league on our home turf.“We didn’t manage that, but we took a satisfaction in our performance and the pride we showed throughout the game. “The fact that we didn’t get beat gave us something to take away from it.”Arsenal came to the Lane on April 25 2004 needing only a draw to confirm themselves as champions. Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Jamie Redknapp pulled one back just after the hour, then Robbie Keane won and converted an injury-time penalty to complete the Spurs comeback.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGunners legend Thierry Henry has revealed that Wenger’s team agreed before the match not to go overboard if they clinched the title, for fear of provoking Tottenham fans.But after the Spurs players celebrated their late equaliser, that vow went out the window.Most read in FootballA smiling King recalled: “The fact that we got a late goal put us in a happy place at the end of the game and probably played a role in them celebrating in the end as well.“Football is a game of emotions.”Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsBut King, now a club ambassador, is adamant that Tottenham’s players must leave the emotions to the fans today.He said: “This is different. Arsenal won’t win the league if they win this game.“It’s more for the fans, the bragging rights, which we all understand and the players want to provide the fans with that feeling. “While after the job is done there will be a sense of satisfaction to take out of it [if Spurs have dented Arsenal’s title hopes], that can’t be the players’ focus.“They can only focus on playing their best game, using emotions in the right way without crossing the line, and using the fans as a 12th man.”Unlike 20 years ago, Tottenham have much more to play for than local pride.Back then Spurs had a tough season, sacking club legend Glenn Hoddle as boss in the autumn and finishing 14th under director of football David Pleat.But a victory today would keep alive hopes of snatching fourth place from Aston Villa. And more importantly maintain the feelgood factor that Ange Postecoglou has brought back to Tottenham.King said: “Now it’s a very different place.“With a new manager and losing your record goalscorer [Harry Kane], people weren’t sure how Tottenham would do this season “But we have exceeded expectations in terms of performances and where we are in the league at the moment. “The atmosphere in the stadium at games this season has been incredible.“That’s down to the manager, the type of football he’s instructing us to play.“It’s only been positives this season and it’s exciting that we know the manager wants to do big things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVictory – or even another draw – against Arsenal today would be a big thing for Spurs fans in particular.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      Ledley King meets Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s HospiceCredit: Alex Morton/THFCAnge Postecoglou is putting ther feelgood factor back into TottenhamCredit: RexNoah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is the official charity partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and will be celebrating its partnership with the Club at Sunday’s north London derby, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:30 Sunday 28 April. Visit https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/ to find out more. More

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      Why does Phil Foden wear a bandage on his hand?

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      PHIL FODEN has been setting the Premier League alight this season with prolific goalscoring and swashbuckling displays.But you may have noticed the Manchester City winger has been doing it all while wearing a bandage on his hand.Phil Foden has been playing with his hand in a bandage this seasonCredit: ReutersWhy is Phil Foden wearing a bandage?Phil Foden has been playing through the pain barrier this season, sporting a bandage on his hand.Foden was first seen playing with his hand in a bandage on February 5, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the 3-1 win at Brentford. Both Foden and teammate Ruben Dias have been playing with fractures this season, the Daily Mail have reported.Dias fractured his arm in the FA Cup win at Tottenham in January, while Foden injured his soon after.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhy does Phil Foden wear the No 47 shirt?Foden has stuck with 47 from when he made his senior debut coming on as a substitute for midfield machine Yaya Toure in 2017.Reason being is that 47 acts as a tribute for Foden’s late grandfather Ronnie, who passed away at age 47.Foden said on his number: “I had a few numbers sent to me and none of them really meant anything to me apart from that one, the 47.”That was the age my grandad was when he died. I was young when we lost him. Most read in Football”I remember going to Wales with him and on a few other trips. My dad says he loved playing football with me. I asked my dad if he would be happy if I wore that number. He said it would be amazing so I took the shirt number and I have loved it ever since.”The midfielder even got the number 47 as part of his haircut for the huge Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.Phil Foden in his No47 shirtCredit: RexFoden, 23, revealed that Manchester City’s all-time top goal scorer Sergio Aguero wanted to give him the number ten shirt when he departed for Barcelona before being forced to retire.And while the England starlet admitted to consider it, he opted to stick with number 47.Foden said: “I did think about it.”The ten shirt is such a big number in the club, but I just have a thing with 47.”I’d like to create me own legacy and keep that number.” More

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      Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

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      ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
      But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
      The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
      They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
      He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
      If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
      Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

      Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More

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      Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ SEVEN things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO slammed VAR for damaging SEVEN aspects of football.The Chelsea manager, 52, was left furious on Saturday evening when his side had two goals against Aston Villa chalked off by the video assistant referee at Stockley Park. Mauricio Pochettino was furious with referee Craig Pawson for ruling out a late Chelsea winner at Aston VillaCredit: PAThe Argentine let rip during his Match of the Day interviewCredit: BBCBenoit Badiashile was penalised for bundling into Diego CarlosCredit: BBCFirstly, Nicolas Jackson was just offside before racing through and finishing into the back of the net.Then deep into injury-time, Axel Disasi thought he had completed a memorable turnaround from 2-0 down to seal a stunning 3-2 victory.The header sparked incredible scenes between the Chelsea players and fans.But VAR Chris Kavanagh told referee Craig Pawson to go over to the pitchside monitor to watch the replays.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the official decided Benoit Badiashile had fouled Diego Carlos at the back post by pushing him in the back during the corner routine that led to Disasi’s header. Pochettino, though, was livid with the controversial call – and believes VAR is wrecking multiple different aspects of the beautiful game.The under-pressure Argentine – whose side are ninth – fumed on Match of the Day: “Well VAR changed the decision of the referee.”That was for me a normal challenge that can happen in normal action. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That damaged a little bit the Premier League and its image. “It’s damaged myself, damaged my team, damaged my players, my fans, damaged football.”Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsChelsea players were seething when Pawson blew the full-time whistle, immediately racing to confront him.Disasi, Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Moises Caicedo and Noni Madueke all made their way to the referee to make their angry feelings clear.Badiashile and Madueke were both booked for their protests as Chelsea coaches had to calm them down and drag them away – before Pochettino walked over to remonstrate with the officials.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright discussed the incident in the Match of the Day studio – and were left frustrated with VAR’s intervention. Shearer said: “When they give the foul and there’s not enough to overturn it, well it’s the opposite on this one.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy 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…

      “I think the defender knows what he is doing. He sticks his arm out and then he’s backing into him [Badiashile].”Once the referee gives that [the goal], I’m not 100 per cent certain, is that an absolute howler?”Lineker answered with an emphatic “no” and suggested it was “six of one and half a dozen of the other” from Badiashile and Carlos.Wright added: “I think he’s probably given it because of how aggressive Badiashile looks when he’s going for him. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ve lowered the bar again, they do what they want. “Let’s get rid of it! Let’s get rid of it.”Badiashile and Noni Madueke were booked after the full-time whistleCredit: GettyAxel Disasi produced a superb diving header deep into injury-timeCredit: EPADisasi’s header sparked wild scenes in the away endCredit: AFPPawson watched replays of the incident on the pitchside monitorCredit: AFPThe ref confirmed he was ruling the goal outCredit: ReutersThe decision was displayed on the big screen to the delight of the home fansCredit: Reuters More

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      Jose Mourinho hails two shock stars for winning Man Utd the Europa League after Ajax left ‘pressing oxygen’

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      JOSE MOURINHO has hailed two of his less glamorous former Manchester United stars for their role in overpowering Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final.And the Special One claims European giants today are copying some of the “route one” aspects to his gameplans.Man Utd beat Ajax in the 2017 Europa League finalCredit: Times Newspapers LtdJose Mourinho is the only manager to have won all three European trophies – the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference LeagueCredit: PABack-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero played a key part in delivering Man Utd the trophyCredit: PAMourinho also had special praise for Marouane FellainiCredit: PA:Empics SportUnited were comfortable 2-0 winners over the Dutch side in Stockholm, with Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan bagging the goals.But Mourinho has now revealed that central to his tactics were a back-up goalkeeper and a midfielder who was a figure of fun for much of his time at Old Trafford.He told The Telegraph: “I won a Europa League final with [long balls from] Sergio Romero to Marouane Fellaini.”Ajax pressing – but pressing oxygen because the ball was not there.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”Ball to Fellaini’s chest. Play from there. Two-nil. Bring the cup home. Three titles. Disaster of a season.”Mourinho this month sat down and watched Barcelona take on PSG in the Champions League.And he was delighted to see Barca – a club that had proved not just one of his biggest rivals, but a nemesis in terms of playing style – implementing many of the ideas he had taught at United.Mourinho commented: “Lots of long balls from [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen to [Robert] Lewandowski on the build-up. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJose Mourinho’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Benfica, 2000: P11 W6 D3 L2

      Uniao de Leiria, 2001-2002: P23 W12 D8 L3

      Porto, 2002-2004: P127 W91 D21 L15

      Chelsea, 2004-2007: P185 W124 D40 L21

      Inter Milan, 2008-2010: P108 W67 D26 L15

      Real Madrid, 2010-2013: P178 W128 D28 L22

      Chelsea, 2013-2015: P136 W80 D29 L27

      Man Utd, 2016-2018: P144 W84 D32 L28

      Tottenham, 2019-2021: P86 W44 D19 L23

      Roma, 2021-2024: P138 W68 D31 L39

      Trophies: Primeira Liga x2, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup, Champions League, Uefa Cup (Porto); Premier League x3, FA Cup, Carabao Cup x3, Community Shield (Chelsea); Serie A x2, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); La Liga, Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid); Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Europa League (Man Utd); Europa Conference League (Roma)

      “Paris trying to press higher, Ter Stegen to Lewandowski, Lewandowski chest, control and play from that position.”Marouane Fellaini was brought in under David Moyes from Everton in 2013 and was mocked by many fans for his playing style, despite proving essential to Mourinho’s ideas.Retired Man Utd star, 39, was banned from dressing room and forced to train with U16s leaving Gary Neville shockedHe would leave the club in 2019 – a month after Mourinho’s own departure – and spend four seasons at Chinese side Shandong Taishan before hanging up his boots last year.Sergio Romero played second fiddle to David de Gea for the entirety of his six years at Old Trafford, despite being Argentina’s first choice.However, he was chosen as the cup goalkeeper under every United manager he played for.And Mourinho maintained his trust in the Argentine right the way through to the Europa League final against Ajax.The Special One’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on the other hand, would normally bring De Gea back for the showpiece occasions, and was sacked in 2021 without delivering a trophy.This would cause issues with Romero, whose wife was a stinging critic of Solskjaer’s, especially as De Gea underperformed in the 2020 FA Cup semi-final loss against Chelsea and the 2021 Europa League final defeat to Villarreal.Romero now plays for Boca Juniors alongside former Man Utd team-mate Marcos Rojo, and reached the Copa Libertadores final last season before losing to Fluminense. More