Premier League

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

TOTTENHAM star James Maddison escaped a red card despite appearing to lash out at Ryan Yates.The Nottingham Forest ace fell to the floor after he was seemingly hit in the stomach by the England midfielder.James Maddison appeared to punch Ryan YatesThe Nottingham Forest star fell to the floorCredit: Sky SportsThe incident went unpunishedCredit: APMaddison did not receive a red card after a VAR checkCredit: ReutersReferee Simon Hooper did not spot the off the ball incident just before half-time – but VAR did take a look.However, they decided not to punish Maddison.Fans have been left fuming over the decision, with one saying: “So Maddison can punch someone very CLEARLY and it isn’t an automatic red? Cheers again VAR.”Another added: “How has Maddison not been sent off for that? Clear punch.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third reacted: “Maddison should be off. Punching the Nottingham Forest lad on the stomach is a red. Not even a yellow given.”Others thought Yates was lucky to not receive his marching orders as he signalled for the referee to check VAR.He was already on a yellow card and a player would normally get a booking for such a gesture.Pundit Jamie Redknapp said at half-time that “there was not enough in it”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Roy Keane slammed the way Yates fell to the floor, calling him “a nice kid” – but said he goes down easily too often.After the game, Forest gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I was surprised. Maddison lost composure and punched Yates in the stomach.Inside James Maddison’s personalised private box at Tottenham with incredible mural on the wall “What they saw clearly is not the same as we saw. I wouldn’t speak if I wasn’t 100% sure.”Yates told Sky Sports: “Maddison is a good player, I know he makes them tick. It’s my job to disrupt the momentum.”A few decisions probably didn’t go our way but we’ve seen the inconsistency in the Premier League this season.”Spurs went ahead in the game when Murillo turned a cross into his own net.But Forest levelled things before the break as Chris Wood smashed the ball home beyond Guglielmo Vicario.Spurs then regained the lead as Micky van de Ven’s powerful strike flew into the top corner.And Pedro Porro made it 3-1 as Spurs moved into the top four. More

CHRIS WOOD produced a contender for miss of the season as he fluffed his lines against Tottenham.The striker failed to hit the target from a point-blank position, having already scored for Nottingham Forest in Sunday’s Premier League clash.Chris Wood produced a contender for miss of the season against TottenhamCredit: Sky SportsThe Nottingham Forest star somehow missed from point blankCredit: Sky SportsWith the score at 1-1, Forest surged forward on the attack in search of a second goal.Ryan Yates pulled the trigger on a fearsome strike from outside the box.And his effort was turned away by Spurs goalie Guglielmo Vicario.However, the Italian failed to get the ball away properly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe ended up spilling it straight into Woods’ feet.The Kiwi striker was just yards away from the goal mouth and had the net at his mercy.But instead of placing the ball home, Woods instead decided to go for a powerful hit.And he ended up smashing the ball against the outside of the post, leaving fans bewildered.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIndeed, many joked it was more like the form Woods showed at previous club Newcastle, where he managed just four league goals in 12 months.One said: “That’s the Chris Wood we knew and loved at Newcastle.”Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnother declared: “Surely contender for miss of the season.”One noted: “Oh Chris Wood, how did you miss that?”Another added: “How do you not score from there?”Tottenham had opened the scoring after just 15 minutes after an own-goal from Forest defender Murillo.But Woods fired back with his 12th goal of the campaign to level things up after half an hour.Spurs regained the lead in the second half though, with Micky van de Ven netting in the 52nd minute.And the game was effectively put to bed moments later when Pedro Porro pounced to make it 3-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Burnley star Wood joined Forest on an initial loan deal from Newcastle in January 2023, with the move made permanent for £15million last summer.He has become a key player under Nuno Espirito Santo and remains the captain of New Zealand’s national team.Chris Woods’ career statsThose amazing numbers in full

Waikato FC, 2007-08: 5 games 0 goals

West Brom, 2008-11: 27 games 3 goals

Barnsley (loan), 2010-11: 7 games 0 goals

Brighton (loan), 2010-11: 31 games 9 goals

Birmingham (loan), 2011-12: 29 games 11 goals

Bristol City (loan), 2011-12: 19 games 3 goals

Millwall (loan), 2012-13: 19 games 11 goals

Leicester, 2012-15: 62 games, 20 goals

Ipswich Town (loan), 2014-15: 8 games 0 goals

Leeds, 2015-18: 88 games 44 goals

Burnley, 2017-22: 165 games 53 goals

Newcastle, 2021-23: 39 games 5 goals

Nottingham Forest, 2022-24: 35 games 14 goals

New Zealand: 74 games 34 goals

Trophies: League One title (Brighton); Championship title (Leicester); OFC Nations Cup (New Zealand) More

ANTONY had to be held back from the referee after “going crazy” during Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool.The winger was left raging at the officials late on in Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.Antony had to be held back by Sofyan Amrabat as he shouted at referee Anthony TaylorCredit: PAThe winger was booked for his protests after he did not win a foul against LiverpoolCredit: GettyReferee Anthony Taylor had chosen not to give a foul after Antony went down when challenging for a header with Andy Robertson.Luis Diaz then pounced on the loose ball but was unable to keep his effort down.The United man felt he had been pushed to the ground and immediately confronted Taylor.Despite being shown a yellow card, the Brazilian continued to protest the decision.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was only saved from further punishment when Sofyan Amrabat stepped in to push him away from the referee.Speaking on commentary, Gary Neville explained: “Antony needs to be careful.”He’s going mad at the referee and Amrabat is having to pull him away. He feels he’s been pushed by Robertson.”Fans also reacted to the incident on social media, with one commenting: “Fair play, Amrabat. Keep your mouth shut Antony.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, another added: “Antony and Amrabat beefing. United in shambles.”The Moroccan midfielder appeared angry with his team-mate as he attempted to calm him down, fearing a second yellow and a red card.Man Utd break unwanted record in diabolical first half against Liverpool as fans say Erik ten Hag ‘has to go’Antony had replaced Marcus Rashford earlier in the second half after the England star was forced off with an injury.Fortunately for Antony, his protests failed to land him a second yellow card as United held on for a point.The 2-2 draw leaves the Red Devils sixth in the Premier League, eight points adrift of Tottenham in fifth place.But it put a massive dent in Liverpool’s title bid as it handed top spot to Arsenal. More