Premier League

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp has slammed his own team and Manchester United while backing title rivals Arsenal.The Reds failed to grab a crucial three points on Sunday after they drew 2-2 against Erik ten Hag’s side.Jurgen Klopp has slammed his own side after their 2-2 draw against Manchester UnitedCredit: BBC SportThe Liverpool boss praised Arsenal and said they would beat UnitedCredit: AlamyFailing to win now means Klopp’s squad sit second in the Premier League behind Arsenal, who are ahead with a nine better goal difference. Manchester City sit a point behind them.The German boss firmly believes that when the Gunners face United at Old Trafford in May, Mikel Arteta’s squad will emerge victorious. He even blamed Liverpool for their own lack of success and said that his team should have won both recent games against the Red Devils, following their 4-3 FA Cup defeat last month.Klopp told BBC: “Arsenal is a good football team. And if they [Manchester United] play like today, Arsenal will win that game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m 100 per cent sure, so that’s just, I’m really sorry to say that but this is a matter of fact. We should have won both games and didn’t. That’s our fault.”Luis Diaz opened the scoring at Old Trafford with a first-half strike – and Liverpool had chances to extend their lead.But Bruno Fernandes levelled things out early into the second half and then youngster Kobbie Mainoo gave United the lead 17 minutes later.Mo Salah was able to save the Reds with a spot-kick in the 84th minute to prevent his side going home empty-handed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBack in December Liverpool could only manage a 0-0 draw with United at Anfield.And their bad luck against United continued after a last-minute winner from Amad Diallo in the FA Cup quarter-final forced Liverpool out of the competition in March.Neville and Carragher’s reaction to Man Utd vs Liverpool emerges in behind-the-scenes clip but fans spot bigger concernMeanwhile, Arsenal are on top form after winning 3-0 at Brighton this weekend.They also haven’t conceded in the league since the start of March against Brentford.But the Gunners do not have an easy run of games in the final stretch of the season.They face Aston Villa, Wolves, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bournemouth, United and then Everton.How the title run-ins compareIt’s going to go right down to the wire with just one point separating the top three – but how do Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City’s run-ins compare?
ARSENAL: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A) Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man Utd (A) and Everton (H)
LIVERPOOL: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)
MAN CITY: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H) and Tottenham (A TBC) More

ROY KEANE left Kelly Cates giggling with a cheeky put-down as he assessed the Premier League title run-in.The pundit appeared on Sky Sports’ coverage of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.Roy Keane had Kelly Cates laughing with a cheeky put-downPresenter Cates saw the funny sideCredit: GettyThe result meant the Reds failed to regain their position at the top of the table, with Arsenal now ahead on goal difference.After the match Keane was asked for his thoughts on the run-in and was given a look at each team’s remaining fixtures, including Manchester City.And with Keane umming and ahhing over who he thought would win the Prem, Cates stepped in for a bit of cheeky advice.She said: “It’s a prediction rather than a prophecy.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWithout hesitating Keane sharply hit back, tongue-in-cheek: “Yeah of course. I get that Kelly.”The host laughed in response as Keane continued his analysis, suggesting players at all three clubs will still fancy their chances of clinching the league title.But when pressed on which side he would feel most confident playing for, Keane said City or Liverpool.He said: “I’d probably be more comfortable in the City dressing room. They’ve scored eight goals in two games, people like Pep [Guardiola] and [Kevin] De Bruyne, I’d probably want to be in the City camp.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It wouldn’t be so bad to be in the Liverpool camp. If you’re asking me I went with Liverpool last week, am I going to change my mind?”City trail Arsenal and Liverpool by just a point and have just one big six club left to play, Tottenham, while the Gunners must also play Spurs, as well as United and Aston Villa, with Liverpool also facing Villa and Tottenham.How the title run-ins compareIt’s going to go right down to the wire with just one point separating the top three – but how do Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City’s run-in compare?
Arsenal: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A) Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man Utd (A) and Everton (H)
Liverpool: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)
Man City: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H) and Tottenham (A TBC)

Neville and Carragher’s reaction to Man Utd vs Liverpool emerges in behind-the-scenes clip but fans spot bigger concern More

FOOTAGE has emerged of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher celebrating Manchester United and Liverpool’s goals from the commentary gantry… but some fans were distracted by their surroundings.Man Utd icon Neville, 49, and Liverpool legend Carragher, 46, watched their former sides play out a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville watched their former clubs from the commentary gantryCredit: Twitter / SkySportsPLNeville stared at the camera after Bruno Fernandes levelled for Man UtdCredit: Twitter / SkySportsPLNeville went wild after Kobbie Mainoo put the hosts in frontCredit: Twitter / SkySportsPLCarragher was left despondent but many fans were focused on the gantry behind himCredit: Twitter / SkySportsPLCarragher’s eyes widened before Mo Salah converted his penalty to level the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/SkySportsPLBoth men were put through the wringer during the course of the game as Liverpool went 1-0 in front, before Man Utd roared back to lead 2-1.Jurgen Klopp’s men then salvaged a point with a late penalty, but failed to find a winner.Clips of Neville and Carragher’s goal celebrations made for a hilarious watch.In particular, Neville relished Man Utd’s strikes – glaring at the camera after Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser, before he went wild at Kobbie Mainoo’s brilliant strike.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher was more composed with his reactions to Liverpool’s goals, but many on social media were instead left commenting on the state of the Old Trafford gantry.One said: “My god the state of that gantry. Wouldn’t be out of place in non-league.”Another joked: “A bigger issue is why are they commentating from someone’s backyard shed and not in the stadium?”A third replied: “Where was it filmed? Chernobyl. State of it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
While a fourth responded: “That f***ing roof 😂.”A fifth said: “They need a trip to B&Q, mate. Pickup a new shed.”Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd vs Liverpool for lower league clash as he’s spotted live on Sky SportsAnd yet another added: “Garden shed roof 😆.”The latest comments around Old Trafford’s poor quality come after new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium that could act as the “Wembley of the North”.Last month, Ratcliffe said on the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast: “You have got this opportunity if you choose to, to build a completely new ground, because we have got enough space.”If you built a completely new ground it would absolutely be state-of-the-art, world class, 90,000 or maybe even 100,000 that then provides a platform for some of the big competitions in the north of England.”Why do England always play in the south? Why is the FA Cup final always in the south? Why can’t the Champions League final be in the north occasionally?”Football in the north is just as important as it is in the south, arguably more so, and the people in the north pay their taxes, so why do we have Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon etc in the south.”What have we got in the North? There’s a strong argument to build a ‘Wembley of the North’.” More

KOBBIE MAINOO admits “I got ahead of myself” after apologising for his goal celebration against Liverpool.The Manchester United star, 18, put in a strong performance as his side clinched a 3-3 draw with their title-chasing neighbours at Old Trafford.Kobbie Mainoo apologised for his goal celebration in Man Utd’s 3-3 draw with LiverpoolCredit: GettyMainoo said ‘I got ahead of myself’ after saluting the crowd and blowing a kissCredit: GettyMainoo bagged United’s second goal of the game, putting them 2-1 up following strikes from Luis Diaz and Bruno Fernandes.The newly-capped England ace split Liverpool’s midfield apart with a mazy run before laying the ball off to a teammate.Mainoo then received it just inside the Reds’ penalty area.And he turned on the spot before curling home a beautiful shot into the top corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt marked Mainoo’s first-ever home goal for United, sparking wild celebrations among jubilant fans.The youngster couldn’t resist joining in too, and blew kisses to the crowd as he basked in the moment.Mainoo also saluted supporters after hitting another career milestone.But the celebrations proved to be short-lived as United ended up conceding a penalty, with Mo Salah slotting it home to seal the 3-3 result.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd speaking afterwards, Mainoo apologised for his celebrations, admitting he was simply caught up in the moment.The teen said: “Yeah, it felt good so I got ahead of myself, sorry.BREAKING: Man Utd fans convinced Sam Allardyce will be next manager after he’s spotted with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford“An unbelievable feeling, my first professional goal at Old Trafford, and to do it in this fixture is also amazing.“At the end of the day, we don’t walk away with the three points so I can’t be too happy.”However, former United star Gary Neville was not overly impressed with Mainoo’s performance.He singled out the midfielder during a torrid first half for the hosts, claiming Mainoo was sticking too close to his man and leaving space in behind for speedy Liverpool forwards.Neville said: “Look where Mainoo is there, he’s ahead of the ball at the throw in. As a central midfield player, I always think you’ve got to run back.”Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher interjected: “There’s a man-marking system, no doubt he’s got his eye on Mac Allister.”Neville replied: “Forget about that, forget about Mac Allister, don’t be ahead of the ball, get up to that one, he’s moving up there now.”Carragher stated: “It must be an instruction before the game.”Neville added: “It defies logic, it’s the basics of the game. Even now he’s chasing him across the pitch, he doesn’t need to.“Garnacho and Hojlund can deal with that, look at the space in behind him. That space alongside Casemiro there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Just the basics, look at where Casemiro’s gone in, Mainoo, they’ve both gone in. It opens up a path into there.“Honestly, it’s basics. Absolute basics, so easy to play against Manchester United’s midfield.”  More

NOW who’s your money on?Those in the away end at Old Trafford must have felt like they had lost a pound and found a penny when Anthony Taylor blew the final whistle yesterday.Arsenal are top of the table on goal differenceCredit: GettyLiverpool are now level with the Gunners after drawing to Man UtdCredit: APMan City are one point off their rivalsCredit: EPAMeanwhile, Manchester City and Arsenal fans were celebrating Liverpool’s inability to give their hated rivals United a proper stuffing despite creating a ridiculous number of chances.A week earlier, everything was the other way round. It was Liverpool’s supporters watching with a smile as City and Arsenal played out a mind-numbing draw at the Etihad.And with seven games to go, the only certainty is that we will get more twists and turns in this brilliant three-horse race before a winner emerges.We are now at that funny stage of the season when fans suddenly become experts on their rival teams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor eight months, they do not give a flying fig about any clubs other than their own.But ask fans of City, Liverpool or Arsenal about the Premier League fixture list today and they will be supremely-versed on the remaining games of all three clubs. You would expect Pep Guardiola’s City to rattle off nine points in their next three games against Luton, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.And while City do not look as strong at the back as they have been, you would expect them to bag maximum points against Wolves and Fulham before hosting West Ham on the final day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut City also have to squeeze in a rearranged fixture at Spurs, with Pep’s men having lost  five straight games at the  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before January’s 1-0 FA Cup win.As for Liverpool, they will surely beat Crystal Palace on Sunday. Their next league game could have been awkward at Fulham but the Cottagers seem to be running out of steam.Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winnersA key match could be Wednesday, April 24 and the Reds’ short trip across Stanley Park to face Everton. No matter how bad Everton are, there’s an extra edge to a Merseyside derby.After visiting West Ham, Liverpool face Champions League-chasing Spurs and Aston Villa in the space of six days. And, on the final day, Jurgen Klopp’s team are at home to Wolves.Meanwhile, Arsenal seem unstoppable and look to have benefited from the pain of missing out last season. Aston Villa are at the Emirates on Sunday and their next Prem fixtures are at Wolves and home to Chelsea, which potentially could be awkward.How the title run-ins compareIt’s going to go right down to the wire with just one point separating the top three – but how do Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City’s run-in compare?
Arsenal: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A) Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man Utd (A) and Everton (H)
Liverpool: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)
Man City: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H) and Tottenham (A TBC)

But the North London derby at Spurs on April 28 will be hugely important for both clubs, while Arsenal then face Bournemouth, Manchester United before hosting Everton on the last day.We all remember the drama of a title decider on the final Sunday — but this one could be ultra-special.Manchester City are currently in possession of the real Premier League trophy, while there is a spare which is paraded around the world.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is also a stainless steel replica in the TV studios of Premier League Productions and that could be used if all three teams are in with a shout on Sunday, May 19.Let’s hope that is the case. But if you look at their respective run-ins, it has to be advantage City. More

GARY NEVILLE laid into Kobbie Mainoo as Liverpool ran rings around Manchester United’s midfield, claiming his first-half positioning “defied logic.”England’s latest star lined up at Old Trafford for Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash, which ended 2-2.Gary Neville slammed Kobbie Mainoo’s first-half performance against LiverpoolNeville was not impressed with the Man Utd ace’s positioningCredit: GettyUnited fans were desperate for a response after watching their side concede two late goals to lose 4-3 at Chelsea on Thursday.But, after having an Alejandro Garnacho strike disallowed for offside, United ended up conceding a soft goal from a Liverpool corner.The visitors continued to dominate the ball, helping themselves to 14 attempts before the break.United, who had ZERO shots, could not get near them in midfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Neville took aim at Mainoo as he criticised the youngster for failing to do the “basics of the game.”Neville said: “Look where Mainoo is there, he’s ahead of the ball at the throw in. As a central midfield player, I always think you’ve got to run back.”Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher interjected: “There’s a man-marking system, no doubt he’s got his eye on Mac Allister.”Neville replied: “Forget about that, forget about Mac Allister, don’t be ahead of the ball, get up to that one, he’s moving up there now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCarragher stated: “It must be an instruction before the game.”Neville added: “It defies logic, it’s the basics of the game. Even now he’s chasing him across the pitch, he doesn’t need to.Watch Bruno Fernandes score from inside centre-circle after horror gaffe gifts Man Utd way back into Liverpool clashMainoo had the last laugh as he scored a cracker for Man UtdCredit: Reuters“Garnacho and Hojlund can deal with that, look at the space in behind him. That space alongside Casemiro there.“Just the basics, look at where Casemiro’s gone in, Mainoo, they’ve both gone in. It opens up a path into there.“Honestly, it’s basics. Absolute basics, so easy to play against Manchester United’s midfield.” Fans also reacted to Neville’s criticism of Mainoo.One said: “Neville’s right about Mainoo, this man-to-man marking system is why we’re getting so cut open, needs to hold his position.”Another declared: “He’s marking Mac Allister then there’s half a space behind him for Diaz and Robertson to run into”.One noted: “Neville is absolutely spot on, why is Mainoo man-marking Mac Allister like that and leaving that massive gap in midfield?”Another added: “Neville is completely correct, Mainoo is being used in such a strange way here. Constantly ahead of the ball and having absolutely no impact on the game.”Mainoo ended up having the last laugh though.With Bruno Fernandes pulling United back on level terms in the 50th minute with a wonder strike from the centre circle, Mainoo then made a positive impact as he put the hosts ahead 15 minutes later.Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson were left arguing with each other after Mainoo sliced Liverpool’s midfield apart with a silky run.He laid the ball off before receiving it just inside Liverpool’s box.The 18-year-old turned on his axis before curling a shot in the top corner.But there was late drama as Liverpool won a penalty in the 81st minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESAaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliott in United’s area, and the spot-kick was duly put away by Mo Salah.Neither side was able to find a decisive goal though as the match ended 2-2. More