Premier League

LIVERPOOL fans are up in arms over a Jurgen Klopp decision they believe cost them all three points against Manchester City.The two title contenders played out an entertaining 1-1 draw that keeps Arsenal top of the Premier League.Fans fumed at a key Jurgen Klopp decisionCredit: ReutersSupporters felt Darwin Nunez should have stayed on the pitchCredit: EPABut both teams had chances to win it after Alexis Mac Allister cancelled out John Stones’ opener.Liverpool finished the match the stronger out of the two but fans felt Klopp cost them victory.With the Reds piling pressure on City the German boss controversially decided to take off Darwin Nunez.Cody Gakpo replaced the forward but supporters felt Liverpool lost momentum as a result, with some suggesting Luis Diaz should have made way instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan reacted to the result saying: “It’s on Klopp for not starting Salah, and subbing off Nunez for Gakpo, league’s gone. Arsenal are a better team than City and Liverpool they aren’t dropping points.”Another added: “Klopp pulling Nunez and not Diaz is beyond baffling.”A third wrote: “Klopp’s decision to change Nunez denied us all three points.”And another commented: “Klopp out we lost the title.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Fans were also left baffled by Gary Neville during the match after the commentator compared Stones’ goal with an effort from Virgil van Dijk controversially ruled out in last month’s Carabao Cup final.Stones nipped in at the near post to flash home a clever corner from quick-thinking Kevin de Bruyne in Sunday’s Premier League blockbuster.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveBut Sky Sports pundit Neville homed in on Nathan Ake tangling with Liverpool’s Mac Allister in the middle of the box.And he compared it to the most contentious talking point from the Wembley showpiece in February.That was when Van Dijk saw a goal erased after Wataru Endo was judged to be offside and interfering with play.Endo was assessed to be impeding the movement of Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.MARK HALSEY’S VERDICT ON PENALTY SHOUTJEREMY DOKU could have had no complaints had Michael Oliver awarded a last-gasp penalty to Liverpool.
The Manchester City winger caught Alexis Mac Allister in the chest with a high boot.
Doku made a forward’s challenge, he should have headed the ball clear instead. He got a toe on the ball but his follow through hit the Reds midfielder.
Doku’s challenge was careless, it was not one with excessive force and his leg was bent which is maybe why Oliver, who had a very good game, didn’t award the pen.
But you can argue it’s a foul and therefore a penalty as he ran the risk by putting his foot that high.
A free-kick would have been awarded anywhere else on the pitch outside the penalty box. And had Oliver pointed to the spot it would not have been overturned.
It’s a subjective decision and it was not a clear and obvious error so VAR did not intervene.
Nathan Ake blocked Mac Allister prior to John Stones’ goal from Kevin de Bruyne’s clever corner but it was weak from the Argentine, who fell to the ground, and not worthy of a foul. More

PEP GUARDIOLA may yet become the first manager to win four consecutive English titles and he may end the season with a double Treble.But the Manchester City boss will never defeat Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in front of an Anfield crowd.Alexis Mac Allister equalised from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersJohn Stones had given Manchester City a first-half leadCredit: AFPStones poked home from Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant cornerCredit: AFPCity survived a second-half monstering from the Reds to escape with a draw – an Alexis Mac Allister penalty cancelling out a first-half strike from John Stones.It means that the final Premier League battle between Klopp and Guardiola ended with Mikel Arteta the only winner – his Arsenal side leading Liverpool on goal difference and City by a single point.Before this match, Guardiola said his job is so tough, he often pretends he is Superman. If that’s so then Anfield is his Planet Krypton.But this was Guardiola’s eighth and final attempt at winning at Liverpool’s home with the doors open – his only win here coming in the pandemic campaign of 2020-21 – and he failed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSuch was his sense of fear, the City boss took the unusual option of substituting his chief creative force, Kevin De Bruyne, midway through the second half.Liverpool stretched their unbeaten Premier League home record to 26 matches but with Luis Diaz missing a string of chances, they could not turn their dominance into yet another comeback win.City are unbeaten in 21 matches in all competitions. Arsenal, meanwhile have won eight league games in a row.This is quite some three-horse race – breathless, relentless and jam-packed with world-class quality.Most read in FootballMac Allister wheels away in delight after finding the netCredit: AFPIt was a frustrating afternoon for both managersCredit: GettyJurgen Klopp maintained his unbeaten home record with Liverpool against Pep GuardiolaCredit: AFPCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL With Mo Salah only fit enough to start on the bench and Ibrahima Konate ruled out by injury, City had the stronger, more experienced line-up.After Klopp and Guardiola had shared a pre-match bearhug, City started with a strut, their pass-and-moved routines sleek and menacing.Jurgen Klopp confronts referee after 98th minute season-defining VAR call saves Man City at AnfieldThe Kop’s pre-match anthems made way for high-pitched whistles and jeers as City hogged the ball, pinning Liverpool back.Julian Alvarez and De Bruyne both tested Caoimhin Kelleher.But eventually Liverpool joined in, Conor Bradley’s low centre was aimed at Darwin Nunez, who missed the ball and skidded into the back post.Luis Diaz found the net but Nunez had been offside in the build-up.Indeed, Nunez spent most of the first half offside. Haaland is never offside.Just as the Reds threatened to take over, they were mugged – City scoring with a set-piece goal drenched in sauce.As Nathan Ake cutely blocked off Mac Allister, De Bruyne delivered an arcing low corner with pace and accuracy to the near post where Stones prodded home.On City’s bench, set-piece coach Carlos Vicens winked like a master criminal who had just overseen a major heist.Stones and his mates cavorted with the City faithful in the Anfield Road End.The home side shaded the statsThe Reds looked the most likely side to win it late onLuis Diaz had a big influence on the game despite his wayward finishingBut Liverpool responded well – Dominik Szoboszlai skewing a header wide from a Harvey Elliott centre, Diaz fizzing a shot wide.Usually, though, Liverpool’s attacks broke down when Nunez strayed offside – the linesman threatened by repetitive strain injury in his flagging arm.At the opposite end, Haaland and Van Dijk were staging an intriguing world heavyweight clash of their own, which Liverpool’s skipper was shading.Within two minutes of the restart, the brain-fade which allowed Liverpool back in.Ake’s weak back-pass was pounced upon by Nunez, who was clattered by Ederson.Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and after Ederson had been treated for a self-inflicted injury, Mac Allister rammed home the spot-kick three minutes after the initial offence.Anfield was an explosion of sound – their heroes roused, City rattled.Soon an injured Ederson was replaced by Stefan Ortega, a Cup keeper with scant experience of occasions like this.De Bruyne angled a pass to Foden but Kelleher thwarted him at the near post.Then Diaz botched his first touch when released by Nunez, as Klopp sent for Salah.The Egyptian soon sent Diaz clean through but the Colombian shot wide across goal.Next Diaz took another poor touch and was robbed by Kyle Walker before he pulled the trigger.It was all Liverpool, swarming all over the champions. It was Smothering Sunday.Guardiola pressed the panic button by hooking De Bruyne in favour of Mateo Kovacic. The Belgian voiced his displeasure at length. This sort of thing doesn’t happen to him.But it seemed to work, a second holding midfield play restored law and order to the midfield.Soon, Ake’s centre was punched by Kelleher and cannoned off Foden onto the crossbar.Walker, who had been excellent, survived a VAR check for a late challenge on Salah.Jarrell Quansah had a long-ranger pushed out by Ortega, Diaz won a corner with a manic jinking run at Rodri and Walker.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn a City break, Jeremy Doku shot against the inside of the post.But the City sub survived a VAR check for a high boot on Mac Allister in the dying seconds and Liverpool couldn’t find the killer blow.Rodri maintained his unbeaten run with a typical assured displayPhil Foden was a bit more quiet than usual at Anfield More

ERLING HAALAND has revealed he has a talent for rapping and once starred in a viral video as a child.The Manchester City striker is all about the goals these days but he also has a passion for rapping.Erling Haaland claimed he is still good at rappingHe once starred in a music video as a teenagerThe YouTube video now has more than 12million viewsAnd seven years ago Haaland appeared in a rap video alongside his pals in his native Norway.He had just turned 16-years-old at the time of the video and can be seen dancing and having fun with his mates.After spitting a verse of his own Haaland poses alongside his co-stars for their turns, and at one point steps into a firepit.Haaland, 23, admits he still watches the video on YouTube and he still believes he can rap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe City star told Sky Sports: “Sometimes I go on YouTube to get another view on the video. It’s getting quite a few views now.”Definitely I can rap. I can’t dance I have no rhythm in my body but I can rap.”The video in question now has more than 12million views and is closing in on 400,000 likes.Haaland was involved in a war of words with Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender claimed the Reds’ trophies over the last year mean more to them than City’s do.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The Norweigan responded saying: “If he wants to say that, okay. I’ve been here one year and I’ve won the Treble.”It was quite a nice feeling. I don’t think he knows exactly this feeling. That’s what I felt last season and it was quite nice.”Erling Haaland’s agent ‘meets with Barcelona and discusses Man City star’s future’ in hint at huge transfer More

DANNY INGS’ first goal of the season rescued West Ham from a desperate defeat to former club Burnley.The striker has been a not-so-super sub ever since his £12million move from Aston Villa last January, but delivered what could be a crucial point for his manager.Danny Ings rescued a point for West HamCredit: GettyLucas Paqueta pulled one back just after half-timeCredit: PADavid Datro Fofana opened the scoring with a rocket from distanceCredit: ReutersBurnley took a shock lead through David Datro Fofana before Konstantinos Mavropanos’ own-goal capped a horrendous first half for the Hammers.At half-time time the Moyes out segment of West Ham supporters would have been fully loaded on ammunition after a desperate 45 minutes – though there is little any manager can do about some of the incompetence that was on display.The Scot’s changes, at half-time and late on, transformed the game and the Hammers were denied a clear spot kick to win the game late on.Moyes has emphasised the importance of their home form between now and the end of the season if West Ham are to maintain hopes of European qualification, which are now looking less likely by the week.A fast start against Brentford last time out here got the Hammers back on the right course, but Burnley’s early opener – their first goal for a month – had them on the back foot once again.Since the turn of the year the Hammers simply haven’t been able to findIt did not turn the already flat London Stadium toxic, there was merely a wave of apathy from the stands in Stratford.Moyes had restored Nayef Aguerd to the starting XI having dropped him for poor form in recent weeks.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But the Moroccan returned with a clanger, allowing Fofana to play a one two off his leg before letting the forward stride between him and Kalvin Phillips and fire a rocket past Alphonse Areola.Having constantly handed the ball over to Freiburg on Thursday night, West Ham were being just as generous to their visitors from Lancashire.West Ham ‘should be doing better’ under David MoyesPaqueta, Mavropanos and Kalvin Phillips, in front of England manager Gareth Southgate, were the main culprits.While supporters were frustrated with what they were seeing, their rage was mainly reserved for Burnley’s tiresome timewasting, which started immediately after the opener.That was until Mavropanos turned in a cross from ex-Hammer Josh Cullen to double Burnley’s lead.Jacob Bruun Larsen was given the time to slip a ball in behind Vladimir Coufal into the bath of Cullen, who crossed and watched the Greek defender stretch his leg behind and prod the ball into his own net.Boos rang out then and minutes later at the half-time whistle.Moyes acted swiftly at half-time, removing Phillips and James Ward-Prowse for Michail Antonio and Edson Alvarez and there was an immediate reward.With Paqueta back playing in his preferred No10 role, the Brazilian struck within a minute of half-time. Collecting Lorenz Assignon’s poor header, gliding through on goal and rolling the ball past James Trafford.West Ham suddenly had life. Mavropanos saw a header deflected behind before Bowen’s attempt at the far post was unfortunately blocked by Paqueta, who then bent his own effort wide of the far post.Burnley were still threatening on the break, with Fofana sending one at Areola before Vitinho’s strike was deflected narrowly wide.But it was West Ham on top at last. Paqueta sent another low shot goalward but Trafford reached that one, before Mohammed Kudus blazed over from ten yards out after slipping on the greasy surface which had just caused the linesman to take a well-received tumble.Burnley were frustrating West Ham’s efforts to get their second – Sander Berge even rugby tackling Jarrod Bowen to try and stop one break which ended with Vladimir Coufal’s deflected cross hitting the crossbar.Ings was sent on for defender Aguerd in a late roll of the dice – another sub which paid off for Moyes.Having had his first goal of the season ruled out for a desperately close offside, the former Burnley man got back up and grabbed a fine equaliser, spinning to send a dipping strike under Trafford from Kudus’ cross.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere could have been more late goals at either end, with Berge firing over the bar seconds later and Antonio sending the ball dribbling across the open goal, just out of Paqueta’s reach. Ings, doing more in a West Ham shirt in this one appearance than he has for the last year, then struck the bar on the volley.Just as in Freiburg midweek, West Ham should have had a late penalty for a blatant handball from Berge which was not given, with Moyes storming to confront referee Darren England at full-time. More

JOHN MCGINN sparked a brawl after being sent off for a disgraceful foul on Destiny Udogie.The Aston Villa captain made no attempt to win the ball as he lashed out at Udogie as he sprinted past.John McGinn made no attempt to win the ball as he took out Destiny UdogieAn angry Brennan Johnson confronted the midfielder after his foulThere were fiery scenes between both sets of playersCredit: PAA brawl was sparked near the dugoutsCredit: GettyMcGinn had to be dragged away by Aston Villa boss Unai EmeryCredit: GettyMcGinn appeared to lose his head with his side trailing 2-0 at home to top four rivals Tottenham.He kicked out at Udogie and sent to left-back flying to the floor.His Spurs team-mates immediately rushed to confront McGinn as the Scot protested his innocence.Udogie also leapt back up to his feet and appeared angry with McGinn, but the force of the tackle meant he was unable to stand so he hit the turf once again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrennan Johnson was amongst those involved in the brawl as he pushed and shoved McGinn.The Villa midfielder had to be dragged away by his own manager Unai Emery as tempers flared near the dugout.Referee Chris Kavanagh then brandished a red card and there could be no complaints.Spurs made good their man advantage as Son Heung-min fired in a third in what was an excellent afternoon for Ange Postecoglou’s side.Most read in FootballRef Chris Kavanagh had no option but to show a red cardCredit: GettySpurs scored two more goals after McGinn’s dismissalCredit: RexJohnson got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 winCredit: ReutersCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Timo Werner then added a fourth as Spurs ran out 4-0 winners, with James Maddison and Johnson also getting on the scoresheet.The win has big ramifications for the race to qualify for the Champions League as Tottenham moved two points behind fourth-placed Villa with a game in hand.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2 More