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      in Soccer

      Leeds 1 Brighton 1 LIVE RESULT: Struijk’s last-gasp equaliser SEALS crucial point for Whites – latest updates

      by

      LEEDS left it late at Elland Road to secure themselves a vital point in this thrilling relegation fight. Former Manchester United star Danny Welbeck’s first half strike seemed to be enough for Brighton to claim all three points.
      Until Pascal Struijk popped up with a 92nd minute equaliser to revitalise the Whites’ survival charge.

      RESULT: Leeds 1-1 Brighton
      TV/Live stream: Peacock TV
      Leeds XI: Meslier; Raphinha, Koch, Llorente, Cooper, Firpo; Rodrigo, Klich, Phillips, Harrison; Gelhardt
      Brighton XI: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Cucurella; March, Bissouma, Caicedo, Trossard; Gross, Mac Allister; Welbeck

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      Goodnight from Elland Road
      That’s all from us in Yorkshire after another dramatic afternoon of Premier League football.
      Leeds are out of the dropzone for now, but that could all change by the time Jesse Marsch’s men next take to the field in a week’s time to face Brentford.
      One club that can cement their Premier League status today are Everton, who will be guaranteed survival if they can claim victory over the same opposition – and they’ve just taken the lead…
      Thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Before we head off for the evening to prepare for the final week of the season, let’s remind ourselves of all the action that took place during Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Brighton.
      Here’s Martin Blackburn’s match report from Elland Road.
      When the fourth official held up six minutes, the home crowd knew there was still time. Gelhardt did superbly to wriggle clear on the right and held up a cross to the back post where Struijk managed to nod it over the line. It sparked wild celebrations – win at Brentford next Sunday and it may just be enough.
      Joffy leaves it late again
      Joe Gelhardt once again played a pivotal role as Leeds dug themselves out of trouble in stoppage time against Brighton.
      The striker, affectionally known at Elland Road as Joffy, has made a habit of late interventions, this time in providing a clever cross for Pascal Struijk to head home at the death.
      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Battle at the bottom
      That last-gasp equaliser moves Leeds out of the bottom three, but a reminder that the Whites have played one more game than Burnley.
      The Clarets go to Aston Villa on Thursday, and if they manage to avoid defeat there, Leeds will go into their final game at Brentford in the dropzone.
      A win for Everton at home to the Bees this teatime, and they will be safe for another season.

      Kalvin’s emotional Elland Road exit?
      Kalvin Phillips was one of the last players off the pitch, having gone around each stand at Elland Road to applaud the supporters that have worshipped one of their own for seven years.
      With tears in his eyes, was it Phillips’ way of saying goodbye to these fans and this stadium?

      Match stats from Elland Road
      Leeds huffed and puffed in the second half, and eventually got their deserved reward – having been outclassed by Brighton in the first period.

      Full time – Leeds 1-1 Brighton
      A precious point, or too little too late?
      Pascal Struijk’s injury time header lifts Leeds out of the relegation zone, but United have now played a game more than Burnley below them.
      It will be an anxious week for the Whites to wait to find out if they will go to Brentford with matters in their own hands.
      Leeds 1-1 Brighton
      90+4. The Leeds players aren’t settling for one, and now they’re screaming for a penalty!
      Raphinha thumps a cross into the area, and it strikes the arm of Veltman.
      Mike Dean takes a long look and then points only for a corner.
      It’s the right decision from the referee, who correctly notes that the Dutch defender’s arm was in a natural position down by his side.
      Leeds 1-1 Brighton
      90+2. THE ROOF HAS COME OFF ELLAND ROAD!!
      Two minutes into stoppage time, and Leeds have their equaliser!
      Pascal Struijk was down with a head injury moments ago, but now he’s used it to score a goal that lifts Leeds out of the bottom three.
      Credit must go to Joe Gelhardt, who keeps battling inside the box, and when he manages to hold on to the ball on the byline, he ignores the roars of the crowd encouraging him to shoot.
      Instead, he lifts a cross up towards the far post, where Struijk arrives unchallenged to nod over the line and spark wild scenes inside the stadium.
      What a huge goal that could be in the history of Leeds United Football Club!

      Goal! Pascal Struijk has done it!
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      90. The board goes up to signal six minutes!
      It brings one last roar of encouragement. Can Leeds find a goal?

      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      88. Struijk has been down for a couple of minutes with a head injury which could mean we’re in for a sizeable amount of stoppage time.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      86. Chants of “Sack the board!” now ring around Elland Road.
      The atmosphere, one of hope and belief at the start of the day, has turned somewhat toxic.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton – Cooper yellow card
      85. And there’s the 100th Leeds caution of the season.
      Perhaps fitting that it’s the skipper Liam Cooper, who has picked it up for persistent fouling – which kinda sums up Leeds’ campaign.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton – Leeds substitutions
      84. A double change for the hosts.
      Sam Greenwood and Pascal Struijk are on. Off go Junior Firpo and Mateusz Klich.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      83. Marcelo Bielsa’s name is being sung around Elland Road now.
      I’m not sure how helpful that is to their current predicament, but you can understand the fans’ frustrations.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton – Rodrigo yellow card
      81. Leeds’s record signing Rodrigo goes into the book for tripping Veltman.
      It’s Leeds’ 99th red card of this Premier League season.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      80. Bissouma crashes a long range shot into the midriff of Meslier.
      Meanwhile, on the touchline, Jesse Marsch is preparing a double change.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      79. Leeds are just losing their way somewhat from all that attacking pressure.
      Can they raise the tempo one lat time for the final ten minutes?
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      77. Brighton’s attacking intent now, while not quite non-existent, is like that of a Scott Parker side holding a lead in the final half hour.
      Welbeck half-heartedly chases a through ball but it’s long, and the striker quickly drops back into position.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      75. This time Gelhardt goes close…
      …but not close enough.
      The striker takes Klich’s pass in his stride, but pulls a thumping shot wide of the post from 20 yards.
      Can they find an equaliser? They deserve one on this second half showing.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      73. Another big save from Robert Sanchez!
      A long ball pumped into the penalty box causes havoc, and then drops kindly for Klich at the far post.
      The Leeds midfielder strikes firmly across goal, but it’s met confidently by the parry of the Brighton goalkeeper.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton – Firpo yellow card
      71. A first Leeds card of the game, and it’s rare that they make it this far before troubling the referee’s notebook.
      It’s a cynical challenge from Junior Firpo to trip Yves Bissouma, just as the Brighton man has burst forward from midfield.

      Leeds 0-1 Brighton
      69. An absolutely sensational pass from Gelhardt, round the back of the Brighton defence from the left touchline, has Raphinha closing in on goal…
      …but the Brazilian is just unable to get a telling connection to divert it pass Sanchez.
      Leeds are really pushing.
      Leeds 0-1 Brighton – Leeds substitution
      67. A first change for the hosts.
      Jesse Marsch brings on Jamie Shackleton for Robin Koch.
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    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘line up £42m Casemiro transfer’, Perisic ‘AGREES Blues deal’, Tuchel blasts Mount abuse – latest updates

      by

      CHELSEA suffered a THIRD consecutive FA Cup final loss to ensure they end up trophyless this season.But they are reportedly already laying the foundations for next season in terms of the playing staff.
      Thomas Tuchel’s side could have done with Inter Milan ace Ivan Perisic at Wembley, who has reportedly agreed terms with the West London outfit.
      The Blues are also reported to be interested in a £42m deal for Real Madrid star Casemiro.
      And Tuchel has hit out at social media trolls sending abuse to Mason Mount over his missed penalty.
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
      Shearer’s Werner claim
      Alan Shearer believes Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel went wrong by not playing Timo Werner against Liverpool in the FA Cup fina.
      “With Chelsea, Havertz is injured. But I’m surprised Werner’s not playing, because of his pace, because of the high line we know Liverpool play,” Shearer said.
      “I know he gets offside a lot but it would have been a huge threat for him to be running behind.”
      Tuchel explains Loftus-Cheek decision
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed why he subbed Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of the ill-fated penalty shoot-out against Liverpool.
      Loftus-Cheek had barely got involved in the action having being brought on shortly before getting subbed for Ross Barkely as penalties loomed.
      And explaining his decision to do so, Tuchel said: “No, that was purely for penalties.
      “Ruben has not got a good history, statistically, and Ross has so it was purely because of the penalties.”
      Rudiger’s Real choice
      Antonio Rudiger was so intent on a move to Real Madrid he reportedly turned down more lucrative offers from a number of European heavyweights.
      Both PSG and Bayern Munich tried to snatch Rudiger from Real’s clutches by offering him more money, according to Diario AS.
      And Bayern were the most keen on Rudiger after getting dumped out the Champions League by Villarreal, the report also states.
      However, the chance to play for Real was too good to turn down and the defender ultimately opted for a move to the Bernabeu.
      Perisic wants Juve transfer
      Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic is reportedly eyeing a move to Juventus.
      Reports have claimed that the Inter Milan star has worked out a deal with Chelsea.
      But according to GetfootballnewsItaly, Perisic would prefer a move to Juve.
      Salah will make final
      Mo Salah will be available to play in the Champions League final despite picking up an injury on Saturday.
      The winger, 29, was forced off with a groin injury 33 minutes into the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
      While it looked very concerning for the Reds at the time, Salah has since confirmed that it is nothing serious.
      When asked if he was okay after the game, he replied: “All good” and reassured fans that he would be available for the Champions League final against Real Madrid later this month.
      Vidic names toughest opponents
      Man United legend Nemanja Vidic has named the four toughest opponents he faced in the Premier League.
      Peter Crouch was the first Liverpool striker Vidic bemoaned facing.
      Vidic also mentioned Chelsea great Didier Drogba and his lethal combination of strength and intelligence.
      Vidic’s watchlist finished with Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero and former Reds star Luis Suarez.
      Vidic made the admissions to The Athletic.
      Ten Hag wants Kante
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a sensational swoop for N’Golo Kante this summer in a bid to bolster his midfield options next season.
      According to The Mirror, chiefs at Manchester United, including Ten Hag, believe a swoop for Kante is a realistic proposition.
      The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed that the Blues were fearing Kante would be one of a number of players on their way out of the club.
      Wright’s sympathy for Mason Mount
      Ian Wright has admitted that he feels sorry for Mason Mount after the player missed a penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Liverpool.
      Wright said: “I’m disappointed for Mason Mount because when a player misses a penalty at this level with so much on the line.
      “You’ve got to feel gutted for him.”
      Tuchel on Chelsea’s season
      Thomas Tuchel reckons Chelsea have had a good season despite losing to cup finals to Liverpool thus far.
      And he pointed to Chelsea’s success in the World Club Cup and European Super Cup as proof that the Blues are capable of challenging for trophies.
      He said: “I think we have what it takes to win trophies and we proved it.
      “Somebody wanted to convince me that we had a trophy-less season but we have the World Club Cup and the European Super Cup.
      “We did everything to win these two matches but we have to accept that our opponents deserve also to win these matches and they did it.”
      Keane’s disdain for Fabregas
      Roy Keane once threatened to ‘smash Cesc Fabregas in’ when the midfielder clattered into him.
      Fabregas risked Keane’s wrath after tackling the Irishman really hard when Arsenal played Man United in the FA Cup final.
      Keane let Gerard Pique know just how close Fabregas was to a beating a few years later.
      Fabregas recalled to The Times: “I tackled Roy Keane really hard and I felt really good about it because he was always giving me a tough time.
      “A few years later, Gerard Pique [his friend from Barcelona’s La Masia academy] said to me that at half-time Keane said, ‘That Spanish friend of yours, I will smash him, he killed me.’”
      Suarez praises Liverpool
      Luis Suarez took the time to congratulate former club Liverpool for their FA Cup final win over Chelsea.
      The Reds edged a thrilling penalty shoot-out to lift the cup.
      And Suarez was full of praise for his old club.
      He wrote on social media: “Congratulations to @LiverpoolFC for winning the FA Cup! YNWA.”
      Alisson’s plan to stop Mendy
      Alisson devised a secret plot to stop Edouard Mendy from playing mind games on Liverpool’s FA Cup Final penalty takers – by hand delivering the ball to his teammates.
      The Chelsea ‘keeper has a history of interfering during penalties when helping Senegal to beat Egypt via spot-kicks in the Africa Cup of Nations final in February.
      Alisson was adamant that would not happen again, and he scooped up the ball after each Chelsea kick and walked straight to his pal to give them it.
      Only Sadio Mane, Mendy’s international teammate, missed a penalty for Liverpool.
      Rudiger speaks on frustration
      Antonio Rudiger is frustrated that he hasn’t left Chelsea with a FA Cup winner medal after yesterday’s loss to Liverpool.
      Rudiger said after the game: “It’s been five years as normal with ups and downs, but with a lot of positive things,” the Germany international said.
      “That’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending.”
      Terry reveals FA Cup pain
      John Terry revealed he was devastated after witnessing Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss.
      But the Blues legend still found the time to praise Liverpool’s Luis Diaz who was the game’s Man Of The Match.
      Terry said on Instagram in a message that Diaz shared: “Absolutely devastated, but you are a fantastic player my friend.”
      Rudiger explains quitting reasons
      Antonio Rudiger has dismissed the theory that Government sanctions are behind his decision to quit Chelsea.
      The German defender is leaving for Real Madrid on a free transfer once the Premier League season finishes on Sunday week.
      Strict rules imposed due to owner Roman Abramovich’s links to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin have banned Chelsea from negotiating new contracts with existing players but Rudiger insists it was other issues which stopped him staying.
      But Rudiger, who suffered FA Cup Final defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, said: “There was a chance but sanctions are not the problem. I don’t want to go too deep in things.
      “At the end of the day it’s not only about one side (helping the other), it’s both sides – Chelsea have been great to me, I have been great to Chelsea.
      “As always, I am very, very thankful me, my family. I became a man here. My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me.”
      Mo Salah’s classy gesture
      Mohamed Salah invited former Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria into the Liverpool dressing room to celebrate their FA Cup win over Chelsea.
      Salah was forced to watch a large part of Saturday’s final from the sidelines after being forced off through injury.
      Liverpool’s epic dressing room celebrations where shared with former Egypt star Zakaria, who has motor neurone disease, after he was invited in by Salah.
      Hav some of that
      Kai Havertz, was also another absentee from the squad due to a hamstring injury.
      Discussing the problems afterwards, he said: “Kai did not train because of hamstring problems and we thought he would injure himself.
      “We did a test on Saturday morning but it was not better.”
      Tuch and go for Werner
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed Timo Werner told him he did not want to play in the FA Cup Final after suffering a problem in the warm-up.
      Chelsea fans were shocked as the German forward was left as an unused substitute during the penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool at Wembley.
      He said: “Timo felt uncomfortable in the warm-up and said he could not play.
      “A hamstring as well. We had no options.”
      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Klopp and Tuchel agree…
      Managers Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel agreed Liverpool’s FA Cup final glory came down to ‘tiny margins’.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount missed penalties as the Reds repeated their Carabao Cup shootout joy over the same opponents, this time with a 6-5 success following a goalless 120 minutes.
      And Liverpool boss Klopp ‘couldn’t be prouder’ after his ‘mentality monsters’ won an ‘incredible, tense’ final.
      Counterpart Tuchel claimed he was sure Chelsea would win – ‘until the final minute’.
      So it’s two down, two to go, in Liverpool’s Quadruple hunt.
      And skipper Jordan Henderson believes today’s triumph shows ‘attitude, personalities and incredible talent’ are their driving force.
      ‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
      Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
      The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
      And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
      He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
      “We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult  – and we did again.
      “We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
      “I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
      “I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
      Mason’s lost all his six Wembley finals
      Mason Mount missed a crucial penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, condemning himself to SIX consecutive Wembley final defeats.
      The Blues academy product stepped up and missed his sudden death spot-kick in the penalty shootout, before Liverpool ace Konstantinos Tsimikas wrapped the game up.
      It means the England and Chelsea ace has now lost SIX consecutive finals at Wembley in his professional career.
      Mount’s bad luck at the national team’s stadium started back in 2019 during his loan spell at Derby.
      The 23-year-old was playing under Frank Lampard at the time but lost to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. He then followed it up with back-to-back FA Cup defeats in 2020 and 2021.
      Mount then suffered heartbreak with England, who were penalties away from their first major trophy since 1966, but they were toppled by Italy.
      And this season, back-to-back losses to Liverpool on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup added more insult to injury for the Chelsea fan. Mount’s bad luck is leading to some fans believing the midfielder is “cursed”. One fan said on Twitter: “Mason Mount is really cursed at Wembley.”
      Trolls target ‘bottle job’ Mason
      Mason Mount has been branded a “bottle job” by brutal trolls online after his FA Cup final penalty miss, writes TOM SHEEN.
      The Chelsea star played the full 120 minutes as his side battled with Liverpool under the Wembley arch.
      Like in February’s League Cup final, the two sides couldn’t be separated – with neither able to score in two hours of play.

      The match went to penalties, with Mount not stepping up until the Blues’ seventh spot kick – after forgotten man Ross Barkley.
      Cesar Azpilicueta had already missed from 12 yards, only to be bailed out by Edouard Mendy’s save from Sadio Mane.
      Mount wouldn’t be so lucky, with Kostas Tsimikas tucking away the following penalty to seal a 6-5 shoot-out win for the Reds.
      Social media was subsequently full of trolls criticising Mount for failing to score. One wrote: “Mason Mount’s a bottle job pass it on.”
      Another asked: “Mason Mount the biggest bottle job in football?”
      Pointing out his record, one fan wrote: “Mason Mount is the biggest bottle job ever 6 finals now init?” Another pointed out: “When it’s Mount he’s cursed but when it’s Kane he’s a serial bottler.”
      A kinder fan pointed out: “He’s rather a blessed one @masonmount_10. How many people get such finals to play. His time will come. Even Klopp has started winning trophies.”
      Klopp hails his ‘outstanding mentality monsters’
      Boss Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s nerves of steel as they completed a domestic shootout double over Chelsea.
      Klopp told the BBC: “Outstanding, it was an incredible, intense game against Chelsea – they would have deserved it [the win] exactly the same way, like in the Carabao Cup – that’s how small the margins are.
      “I couldn’t be more proud of my boys, the shift they put in, how hard they fought, early changes.
      “All of these things, missing good chances, overcoming good moments from Chelsea, then having really good moments ourselves.
      “Then in the penalty shootout, it was nerve-racking, my nails are gone but I really feel for Chelsea – for the second time, 120 minutes and you get nothing, that’s too hard. But for us I’m pretty happy.
      “We are mentality monsters but there were mentality monsters in blue as well – it was one penalty.
      “Chelsea played outstanding but in the end there must be one winner and that was us today.”
      Blues lack killer Tuch
      Chelsea suffered shootout heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool for the second time this season, writes JACK ROSSER.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are still on for a remarkable quadruple after both Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount failed from the spot at Wembley, handing the Reds a first FA Cup under the German.

      Chelsea had to ride their luck at times – recovering after a terrible start in which Luis Diaz could have scored twice.
      But they had plenty of chances themselves and were too wasteful when it really mattered.
      American Christian Pulisic sent good chances agonisingly wide in either half while he should have played a better ball for Marcos Alonso in the first half.
      Alonso was racing through but the pass forced him into a heavy touch, allowing Alisson to save.
      Pulisic was Chelsea’s most dangerous player – but fell short when it mattered most.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel must shoulder some blame too. With Liverpool leaving acres of space thanks to their high line, Pulisic had showed that pace could hurt them.
      Despite that, Tuchel decided to keep a confident Timo Werner on the bench throughout, instead turning to Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bolster the forward line.
      It is desperately cruel to lose on penalties again, especially with one Chelsea legend, Azpilicueta, and another in the making, Mount, being the ones to let the Blues down.
      Tuchel’s true task at Chelsea is to ensure they mix it with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table next season. After four draws from four games against Liverpool this season Chelsea will feel close to doing that. To make that next step, they need a killer touch at the crucial times.
      READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
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    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham 2 Man City 2 LIVE RESULT: Hammers deliver blow to City title charge as Fabianski SAVES late Mahrez penalty

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY missed out on the chance to take a huge step in retaining their title this afternoon.West Ham raced into a two goal lead courtesy of their talisman Jarrod Bowen.
      But the Hammers were pegged back by Jack Grealish’s deflected effort and Vladimir Coufal’s own goal.
      And things almost went from bad to worse for David Moyes’ team as Craig Dawson clumsily brought Gabriel Jesus down in the box.
      However, Lukasz Fabianski made himself a hero by denying Riyad Mahrez with a fantastic save from the penalty spot.

      RESULT: West Ham 2-2 Man City
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Dawson, Zouma, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals, Antonio.
      Man City XI: Ederson, Cancelo, Fernandinho, Laporte, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus, Grealish

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      The man, the myth, the club captain
      Mark Noble will say an emotional goodbye to the London Stadium after playing his last game here for his beloved West Ham.
      Drawing with arguably the best team in the country, The Hammers showed their passion and that they can compete with the big teams.
      City manager Pep Guardiola made a point of going over the West Ham maestro to have a few words of congratulation for a career with one club.
      Players like Mark Noble are a dying breed and should be celebrated.

      Title race hangs in the balance
      Liverpool have always been playing ‘catch up’ in their battle with Man City for this season’s title.
      City’s draw today means that should Jurgen Klopp’s side win their game in hand, against Southampton Tuesday, Pep knows his side would have to win their final game of the season.
      It all sets itself up for a dramatic final day of the season.

      Pep’s words rally his City troops
      Man City looked a completely difference side after the half-time interval.
      They came out of the traps the quickest and managed to get an early goal as a foothold in the game.
      Both sides will feel they did enough here today to win the game and take all of the points.
      A draw is probably a fair result giving the performances of both sides.
      FT: West Ham 2-2 Man City
      The referee brings an entertaining game to a close.
      Never a truer word said than ‘a game of two halves’ here today.
      In the first half West Ham opened themselves up a two goal lead.
      City did not look like themselves whatsoever.
      Pep’s half time words seemed to do the trick as the defending champions got themselves back on level terms before trying to turn the screw and take all three points.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      90+2. We have two minutes remaining here.
      Antonio goes down under the challenge with little support around him.
      The referee isn’t having any of it and tells him to get back to his feet.

      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      90. We will have an additional four minutes added on.
      Enough time for either side to create that one chance that could take the spoils here at the London Stadium.
      What odds on a Mark Noble winner for the football romantics?
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      88. Big close coming up in this game.
      West Ham are pushing forward and trying to create something for themselves to try and steal all three points.
      City clear the ball and look to counter attack at pace.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      86. Fabianski dives to his left and saves the penalty.
      What a huge save that could be for West Ham.
      This could give them the confidence to go and win this game.
      Penalty missed – Riyad Mahrez (Man City)
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      84. Jesus goes past Dawson in the box and goes to ground.
      Anthony Taylor is not interested in the City claims for a penalty.
      VAR has asked him to go to the monitor to have a look at this.
      Ominous signs for West Ham.
      Decision is overturned, penalty to Man City.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      82. Another goal will probably settle this game.
      You would fancy City to be the team to get it with the way the second half has gone.
      West Ham are struggling to hold the ball up when they clear.

      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      80. Grealish is causing West Ham all sorts of problems.
      He skips passed two challenges to drop his shoulder and get a shot on Fabianski’s goal.
      The ball is blocked but the City attacker makes sure he is the first to it and manages to fire off another shot that is deflected wide.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      78. Mark Noble comes on for an emotional introduction to the game.
      Lanzini trudges off to be replaced by him.
      West Ham may change their tactics somewhat here now.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City – Bowen chance!
      76. The home side almost retake the lead.
      The ball is headed down into the path of Jarrod Bowen.
      He hits it on the half volley but the ball deflects off Laporte and wide of the goal.
      Ederson had no chance if that was on target.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      74. It looks as though David Moyes is going to bring Mark Noble on.
      City are finding this all too easy in this half so far.
      Noble could be needed to break up play in the centre of the pitch for The Hammers.
      Rodri has a shot from distance which Fabianski manages to get behind and keep out.
      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      72. Someone has woken up the City fans.
      As ‘Blue Moon’ echoes from the away end.
      West Ham are on the ropes here now.

      West Ham 2-2 Man City
      70. Vladimír Coufal is having a second half to forget.
      Already booked for a foul earlier on, City put a cross into a dangerous area to attack.
      Coufal feels he needs to deal with it and get his head to it.
      Sadly for the West Ham man he plants it right in the bottom corner of Fabianski’s goal.
      Goal – Vladimír Coufal own goal (West Ham)
      West Ham 2-1 Man City
      68. Man City could make West Ham pay for not taking these chances.
      The visitors are in the ascendency.
      Laporte is fouled, free kick given, chance to deliver another ball into the West Ham penalty area.
      West Ham 2-1 Man City – Antonio chance!
      66. What a chance for West Ham to extend their lead.
      Fernandinho has no idea of the players around him.
      He looks to pass it back to Ederson but sets Michail Antonio through one on one with the City keeper.
      Antonio looks to loft it over the keeper but hits the ball wide of the goal.
      Big chance.

      West Ham 2-1 Man City
      64. The home faithful try to get behind their side.
      It makes such a difference to the atmosphere and West Ham players.
      City are looking to pick a hole in The Hammers back line.
      West Ham 2-1 Man City – Bowen chance!
      62. Ederson comes charging out of his box to win a ball.
      Laporte doesn’t know he is coming until late so has to deal with the ball.
      Zinchenko is daydreaming and allows Bowen to the ball first.
      The West Ham attacker looks to score from a tight angle when a better choice may have been to square the ball.
      West Ham 2-1 Man City
      60. De Bruyne tries his luck from just outside the penalty area.
      He cannot get the ball up over the wall and back down again.
      Guardiola hangs his head in his hands.
      West Ham 2-1 Man City
      58. De Bruyne is fouled by Coufal.
      The West Ham player receives a yellow card.
      Dangerous position for Man City to capitalise.
      West Ham 2-1 Man City
      56. West Ham are under the cosh here now.
      City are piling on the pressure.
      Fabianski manages to keep out a Bernardo Silva effort with the help of Kurt Zouma.

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      Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0 (5-6 on pens) LIVE REACTION: Tsimikas FIRES Reds to dramatic FA Cup final victory – latest updates

      by

      LIVERPOOL’S quest for the unprecedented quadruple continues as they beat Chelsea at Wembley YET AGAIN.The Blues squandered several opportunities during the match – most noticeably Christian Pulisic who could have had himself a hattrick.
      And Jurgen Klopp’s men wasted chances of their own, including striking the post twice in two minutes.
      But it was Liverpool who kept their composure in the penalty shoot-out which has resulted in Chelsea suffering THREE consecutive FA Cup final defeats.
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      RESULT: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (5-6 on pens)
      TV channel: BBC One/ITV
      Free live stream: BBC iPlayer/ITV Hub
      Chelsea XI: Mendy; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Lukaku
      Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Mane, Diaz

      A Tuch unlucky
      Managers Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel agreed Liverpool’s FA Cup final glory came down to ‘tiny margins’.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount missed penalties as the Reds repeated their Carabao Cup shootout joy over the same opponents, this time with a 6-5 success following a goalless 120 minutes.
      And Liverpool boss Klopp ‘couldn’t be prouder’ after his ‘mentality monsters’ won an ‘incredible, tense’ final.
      Counterpart Tuchel claimed he was sure Chelsea would win – ‘until the final minute’.
      So it’s two down, two to go, in Liverpool’s Quadruple hunt.
      And skipper Jordan Henderson believes today’s triumph shows ‘attitude, personalities and incredible talent’ are their driving force.
      ‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
      Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
      The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
      And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
      He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
      “We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult  – and we did again.
      “We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
      “I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
      “I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
      And the final reason Liverpool won it…
      ALEXANDER-ARNOLD CAN DEFEND
      Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is panned for some of his defending — and rightly so.
      He plays a massive part with his assists and brilliant passing but at Wembley he starred with vital interceptions and denied Alonso and Pulisic.
      England rival Reece James was Chelsea’s best player with outstanding tackling.
      Final breakdown – continued
      ALISSON DELIVERS AGAIN
      Keeper Alisson has delivered so many key moments for Liverpool.
      And do not forget it was his headed winner against West Brom near the end of last season that kept his team in the Champions League hunt.
      Arguably, the Brazilian should have got the official man-of-the-match award.
      He made big saves from Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic during the 90 minutes before that save from Mason Mount in the shoot-out.
      CHELSEA LACKING UP FRONT
      Despite Alisson’s big moments, Chelsea should have created more chances.
      They were unable to make Liverpool pay for their many wasted opportunities.
      Romelu Lukaku laboured up front and wasted his one really decent opening.
      His 85th-minute replacement, Hakim Ziyech, made little impression but one of the weirdest cameos in a final was by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was used as a false nine for 14 minutes in extra-time before being replaced.
      How final was won and lost
      Liverpool kept alive their hopes of the quadruple while Chelsea lost a third successive FA Cup final.
      Here, SunSport’s Charlie Wyett looks at where the game was won and lost.

      THE UNLIKELY PENALTY HERO
      Kostas Tsimikas had been forced to wait in the wings in his 21 months at the club due to the outstanding form of left-back Andy Robertson.
      The Greek was a surprise replacement for Robertson in the second period of extra-time and it was an inspired decision by Jurgen Klopp to let him take Liverpool’s seventh penalty.
      His spot-kick was outstanding and although he is not good enough to be a first-team regular, here was his moment of fame.
      Klopp joins Fergie with clean sweep
      Liverpool’s FA Cup final triumph makes Jurgen Klopp the only manager apart from Alex Ferguson to have won all four big domestic honours – the Champions League/European Cup and English top-flight crown, plus FA Cup and League Cup.

      Mount’s six jinx
      Mason Mount missed a crucial penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, condemning himself to SIX consecutive Wembley final defeats.
      The Blues academy product stepped up and missed his sudden death spot-kick in the penalty shootout, before Liverpool ace Konstantinos Tsimikas wrapped the game up.
      It means the England and Chelsea ace has now lost SIX consecutive finals at Wembley in his professional career.
      Mount’s bad luck at the national team’s stadium started back in 2019 during his loan spell at Derby.
      The 23-year-old was playing under Frank Lampard at the time but lost to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. He then followed it up with back-to-back FA Cup defeats in 2020 and 2021.
      Mount then suffered heartbreak with England, who were penalties away from their first major trophy since 1966, but they were toppled by Italy.
      And this season, back-to-back losses to Liverpool on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup added more insult to injury for the Chelsea fan. Mount’s bad luck is leading to some fans believing the midfielder is “cursed”. One fan said on Twitter: “Mason Mount is really cursed at Wembley.”
      Blues pull off unwanted treble
      Chelsea became the first team to lose three straight FA Cup finals.
      After Arsenal won 2-1 in 2020 and Leicester triumphed 1-0 last year, Liverpool completed a domestic shootout double over Thomas Tuchel’s men this afternoon.
      We’ll be back
      Chelsea vowed to recover from their second shootout loss against Liverpool.
      The Reds completed stage two of their Quadruple bid as FA Cup final joy followed Carabao Cup glory.
      And the Blues tweeted: “To a man we gave it everything. We are Chelsea, we’ll be back.”

      Blues lacked killer Tuch
      Chelsea suffered shootout heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool for the second time this season, writes JACK ROSSER.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are still on for a remarkable quadruple after both Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount failed from the spot at Wembley, handing the Reds a first FA Cup under the German.

      Chelsea had to ride their luck at times – recovering after a terrible start in which Luis Diaz could have scored twice.
      But they had plenty of chances themselves and were too wasteful when it really mattered.
      American Christian Pulisic sent good chances agonisingly wide in either half while he should have played a better ball for Marcos Alonso in the first half.
      Alonso was racing through but the pass forced him into a heavy touch, allowing Alisson to save.
      Pulisic was Chelsea’s most dangerous player – but fell short when it mattered most.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel must shoulder some blame too. With Liverpool leaving acres of space thanks to their high line, Pulisic had showed that pace could hurt them.
      Despite that, Tuchel decided to keep a confident Timo Werner on the bench throughout, instead turning to Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bolster the forward line.
      It is desperately cruel to lose on penalties again, especially with one Chelsea legend, Azpilicueta, and another in the making, Mount, being the ones to let the Blues down.
      Tuchel’s true task at Chelsea is to ensure they mix it with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table next season. After four draws from four games against Liverpool this season Chelsea will feel close to doing that. To make that next step, they need a killer touch at the crucial times.
      READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
      ‘Bottle job’ attacks Mounted on Mason
      Mason Mount has been branded a “bottle job” by brutal trolls online after his FA Cup final penalty miss, writes TOM SHEEN.
      The Chelsea star played the full 120 minutes as his side battled with Liverpool under the Wembley arch.
      Like in February’s League Cup final, the two sides couldn’t be separated – with neither able to score in two hours of play.
      The match went to penalties, with Mount not stepping up until the Blues’ seventh spot kick – after forgotten man Ross Barkley.
      Cesar Azpilicueta had already missed from 12 yards, only to be bailed out by Edouard Mendy’s save from Sadio Mane.

      Mount wouldn’t be so lucky, with Kostas Tsimikas tucking away the following penalty to seal a 6-5 shoot-out win for the Reds.
      Social media was subsequently full of trolls criticising Mount for failing to score. One wrote: “Mason Mount’s a bottle job pass it on.”
      Another asked: “Mason Mount the biggest bottle job in football?”
      Pointing out his record, one fan wrote: “Mason Mount is the biggest bottle job ever 6 finals now init?” Another pointed out: “When it’s Mount he’s cursed but when it’s Kane he’s a serial bottler.”
      A kinder fan pointed out: “He’s rather a blessed one @masonmount_10. How many people get such finals to play. His time will come. Even Klopp has started winning trophies.”
      Henderson hails ‘incredible talent’ of Reds
      Skipper Jordan Henderson says ‘attitude, personalities’ and incredible talent’ earned Liverpool their FA Cup glory over Chelsea following a similar shootout success in the Carabao Cup final.
      He told the BBC: “We’re here to lift trophies, we work so hard all season.
      “It’s a big moment for us, we haven’t been in this final for some time so to win it was special.
      “It was difficult, we knew it would be. We’ve had so many games in a short space of time. It was a big blow with Mo going off and Fab last week.
      “But that’s what we’re all about, the attitude and mentality to keep going and to dig in when it’s tough. So to win it on penalties is incredible.
      “It’s fine margins, especially in finals, as we know in the last two. We’ve just got to give everything like we always do.
      “it’s incredible some of the talent we have got in the dressing room and the personalities. You put that together and you win trophies really.”
      ‘This gives us confidence for Quadruple bid’
      Shootout hero keeper Alisson claims Liverpool’s belief they can win the Quadruple is growing.
      Teh Brazilian saved two spot-kicks as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw int he FA Cup final at Wembley.
      And he told BBC One: “It’s amazing, we did such a good performance.
      “It was a proper fight, we kept a clean sheet.
      “I am so happy. Myself and also Mendy did amazing saves.
      I couldn’t have done the saves without the help of the team. They “work well and make it easier for me.
      “Chelsea did really well but we deserved to win this. I only make the save because we deserved to win this.
      “This gives us more confidence in the Premier League and also the Champions League final. It’s a fantastic moment now, we just need to enjoy.”
      Klopp hails his ‘outstanding mentality monsters’
      Boss Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s nerves of steel as they completed a domestic shootout double over Chelsea.
      Klopp told the BBC: “Outstanding, it was an incredible, intense game against Chelsea – they would have deserved it [the win] exactly the same way, like in the Carabao Cup – that’s how small the margins are.
      “I couldn’t be more proud of my boys, the shift they put in, how hard they fought, early changes.
      “All of these things, missing good chances, overcoming good moments from Chelsea, then having really good moments ourselves.
      “Then in the penalty shootout, it was nerve-racking, my nails are gone but I really feel for Chelsea – for the second time, 120 minutes and you get nothing, that’s too hard. But for us I’m pretty happy.
      “We are mentality monsters but there were mentality monsters in blue as well – it was one penalty.
      “Chelsea played outstanding but in the end there must be one winner and that was us today.”
      Mo Salah at the double
      Liverpool have completed the domestic cup double, and there could be more to follow.
      And that wasn’t the only double on display after the game.
      While one concern that Reds fans may have is on the fitness of Mo Salah, who hobbled off in the first half, it appears they have a readymade replacement for the Egyptian (otherwise known as Thiago in disguise).

      Lucky number seven for Kostas
      Kostas Tsimikas was the unlikely hero for Liverpool, stepping up to take Liverpool’s decisive seventh penalty.
      And the Greek defender has just revealed to the BBC that he asked Jurgen Klopp if he could take the seventh kick. It’s almost as if he knew…
      It is very, very special for me. The manager asked me which one I wanted to take and I said I wanted the number seven. I am very very happy. I chose the right side!Kostas TsimikasBBC

      Third time’s a harm for Blues
      Losing one FA Cup final is tough, but three must really smart.
      On a day that’s all about making history, Chelsea have made the wrong kind by becoming the first club to lose three consecutive FA Cup finals.

      Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool – Liverpool won 6-5 on pens (2022)
      Chelsea 0-1 Leicester (2021)
      Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (2020)

      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Reds rise for another trophy
      Just like they did in February, the Liverpool players are making their way up the Wembley steps and will shortly receive another trophy – this time the FA Cup – from the Duke of Cambridge.
      James Milner leads his teammates to the top, where he is met – and warmly hugged – by his manager, Jurgen Klopp.
      The losing Chelsea players and the match officials have already received their medals, and have quickly departed the scene.
      So here’s Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, at the back of the queue, and ready to send one end of Wembley into a glorious roar of delight.
      The midfielder takes the world’s most famous trophy in his hands, and – after a dramatic pause – thrusts it to the sky amid a sea of confetti.
      Liverpool are the winners of the 2021-22 FA Cup.

      It’s a cup double for Liverpool
      It’s a sea of red in the Wembley stands, where the celebrations are only matched by those unravelling on the pitch.
      Every player in the Liverpool squad, and every member of staff are out there to embrace these scenes and each other.
      Kostas Tsimikas is hoisted upon to the shoulders of his teammate as the Wembley sky is lit up with red flares.

      Goal! Kostas Tsimikas wins the FA Cup for Liverpool!
      Kostas Tsimikas is the hero!
      Left footed, the defender sends Edouard Mendy the wrong way to find the bottom corner and seal the shootout.
      Chelsea 5-6 Liverpool

      Saved! Alisson keeps out Mason Mount!
      A big hand from the Brazilian stopper denies the England international!
      Chelsea 5-5 Liverpool

      Diogo Jota must score! Diogo Jota does score!
      Top corner! Brilliant!
      Chelsea 5-5 Liverpool
      Goal! Hakim Ziyech puts Chelsea in front!
      Despite a pause to clear a smoke bomb from the pitch, the Moroccan buries his penalty.
      Chelsea 5-4 Liverpool
      Saved! Edouard Mendy denies Sadio Mane!
      The Liverpool forward has the chance to win the cup, but his spotkick is dramatically saved by his international colleague.
      Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool

      Goal! Jorginho keeps Chelsea in it!
      No hop, skip or messing this time! The Italian buries it!
      Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
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      FA Cup final REACTION as Blues lose to Liverpool, Chelsea ‘AGREE Ivan Perisic deal’, Lukaku blasts his OWN agent

      by

      CHELSEA suffered a THIRD consecutive FA Cup final loss when they were beaten by Liverpool on penalties.The Blues had their fair share of chances, but Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount’s misses turned out to be pivotal in the shoot-out.
      Thomas Tuchel’s side could have done with Inter Milan ace Ivan Perisic who has reportedly agreed terms with the West London outfit.
      And he could be Romelu Lukaku’s replacement who has not been happy with his agents recent comments.
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      Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Klopp and Tuchel agree…
      Managers Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel agreed Liverpool’s FA Cup final glory came down to ‘tiny margins’.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount missed penalties as the Reds repeated their Carabao Cup shootout joy over the same opponents, this time with a 6-5 success following a goalless 120 minutes.
      And Liverpool boss Klopp ‘couldn’t be prouder’ after his ‘mentality monsters’ won an ‘incredible, tense’ final.
      Counterpart Tuchel claimed he was sure Chelsea would win – ‘until the final minute’.
      So it’s two down, two to go, in Liverpool’s Quadruple hunt.
      And skipper Jordan Henderson believes today’s triumph shows ‘attitude, personalities and incredible talent’ are their driving force.
      ‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
      Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
      The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
      And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
      He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
      “We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult  – and we did again.
      “We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
      “I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
      “I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
      Mason’s lost all his six Wembley finals
      Mason Mount missed a crucial penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, condemning himself to SIX consecutive Wembley final defeats.
      The Blues academy product stepped up and missed his sudden death spot-kick in the penalty shootout, before Liverpool ace Konstantinos Tsimikas wrapped the game up.
      It means the England and Chelsea ace has now lost SIX consecutive finals at Wembley in his professional career.
      Mount’s bad luck at the national team’s stadium started back in 2019 during his loan spell at Derby.
      The 23-year-old was playing under Frank Lampard at the time but lost to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final. He then followed it up with back-to-back FA Cup defeats in 2020 and 2021.
      Mount then suffered heartbreak with England, who were penalties away from their first major trophy since 1966, but they were toppled by Italy.
      And this season, back-to-back losses to Liverpool on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup added more insult to injury for the Chelsea fan. Mount’s bad luck is leading to some fans believing the midfielder is “cursed”. One fan said on Twitter: “Mason Mount is really cursed at Wembley.”
      Trolls target ‘bottle job’ Mason
      Mason Mount has been branded a “bottle job” by brutal trolls online after his FA Cup final penalty miss, writes TOM SHEEN.
      The Chelsea star played the full 120 minutes as his side battled with Liverpool under the Wembley arch.
      Like in February’s League Cup final, the two sides couldn’t be separated – with neither able to score in two hours of play.

      The match went to penalties, with Mount not stepping up until the Blues’ seventh spot kick – after forgotten man Ross Barkley.
      Cesar Azpilicueta had already missed from 12 yards, only to be bailed out by Edouard Mendy’s save from Sadio Mane.
      Mount wouldn’t be so lucky, with Kostas Tsimikas tucking away the following penalty to seal a 6-5 shoot-out win for the Reds.
      Social media was subsequently full of trolls criticising Mount for failing to score. One wrote: “Mason Mount’s a bottle job pass it on.”
      Another asked: “Mason Mount the biggest bottle job in football?”
      Pointing out his record, one fan wrote: “Mason Mount is the biggest bottle job ever 6 finals now init?” Another pointed out: “When it’s Mount he’s cursed but when it’s Kane he’s a serial bottler.”
      A kinder fan pointed out: “He’s rather a blessed one @masonmount_10. How many people get such finals to play. His time will come. Even Klopp has started winning trophies.”
      Klopp hails his ‘outstanding mentality monsters’
      Boss Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s nerves of steel as they completed a domestic shootout double over Chelsea.
      Klopp told the BBC: “Outstanding, it was an incredible, intense game against Chelsea – they would have deserved it [the win] exactly the same way, like in the Carabao Cup – that’s how small the margins are.
      “I couldn’t be more proud of my boys, the shift they put in, how hard they fought, early changes.
      “All of these things, missing good chances, overcoming good moments from Chelsea, then having really good moments ourselves.
      “Then in the penalty shootout, it was nerve-racking, my nails are gone but I really feel for Chelsea – for the second time, 120 minutes and you get nothing, that’s too hard. But for us I’m pretty happy.
      “We are mentality monsters but there were mentality monsters in blue as well – it was one penalty.
      “Chelsea played outstanding but in the end there must be one winner and that was us today.”
      Blues lack killer Tuch
      Chelsea suffered shootout heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool for the second time this season, writes JACK ROSSER.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are still on for a remarkable quadruple after both Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount failed from the spot at Wembley, handing the Reds a first FA Cup under the German.

      Chelsea had to ride their luck at times – recovering after a terrible start in which Luis Diaz could have scored twice.
      But they had plenty of chances themselves and were too wasteful when it really mattered.
      American Christian Pulisic sent good chances agonisingly wide in either half while he should have played a better ball for Marcos Alonso in the first half.
      Alonso was racing through but the pass forced him into a heavy touch, allowing Alisson to save.
      Pulisic was Chelsea’s most dangerous player – but fell short when it mattered most.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel must shoulder some blame too. With Liverpool leaving acres of space thanks to their high line, Pulisic had showed that pace could hurt them.
      Despite that, Tuchel decided to keep a confident Timo Werner on the bench throughout, instead turning to Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bolster the forward line.
      It is desperately cruel to lose on penalties again, especially with one Chelsea legend, Azpilicueta, and another in the making, Mount, being the ones to let the Blues down.
      Tuchel’s true task at Chelsea is to ensure they mix it with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table next season. After four draws from four games against Liverpool this season Chelsea will feel close to doing that. To make that next step, they need a killer touch at the crucial times.
      READ THE FULL VERDICT HERE
      Chelsea sub ratings
      N’Golo Kante (for Kovacic, 66) – 7
      Added plenty of energy and pace to the Chelsea midfield.
      Covered well at the back and constantly looked to drive forward on the ball from deep.
      Hakim Ziyech (for Lukaku, 85) – 6
      Took a superb penalty but struggled to make a real impact during normal and extra time.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Pulisic, 106) – 6
      Showed his versatility once more by coming on at centre-forward – though he was hooked after only 14 minutes on the pitch.
      Cesar Azpilicueta (for Chalobah, 106) – 6
      Added some experience to the back line to ensure Liverpool couldn’t find a late winner during extra time but clattered his penalty against the post.
      Ross Barkley (for Loftus-Cheek, 120) – 7
      Sent on to take a spot kick in his first appearance since January 8 and hammered it home past Alisson.
      Subs not used: Kepa, Werner, Saul, Sarr
      More ratings after Blues’ final agony
      MASON MOUNT – 7
      With tired legs all around him, the Cobham graduate never stopped running and working – desperately unlucky to be the one whose penalty cost Chelsea the Cup.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 6
      The American was a constant danger throughout but proved very wasteful with a number of efforts sent narrowly wide.
      ROMELU LUKAKU – 5
      A frustrating afternoon with little service for the striker, but he offered far too little himself.
      Sent his best chance, a first time effort under pressure from Virgil van Dijk, well over the bar.
      More Chelsea ratings
      JORGINHO – 6
      Took a Salah shot straight to the face after just five minutes and gave good protection to the back line throughout.
      Kept a cool head following the poor start and gave Chelsea some composure as they got back into the game.
      MATEO KOVACIC – 7
      Passed fit to play after his injury at Leeds. Dragged Chelsea back into the game after a terrible start and impressed before tiring and being replaced just after the hour mark.
      MARCOS ALONSO – 8
      Kept Salah quiet before the Egyptian was forced off and dovetailed superbly with Christian Pulisic going forwards.
      Took a very composed penalty to get things going.
      The Spaniard got in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold time and again and caused plenty of problems.
      How Chelsea rated
      Jack Rosser gives his verdict on the unlucky Blues after Liverpool won the FA Cup final 6-5 after a goalless draw at Wembley.
      EDOUARD MENDY – 6
      Made some important stops in normal time and saved Sadio Mane’s spot kick, but it wasn’t enough.
      TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
      Drew the shortest of straws in having to deal with Diaz at full-pelt all afternoon.
      Just about managed to hang in there and cleared an effort of his off the line inside the first ten minutes.
      THIAGO SILVA – 6
      Battled back from an early knock with a typically intelligent performance.
      Kept Sadio Mane quiet for the most part and did his best to help Chalobah fend off Diaz.
      ANTONIO RUDIGER – 7
      How Chelsea will miss the German.
      The most composed of the back three and ensured there was not much to be seen from either Salah or Diogo Jota down his side.
      REECE JAMES – 7
      Struggled early on but dropped in a dealt with Diaz well after the frantic start.
      Got forward well after the break and delivered some wicked crosses for his teammates in the middle – though none could convert them.
      Cool as ice over his penalty.
      Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
      Bayern Munich reportedly added Ousmane Dembele to their list of summer transfer targets.
      The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

      Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea.
      The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
      According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
      Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
      Milner consoles Mount
      James Milner showed his class as he consoled Mason Mount after he missed Chelsea’s final penalty in Liverpool’s FA Cup final shootout win.
      Milner spent time to put his arm round Mount, who was on his knees, after Kostas Tsimikas stroked home Liverpool’s next kick to clinch a 6-5 triumph following a goalless draw.
      Mason Mount shows the pain of his shootout missCredit: Getty
      Kostas Tsimikas rolls home the decisive shootout kickCredit: Getty
      Sub Kostas Tsimikas leads Liverpool’s victory celebrationsCredit: AP

      Deja Blues – Liverpool beat Chelsea in shootout AGAIN
      The Blues suffered FA Cup shootout agony against Liverpool after the same fate in the Carabao Cup showpiece at Wembley.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount had penalties well saved by Alisson.
      And overall the Reds merited their success.
      Chelsea matched them for golden chances but the longest, strongest spells came from Jurgen Klopp’s Quadruple hunters.
      Liverpool win shootout 6-5
      Alisson brilliantly saved from Mason Mount’s spot-kick to the keeper’s left.
      Liverpool sub Kostas Tsimikas then rolled in the winner – sending Mendy the wrong way.
      Sudden death: Chelsea 5 Liverpool 5
      Hakim Ziyech smashed a fierce penalty home to put Chelsea 5-4 up.
      Diogo Jota tucked home a high spot-kick to level it up for Liverpool.
      Sudden death penalties on
      It’s level again! Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4
      Jorginho sent Alisson the wrong way to make it 4-4 – leaving Sadio Mane with the final penalty of the regulation ten to win it for Liverpool.
      But his low kick to Mendy’s right was too close to the keeper, who saved well.
      After 8 kicks: Shootout score: Chelsea 3 Liverpool 4
      Sub Ross Barkley smashed the Blues level at 3-3 but Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Mendy the wrong way to restore Liverpool’s advantage.
      Shootout score: Chelsea 2 Liverpool 3
      The Reds have netted all three of their kicks – Mendy getting fingertips to two of them.
      Shoootut score: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2
      Azpilicueta hit the post with Chelsea’s second penalty – leaving Liverpool ahead after two kicks each.
      Marcos Alonso scores the opening shootout penalty: 1-0.
      Chelsea to shoot in front of their own fans
      Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: The penalty shootout is under way.
      Follow the shootout blow by blow with our live blog HERE.
      Penalty shootout needed again
      Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: It’s a repeat of the Carabao Cup final in needing a shootout to decide the FA Cup.
      It’s amazing how it ended goalless, although extra time was quieter, both sides looking tired.
      Follow the shootout blow by blow with our live blog HERE.
      Liverpool hold slight edge
      Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0: In the closing stages of extra time, Liverpool are pushing Chelsea back with plenty of possession.
      Follow all the action with our live blog HERE.
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      Ronaldo’s pictured in 2022/23 kit LEAKED, United ‘eye’ Hugo Ekitike, Man Utd stars in training ground FIGHT – updates

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S shambolic season has reached new levels of farce, SunSport can reveal.At the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground, boss Ralf Rangnick was forced to pull apart two senior players who became embroiled in a scrap.
      But in more positive news, photo’s of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester United kit for the 2022/23 have been leaked.
      Which would imply that the Portuguese icon is set to stay at Old Trafford for another season.
      And the Red Devils have reportedly set their sights on Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike.
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      Get all the latest Man Utd news, gossip and transfer updates…
      De Jong fancies City over Utd
      EXCLUSIVE: Frenkie de Jong is willing to kiss goodbye to nearly £6million in unpaid wages to clinch a move to Manchester City, writes PHIL THOMAS.
      As SunSport revealed, Erik ten Hag wants the Barcelona star at rivals United but City chief Pep Guardiola is also a big fan – missing out three years ago when Barca’s £400,000-a-week after tax was too good for the Dutch star to turn down.

      And while the Etihad money men are not keen on paying out the £65million it cost to take him to the Nou Camp from Ajax in 2019, De Jong’s stance on money he is owed may prove decisive.
      Barca are still fighting their way out of a financial crisis, which saw players defer 40 per cent of wages for a year.
      And midfielder De Jong is still owed a bumper figure, which he could waive to make a move happen. Guardiola is in the market for a midfielder to replace the departing Fernandinho.
      But Barca may request Bernardo Silva or Raheem Sterling as part of any deal. Boss Xavi revealed this week that De Jong remains a key part of his plans.
      But he conceded that the club could still sell the 25-year-old this summer. He said: “For me, he is a very important player.
      Shaw waiting on bumper new £180k-a-week deal 
      EXCLUSIVE: Luke Shaw will be kept waiting on a fresh £180,000-a-week Old Trafford contract until his new manager has given the thumbs up, writes JOSHUA MBU.
      Shaw, 26, has just one more season left on his current deal and so far Manchester United bosses have been in no rush to come up with an extension.

      Instead United insiders insist the club will trigger their 12-month option to keep the left back until 2024.
      And that will give ten Hag the time to make an informed decision on whether the defender can be a part of his longer term plans.
      Shaw has had a stop-start Old Trafford career ever since his £32million signing from Southampton in 2014.
      Sparkling spells have been offset by serious injuries and a battle to win over former boss Jose Mourinho.
      And although he was back to his best last season, Ten Hag wants to assess him properly before committing to a long-term decision.
      United hold a similar view on Brazil midfielder Fred, 29, although they would be more willing to listen to offers this summer at the right price.
      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Signing Frenkie could be a De-saster
      Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
      The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
      He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
      “So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
      ‘Utd in Kalidou talks’
      Manchester United have taken a huge step closer to recruiting Kalidou Koulibaly, reports tonight claim.
      Napoli’s Senegal star is expected to be one of this summer’s most wanted centre-back.
      And the latest suggestion is that the Red Devils have made contact with his Serie A club.
      Yet it’s also thought United preferred Raphael Varane at the start of the season, leading to his arrival.
      Credit: AFP
      Muller was close to Utd move
      Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has revealed he was close to joining Man United when Louis Van Gaal was boss.
      Muller told Merkur: “Bayern clearly rejected the whole thing – despite this insane offer from United.
      “[But it was a] huge vote of confidence from Bayern.”
      Dwight set to boss A-League club
      United icon Dwight Yorke could begin his managerial career with A-League side Macarthur FC.
      The former Manchester United striker, 50, enjoyed a one-year spell in Australia when he signed for Sydney FC in 2005.
      He is now set to return, but this time his role will be off the pitch.
      According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Yorke is in advanced talks with Macarthur, and a two-year deal is on the cards.
      The Man Utd icon gained his coaching badges with the Red Devils who have helped kickstart his new career by recommending him to the Bulls.
      Yorke will have a preview into life as a manager when he takes charge of the A-League Allstars for their upcoming game against Barcelona.
      When speaking to ESPN ahead of the event, he said: “I’m announcing to the world – with the [APL] and Danny [Townsend, the APL’s managing director] giving me that opportunity – that I’m finally qualified and ready for a leading role.
      “I think that will make some headlines. And then if there is an opportunity that does present itself then I have to look at it.”
      Rangnick idea to ‘elect a Utd skipper’ blasted
      United legend Andy Cole has blasted Ralf Rangnick’s idea that the captain should be “elected” by the players amid Harry Maguire’s poor form this season.
      The Red Devils have endured a turbulent campaign.

      From the sacking of legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, extending their trophy drought to over five years and missing out on a top-four finish. And things could yet get worse as United could find themselves playing Europa Conference League football next term.
      David Moyes’ West Ham could do the unlikely and beat Premier League table toppers Manchester City on Sunday to draw level on points with United and edge them out to sixth-place on goal difference.
      But one of the main talking points this season has been club captain Maguire’s leadership and form. The England international has become a lightning rod for criticism and has faced calls for him to be stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the starting eleven.
      And interim manager Rangnick expressed last month that he “strongly” believes the captain should be elected by the team and not installed by the manager.
      Leaked photos of ‘Ronaldo in United 2022-23 kit’
      Leaked photos allegedly show Cristiano Ronaldo posing in Manchester United’s new kit for next season – boosting hopes he’s staying.
      United cannot wait for the current campaign to end as they struggle to finish in the top six and reports of two players being pulled apart for fighting this week in training.

      The club are about to enter a new era with Erik ten Hag due to take charge after agreeing a deal to join them from Ajax.
      And now the shirts that the Dutchman’s stars will be wearing under him have been revealed by the United Stand.
      Snaps have gone viral showing the new red Adidas jersey, which appears to have taken inspiration from their 1998/99 treble winning season.
      Sporting a white collar, it includes the famous Adidas three stripes down the arms with the manufacturing company’s logo on the right breast, and United’s badge on the opposite side.
      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Toon head Utd and Chelsea in Ekitike race
      Newcastle are closing in on Chelsea and Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike.
      90min say the Toon believe they can soon complete a deal for the Reims striker, 19.
      It’s claimed Newcastle wee hovering for Ekitike in January and that negotiations have continued.
      The teenager is enjoying a breakthrough season, with Reims 12th in Ligue 1.
      Red Devils look stern in training
      United’s under-fire players are putting in the extra hours in the training pitch today due to their extra-long break.
      Ralf Rangnick’s men are without a game until ending the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday, March 22.

      And judging on the snaps below, the Red Devils didn’t seem too happy.
      Portugal superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, in particular, looked deep in thought.
      Maybe they are thinking about the fact Erik Ten Hag is tipped to be at Selhurst Park to watch them for the first time as incoming permanent boss.

      Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
      Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
      Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.

      Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
      Fren’s an enemy of Utd style
      Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
      The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
      He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
      “So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
      Kane tipped for United transfer
      Harry Kane has been tipped to join Man United if Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham.
      That’s the view of Italian super agent Roberto De Fanti.
      He told CaughtOffside: “If Conte does walk away from Tottenham Hotspur, I think Kane will go too.
      “And if that does happen, the only club the Englishman would want to go to now is Manchester United.”
      Man United’s most-important duo
      Man United skipper Harry Maguire has often come under fire this season, but his stats since the summer prove he is actually one of the club’s two MOST-IMPORTANT players.
      Fred too has been subject to criticism at times, despite enjoying something of a revival before his recent injury setback.
      But the pair actually boast the highest Premier League win percentage out of anyone who has played 10 or more games for United this season.
      Brazilian midfielder Fred has helped United pick up three points in 14 of his 27 Prem clashes, a win percentage of 51.9 percent.
      Maguire’s win percentage meanwhile is the second best at the club.
      The newly-married England defender has won 15 of his 29 Prem games, a win percentage of 51.7 percent.
      Roo must be joking
      Man United and England legend Wayne Rooney looked unrecognisable as his court sketch left fans in stitches.
      The Derby County boss, 36, was at London’s High Court for his wife Coleen’s legal battle with Rebekah Vardy.
      After the opening day of court, a sketch of ex-Everton, United and Three Lions star Rooney sat alongside Coleen in the courtroom emerged online.
      And it had fans in stitches as they quickly began taking the mick on Twitter.

      Ten Hag set for visit
      Erik ten Hag could be in attendance for Man United’s last game of the season.
      Ten Hag will take the reins at Old Trafford this summer.
      But The Athletic have reported that the Dutchman may be in the stands to get a preview of his new club in action.
      However, the report states that Ten Hag’s presence is yet to be confirmend.
      Why Man United aren’t playing
      The FA Cup final has impacted Man United’s Premier League schedule.
      Man Utd were supposed to play Chelsea at home this weekend, but the Blues made it to the FA Cup final against Liverpool.
      Therefore, the match was rescheduled.
      Ferdinand’s De Jong hopes
      Rio Ferdinand insists Frenkie De Jong will be a great signing for Man United.
      He said: “He doesn’t get too many goals or assists but he gives you many more elements of the game that, I think United need as a team; especially in that position.
      “United are definitely losing Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata, they are all leaving in that position, so it does need reinforcement.
      “And I think he would be a fantastic signing, if this deal goes ahead.”
      United face De Jong fight
      Man United face a fight prising Frenkie De Jong away from Barcelona.
      That’s because Barca boss Xavi has revealed that De Jong is still very much part of his plans going forward – despite United’s interest.
      Xavi declared: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s a key player.
      “Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general.”
      Gary Neville’s Prem predictions resurface
      Gary Neville has been left red-faced after his pre-season Premier League predictions resurfaced on social media.
      The Manchester United legend reckoned the Red Devils were going to finish THIRD in the table.
      But in actual fact United have already guaranteed a worst-ever Premier League points total, and the best Ralf Rangnick’s flops can end up is sixth.
      But despite Neville getting that particular prediction horribly wrong, it’s arguably not even his worst guess on the list.
      Neville did have Manchester City down to be champions and Chelsea and Liverpool to finish in the top four, but that’s about as far as he got in terms of success.
      Stay away from De Jong
      Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
      The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
      He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
      “So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
      Mulling over Man United move
      Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has revealed he was close to joining Man United when Louis Van Gaal was boss.
      Muller told Merkur: “Bayern clearly rejected the whole thing – despite this insane offer from United.
      “[But it was a] huge vote of confidence from Bayern.”
      Man United stars coach choice fury
      Man United stars are reportedly not happy with the coaching levels at the club.
      The United squad don’t think American coaches Rangnick’s coaches Chris Armas and Ewan Sharp are up to the standard set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s personnel unit, according to The Athletic.
      Armas and Sharp’s predecessors Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna were more suited to the task, the report states.
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      Lewandowski ‘AGREES three-year Barcelona deal’, Mbappe Real Madrid transfer news, Pogba’s agent to hold Juventus meeting

      by

      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has agreed a three-year deal with Barcelona, according to reports from Germany.The Pole has rejected a new deal with Bayern Munich and is said to believe he can only win the Ballon d’Or by playing outside the Bundesliga.
      Meanwhile are reportedly optimistic that Kylian Mbappe will be earning his living at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
      The French talisman is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain this summer and continues to dwell over his renewal offer which includes a reported £84 MILLION signing on fee.
      And there are reports that Paul Pogba’s will be in Turin on Monday to meet with Juventus ahead of his imminent Manchester United exit.
      Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
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      Xavi not worried by Lew’s age
      Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted he is open to signing veterans amid the Catalan giants being linked with a move for Robert Lewandowski.
      Xavi is hoping to restore Barca to their former glory but the club’s economic situation could slow down his plans.
      Barca have been linked with a move for 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski.
      The Poland international and Ballon d’Or 2021 runner-up would significantly bolster Xavi’s attacking ranks.
      And Xavi has insisted he is open to signing veterans despite trying to build a youthful, competitive squad.
      Xavi brought Dani Alves, 38, back to the club on a free transfer.
      The Barca and Spain legend said: “I signed Dani Alves at 38.
      “It’s not age, it’s performance. Players take care of themselves so much and every year they are more professional.
      “Ibrahimovic, Modric, Dani Alves, they all have a very high performance at important clubs.
      “Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi too. Age is not a priority. If it improves us, that’s the important thing.”
      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Shaw waiting on bumper new £180k-a-week deal 
      EXCLUSIVE: Luke Shaw will be kept waiting on a fresh £180,000-a-week Old Trafford contract until his new manager has given the thumbs up, writes JOSHUA MBU.
      Shaw, 26, has just one more season left on his current deal and so far Manchester United bosses have been in no rush to come up with an extension.

      Instead United insiders insist the club will trigger their 12-month option to keep the left back until 2024.
      And that will give ten Hag the time to make an informed decision on whether the defender can be a part of his longer term plans.
      Shaw has had a stop-start Old Trafford career ever since his £32million signing from Southampton in 2014.
      Sparkling spells have been offset by serious injuries and a battle to win over former boss Jose Mourinho.
      And although he was back to his best last season, Ten Hag wants to assess him properly before committing to a long-term decision.
      United hold a similar view on Brazil midfielder Fred, 29, although they would be more willing to listen to offers this summer at the right price.
      Gunners favourites to land Marquinhos
      Arsenal are tipped to beat Wolves to Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
      Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the 19-year-old.
      But respected journalist Fabrizio Romano believes the Gunners are preparing paperwork to sign Marquinhos.
      ‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
      Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
      The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
      And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
      He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
      “We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult  – and we did again.
      “We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
      “I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
      “I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
      Gerro rules out exit for Hammers’ target Watkins
      Steven Gerrard killed speculation his Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins could join West Ham with two words: “Going nowhere,” writes GREEME BRYCE.
      Hammers boss David Moyes has been linked with a big-money summer bid for the 26-year-old England striker, to ease the burden on sole striker Michail Antonio.  
      But Villa boss Gerrard dismissed it as a total non-starter and said: “We love Ollie and really enjoy working with him. 
      “To take this club where we need to take it we need goalscorers, we need top players and Ollie Watkins is a top player.
      “I will fight as hard as I need to fight if it ever comes up. But it’s not going to because I know the owners and I know Christian Purslow (CEO) and Johan Lange (Director of Football) are on the same page.
      “We want to build this around the likes of Ollie Watkins. We are delighted with him.
      “He’s our leading scorer this year so for me it doesn’t make sense at all to even listen to speculation about Ollie Watkins. It’s a straight no”
      Park ‘n ride to Cottagers
      Prem new boys Fulham are signing Oldham’s teenage centre half Damon Park in a bargain deal.
      Fulham have stepped in to agree a few with Latics for centre half Park, 16, who is tipped for big things at the club who dropped out of the EFL.
      Park has come through the youth ranks at Oldham and was spotted by the Londoners who are keen to pick up domestic talent for the future.
      Fulham will only pay around £150,000 up front for Park with extras based on achievements and appearances.
      Oldham Athletic recently fell out of the EFL.
      The Latics came 23rd in League Two amid off field turmoil.
      Eze back into it for World Cup dream
      Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is closing in on a late England call for the World Cup.
      The 23-year-old has come back with a bang after a long lay-off with Achilles tendon trouble.

      Eze has dazzled lately and brings the kind of skills that could grace the international stage and add to the Three Lions group.
      Palace have been on the England watch-list because of midfielder Conor Gallagher and defenders Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell.
      Now Eze is finishing the season strongly after a steady return to fitness since October.
      Southgate has Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish down the left side of his midfield and attack but Eze is now being seriously considered for a place.
      Eze can play wide and even move into the middle.
      He was on the brink of an England breakthrough before he was injured in training at the end of last season.
      Villa bid to hijack Boubacar deal
      Aston Villa are planning a late move to snatch Marseille free agent Boubacar Kamara on a bumper deal.
      Villa chief Steve Gerrard is still looking for extra cover in midfield.
      And the highly-fancied Frenchman is the next big name in his sights.

      Kamara, 22, has been linked with several Premier League clubs.
      Manchester United have reportedly been keen on the France Under-21 ace.
      And big-spending Newcastle have also been rumoured to be watching him.
      Signing Frenkie could be a De-saster
      Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
      The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
      He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
      “So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
      Prem duo in for David
      Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
      The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
      But according to But! Football Club, West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
      Marseille eye permanent Saliba deal
      Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
      Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
      “He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
      “In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
      “But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
      PSG could offload four keepers
      PSG are planning to sell multiple goalkeepers this summer with the club set to make Gianluigi Donnarumma their undisputed No1.
      French outlet L’Equipe claim PSG have selected Donnarumma, 23, to be first choice next season ending his competition with Keylor Navas.
      Donnarumma has played 23 times in all competitions while Navas has featured on 25 occasions.
      As a result of the decision, the Costa Rican keeper could be set for a move away from the Parc des Princes with Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been hoarding goalkeepers but reportedly now want to offload the majority of them – including Alphonse Areola, Sergio Rico and Marcin Bulka. All three have been out on loan this season.
      Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
      Bayern Munich reportedly added Ousmane Dembele to their list of summer transfer targets.
      The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

      Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea.
      The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
      According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
      Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
      Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
      Bayern Munich have reportedly added Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele – who has often been linked with Manchester United – to their list of summer transfer targets.
      The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

      Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG.
      The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
      According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
      Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
      ‘Gunners win race for Hickey’
      Arsenal have beaten AC Milan and Napoli to Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, reports in Italy suggest.
      It’s claimed the Gunners have agreed terms with the twice-capped Scotland star.
      The Italians reportedly rate Hickey at around £21million after he hit five Serie A goals this season.
      Arsenal line up ‘opening bid for Jesus’
      Arsenal’s pursuit of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is tipped to step up with an opening bid.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons City rate the Brazilian at between 50million to 80m euros – £42.5m to £68m.
      It’s understood the Gunners have been in touch over Jesus over the past week.

      Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
      Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
      He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
      The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
      And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
      Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
      Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      Toon head Utd and Chelsea in Ekitike race
      Newcastle are closing in on Chelsea and Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike.
      90min say the Toon believe they can soon complete a deal for the Reims striker, 19.
      It’s claimed Newcastle wee hovering for Ekitike in January and that negotiations have continued.
      The teenager is enjoying a breakthrough season, with Reims 12th in Ligue 1.
      Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
      Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
      The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
      Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.

      Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
      “In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
      “He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
      “The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
      According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
      Dom ‘n gloom
      Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
       Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
      Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
      “He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
      “We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
      “I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
      “He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
      “There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
      Kamara posts health update
      Chris Kamara has posted a photo of him inside an oxygen chamber as he continues to battle his speech condition.
      Last month, the 64-year-old revealed he is fighting Apraxia of Speech after viewers spotted him slurring his words.
      Shortly after the announcement, he confirmed that he was leaving Sky Sports football show Soccer Saturday after 24 years on the programme.
      And the fan favourite, who has continued with presenting The Games on ITV, gave an update to his followers on Saturday morning.
      Speaking on social media, he said: “6 enjoyable days working on The Games 🥳 .
      “Back in the Oxygen chamber today 😷 as the recovery continues 👌🏽.”

      PSG plan keeper clear-out
      Paris Saint-Germain are planning to sell multiple goalkeepers this summer with the club set to make Gianluigi Donnarumma their undisputed No1.
      French outlet L’Equipe claim PSG have selected Donnarumma, 23, to be first choice next season ending his competition with Keylor Navas.
      Donnarumma has played 23 times in all competitions while Navas has featured on 25 occasions.
      As a result of the decision, the Costa Rican keeper could be set for a move away from the Parc des Princes with Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been hoarding goalkeepers but reportedly now want to offload the majority of them – including Alphonse Areola, Sergio Rico and Marcin Bulka. All three have been out on loan this season.
      Villa join Aribo transfer race
      Aston Villa have joined the Premier League chase for Rangers star Joe Aribo.
      The Nigeria international was a key figure when Villa boss Steven Gerrard led the Gers to last season’s Scottish Premiership title.
      And the pair could be reunited with the versatile midfielder tipped to return south of the border this summer amid interest from Crystal Palace, Brentford and other top-flight English clubs.
      Real Madrid plot Wolves raid
      Real Madrid are reportedly considering a swoop for Wolves starlet Fabio Silva.
      The Spanish giants are looking for a future successor to the ageing Karim Benzema.
      And Defensa Central claim Madrid view Silva as the man to fill Benzema’s boots one day.
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