More stories

  • in

    Ange Postecoglou has worse Tottenham record than both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as horror run continues

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a worse Tottenham record than former bosses Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last night made it just one win in their last nine Premier League outings.Ange Postecoglou endured another frustrating eveningCredit: GettyThe North Londoners’ awful form has seen them slump to 13th in the Prem table.Postecoglou, 59, went unbeaten in his first 10 league games in charge last season, winning eight of them.But that honeymoon period now feels long ago, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and incapable of stringing together strong performances.The Aussie has won 36 of his 73 games in charge – while drawing 12 and losing 25 – giving him a 49 per cent win percentage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConte, 55, lasted three more matches at the helm with 76, winning 41 of them at a percentage of 54 – drawing 12 and losing 23.Mourinho, meanwhile, took charge of 86 games at the Spurs helm.The Portuguese achieved a win percentage of 51, triumphing 44 times, drawing 19 and losing 23.Sandwiched in between the two former Chelsea bosses was Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 17 matches in charge.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in 2021Credit: Marc Aspland – The TimesAntonio Conte’s Spurs reign ended in a furious rantCredit: ReutersNuno Espirito Santo lasted just 17 games in charge of SpursCredit: Marc Aspland – The TimesThe Portuguese, now flying high with Nottingham Forest, won eight times, drew just twice and lost seven games.Tottenham’s last truly long-term manager was Mauricio Pochettino.Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him The Argentine, who transformed Tottenham into legitimate contenders both in the Premier League and in Europe, managed 293 games as Spurs boss.He won 159 of them, giving him a win percentage of 54, drew 62 and lost 72.Tottenham’s lowest finish since Pochettino’s appointment was eighth in the 2022-23 campaign – although they are currently on track to be worse this time around.Mauricio Pochettino was Tottenham’s most successful manager under Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Kyle Walker’s AC Milan transfer could see forgotten England ace sold to Juventus

    MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker continues to be intensely linked with a move to AC Milan during the January transfer window.SunSport understand Walker, 34, is being lined up for a sensational loan move to Milan’s fiercest rivals Inter Milan.Manchester City star Kyle Walker continues to be linked with AC MilanCredit: GettyIf Walker leaves Man City for Milan then Fikayo Tomori could go to JuventusCredit: GettyHowever, Gazzetta report that the Rossoneri are still keeping tabs on City’s wantaway defender.The same source adds, though, that if the full-back joins Sergio Conceicao’s side then another England international could have to make way.And that is none other than Fikayo Tomori, who has been linked with another one of Milan’s biggest foes: Juventus.Juve are keeping tabs on Tomori, 27, after 19 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on FootballConceicao’s outfit are keen on a permanent deal for Walker, whose Etihad contract runs out in 2026.And Milan are willing to offer a long deal by spreading his €6million (£5m) salary he has guaranteed in the Premier League over more time.Walker has dramatically asked to quit Man City for a move abroad but a transfer to the red side of the San Siro doesn’t appear very likely.That is because Inter are leading the chase for the right-back as representatives for the player have been in contact with the Serie A giants and a deal is being thrashed out.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesWalker’s desire to leave was announced by manager Pep Guardiola after last week’s 8-0 mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Guardiola revealed he was left out of the third-round clash after informing the club of his wish to leave.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWalker has seen his game time getting limited this season with only 18 appearances across all competitions under his belt. More

  • in

    Wolves boss reveals £45,000-a-week star REFUSED to play against Newcastle and insists ‘I don’t need him’

    VITOR PEREIRA slammed former club captain Mario Lemina after the wantaway star refused to play against Newcastle.Wolves slipped into the relegation zone after Alexander Isak’s double helped condemn them to a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park.Wolves manager Vitor Pereira slammed former club captain Mario LeminaCredit: GettyLemina refused to play for Wolves against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe visitors’ task against the in-form Mags was made all the more difficult when their 31-year-old midfielder pulled out.Lemina, who is reportedly on a £45,000-a-week contract, missed the FA Cup win over Bristol City but Pereira had claimed he was available for the trip to the North East until the Gabon ace came to see him.The Wolves boss fumed: “I can’t bring a player who tells me he is not in the mental condition to help the team. He wants to leave.“I don’t know what happened before me, but with this energy and this mentality, I don’t need him. Read More on Football”I prefer to play with another player.“I don’t have anything against Lemina or any issues with him.“He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.”Ex-Fulham, Southampton and Juventus player Lemina began the campaign as Wolves captain but former manager Gary O’Neil took the armband off him following his post-match meltdown at West Ham a month ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesLemina has only played just 31 minutes since Pereira was appointed as O’Neil’s successor on December 19.He has since been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and now appears to be doing everything possible to try and force a move to the Middle East.Gary O’Neil confirms Nelson Semedo will replace Mario Lemina as Wolves captain Wolves are believed to be demanding at least £6million for him. More

  • in

    Second Chelsea loanee set to return from Premier League rival after horror injury – as Blues recall Trevoh Chalobah

    ARMANDO BROJA is set to become the second loanee to return to Chelsea this month after picking up a horror injury at Everton.Trevoh Chalobah is back in west London after being recalled from his Crystal Palace spell on Wednesday.Armando Broja is set to be recalled from his Everton loan by ChelseaCredit: GettyThe striker is out for 12 weeks after picking up an ankle injuryCredit: GettyChelsea have already brought back Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyNow, the defender is set to be joined by another Cobham misfit in the shape of Albania international Broja.The Chelsea striker joined the Toffees on loan last summer but has so far made just six appearances in all competitions due to an Achilles tendon issue.Broja’s latest minutes came off the bench in last week’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough.However, the Chelsea forward needed oxygen and was stretchered off the field after suffering a fresh injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd new Everton boss David Moyes has now confirmed that Broja has hurt delicate ligaments in his ankle.It means the ex-Southampton loanee is set to miss 12 weeks of football.But it could also end his time at Everton, with Moyes admitting Broja is likely to return to Stamford Bridge.The Toffees gaffer said: “We think he is going to be out for somewhere between 10-12 weeks.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s his ankle ligaments. It will probably mean there’s a possibility he will have to go back to Chelsea.”A recall for Broja means Everton may seek out a new striker this month.Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Player Ratings articleMoyes is also thought to be in the market for a winger.And reports claim that could see Jack Harrison’s loan from Leeds terminated too. More

  • in

    ‘Who does he think he is?’ – Fuming Roy Keane tells ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire after he ‘had a go’ at Man Utd icon

    FUMING Roy Keane told “rubbish” Rod Stewart to retire after the music legend “had a go” at Manchester United’s iconic former captain.Glastonbury headliner Stewart, 80, called out Keane, 53, three years ago in a raving rant.Roy Keane has told ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire from singingStewart previously branded Keane a ‘bully’ in a rant three years agoCredit: GettyThe ‘Maggie May’ hitmaker was unimpressed with Keane’s behaviour when the Irishman argued with fellow pundit Jamie Carragher over Cristiano Ronaldo’s form at Man Utd.Stewart branded Keane a “bully” in a breathless statement while also questioning the seven-time Premier League winner’s credentials as a manager.Stewart told talkSPORT in December 2021: “I think Roy can be a bit of a bully sometimes.“I admired him as a player but he’s a bit of a bully. I think there’s a way of speaking your mind and I think he’s far too aggressive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He was an elite player but do you think he could be a good manager with that approach?”Stewart’s words clearly left their mark on Keane though, with the Old Trafford favourite yet to forgive and forget.Talking to Carragher, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane blasted Stewart as a “rubbish” singer.He also declared that the Faces front-man “slags everyone off.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Keane ended by telling Stewart to take a leaf from the books of professional sportsmen by retiring from music.When reminded about Stewart’s previous rant about him by Neville, Keane said: “He has a go at everybody! Who does he think he is?”Fuming Roy Keane tells ‘rubbish’ Rod Stewart to retire after he ‘had a go’ at Man Utd icon Scott then asked Keane what he had done to upset Stewart.Keane replied: “I did nothing, why do you think I did something? Rod Stewart slags everybody off, who does he think he is?“He has a go at everybody, he has a go at everybody! Rod Stewart. Who does he think he is? He’s not great. Great at what? Singing? I saw him a few years ago, he was rubbish.“Rubbish, I swear. He was rubbish that night. It’s like we have bad games. I didn’t say he’s not a good singer, he was just rubbish that night I saw him.“(What made him bad?) His voice! He had a bad night. He’s pushing on a bit now, there must come a point like a boxer where for a singer you go, ‘You’ve had a good run, enough’s enough’.“We’ve had it as players. When do people say to a singer, ‘Come on, you’ve had a good innings, enough’s enough, get off the stage’. Get off the stage Rob. Yeah that’s right. Get him on here.” More

  • in

    ‘It’s offending me every week’ – Gary Neville slams Arsenal coach who is ‘overreaching his importance’

    GARY NEVILLE has again blasted Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover.The former Manchester United star previously called Jover the “most annoying man in football”.Nicolas Jover can often be seen stood next to Mikel ArtetaCredit: ReutersGary Neville has taken another swipe at JoverCredit: GettyJover, 43, has played a big role in making the Gunners one of the most prolific set piece teams in Europe since joining the club.He can often be seen perched next to boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline when Arsenal stand over a corner or free kick.On the latest episode of Stick to Football, in association with Sky Bet, Neville again revealed his irritation at Jover.”I called him the most annoying man in football… I’m cementing my position,” Neville, 49, said.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’m doubling down. It’s offending me every week. “I’m going to say this really calmly, I think he’s overreaching his importance.”If a goalkeeper makes a save, I don’t see the goalkeeping coach on the edge of the touchline.”If there’s a good combination of passing in midfield, I don’t see the coach that’s next to Arteta going and getting the glory for it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The manager’s at the front, he can’t communicate from 100 yards away, or 50-60 yards away on the touchline to players that know exactly what they’re doing because they’re so methodical on it it’s untrue.”He stands there… I think he’s overreaching his importance, I genuinely believe that.”Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continueIan Wright hit back: “He is important.”To which Neville added: “That’s how I feel. I get he’s important, he’s doing a great job, but I do genuinely think he needs to sit back a little bit.”I think the players will start to look at him and think, ‘come on’.”Jamie Carragher then weighed in: “I think he’s (Neville) made a great point to be honest. I can’t disagree with it, I thought it was a bit harsh.”The Aston Villa one does the same.”Neville then pointed out that he’s covering Arsenal vs Aston Villa on Saturday evening – joking that Arteta and Unai Emery might as well “sit the f*** down”.Jover, 43, gets plenty of the limelight on the touchlineCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Stop shouting’ – Marc Guehi forced to tell overexcited Crystal Palace team-mate to shut up in hilarious tunnel footage

    MARC GUEHI hilariously told Jean-Philippe Mateta to “stop shouting” as the Crystal Palace duo made their way back to the dressing room last night.The pair had just helped the Eagles beat Leicester 2-0 at the King Power Stadium.Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta were Crystal Palace’s match winnersCredit: TwitterMateta was buzzing after helping his side triumphCredit: TwitterThe forward produced a cheesy grin even after being told to ‘stop shouting’Credit: TwitterMateta grabbed Palace’s first goal on 52 minutes, before Guehi made the points safe in the 78th.After the game, the pair made their way back to the away dressing room together.As they did so, Mateta could barely contain his excitement.With a member of Palace’s media team recording, the French striker bellowed: “Fantastic! Let’s go!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSoftly spoken Guehi, 24, smiled as he replied: “Stop shouting.”Mateta, 27, ignored his pal – fist pumping into the camera and continuing: “Yes! Fantastic!”The win saw Palace leapfrog Manchester United into 14th, just one point behind Tottenham.Oliver Glasner’s side had to do without loan defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled by Chelsea yesterday.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYMateta was particularly buzzing after Palace’s winCredit: GettySpeaking about the Chalobah situation, Glasner said: “I’m not sure disappointing is the right word. Trevoh had a great time with us.“When you make a loan deal it is usually win-win for everyone, but now Chelsea are the biggest winners because they get a player back who scored three goals and is in much better shape than when he arrived.Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against Leicester”I want to say thanks to Trevoh for his professionalism and for what he invested. He is a very good player and an even better human.”We had a great time together and I wish him all the best at Chelsea.”The Eagles will return to action this Saturday, when they travel to West Ham.Trevoh Chalobah spent the first half of the season on loan at PalaceCredit: PA More

  • in

    Postecoglou warned of Tottenham ‘unrest’ after ‘unacceptable’ loss as Declan Rice claims Arsenal could have scored TEN

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was warned of “unrest” in his Spurs camp – after Declan Rice delivered a humiliating verdict on Arsenal’s comeback win.Rice reckons the Gunners “should have scored 10” after leaving Tottenham with one victory in nine Premier League games.Boss Ange Postecoglou found little positive in Spurs’ performanceCredit: TNT SportArsenal ace Declan Rice believes Spurs got off very lightlyCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard lashed the Gunners’ 44th-minute winnerCredit: ReutersPostecoglou sounded even more downbeat than every other damning assessment of Spurs’ 2-1 loss when interviewed afterwards.And ex-Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon believes the manager would be under much fiercer pressure than he already is were it not for a fine Carabao Cup run.Spurs take a 1-0 lead to Liverpool for their semi-final second leg on February 6.But after seeing the shocking slump at the Emirates, Lennon said: “This puts a lot of unrest in that camp. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If they weren’t in the Carabao Cup semi-finals there would be big problems.But having needed extra time to see off fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup three days earlier, Postecoglou admitted Tottenham were “nowhere near good enough” against their biggest rivals in the North London derbySpurs have picked up just nine points from a possible 27, the only win in that run being a 5-0 romp at bottom club Southampton on December 15.Their fans have also seen only one victory at Arsenal in the past 32 visits.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn fact, a 24-point tally from 21 games this season means Tottenham are closer to Southampton’s six-point total than to to the Gunners’ 43.Dominic Solanke’s own goal and Leandro Trossard’s flashing finish overturned Son Heung-min’s opener on Wednesday night.Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him And Gunners’ midfielder Rice said: “That meant more than anything. From the first minute, it was pure domination. You could tell it was a Derby. “To be honest with you, we were unlucky, we probably should have scored 10 tonight.”Postecoglou was almost as brutal in his own analysis – and blamed himself.He told TNT Sports: “Nowhere near good enough, especially in the first half. We were too passive. We let Arsenal dictate the game. “Second half was a little better [but] … not acceptable.”Ultimately the responsibility lies with me and how I prepare the players.Too many losses this year. Too many games getting away from us. It needs to stop.Ange Postecoglou”Of course they [defeats] hurt me. Not acceptable. Too many losses this year. Too many games getting away from us. It needs to stop.”If you give up now, there’s no point. Right now we have a big game against Everton this weekend. That’s our focus.”Spurs are still eight points clear of the drop zone, and even a point above Manchester United.But losing on Sunday at the out-of-form Toffees, who hope returning boss David Moyes will turn them around, could drop Postecoglou’s men from an embarrassing 13th to 15th.The Aussie told BBC’s Match of the Day: “When we play well and take the game to teams then we are at our best and we didn’t do that today.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Tottenham’s main problem lies more in leaking goals than failing to score themSpurs have netted 43 times – second only to the 48 of leaders Liverpool – but have conceded 32.Postecoglou barely looked up when quizzed about Wednesday’s lossCredit: TNT SportArsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time. More