Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Palace 0 Liverpool 0: Lifeless Reds flop to dire draw in blow to top four hopes as Klopp’s miserable week gets worse

      by

      THERE is clearly something wrong if you cannot even beat Palace.Jurgen Klopp’s side, still battered and bruised after their Champions League battering by Real Madrid, delivered further proof of the major problems within this team – and why Liverpool will surely struggle to finish in a top four spot.
      Cody Gakpo had the best chance to grab a winnerCredit: Reuters
      Jurgen Klopp’s week went from bad to worseCredit: Reuters
      Jean-Philippe Mateta is one of several Crystal Palace players whose confidence looks shotCredit: PA
      Against Palace, who had not won in any of their seven Premier League matches in 2023, the Reds created a few chances but did not deserve to win.
      Because here in south London was an unbelievably-bad Premier League match between two teams who look shot to pieces.
      Without looking at the table, this meeting of seventh versus 12th could easily have passed for a relegation scrap.
      Klopp enjoyed encouraging wins over Everton and Newcastle but the 5-2 thrashing by Real Madrid was a more accurate reflection of where this team is at.
      Liverpool must surely beat Wolves in their game in hand at Anfield on Wednesday. Equally, if they play like this at home to Manchester United next Sunday, things could get a bit messy.
      Klopp made four changes from the Real match – with Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez both injured – but it did not really make much difference.
      This Liverpool team still looks unrecognisable from the one which came within a week and two games of winning four trophies last season.
      So many of the players have suffered a huge dip in form and this was a difficult watch although Patrick Vieira’s team did show plenty of commitment.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Reds had a bit more about them when Harvey Elliott replaced Naby Keita for the second half but it was still nowhere near good enough.
      Alisson was guilty of a howler at Anfield on Tuesday and every time the ball was passed to his feet, he treated it like a bomb.
      Admittedly, Klopp has not been helped by injuries though Diogo Jota was welcomed back for a first start since October 16.
      Liverpool have certainly missed the 2021-22 version of Jota who scored 21 times. Although even before his autumn calf injury, the Portuguese international had failed to score in any of his 11 games and he missed a couple of chances here.
      Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is another forward having a tough season, putting it mildly.
      He wasted two great first half chances and considering he had only scored once in 22 games previously, it is no surprise that his confidence also looks to be in ruins.
      Mateta could have got Selhurst Park firing early on when he should have done much better than force a save from Alisson.
      Liverpool were punished for some silly defensive mistakes against Real Madrid and they got away with another one which came after Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold made a mess of passing it around the back.
      Had that chance fell to Vinicius Jnr, we all know what the outcome would have been.
      Liverpool took 18 minutes to manage a shot on goal and when it came, Jota got some power on the effort but it was straight at Vicente Guaita.
      Jota had an even better chance but one yard out, headed Matip’s clever cross onto the outside of the post.
      What summed up Liverpool’s first half was when Alexander-Arnold’s goal-bound free-kick was deflected wide for a goal-kick by Jordan Henderson.
      Marc Guehi wasted a good chance but missed with a header but the main culprit of the first half for Palace was Mateta who lifted a shot against the bar.
      This came after Jeffrey Schlupp overpowered Alexander-Arnold who once again struggled and there is going to be a point, surely, when Klopp takes him out of the firing line.
      It will be interesting if Gareth Southgate includes the defender in his England squad for the Euro2024 qualifiers against Germany and Ukraine next month.
      Mo Salah fired a first-time shot against the bar at the start of the second half so if you include Jota’s earlier effort, Liverpool have now hit the woodwork 14 times – the same as Newcastle.
      Alexander-Arnold’s cross-shot saved was by Guaita but apart from that, Liverpool created nothing until the final 10 minutes when Cody Gakpo pushed a shot wide when he was clean through.
      For Palace, this was not the worst result in the world even though they are really struggling in the final third.
      Equally, it is now eight League games without a win for Vieira. They have still only managed five points in 2023 and their last win was away to Bournemouth on December 31.
      Read More on The Sun
      A few more games without a win and he will be under major pressure.
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 0 Arsenal 1 LIVE RESULT: Martinelli fires table-toppers FIVE points clear at top of Premier League – latest

      by

      ARSENAL have gone five points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Leicester 1-0.Gabriel Martinelli scored the only goal of the game with a clever finish early into the second half.
      The Gunners thought they were ahead in the first half but Leandro Trossard’s goal was chalked out after Ben White appeared to hold goalkeeper Danny Ward’s arm.
      And the Gunners made a touching gesture to give Oleksandr Zinchenko captaincy a year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

      Result: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      Leicester XI: Ward; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Dewsbury-Hall, Ndidil; Tete, Praet, Barnes; Iheanacho
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Back to the promised land
      Aside from their title challenge, Arsenal now find themselves 16 points clear of Newcastle in fifth spot.
      This means that Champions League football is becoming a realistic outcome for The Gunners.
      For big sides, it is integral that you are competing in Europe’s elite competition and it makes a big difference in the calibre of players you can attract in the summer.
      Gunners in prime position at top
      After two big wins on the road, Arsenal fans will fancy their chances of extending their run in the upcoming fixtures.
      They welcome Everton and Bournemouth to The Emirates before tackling two London derbies away from home.
      Arteta’s side will head to Fulham and Crystal Palace and the hierarchy will fancy that four wins are possible from these games.
      Come Ukraine or shine
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has been a great signing for Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer.
      His commitment and willing to get forward to offer options as they attack, offers a different dimension to their game.
      There is no doubt that he could quite easily slot into a more attacking position for The Gunners.

      Rodgers looking over his shoulder
      With his side failing to create any chances today, the Leicester manager will be concerned.
      Leeds and West Ham both win today, shortening the gap between them and the likes of The Foxes.
      However, defeats for Everton and Southampton still leave a four-point gap between Leicester and the relegation zone.
      FT: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      A huge victory for table-topping Arsenal.
      As the stats show, over the course of the game The Gunners did enough to edge this game.
      Leicester failed to make Aaron Ramsdale make a single save and there will be worries for their safety.

      FT: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      The referee brings the game to an end to the huge cheers from the away end.
      Over to you Man City is the message from Arteta’s side.
      Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the table.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      90+4. Partey gets down the right and looks to cross but Souttar heads it behind for a corner.
      It gives the visitors the chance to see this game out as Saka comes over to take it.
      This will be a hard-fought three points for The Gunners.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      90+2. Partey is robbed in the middle of the park.
      Dewsbury-Hall does well down the left to beat his man but the cross is lacking.
      The home fans are getting behind their team now.
      Credit: Reuters
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      90. The Belgian midfielder comes back on to give it a go.
      Arsenal are happy to just clear their lines at the moment.
      They could do with a goal to kill this game off.
      The fourth official lifts his board to show five additional minutes.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      88. Leicester could have to finish the game with ten players.
      Tielemans looks like he is unable to continue.
      This could help the visitors in seeing out the game.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      86. Tielemans and Xhaka are both down after a coming together.
      The Leicester man seemed to land awkwardly, walking gingerly on his ankle.
      Brendan Rodgers’ side have used all five subs now so he will be hoping he can continue.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      84. Jorginho’s role of best supporting actor looks set to continue as he makes another miracle recovery.
      As a result, Odegaard comes off for Partey.
      Mikel Arteta is looking to hold on to what they have now.
      Credit: Reuters
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      82. Not sure about man of the match but Jorginho could be up for an Oscar nomination after this game.
      He is rolling around holding his head like Vardy tackled him with a baseball bat.
      Arteta looks set to bring Partey on, with Jorginho down once again, he could make way for him.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      80. Arteta is looking his usual animated self on the touchline.
      He spends very little time in that technical area nowadays.
      Maybe the league need to tie him to a bungee cord tethered to the dugout.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      78. Soumare and Daka come on for Praet and Ndidi.
      Brendan Rodgers switching to two strikers as they chase an equaliser.
      This will test the Arsenal back line more.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      76. These Arsenal players go down very easily.
      Any slight contact and it is like the beach scene from Saving Private Ryan.
      Fortunately for the visitors, the referee is buying it all of the time.
      Credit: Reuters
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      74. Nketiah does well to control the ball but he loses it as he tries to run at the Leicester defence.
      The hosts counter but Praet’s cross is poor.
      He needs to realise they have Jamie Vardy up front and not Harry Potter.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      72. The visitors will be keen to get another goal to put a bit of daylight between the two sides.
      Otherwise it could make for a nervy end to the game.
      Leicester need to give Vardy more to work with.
      Dewsbury-Hall shoots from distance, not far away from Ramsdale’s post.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      70. Gabriel gathers the corner deep in the box, looking to cross it back into the danger area.
      The defender does enough as the ball goes out for a goal kick.
      Eddie Nketiah comes on for Leandro Trossard.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      68. Martinelli looks a different player in this half.
      Whatever Mikel Arteta said has worked a treat.
      Ndidi is fouled by Trossard, giving the home side a breather.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      66. Vardy is already giving Leicester more of an outlet up top.
      Dewsbury-Hall clips a cross into the near post and the striker almost gets on the end of it.
      Tielemans looks keen to make an impression today.
      Credit: Getty
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      64. Vardy must hate that docu-soap about his wife.
      Opposing fans are rinsing him whenever he comes onto the pitch.
      Ironically, setting foot on the grass begins chants from the away end voicing the same topic.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      62. The home side are struggling to get out of their own defensive third.
      It looks like Tielemans and Vardy are about to join us.
      Jamie Vardy has a phenomenal scoring record against Arsenal.
      Iheanacho and Tete are replaced.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      60. Arsenal are looking more dangerous in the Leicester final third in this half already.
      This time it is Zinchenko who draws a full-stretch save from Ward.
      Trossard is fouled on the edge of the box.
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      58. The VAR room agrees with the on-field decision.
      Barnes is seeing more of the ball in this second half.
      If Leicester can do anything to get back into this game, Barnes could be key for Rodgers’ side.
      Credit: Reuters
      Load more entries… More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 0 Arsenal 1 LIVE: Martinelli fires table-toppers ahead but suffers injury in process

      by

      ARSENAL are leading Leicester in their crunch Premier League clash thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s strike.The Gunners thought they were ahead in the first half but Leandro Trossard’s goal was chalked out after Ben White appeared to hold goalkeeper Danny Ward’s arm.
      And the Gunners made a touching gesture to give Oleksandr Zinchenko captaincy a year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      TV channel: Not televised in the UK
      Leicester XI: Ward; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Dewsbury-Hall, Ndidil; Tete, Praet, Barnes; Iheanacho
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      48. The replay shows there was no intent by the Leicester man.
      The Arsenal winger is back on his feet after some treatment.
      Players nowadays make it look a career-ending injury with their reactions.
      The boy who cried wolf springs to mind.
      Credit: Reuters
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      46. Martinelli makes a great run down the left, beats his man and gets into the box.
      As Ward comes to meet him, he slots its passed the keeper into the far corner.
      He has stayed down and seems in some pain as Ndidi seems to stand on his knee after the goal.
      Goal – Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
      Kick-off: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      We are back underway at the King Power.
      Neither side have made any changes at half-time.
      It is Leicester who get the second half started.
      HT: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      Martin Odegaard is struggling to effect the game as he would like so far.
      It is that killer pass that is just lacking.
      Mikel Arteta needs his players to offer the Norwegian more options when he is on the ball.

      HT: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      Brendan Rodgers will want to see more from his team.
      Despite Iheanacho finding the back of the net, the striker was well offside.
      Arsenal have dominated, but have rarely troubled Danny Ward in the Leicester goal.

      HT: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      The referee brings the half to a close.
      We are all level at the King Power Stadium.
      Much to the annoyance of Leandro Trossard.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      45+2. Odegaard’s free kick runs straight through harmlessly.
      That pretty much sums up the first half for the visitors.
      They need to try and get Saka into the game more.
      Credit: Reuters
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      45. You do wonder at times whether Arsenal would be better off playing Zinchenko in the left side of the front three.
      He looks very accomplished coming forward.
      The Gunners have a free kick with a chance to get the ball into the Leicester box.
      We are going to have two minutes added.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      43. Mikel Arteta will not be pleased with his side’s output.
      While they have dominated possession the end product has been distinctly lacking.
      Martinelli is having a shocking first half.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      41. Odegaard almost gets onto the ball in the box.
      Faes notices the danger and heads the ball behind for a corner.
      Trossard’s corner finds Martinelli but he gets it all wrong.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal – Martinelli yellow card
      39. We have yet to have our first shot on target of the game.
      Trossard may disagree with that stat but sadly for him White’s antics cost him.
      Martinelli is shown a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Tete.
      Credit: PA
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      37. Martinelli goes one way before faking a cross and turning the other way.
      It gets ridiculous as he does this five times with no end product.
      He needs to get the ball into the box quicker.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      35. Saka is spending more time on the deck in Arsenal games of late.
      The winger is being targeted with some rough challenges due to his form this season.
      Arteta needs to look to toughen up his winger as referees are noting that he sometimes go to ground all too easily.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      33. Arsenal are trying to turn the screw here.
      Saka goes down under the challenge of Souttar demanding a penalty.
      It would have been a soft-penalty to award that one.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      31. That was a good decision on reflection.
      It seemed there was nothing wrong to the naked eye at real-time but as the replay shows, White was impeding Ward.
      Iheanacho runs through and slots it passed Ramsdale but the offside flag immediately goes up.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      29. The referee is asked to go to the monitor by VAR.
      It is a good spot on this occasion.
      The replay shows that White is holding the arm of Ward in the build up and the goal is disallowed.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal disallowed
      VAR checking the build up play
      Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
      27. Ward struggles to deal with the in-swinging corner.
      The ball comes out to Trossard who takes one touch to get the ball out of his feet in front of him.
      He bends it into the top corner from the edge of the box.
      Goal – Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      25. Zinchenko is offering good support for Martinelli.
      The full back often seems more of a midfielder than defender.
      Arsenal are just missing that final pass at the moment.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      23. The visitors are struggling to unlock the Leicester defence.
      Trying to thread balls through constantly.
      So far, Brendan Rodgers’ side are reading the passes well.
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      21. Martinelli is penalised for a foul in the box.
      Leicester got themselves into a pickle in defence and were struggling to clear the bouncing ball.
      Arteta will want to see his side work Danny Ward more.
      Credit: Getty
      Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
      19. Arsenal have definitely started the better of the two sides.
      Martinelli crosses looking for Saka but Kristiansen heads it behind.
      The Gunners need to make these set pieces count.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury weigh in LIVE: Paul tips the scales at 183lbs while Fury’s result reads one pound heavier

      by

      JAKE PAUL and Tommy Fury met face-to-face for the final time before tomorrow’s HUGE Saudi showdown.Fury stepped on the scales first, weighing in at 184lbs before Paul’s results came in at 183lbs.
      But the drama didn’t end there as both fighters had to be stopped from lunging in at each other.
      Not long to go now until the big boxing grudge match in Saudi Arabia.

      BETTING SPECIAL – JAKE PAUL vs TOMMY FURY ODDS, BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Follow all the latest updates below…
      That’s all for now
      Thanks for joining our live blog for the Paul vs Fury weigh in.
      All the talking is now done and all that is left is the fight tomorrow night.
      You will be able to follow all the action on The Sun’s live blog that will be bringing all the updates from the ring – punch for punch.
      Fury’s dream come true
      Tommy Fury was passionate as he looked ahead to the fight in Saudi Arabia.
      He said: “You are going to see why our last name is Fury, because we are the best at fighting.
      “It has been the best experience of my life, a little kid out of Manchester, headlining in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow night it gets all the sweeter.”
      When is the fight?
      The fight is scheduled to start at 9.30pm UK time tomorrow night – Sunday, February 26.
      Credit: Getty
      What was said?
      During the face off, Paul jibed at Tommy for not “signing the contract”.
      The two rivals were literally nose-to-nose.
      While Fury hit back saying: “Your time is up, I am going to knock you the f*** out”.

      On the weight
      So Fury has come in the heavier of the two and he will be hoping to make that extra pound count.
      He let off a war cry as he was weighed.

      Fury vs Paul confirmed weights

      Tommy Fury – 184.5lbs
      Jake Paul – 183.6lbs

      Both are weighed in and ready to go tomorrow night.
      There was a flair-up on the stage after the weigh-ins as both tried to get one up on each other

      Paul has his say
      The problem child said: “That man is capping, getting all hype on stage and acting like his brother.
      “You people booing, don’t know f***.
      “I am a really f****** dawg.
      “The talk is over, it is time to figure out the truth.”

      Fury on face off
      Fury said: “His time is up. tomorrow night his time is up.
      “I am going to put this man away inside four rounds.”

      Jake Paul – 183.6lbs
      The Problem Child weighs in at 183.6lbs and appears to sshhh his competition.

      Tommy Fury – 184.5lbs
      Tommy ‘TNT’ Fury comes in at 184.5lbs and gives off a big war cry!
      Badou Jack vs Ilunga Makabu

      Badou Jack – 199.84lbs
      Ilunga Makabu – 198.5lbs

      They will be competing for the cruiserweight WBC title

      Big fight prediction
      This fight will come down to experience, and while neither fighter has much of it, Tommy has more.
      The Fighting Fury has been boxing since he was 14 or 15 years old and has the basic fundamentals that should carry him through here.
      Paul has come on leaps and bounds since his debut in 2019, but it’s going to be difficult for him to really impose himself against someone with a stiff jab and a long reach.
      If Fury gets going early and makes the middle of the ring his, hard jabs should keep Paul honest until the 23-year-old is ready to land something big.
      Fury has to be careful of Paul’s big overhand right, the one that knocked out Tyron Woodley.
      But as long as he avoids that, Fury wins this one with relative ease. Forget all the bluster.
      Prediction: Fury BEATS Paul via Round 3 TKO
      Credit: PA
      Main event fighters arrive
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury have arrived ahead of their weigh-ins.
      Ronnald Martinez vs Ziyad Almaayouf

      Ronnald Martinez – 142.5lbs
      Ziyad Almaayouf – 145.6lbs

      Taryel Jafarov vs Muhsin Cason

      Taryel Jafarov – 200.5lbs
      Muhsin Cason – 199.1lbs

      Viorel Simion vs Bader Al Samreen

      Viorel Simion – 138.6lbs
      Bader Al Samreen – 138lbs

      Stewart Kellogg vs Adam Saleh

      Stewart Kellogg – 140.9lbs
      Adam Saleh – 139.6lbs

      Philip Samson vs Salman Hamda

      Philip Samson – 167.6lbs
      Salman Hamda – 176.2lbs

      Ragad Alnaimi vs Perpetual Okaidah

      Ragad Alnaimi – 131.9lbs
      Perpetual Okaidah – 125.7lbs

      Ziyad Al-Majrashi vs Phillip Quansah

      Ziyad Al-Majrashi – 131.7lbs
      Phillip Quansah – 130.1Lbs

      Shaun Porter on the magnitude of the event
      The two-time welterweight world champion said: “It is amazing to be here as a fighter.
      “This has truly been a kingdom experience.”
      Almost time
      The weigh-ins are about to start.
      After months of training, it will be interesting to see the results come in.
      How to watch Paul vs Fury
      Paul vs Fury will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office.
      The price has been CONFIRMED at £19.95.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Paul aiming to retire Fury
      The YouTuber turned boxer is aiming to “decapitate” Tommy Fury as he targets his biggest win in boxing to date.
      He said: “Tommy, I hope you’ve enjoyed these last few moments of your career. This is it. You’re going to be retired from boxing after this, you’re going to be disowned by your family, you’re going to go back to your mother’s maiden name.
      “There’s nothing else that can save you. It is just me and you. Mano a mano [Hand and hand]. You’re brother’s not in the ring with you, your dad’s not in the ring with you anymore, Molly’s not in the ring with you anymore, Bambi isn’t in the ring with you anymore.
      “So all of that cute motivation about having a child and fighting for her, all of that s*** goes out of the window. I’m coming to take your f***ing head off, decapitate you.
      “I’m a mean, angry person deep down and I’m going to take it all out on your f***ing face. There is nothing you could do to f***ing beat me.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full card
      Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury (10 rounds – cruiserweight)
      Ilunga Makabu vs Badou Jack (12 rounds – cruiserweight, WBC title)
      Ashton Sylve vs Maxwell Awuku (8 rounds – super-featherweight)
      Bader Samreen vs. Viorel Simion (8 rounds – lightweight)
      Muhsin Cason vs Taryel Jafarov (8 rounds – cruiserweight)
      Adam Saleh vs Stuart Kellog (6 rounds- super-lightweight)
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Ronnald Martinez (4 rounds – super-lightweight)
      Load more entries… More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Latest updates from Premier League clash

      by

      WEST HAM are hosting Nottingham Forest in a crucial Premier League clash.Forest head into the match buzzing after they fought back to draw 1-1 with champions Man City.
      While the Hammers lost 2-0 to rivals Tottenham in their London derby.

      Kick-off: 3pm
      TV channel: This game will NOT be televised in the UK

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below….

      Load more entries… More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Latest updates from huge Premier League clash at Goodison Park

      by

      SEAN DYCHE’S Everton host Aston Villa in yet another huge Premier League match for the Toffees.Everton will be looking to build on their 1-0 win over fellow relegation battlers Leeds last time out.
      While Villa suffered a heart-breaking late defeat to league leaders Arsenal.

      Kick-off: 3pm
      TV channel: This game will NOT be televised in the UK

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League draw LIVE: Arsenal to play Sporting Lisbon in last-16, Man Utd drawn with Real Betis – Stream FREE

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will play Real Betis in the last-16 of the Europa League. Arsenal, on the other hand, will take on Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon.
      United beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate on Thursday night to secure their spot in the last-16, while the Gunners topped their group.

      Start time: 11am GMT
      Stream: BT Sport YouTube

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow along with our live blog below…
      Europa Conference League draw
      Here is the Europa Conference League draw in full:
      AEK Larnaca vs WEST HAM
      Fiorentina vs Sivasspor
      Lazio vs AZ Alkmaar
      Lech Poznan vs Djurgardens
      Basel vs Slovan Bratislava
      Sheriff Tiraspol vs Nice
      Anderlecht vs Villarreal
      Gent vs Istanbul Basaksehir
      Credit: AFP
      AEK Larnaca vs WEST HAM
      WEST HAM have been handed a beauty of a round of 16 clash.
      With the Hammers struggling in the Premier League, they’ll face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
      Europa Conference League draw
      The last 16 draw of the Europa Conference League is underway.
      West Ham are representing England.
      Bellerin reunion
      Arsenal will reunite with Hector Bellerin when they play Sporting Lisbon.
      Bellerin spent a decade in North London before leaving for free to join Barcelona in 2022, after a successful loan spell at boyhood club Real Betis.
      However, his return to Barca, where he spent time in the academy from 2003-2011, didn’t go to plan.
      Bellerin joined Sporting in January this year.
      Credit: Getty
      When will the round of 16 games take place?
      First leg: March 9
      Second leg: March 16
      Draw recap
      Here’s how the round of 16 looks:

      Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
      Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
      Juventus vs Freiburg
      Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
      Sporting Lisbon vs ARSENAL
      MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
      AS Roma vs Real Sociedad
      Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord

      Credit: AFP
      Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord
      Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will take on Dutch team Feyenoord.
      AS Roma vs Real Sociedad
      The Uefa Europa Conference League holders, AS Roma, will play Real Sociedad.
      MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
      MANCHESTER UNITED will play Spanish team Real Betis!
      Sporting Lisbon vs ARSENAL
      2005 finalists Sporting Lisbon will play ARSENAL!
      Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
      German side Bayer Leverkusen will take on Ferencvaros.
      The final is being held in Ferencvaros’ city, Budapest.
      Juventus vs Freiburg
      Here we go… Italian giant Juventus will play Freiburg, who are flying high in the Bundesliga.
      Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
      Six-time record winners of the Europa League, Sevilla, will play Fenerbahce.
      Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
      Union Berlin will play Belgian team Union Saint-Gilloise.
      Who’s still in the Europa League
      Here’s a reminder of the final 16 teams left in the competition.
      Seeded teams

      Arsenal
      Real Betis
      Real Sociedad
      Freiburg
      Fenerbahce
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Feyenoord
      Ferencvaros

      Unseeded teams

      Manchester United
      Sporting Lisbon
      Union Berlin
      Sevilla
      Juventus
      Shakhtar Donetsk
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Roma

      Here we go…
      The coverage for the Europa League draw has started.
      A new winner WILL be crowned this year with Eintracht Frankfurt contesting the Champions League.
      Credit: Reuters
      Barc-ing mad
      Barcelona’s decline in Europe is quite something…

      2019 – UCL Semis
      2020 – UCL Qf
      2021 – UCL RO16
      2022 – Europa league QF
      2023 – Europa League RO 32

      TOP SCORER
      Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford is joint top scorer in the competition.

      Hour warning
      Just under an hour to go until the Europa League draw gets underway.
      With Barca out, the English teams will fancy their chances this year.
      There is still, however, Juve in the mix.
      Europa League final venue
      This year’s Europa League final will be held in Hungary.
      The Puskas Arena will play host on May 31.
      Credit: Getty
      Ten Hag reveals dressing room talk
      Erik ten Hag has revealed the five tactical changes he made that helped Man United beat Barcelona.
      The Red Devils dumped the LaLiga giants out of the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last night.
      He said: “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat first half.
      “We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough. 
      “Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
      “I think in the pressing we could be more brave. So that is what we emphasised.
      “The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
      Fighting on four fronts
      Manchester United are still left in all four competitions.
      The Red Devils are third in the Premier League, will contest the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, play West Ham in the FA Cup and are into the round of 16 in the Europa League.

      Unseeded teams

      Manchester United
      Sporting Lisbon
      Union Berlin
      Sevilla
      Juventus
      Shakhtar Donetsk
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Roma

      Alamy Live News. 2NKK6PF Manchester, UK. 24th Feb, 2023. Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez celebrates at the final whistle of the UEFA Europa League play-off 2nd leg match between Manchester United and Barcelona in Manchester, Britain, Feb. 23, 2023. Credit: Xinhua/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of […]Credit: Alamy
      Seeded teams

      Arsenal
      Real Betis
      Real Sociedad
      Freiburg
      Fenerbahce
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Feyenoord
      Ferencvaros

      Gunners want Shakhtar
      Arsenal fans want to face unseeded team Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 16.
      The Gunners were chasing Mykhailo Mudryk in January but wouldn’t match the Ukrainian club’s asking price.
      Mudryk himself looked incredibly keen to join the North London club.
      That was until rivals Chelsea hijacked the deal.
      The Blues signed the 22-year-old for a fee north of £80million.
      An Arsenal fan said: “Shakhtar please – so we can punish them for Mudryk.”
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 2 Barcelona 1 (4-3) LIVE RESULT: Antony caps stunning fight back as United beat Barca in Europa League clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fought back to defeat Barcelona 2-1 in their thrilling Europa League clash.Robert Lewandowski had netted from the penalty spot before Fred and Antony scored for United who won 4-3 on aggregate.
      United will now be in the big Europa League round of 16 draw at Uefa’s HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.

      Result: Man Utd 2-1 Barcelona (4-3 agg)
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Weghorst, Sancho, Rashford
      Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Busquets, De Jong, Kessie, Roberto, Lewandowski, Raphinha

      CASINO SPECIAL: TOP 10 CASINO SITES FOR FEBRUARY 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Ten Hag hailed for masterstroke
      Erik ten Hag has been hailed for pulling off a tactical masterstroke and guiding Manchester United to a thrilling comeback over Barcelona.
      The introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst during half-time paid instant dividends as they took over.
      United have scored 19 goals by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any big five European league side this term.
      Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live: “In the second-half Erik ten Hag made the right changes and it was an instant result.”
      One fan tweeted: “No manager is perfect with in-game management, but Ten Hag is pretty close.”
      Credit: Getty
      Fergie reacts
      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘s heartwarming reaction to Manchester United’s winning goal over Barcelona had fans “pumped” after it was caught on camera.
      The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat the Euro giants 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      The 81-year-old icon was spotted at the Theatre of Dreams sitting alongside former Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson – the last Englishman to guide a team to top-flight success in 1992.
      And as Old Trafford erupted with delight at Antony’s strike, the veterans both jumped up from their seats as Fergie clapped wildly with delight.
      Then, the fiery Scotsman who was famous for dishing out the hair-dryer treatment, was caught performing a fist pump.

      What it means to be seeded?
      Seeded teams will play the second leg at home.
      Though in the form Man Utd are in these days I doubt that will worry them much.
      Europa League draw teams
      The seeded and unseeded teams for tomorrow’s massive round of 16 draw.
      Group stage winners (are seeded)Arsenal (ENG)Betis (ESP)Fenerbahçe (TUR)Ferencváros (HUN)Feyenoord (NED)Freiburg (GER)Real Sociedad (ESP)Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
      Knockout round play-off winners (are unseeded)Union Berlin (GER)Man Utd (ENG)Juventus (ITA)Leverkusen (GER)Roma (ITA)Sevilla (ESP)Shakhtar (UKR)Sporting CP (POR)
      Who could United face in the draw?
      Here are the seeded teams who await Man Utd in the Europa League draw.
      Man Utd cannot face Arsenal at this stage.

      When is the Europa League draw?
      The round of 16 draw takes place tomorrow morning.
      It will all get underway from 11am UK time.
      And remember, United will be unseeded in the draw.
      Ten Hag salutes ‘best win with Utd’
      Erik ten Hag believes toppling Barcelona over two legs is his best achievement with United.
      The Red Devils boss told BT Sport: “We’ve had some good wins – Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But I think this over two legs… Barcelona are eight points ahead in LaLiga, ahead of Real Madrid, so this is a big, big win.”
      Ten Hag admitted the first half was “flat” but still felt United were unlucky to be behind.
      He then praised pacy subs Antony and Alejandro Garnacho – who “have no fear” for helping the turnaround for a 2-1 win and 4-3 aggregate triumph.
      And the Dutchman claimed having a dressing room full of inspirational figures meant the Red Devils would always roar back.
      He said: “We have some great personalities in the team – like Varane, Martinez, Fernandes, Casemiro.
      “If we have set-backs they move on.”
      ‘This is what makes United’
      Paul Scholes believes arguably the biggest, loudest, best night at Old Trafford for years is a glimpse into both the past and the future.
      Scholes was part of Alex Ferguson’s glory era and feels Erik ten Hag can create a new golden age following this evening’s 2-1 defeat of Barcelona.
      The ex-United midfielder told BT Sport: “What a great night, absolutely brilliant.
      “Big European nights like this are what makes United.
      “We know Barcelona had a couple of big players out.
      “But once United got that second goal I don’t think United were in trouble.”
      Scholes added, however: “They (United) had to improve after that first half, because they were flat, and they did.”
      Deja Eu?
      Tonight’s 2-1 win was United’s first victory over Barcelona in 15 years.
      And the Red Devils went on to beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final.
      A good omen?

      Fred joy as fans chant his name
      Fred’s not always been the first name in the team or on the lips of United fans.
      But after his awesome display tonight, including a match-turning equaliser, he got the reception he deserved – and lapped it up.
      The tireless midfielder told BT Sport: “It’s very good to hear my name from the fans.
      “It was a good game, We had to keep going.
      “The first half we don’t play like we do, second half was much better.”
      Bruno: Old Trafford bouncing
      Bruno Fernandes claims the belief from players AND fans inspired United’s comeback KO of Barcelona.
      The midfielder told BT Sport: “The belief of the team is always there.
      “The fans have pushed us through difficult moments this season.
      “We know in the past we have done a lot like this (big games) but now we have a big match on Sunday (Carabao Cup final)
      “Old Trafford was bouncing tonight.”
      Scholes hails great double
      United legend Paul Scholes hailed United’s transformation to KO Barcelona.
      Scholes believes the good times are back – “after the first half was really bad”.
      Praising the substitutions, he told BT Sport: “Two really good goals have won it for us.”
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Fred Devils have done it
      United’s roaring comeback win puts them into the Europa league last 16 4-3 on aggregate.
      Star man Fred and Antony overturned Lewandowski’s early penalty opener as the Red Devils transformed after the break.
      United deserved it over the two legs, following a stirring 2-2 first leg draw,
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: RED DEVILS THROUGH
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Varane barrier
      Lewandowski’s shot was cleared off the lien by Varane.
      The move was ruled offside anyway – but what a block!
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Awesome Fred
      Fred’s still the main man as United try to fend off Barcelona midway through stoppage time.
      Barca are now building forward steadily.
      But one Torres cross just eluded three visitors’ players.
      And United soon win a free-kick that’s celebrated almost like a goal.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Red Devils clinging on
      United briefly got hold of the ball in the corner – to slow things down.
      But Barca struck back instantly – and Lewandowski was nearly found clear on goal.
      Soon after that, Fred is again involved, sniffing out a half-chance on the eedge of the box.
      We’re into FIVE MINUTES of added time.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Rashford hobbles off
      United brought on Scott McTominay in the 88th minute for Rashford, who walked off gingerly.
      We can expect plenty of stoppage time here.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Casemiro booked
      Casemiro hauled Lewandowski down in the middle of the United half, earning a booking when Barca were getting men forward.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Araujo off, Alonso on
      Barcelona rejig their defence as the tie enters the final eight minutes.
      So far we’ve not seen any heavy pressure from Barca.
      And in fact direct-running United sub Garnacho earns Busquets a booking with a burst from halfway.
      The midfield legend tripped the speeding winger, who tumbled dramatically.
      That free-kick award calms things down nicely for United.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Brilliant United break
      After United clear a Torres free-kick, the inspirational Fred leads a stunning counter-attack.
      Garnacho swaps passes with the Brazilian and the resulting cross is just cleared from danger.
      Rashford then threatens in the box too.
      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Can Red Devils hold on
      4-3 up on aggregate, United so far aren’t resorting to just defending.
      But Garnacho is booked for a reckless challenge on Kounde, giving Barcelona a free-kick deep down the right.

      Man Utd 2-1 Barca: Subs have turned this around
      Garnacho and Fernandes showed great strength and determination to conjure a chance out of nothing down the left.
      And when the ball comes in Antony shows outstanding composure in the penalty area D to plant a precision left-footer back into the corner.
      GOAL: Man Utd 2-1 Barca
      Antony’s bottom-corner snap-shot on 72 minutes puts United in front on the night and on aggregate.
      Man Utd 1-1 Barca: Torres on for Roberto
      Ex-Man City winger Ferran Torres came on for Barcelona – on the right wing.
      And virtually his first act will be to help defend a free-kick conceded by Lewandowski’s foul on Casemiro, who seems hurt as he receives plenty of treatment.
      Lewandowski is eventually booked during an extended delay.
      And more importantly Casemiro is fine to continue.
      Load more entries… More