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      Arsenal 2 West Ham 0 LIVE REACTION: Martinelli and Smith Rowe net as Gunners sink ten-man Hammers to go into top-four

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      ARSENAL put in an excellent performance to sink ten-man West Ham and go into the top four of the Premier League.The Gunners took the lead just after half-time, with Gabriel Martinelli firing home after a lovely through-ball from Alexandre Lacazette.
      And the Arsenal captain had the chance to make it two from the penalty spot after a harsh spot-kick given against Vladimir Coufal, but was denied by Fabianski.
      Coufal saw red for a second yellow in the incident, before Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to seal it late on.

      Final score: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

      Follow ALL the latest reaction with our live blog below…

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      GOODNIGHT
      That’s all from us at the Emirates where it’s been a case of no Aubameyang, no problem for Arsenal.
      Mikel Arteta’s young team stepped up to the plate, and comfortably saw off West Ham in order to leapfrog their opponents and move into the top four.
      There’s likely to be more drama at the top tomorrow evening as Liverpool and Chelsea take centre stage from an intriguing trio of fixtures. Be sure to follow all the action with us here. Until then, thank you and goodbye.
      RACE FOR THE TOP FOUR
      It’s advantage Arsenal in the race for the coveted fourth spot behind the three runaway leaders, although Manchester United have a game in hand after their match at Brentford was postponed last night.

      GUNNERS AVOID PAYING PENALTY
      Arsenal recorded another vital home win this evening despite missing their third penalty of the season.
      The banished Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed the previous two, and it was his replacement as striker and captain – Alexandre Lacazette – that failed from 12 yards tonight.
      Lacazette’s miss was his first for the club at the eighth attempt, and was the second this term to be stopped by a former Arsenal goalkeeper; Lukasz Fabianski joining Emiliano Martinez on that list.
      The good news for the Gunners is they have still won all three games in which they have missed their spotkicks.
      Arsenal have missed three penalties in a row for the first time since 1993#ARSWHU— Orbinho (@Orbinho) December 15, 2021

      ARTETA REACTION
      Mikel Arteta was all-action on the touchline this evening, but the Arsenal boss had regained his composure for the post-match interview. The Spanish coach paid tribute to his players while also reaffirming what he expects from those in his squad. However, he remained tightlipped as to whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be back in the mix for Saturday’s trip to Leeds.
      I’m really pleased with the performance: the quality, the energy, the passion that the team were able to transmit. We had some really good moments. They are a hard team to play against and I think we controlled them pretty well.
      I expect every player to stick to our values and do what they have to do. As a group, they have to enjoy themselves because enjoyment is a big part of it.Mikel ArtetaBT Sport

      HOME RECOVERY
      The Emirates was far from a fortress last season, but Mikel Arteta’s young Gunners appear to have Arsenal firing on home turf once again.
      Arsenal have won seven of their nine Premier League home matches this season.The Gunners won just eight of 19 in the whole of 2020-21.#Fans— Orbinho (@Orbinho) December 15, 2021

      FT: ARSENAL 2-0 WEST HAM
      Arsenal leapfrog West Ham to move into the top four of the Premier League for the first time in 14 months. Second half goals from 20-year-old Gabriel Martinelli and 21-year-old substitute Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners a deserved victory. It could have been worse for the Hammers had it not been for Lukasz Fabianski’s spotkick save to deny Alexandre Lacazette, and a number of heroic blocks from stand-in centre-backs Craig Dawson and Issa Diop. Vladimir Coufal was shown a controversial red card for his part in the penalty decision.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
      ARSENAL 2-0 WEST HAM
      90+3. Xhaka wants to end the evening in style, but his long range effort soars away into the stand.
      It would have been too much if that had gone in.
      ARSENAL 2-0 WEST HAM
      90. Five minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official, but don’t expect the Hammers to throw the kitchen sink.
      This will be a procession for Arsenal from here.
      ARSENAL 2-0 WEST HAM
      89. A chance for West Ham to claw something back as Soucek wins a cheap foul from Partey just outside of the penalty area.
      Benrahma goes for goal with the free-kick, but blasts it straight into the wall. That kind of sums up the Hammers this evening.
      ARSENAL 2-0 WEST HAM
      87. Off the bench, Emile Smith Rowe puts the result beyond doubt!
      And while one substitute celebrates, another looks on forlornly knowing the role they played in the goal.
      Said Benrahma lost possession in trying to overplay in front of Takehiro Tomyasu and Bukayo Saka, and that allowed Arsenal to break at pace.
      Smith Rowe was left with room to run into, and he did so confidently, coming inside from the right and slamming a low shot through the legs of Issa Diop and into the bottom corner.
      The Gunners are going fourth in the table!

      GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!EMILE SMITH ROWE SEALS THE POINTS!!
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      86. It’s incredible how West Ham are still in this considering the absolute non-performances from some of their key players such as Antonio, Soucek and Bowen.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      84. David Moyes is going to introduce a teenager for the final stages. Harrison Ashby is 19 according to my notes, although looks barely a day over 14 as he replaces Pablo Fornals.
      It appears as though the Hammers are going with three at the back for the final six minutes.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      83. Martinelli’s game is over despite making it back on to the pitch. Eddie Nketiah is the man to replace him.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      81. Martinelli goes down with cramp having been ushered off the pitch, and his manager is furious.
      In fact, Arteta races across to his goalscorer, and pushes him back on to the field of play so he half proceedings for treatment. That’s the thanks he gets for scoring.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      79. Saka! So close to number two!
      The Gunners leave Antonio treading water in defence with Martinelli sneaking in around the back. The Brazilian picks out the run of Saka towards the near post, whose shot is blocked behind by Diop’s excellent intervention.

      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      76. A change for West Ham. David Moyes brings on Said Benrahma to replace Manuel Lanzini.
      Michail Antonoio, meanwhile, is operating as a right-back following Coufal’s dismissal.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      74. Gabriel almost follows up on his goalscoring exploits from the weekend by swivelling in another from the corner, but his shot instead hits the advertising hoardings before nestling at the back of the net.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      72. From one goalkeeper to another. Ramsdale is shown a yellow card for timewasting, and half of the FPL-playing community lets out a sigh in unison.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      69. Can Lacazette cap his performance with a goal from the spot? No!
      The striker steps up and sends his shot towards the bottom right corner, only to see it met by the full length dive of Fabianski. The West Ham goalkeeper pushes the ball to safety and the away fans celebrate.
      There are momentary thoughts of a retake with West Ham players seen to have encroached into the box, but Arsenal players were just as guilty so the original spotkick stands.
      West Ham are down to ten men, but they’re still in this!

      ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE STEPS UP!!SAVED BY LUKASZ FABIANSKI!!
      ARSENAL 1-0 WEST HAM
      67. Well, this is a controversial moment.
      Within seconds of Smith Rowe’s introduction, a pass is pushed forward into the path of Lacazette on the left. As the striker enters the area, he’s challenged by the sliding tackle of Coufal, who wins the ball but follows through to leave his opponent in a heap.
      Seconds pass and Anthony Taylor doesn’t seem interested despite the roars from the home fans, but then a penny drops. The referee points to the spot, and shows a second yellow card to Coufal for the challenge.
      West Ham are incensed.

      AND IT’S A SECOND YELLOW FOR COUFAL!WEST HAM ARE DOWN TO TEN MEN!
      COUFAL CHALLENGES LACAZETTE!PENALTY TO ARSENAL!
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      Chelsea’s Rudiger ‘closing in on Real Madrid transfer’, Gleison Bremer EXCLUSIVE, Covid postponements LATEST – updates

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      CHELSEA are targeting Torino’s Gleison Bremer to solve their defensive crisis, SunSport can exclusively reveal.The Blues have four of their defenders out of contract at the end of the season including Germany star Antonio Rudiger.
      Elsewhere, Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
      The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.

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      Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
      TOON BLOCKED FROM NEW DEALS
      New sponsorship rules preventing Newcastle from cashing in on their Saudi owners have been passed by Prem clubs.
      The majority of Prem outfits ganged up on the new Toon overlords after league bosses waved through the £305m takeover.

      Clubs put a temporary ban on any new sponsorship deals being agreed while new rules were drafted.
      Only Manchester City declined to support a vote for new regulations which will see clubs forced to prove any deals with owner-linked companies are paid at ‘fair market value’.
      While it will not prevent Newcastle inking deals with Saudi companies, they cannot agree contracts that are artificially boosted to get round Financial Fair Play rules.
      Instead, Newcastle and all other clubs will now have to show the deals were at a commercially-justifiable level.
      The new regulations, drafted by a sub-committee comprised of eight clubs – including both Newcastle’s Amanda Staveley and Manchester City’s Simon Cliffe – represent a financial straitjacket for the Toon and their owners.
      Chelsea, Aston Villa, Burnley, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United complete the group.
      The new regulations were supposed to be agreed last month but the planned meeting of clubs was put back a fortnight.
      It is understood around a third of top flight clubs attended the League’s headquarters near Paddington in person with the rest present virtually.
      Clubs had also been planning to discuss the proposed ‘Owners Charter’ but amid talk of a ‘compromise’ deal to get those measures through the issue will be put on the back-burner until the New Year.
      RED DEVILS TO RE-OPEN TRAINING GROUND TOMORROW
      Manchester United will reopen their training ground to the first team tomorrow and check all their players following a Covid outbreak in the camp, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
      The Red Devils’s away trip to Brentford this evening was called off just before midnight on Monday following an appeal from United.
      SunSport understands that there are four players and some staff who were involved in the 1-0 at Norwich City that tested positive for Covid on Sunday.
      They were sent home to self isolate and will not be able to return to Carrington until next Tuesday.
      The club will now decide as to whether to appeal to the Premier League to have Saturday’s home game against Brighton called off based on the new test results.
      If any more players are found to be positive then that game will be in jeopardy.
      Brighton themselves have had a small Covid outbreak in their camp which has also threatened their game against Wolves tomorrow night (Wednesday).
      United had their game postponed after they appealed to the Premier League claiming they had not been able to train properly and would only travel to Brentford on the day of the game.
      However, if no new tests, come through and the outbreak has been contained they will train as normal from tomorrow.
      They could promote some Academy players into the first team squad to make up for the absentees and there is also the possibility of Edinson Cavani returning from injury.
      BRANDON: GREENWOOD WAS ALWAYS SPECIAL
      Brandon Williams says Mason Greenwood was always destined for greatness.
      Full-back Williams, 21, is on loan at Norwich while 20-year-old fellow Manchester United academy product Greenwood is now a Red Devils’ regular up front.
      The duo are strong friends after coming up through the Old Trafford ranks in the same age group.
      And Williams told The Athletic: “He’s always been the top talent in the group, you could see a mile off he was gonna make it. 
      “But I scored my first Premier League goal five minutes before him. He’s got all these records but I’ll take that. I tell him all the time.”
      Credit: Getty
      VIEIRA: CONOR FINISHES LIKE LAMPARD
      Patrick Vieira rates Conor Gallagher as a ‘manager’s dream’ with finishing ability similar to Frank Lampard.
      Gallagher’s superb double in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Everton made Gallagher Crystal Palace’s six-goal top scorer on loan from Chelsea this season.
      Credit: Getty
      And Eagles’ boss Vieira compared the new England midfielder’s energy and drive to Arsenal legend Ray Parlour.
      Gunners’ all-time great Vieira said: “Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour.
      “But I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard.
      “It is a manager’s dream to have a player like Conor because when he is on the field, he will give everything.
      “He is focused, concentrated and will always give his best. This is something that for me is really important.”
      Vieira added of the 21-year-old: “I think it is his determination to progress.
      “Every time he is putting his feet on the field, he wants to improve and to challenge himself.”
      KAMARA LINKED TO UTD
      Manchester United are set to make a surprise move for Marseille defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara for £10million, report FourFourTwo.
      That’s according to reports that link new Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick to a move for the French contract rebel, who will be able to walk away from the south of France for nothing next summer.
      Rangnick is keen to put his imprint on this United team, however, and Kamara represents exactly the kind of player he wants to bring to Old Trafford.
      Kamara is 22 years old and has represented his nation at every youth level, racking up over a hundred appearances for l’OM. A combative force in midfield, he originally began life as a defender before finding a role higher up the pitch – and he has shone even in Marseille’s patchier moments over the past few seasons.
      WRIGHT OF REPLY
      Ian Wright offered a hilarious response to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy.
      The 32-year-old was removed from the role after his ‘latest disciplinary breach’ last week.
      Wright, who was delighted when Aubameyang penned his new deal in 2020, offered up the perfect response as Arsenal confirmed that the captaincy would be changing hands.
      The Gunners legend, 58, posted a meme of himself from earlier this season looking glum.

      YUS PLEASE
      Barcelona will NOT field wonderkid Yusuf Demir until February because of a contract issue, according to reports.
      The teenage wonderkid is on loan at Barca from Rapid Vienna this season.
      He has so far made nine appearances for Xavi’s side, with his next set to trigger an £8.5million permanent transfer.
      Barcelona have been impressed by the winger and want to complete a deal.
      But they cannot afford to pay the £8.5m fee in January.
      According to Sky Sports, Barcelona will wait until February to trigger the deal, in order for the payment to come out of their budget for next summer.

      TOP GUN
      Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka are joint-favourites for the Arsenal captaincy, according to bookmakers Betfair.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will soon decide who should replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was stripped of the captaincy following a disciplinary breach.
      Bookies Betfair have revealed their top five candidates for the role with Lacazette and Xhaka sharing odds of 6/4.
      Striker Lacazette has taken the armband on several occasions down the years but might only provide a good short-term solution given this contract expires in June.
      Xhaka could be viewed as a risky appointment given he’s already been stripped of the honour.
      Kieran Tierney is next in the betting at 4/1 but there are concerns over his injury record and starting role.
      Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who only joined the club in August, is available at 8/1 with centre-back Gabriel the outsider of the pack at 16s.
      AUBA AND OUT?
      Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a future at Arsenal.
      The striker, 32, was stripped of the Gunners captaincy earlier today after his ‘latest disciplinary breach’.
      Quizzed whether the Gabonese star will play for Arsenal again, Arteta said noncommittally: “We need a bit of time.
      “It needs a bit of time to heal. For now he’s not involved in the squad.”
      COULD SIGNE
      Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign Napoli hot-shot Lorenzo Insigne.
      Spurs are said to be wasting no time in their pursuit of the 30-year-old and plan to make a move for him in January when the transfer window re-opens, according to Sports Witness.
      They had initially been linked with a move for Insigne in the summer but the switch failed to materialise.
      Insigne’s contract with the Serie A side is up next summer meaning he can begin discussions with potential new suitors in the New Year.
      SW report that journalist Fabio Santini claims Spurs boss Antonio Conte is in awe of the striker whose netted five goals in 18 games for Napoli this summer.
      And the eager Italian wants to bring Insigne to White Hart Lane in January in a bid to salvage the North London club’s fledging season.
      ARM-BAND OF BROTHERS
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as become the latest Arsenal captain to be stripped of the role after another disciplinary breach.
      The forward is by no means the first Gunners skipper to enrage supporters and bosses, however.
      In fact, a long line of Arsenal captains have had their issues, since Arsene Wenger appointed William Gallas in 2007.

      ART ATTACK
      Piers Morgan has blasted Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for a ‘shameful decision’ to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy.
      And the TV star has slammed the ‘disgusting treatment’ handed out by the Gunners to the striker.
      The forward was dropped for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Southampton after arriving back late from an authorised trip to France.
      Now the 32-year-old has been handed the ultimate punishment of LOSING the captain’s armband.
      And it has not gone down too well with renowned Gunners fan Morgan.
      He tweeted: “Shameful decision by Arteta. What a disgusting way to treat a man who went – with the club’s full knowledge & permission – to help his sick mother.”
      STRIKE OPTIONS
      Teddy Sheringham says he would rather pick Harry Kane than Cristiano Ronaldo if he were putting together a dream team.
      The Tottenham legend reckons Kane is more of a team player than the Manchester United talisman.
      The 55-year-old told Football.London: “Tough one but Harry Kane.
      “I just think he does things for the team. He works for the team.
      “I know he scores his goals and he’s very selfish at times but you have to be like that as a centre forward but you know what you’re going to get from him, week in, week out.
      “He leads the line for the team as well. He’s unselfish but selfish at the right times and that’s why he scores so many goals.
      “Ronaldo has been one of the best two players but playing alongside him, it’s a funny one… he scores goals out of nowhere because of how good he is but doesn’t really play off other people.
      “Might be a little bit harsh but I prefer the knowing what you’re going to get from a player when you’re asking who I would like to play alongside.”

      CASTING ROLE
      West Ham are among a host of European clubs keeping tabs on £15 million rated New York City hot-shot Valentin Castellanos.
      The 23-year-old Argentine – known as ‘Taty’ – was the golden boot winner in the MLS last season when he scored 19 goals.
      He also added to his tally as NYCFC were crowned US champions by edging past Portland Timbers on penalties at the weekend.
      Although his strike celebrations were marred by shocking scenes which saw Castellanos’ team-mate Jesus Medina struck with a beer can thrown from the crowd.
      The Hammers are looking for a forward in January to provide back up for Michail Antonio but are just one of several who have been alerted to the form of Castellanos.
      Turkish giants Besiktas are keen – while Championship outfit Nottingham Forest were also prepared to pay around £8 million for him.
      The City Football Group – who own NYCFC and his former club Torque – believe he is worth considerably more than that.

      AUBAMEYANG SACKED AS CAPTAIN
      Arsenal have announced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been stripped of the club captaincy.
      A statement on Tuesday declared simply: “Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United.
      “We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”

      SECRET SWITCH
      Real Madrid will keep their proposed Kylian Mbappe transfer swoop under wraps until after they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, it’s claimed.
      Mbappe’s move to Real now seems to be a foregone conclusion and as his contract with PSG is up in the summer, the 22-year-old can finalise his switch to Spain in January.
      But the two European juggernauts will play each other in the Champions League early next year which means Mbappe will have to face his potential future team-mates before completing his transfer.
      And to make sure that the focus is solely on the salivating tie, Real now plan to keep tight-lipped on the developments in Mbappe’s move to the Bernabeu, AS report.
      AS claim that Real are aware of the wrath PSG fans will aim towards the French youngster throughout their Champions League clash if his move is made public, so they’ve decided to hold back on any announcements until the game has been put to bed.
      AGUERO UPDATE
      Sergio Aguero is set to make a statement about his future, Barcelona have confirmed.
      The Argentina striker is rumoured to be considering retirement following the chest problems he encountered in October.
      The 33-year-old was taken to hospital after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a clash with Alaves.
      He was ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia.
      Barcelona made the announcement on Twitter.
      The club wrote: “@aguerosergiokun will give a statement on his future from Camp Nou at 12pm CET on Wednesday December 15. The first-team football player will be joined by FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta.”
      BELL BLOW
      Former Barcelona technical secretary Josep Moratalla has admitted the club were on the verge of signing Jude Bellingham before he joined Borussia Dortmund.
      Bellingham signed for the German club in 2020 from Birmingham City for £21million.
      The 18-year-old is now being linked with a £90m move to Liverpool after seeing his value sky-rocket in the last 18 months.
      And Moratalla as revealed his regret at not signing the teenager before Dortmund did.
      He told Spanish radio station Esport3: “We had Bellingham here before he signed for Dortmund, when I see now that Liverpool want to pay 100 million euros [£85m] I laugh.
      “I have never understood why we never did more operations of these.”

      ITALIAN JOB 
      Robert Lewandowski has hinted at a possible move to Italy as he collected the 2021 Golden Player award.
      He picked up the award from Italian newspaper Tuttosport – who famously also hand out the Golden Boy award for best young player.
      And speaking at the awards ceremony, Lewa flirted with the idea of a move to Serie A.
      He said: “Play in Italy? I can’t say something that I don’t know yet, but I know that in Italy I have a great appreciation.
      “It is possible, also because by coming to Italy I would have the chance to face great players and great teams.”
      STAND AND DELIVER
      Chelsea have confirmed that licensed safe standing will be in operation for their January 2 clash with Liverpool.
      Standing at top-flight football matches in England has been banned for 30 years.
      But that will come to an end next month, with three Prem clubs having been given permission to take part in a pilot scheme.
      Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United will all allow standing in selected areas of their stadiums for matches in January.
      The first of these will be when the Blues take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

      JOSTLING FOR JUDE
      Manchester United are set to be rivalled for the signing of Jude Bellingham by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.
      United are desperate for reinforcements in midfield, with Bellingham a target for interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
      And now Bayern Munich have joined the race for the England star, according to German outlet Bild.
      Borussia Dortmund though are desperate not to lose one of their prized assets to their biggest rivals.
      With Bellingham under contract with Dortmund until 2025, the club are in a strong position when it comes to transfer negotiations.

      AUBA THE MOON
      Arsenal club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ‘open’ to a shock January move to Barcelona, according to reports.
      Aubameyang made headlines at the weekend after being left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Southampton due to a ‘disciplinary breach’.
      Spanish outlet El Nacional claim that Aubameyang would be willing to make the switch to Barcelona ‘without hesitation’ in January.
      It could signal the beginning of the end of the striker’s Arsenal career.
      He was also left on the bench for the 2-1 defeat to Everton last Monday, with Alexandre Lacazette instead preferred from the start.
      The 32-year-old only has 18 months left to run on his current contract so Arsenal could be tempted to cash in as soon as possible.

      ‘I’M LOVING IT’
      Mason Mount has continued to kick on during his first full season playing under Thomas Tuchel, and he has thanked the manager for his role in it all.
      Mount was one of the Chelsea academy talents ushered into the first team by Frank Lampard, and while other Lampard favourites have moved on he remains an integral part of the Blues’ first team.
      Mount said: “He’s been massive for me, to come in halfway through a season and do what he did last year, to win the Champions League and develop us all as players and as a group, he’s been brilliant since the first day he’s come in.
      “For me personally he’s helped me on and off the ball, he’s helped me with confidence.
      “And the way I like to play is very similar to his way he sets up and how he wants us to play.
      “So I’m loving it, I’m loving every moment and hopefully we can keep winning things.”
      CLARET LEGEND
      Burnley have paid tribute to club legend Jimmy Robson, who sadly passed away at the age of 82.
      The forward was part of the Clarets’ last title-winning campaign as they triumphed in the First Division back in 1960.
      He was also part of the 1962 Burnley side that reached the FA Cup final.
      Burnley paid tribute to their former star on Twitter.
      The club wrote: “We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Robson this morning.
      “The Clarets legend won the First Division with Burnley in 1960 and made 242 appearances.
      “The thoughts of everyone at Turf Moor are with Jimmy’s family and friends.”
      OMICRON WORRY
      Premier League clubs are fearing the season could be suspended due the rapid spread of Omicron after Manchester United’s game against Brentford was postponed.
      A total of 42 confirmed cases were confirmed on Monday evening – the most recorded in a single week- with five clubs affected by outbreaks.
      The Daily Mail reports that many players who want to receive a booster jab, which offers protection against the new variant, have been left frustrated in their attempts to get vaccinated.
      Wolves are said to be the only club so far to have met Boris Johnson’s target of having all over-18s boosted by the end of the month, although Leeds and Brentford are on course to meet that requirement.
      The Premier League remain adamant that with the current testing procedures and protocol in place, a pause in proceedings, like the one which interrupted the 2019/20 season, won’t be neccessary.
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      Champions League Last 16 draw LIVE REACTION: RE-DRAW sees Man Utd vs Atletico Madrid, Liverpool to meet Inter – latest

      by

      THE CHAMPIONS League draw has been RE-DRAWN – with Manchester United now facing Atletico Madrid.Uefa chiefs investigated the original draw after a mix up involving United’s ball.
      The Red Devils had drawn PSG in the initial draw.
      Elsewhere, Chelsea face Lille, Liverpool meet Inter Milan and Man City taking on Sporting Lisbon.

      TV/ live stream: BT Sport/ BT Sport YouTube
      First legs: February 15/16/22/23
      Second legs: March 8/9/15/16

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      Follow ALL of the latest from the draw below…
      UEFA GAFFE
      Uefa have been slated after botching today’s Champions League last-16 draw.
      One fan joked: “I’m moving to the Super League. Adios.”
      While another noted: “Why are Arsenal fans commenting on European Competitions?”
      A third quipped: “Software? Literally just a dude manually putting out the balls.”
      FANDEMIC
      Fans were left fuming after being hit in the pocket by Uefa’s decision to conduct a re-draw this afternoon.
      That’s because many had already booked flights following the initial pairings on Monday morning.
      A Real Madrid supporter moaned: “I already booked my ticket to Lisbon, pay me back with damages.”
      While a Man United fan protested: “I cant believe it, me and my friends have booked tickets to paris due to the Champions league draw, and now you are telling me I wasted £150 on flights and hotels due to the corrupt uefa.”
      DE GEA COMEBACK
      Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is set for a return to his former home as well.
      De Gea will be facing his ex-club Atletico Madrid in the Champions League’s Last 16.
      The Spain international graduated from Atletico’s academy and was called up to the senior squad in 2009.
      The 31-year-old was then signed by United two years later
      RAMOS RETURNS
      Sergio Ramos is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League!
      But Ramos won’t be donning the Real shirt, neither will he be wearing the captain’s armband.
      Instead, the centre-back will be coming back as a Paris Saint Germain player and an opponent for the first time since 2005 when he played for Sevilla.
      That is if the 35-year-old isn’t facing any fitness problems and he actually makes Mauricio Pochettino’s squad
      REAL RAGE
      Real Madrid were unhappy with the decision to redraw, claiming that the error occurred after they had already been redrawn against Benfica.
      At least they’ve been given a favourable tie this time.
      Oh, sorry.
      .Credit: The Mega Agency
      PANIC STATIONS!
      Michael Owen on BT Sport just now spotted what he thought was another blunder.
      Villarreal were not given the option of facing Liverpool and nobody was fully sure why. Surely not another balls up?
      It was later clarified that Villarreal and Inter Milan could not play Real Madrid and Juventus because of group mixes and country mixes.
      Think Michael got that wrong and we can breathe a sigh of relief.
      FOR BETTER FOR WORSE
      All in all, not a huge deal changed for the English teams.
      Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea will still be fairly happy with their draws.
      Man Utd still have a tough draw. But this time they have Atletico Madrid and not PSG.
      ONE MORE TIME FOR LUCK?
      I’ve really enjoyed both draws, shall we do it again?
      Joking, of course.
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW IN FULL

      Salzburg vs Bayern Munich
      Sporting Lisbon vs Man City
      Benfica vs Ajax
      Chelsea vs Lille
      Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd
      Villarreal vs Juventus
      Inter Milan vs Liverpool
      PSG VS Real Madrid

      First leg – February 15/16/22/23
      Second leg – March 8/9/15/16
      PSG VS REAL MADRID
      PSG are last out again… and a blockbuster tie for them again!
      INTER MILAN VS LIVERPOOL
      Jurgen Klopp’s men are off to the San Siro again after playing AC Milan in the group stage.
      That could’ve been worse because PSG were still in the hat.
      VILLARREAL VS JUVENTUS
      ATLETICO MADRID VS MAN UTD
      Woah. After Man Utd were apparently excluded from potentially facing Atletico earlier.
      A tough tie for Ralf Rangnick’s men, but probably better than PSG.
      CHELSEA VS LILLE
      It’s happened again. Chelsea have Lille.
      A big sigh of relief from all at Stamford Bridge.
      BENFICA VS AJAX
      SPORTING LISBON VS MAN CITY
      Pep won’t be too displeased there. Man City had a good draw before, and they’ve got a good one again.
      SALZBURG VS BAYERN MUNICH
      First tie out of the hat.
      No Liverpool for the Austrian side, they get Bayern instead.
      HERE WE GO AGAIN
      We’re back again. With an apology from Giorgio Marchetti.
      “I apologise for the fact we have had to gather again to do the draw.
      “As many of you will have noticed there were some errors made in the initial draw caused by a malfunction in software.”
      OK, let’s get on with it now.
      TAKE TWO
      Come on Andrei, you got this.
      .Credit: Getty
      A REMINDER
      The first legs will take place across four nights in February – 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd.
      Second legs are set for the following month on March 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th.
      After that, we’ll have the draw for the last-eight and semis. Let’s hope the Prem teams are still going strong.
      Unseeded teams will be home in the first leg, seeded teams home in the second leg.
      LET’S GO AGAIN
      Right, pretend this morning never happened.
      Here are the teams today.
      Seeded: Ajax, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Liverpool, Lille, Man City, Man Utd, Real Madrid.
      Unseeded: Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Chelsea, Inter Milan, PSG, Salzburg, Sporting Lisbon, Villarreal.
      GUARDIOLA REACTS
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola described UEFA’S gaffe as a “fair” mistake.
      Guardiola said: “You want an assessment about the draw? It is going to happen again.
      “It is fair. It was a mistake. These things can happen, to managers, players and UEFA too.
      “It is fair. It would be a mistake not to repeat, there would [be] suspicions”
      WHAT WE KNOW
      The Champions League draw for the Round of 16 will be redone after an error during the procedure.
      First, Villarreal were paired up with Manchester United, whom they faced in the group stage.
      And then it appears like United weren’t included in Atletico Madrid’s pot as potential opponents in the Last 16.
      Thus, the draw will be done all over and all teams will be eligible, including Real Madrid who were initially drawn with Benfica.
      UEFA issued the following statement: “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the Uefa Champions League Round of 16.
      “As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone at 1500 CET (14:00 GMT)”
      “DELIGHTED”
      Former Manchester United ace Oeen Hargreaves claims his former club will be “delighted” with the draw being redone.
      The Red Devils were originally paired up with Paris Saint-Germain.
      Hargreaves told BT Sport: “United will be delighted. Let’s see what comes up.
      “Some fans are going to be delighted but some will be very annoyed”
      LINEKER REACTS

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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE REACTION: Mercedes protests REJECTED latest, Verstappen WINS controversial world title

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won a heart-stopping, controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton was pegged in by a safety car, allowing Verstappen to pit for a new set of tyres, while the Brit could not stop.
      That left the pair to race off with one lap to go, and with a fresh set of tyres it was then in Verstappen’s hands to win.
      The safety car appears to have pulled the rug from under Hamilton’s feet and is sure to be the biggest controversy in Formula One history.
      Hamilton had the chance to change his tyres with 20 laps to go but has gambled on keeping an old set of rubbers to close in on the world tile.
      The pair made contact in the first lap after the Brit got an incredible jump on his rival at the start.
      But after an investigation stewards have decided not to punish the reigning world champ.
      Instead of giving a place back to Verstappen he only had to give back time. Red Bull were convinced he DIDN’T ease up and complained but the stewards were satisfied Hamilton did do so.

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      FROM SUNSPORT’S F1 MAN BEN HUNT
      Lewis Hamilton claims the outcome of the controversial Abu Dhabi GP was “manipulated”.
      Audio footage from the Brit’s car has emerged where the Mercedes man clearly feels Max Verstappen’s victory was orchestrated by meddling stewards.
      Hamilton was gracious in defeat in the televised post-race interviews.
      However, on the final lap when he was passed by Verstappen, he told his team over the radio “this is getting manipulated, man”.
      LEW-DICROUS
      Lewis Hamilton was reportedly heard labelling Max Verstappen’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win as ‘manipulated’ in a largely unaired radio message.
      According to the Telegraph, Hamilton told his Mercedes team through the radio with four corners left to race: “This has been manipulated, man.”
      Although there are now suggestions that Mercedes will decide not to appeal against the outcome of yesterday’s race at Yas Marina, with two protests already being rejected.
      The British superstar’s comments were heard through his onboard channel on F1 TV, but not relayed onto the world feed.
      The 36-year-old’s words seem to prove his true feelings towards the events that unfolded in Abu Dhabi
      CASH CONVERTERS
      Mercedes staff are on track for an enormous Christmas bonus despite Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One loss at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Each worker at the team’s HQ and factory will receive at least £10,000 following the controversial season finale.
      Max Verstappen dramatically overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the season to claim his first drivers’ championship.
      But Mercedes did enough as a team to snatch the constructors’ title from Red Bull’s grasp, meaning a bumper payday
      CIRCUIT BREAKER
      Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has apologised for his part in the controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton..
      Latifi said: “We were just really struggling for grip through the next sequence of corners, and especially where I ended up going off.
      “It’s been a tricky corner all weekend for me, so dirty tyres, dirty air and I made a mistake.
      “I wasn’t aware of the situation of the race up until then. Obviously it was never my intention to inadvertently influence that, but I made a mistake and ruined my own race.
      “It was never my intention and I can only apologise for influencing and creating an opportunity.
      “But again, I made a mistake”
      MICH TAKER
      Michael Masi is fighting to keep his job after his monumental cock-up in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
      Race Director Masi was accused of bending the rules for TV as Max Verstappen clinched the world crown in controversial circumstances.
      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team have stated they intend to appeal against the Dutchman’s F1 triumph
      GETTY IMAGES
      TRY AGAIN
      Mercedes are set to appeal against Formula One bosses’ decision to reject their protests over the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Red Bull champion Max Verstappen following a controversial safety car decision on the final lap of the season.
      Hamilton had been leading for most of the race before Nicholas Latifi’s clash five laps from the end saw the safety car deployed.
      Race director Michael Masi initially said ‘any lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake’ while the safety car was out.
      At that point Verstappen and Hamilton were separated by five backmarkers who the Dutchman would have had to weave through before challenging for the lead.
      But on the penultimate lap, Masi changed his mind and allowed just those five cars to unlap themselves to put Verstappen right behind Hamilton.
      The decision gave the Red Bull man clear air from which to attack his British rival and he soon flew past him on a fresher set of tyres
      DRINK UP
      Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has been promised an endless supply of Red Bull by team principal Christian Horner after his crash led to Max Verstappen winning the Formula One World Championship.
      Horner told Channel 4: “He’ll be getting a lifetime supply of Red Bull for sure.”
      The Red Bull chief then told Sky Sports: “We needed something from the racing gods in the last ten laps.
      “Thank you Nicholas Latifi for that safety car. I have to say with the stewards… they did great to get the race going again.
      “We were screaming at him [F1 race director Michael Masi] ‘let them race’.
      “It has been an insane competition and for Max to win the world championship – it is not just about here.
      “I have to say all credit to Lewis, he has been a phenomenal opponent all year, he is a great champion and that is what makes it even more valid to win this”
      SPICE REACTION
      Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell praised Red Bull’s team after Max Verstappen’s Formula One triumph, especially the star driver, Sergio Perez and her husband Christian Horner.
      Halliwell said: “I am just really proud of him, I’m proud of the whole team, [and] Max.
      “I mean, it is testimony to what a great team they are. Great strategy, Max is brilliant, Sergio Perez was amazing.
      “And of course I think they have got the best Team Principal”
      SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner hugged wife and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell as the duo celebrated Max Verstappen’s controversial world title triumph in Formula One.
      Geri shared a hug with husband Christian as the pair took a selfie together to celebrate Verstappen’s win.
      The loved up couple have been together since 2014, marrying a year later and having their first child, Montague, in January 2017.
      The duo thought that hope was lost, when Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton led their man with just six laps remaining in Abu Dhabi.
      But after Nicholas Latifi’s crash and an extremely contentious call by the FIA, the Dutchman was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
      Credit: instagram
      BROTHERLY LOVE
      Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nicolas has labelled his brother as the ‘true champion’ and slammed the FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’.
      He posted on Instagram: “THE TRUE CHAMPION!
      “The FIA broke their own rules, which is a disgrace to our whole sport. Nevertheless, regardless of being mistreated today, the Hamilton’s were humble in defeat.
      “My farther, the guy who raised us, congratulating Max & his father Jos.
      “People can say what they like, but my Father’s gesture proves all of the doubters & haters wrong & shows who we are as ‘The Hamilton’s’
      HAMILTON’S DAD IS A GOOD LEW-SER
      Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony was not bitter in defeat as he graciously congratulated Max Verstappen for beating his son to the F1 world title.
      Anthony was seen sharing a handshake with Verstappen and a hug with his father Jos after a dramatic Saudi Arabian GP.

      Verstappen took the chequered flag after it looked for much of the race that Hamilton was cruising to a record eighth world title.
      The Dutchman landed the world title after most unimaginable drama unfolded.
      Anthony though made sure to congratulate the Verstappen family in the immediate aftermath of the race, remaining truly gracious in defeat.
      That was BEFORE news broke that Mercedes were appealing the race result on two counts.
      A late safety car as a result Nicholas Latifi’s smash five laps from the end was the catalyst for an incredible sequence of events.
      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff fumed at race director Michael Masi who initially said ‘any lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake’ while the safety car was out.
      TITLE TRIUMPH SPICED UP TO THE MAX
      Geri Horner shared a snap with new F1 world champion Max Verstappen and said congrats to her husband in Abu Dhabi.
      The Spice Girl was trackside at Yas Marina Circuit to witness one of the most dramatic season finales imaginable.

      Red Bull superstar Verstappen controversially pipped Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to clinch his first drivers’ title.
      Team boss Christian Horner – married to Geri – joined the flying Dutchman in wild champagne celebrations on the podium.
      And Ginger Spice posted a selfie with Verstappen on her Instagram account, captioning it simply: “Congratulations.”
      She then tagged Verstappen and her hubby Christian before adding the hashtag #nevergiveup.
      That was a motto for Verstappen to live by in Abu Dhabi after Hamilton overtook him for the lead off the line.
      The Brit was ahead for most of the race until a late – and controversial – safety car deployment.
      LANDO BAFFLED BY FIA RACE ORDER
      Baffled Lando Norris hit out at Lewis Hamilton lost his F1 crown to Max Verstappen after a controversial restart.
      Brit Norris said: “At first we weren’t allowed to overtake, as the backmarkers, so if that influenced decisions to Mercedes and to Lewis and that’s the reason they didn’t do their pit-stop.
      “But then the FIA suddenly changed their minds and they were allowed to let us past. That’s where I’m not so sure. For it to end like that, I’m not so sure.”
      RUSSELL BLASTS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ WAY MAX WON CROWN
      George Russell, who is due to be Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate next season, was furious with how Max Verstappen won the title after F1 chiefs set up a final-lap shootout.
      The 23-year-old Brit tweeted: “THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!
      “Max is an absolutely fantastic driver who has had an incredible season and I have nothing but huge respect for him, but what just happened is absolutely unacceptable.
      “I cannot believe what we’ve just seen.”
      SPURS’ FANS MAX ANGER
      Tottenham fans have been left unimpressed after the club’s social media account congratulated Max Verstappen for winning the F1 world title.
      Verstappen scooped the championship in hugely controversial circumstances, overtaking Lewis Hamilton with one lap left to race in Abu Dhabi

      Mercedes launched protests on two accounts after Hamilton was pipped to an eighth world title in the final seconds.
      They were both rejected by stewards though, meaning Verstappen is confirmed as world champion.
      Spurs ere quick to pass on their congratulations to the Dutchman immediately after the race, tweeting a picture of the 24-year-old star holding up a shirt sporting the name of his countryman, Steven Bergwijn.
      They wrote: “Congratulations, @Max33Verstappen!”
      But fans weren’t convinced by the post, with some hilarious tongue-in-cheek responses, as well as some disgruntled disgruntled supporters.
      One wrote: “We’re so s*** at football that this is what we resort to? Nice one admin.”
      MERCEDES TO APPEAL HIGHER
      Mercedes are set to appeal against F1 bosses’ decision to REJECT their protests over the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Merc star Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen following a controversial safety car decision on the final lap of the season.
      Race director Michael Masi allowed some – but not all – lapped cars to pass the safety car before signalling racing could resume.
      Verstappen originally had five cars between him and leader Hamilton before the call to let them pass.
      The decision gave the Dutchman clear air from which to attack his British rival and he soon flew past him on a fresher set of tyres.
      Fuming Merc chiefs then fought a four-hour battle to have the result overturned following the chequered flag at Yas Marina Circuit.
      Their appeal was finally rejected late on Sunday night – but they have now signalled their intention to mount a further legal challenge.
      As announced on Sky Sports News, Merc said they would put their case to the FIA court of appeal.
      The team have 96 hours to make their submission – if that fails the next step would be to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
      HORNER ‘DISAPPIONTED’ MAX WIN WENT O APPEAL
      Max Verstappen was crowned F1 champion in one of the most controversial ends to a sporting event, writes BEN HUNT.
      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team were left furious and accused race bosses of bending the rules, resulting in a dramatic one-lap shootout between Hamilton and Verstappen for the title.
      Merc’s chiefs fought a four-hour battle to have the decision overturned before it was finally rejected late last night – however, they are expected to mount a further legal challenge.
      After Merc’s protest was rejected Verstappen said: “I am very relieved. It’s been a very stressful day.”
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner added: “I am disappointed we had to go through that. Max is the world champion, he’s the deserving world champion, nobody can take that from him
      F1 TWEET TO HAIL MAX
      Four hours after tweeting to hail Max Verstappen as world champ, F1 have done the same again.
      The first time was for the Red Bull driver’s win on the track – the second time to mark his success off it – following Mercedes’ appeals.

      KISS OF BLISS FOR HORNER
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s wife Geri gave him a passionate kiss when Max Verstappen’s title triumph finally became official.
      Red Bull had to wait four hours before Mercedes’ two appeals over Verstappen’s last-lap Abu Dhabi GP win were dismissed by FIA chiefs.

      MAX: MY ‘STRESSFUL’ DAY ENDS IN GLORY
      New F1 champ Max Verstappen admitted waiting for FIA chiefs to confirm his first world title had heaped up his stress levels.
      The Dutchman told Sky Sports: “[It’s been] a very stressful day.
      And how will the Red Bull ace celebrate? Have a tiny drink.”
      RECAP ON VERSTAPPEN CROWN
      Max Verstappen has been CONFIRMED as F1 world champion after Mercedes’ protests against the Dutchman have been unsuccessful.
      The 24-year-old overtook Hamilton with a lap left in Abu Dhabi to win the title, but was left sweating after Mercedes lodged protests on two accounts against him.

      Images emerged of the Red Bull driver seemingly overtaking Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had left the track.
      That was the first protest to be dismissed by stewards, with a statement reading: “Although (VER) did, for a very short period of time, move slightly in front of (HAM), when both were accelerating and braking, moved back behind and not in front when safety car period ended.”
      Merc boss Toto Wolff was also left fuming that lapped cars were allowed to pass Hamilton, meaning Verstappen could use his fresh tyres on clear asphalt to close in on the Brit.
      With a lap left Verstappen used his newer rubber to pull in front of the Hamilton, taking the chequered flag, and therefore the world title with it.
      But a protest on that matter was also in vain, with Verstappen now CONFIRMED as world champ.
      After an anxious wait both protests have been rejected, and Verstappen can breathe a sigh of relief.
      THE MOMENT THEY HEARD…
      Here’s Red Bull chief Christian Horner after hearing the FIA had backed Max Verstappen’s title glory in winning the Abu Dhabi GP.
      Credit: Getty
      WILL MERCEDES TAKE THIS FURTHER AFTER LOSING CROWN?
      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team understandably looked forlorn as they exited after losing BOTH appeals against race decisions in Max Verstappen’s title win.
      But Mercedes could yet decide to take the verdict to sport’s international arbitrators.
      VERSTAPPEN RELIEF AS FIA CHIEFS BACK HIS F1 CROWN
      Red Bull’s Max Verstappen burst into a broad grin on hearing the news his title triumph has been confirmed.
      MAX CONFIRMED AS CHAMP
      Red Bull say the race stewards have confirmed Max Verstappen as world champ.
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      Europa League playoff draw LIVE: Updates with Barcelona and Rangers in the hat – stream FREE, TV channel, latest

      by

      THE Europa League playoff draw takes place TODAY.There will be a different approach to the Europa League draw this season, with the teams who have dropped out of the Champions League – such as Barcelona – going into today’s draw.
      The Champions League dropouts will be unseeded in the playoff draw today with the Europa League second-placed sides seeded.
      Europa League group winners will not feature in today’s draw and have received a bye to the Last 16.

      FULL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DRAW

      Marseille vs Qarabag
      PSV Eindhoven vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
      Fenerbahce vs Slavia Prague
      Midtjylland vs PAOK
      Leicester vs Randers
      Celtic vs Bodo/Glimt
      Sparta Prague vs Partizan Belgrade
      Rapid Vienna vs Tottenham/Vitesse

      First leg – February 17
      Second leg – February 24
      .Credit: Getty
      RAPID VIENNA VS TOTTENHAM/VITESSE
      And finally…
      SPARTA PRAGUE VS PARTIZAN BELGRADE
      After a short delay for more technical problems in Nyon. We have the next tie.
      CELTIC VS BODO/GLIMT
      A good draw for the Scottish side.
      LEICESTER VS RANDERS
      I think they’ll be happy with that at the King Power Stadium.
      MIDTJYLLAND VS PAOK
      FENERBAHCE VS SLAVIA PRAGUE
      PSV EINDHOVEN VS MACCABI TEL AVIV
      MARSEILLE VS QARABAG
      The first tie out.
      LET’S GO
      OK. The road to Tirana continues right here.
      We’re ready to go.
      MOVING ON UP
      The eight Europa Conference League group winners will skip this round and go straight to the last 16. They are:
      LASK, Gent, Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Copenhagen, Basel… and one other to be confirmed.
      DRAW TIME
      OK, let’s tie up the loose ends here.
      Seven of the eight seeded teams are confirmed for this Europa Conference League draw.
      Seeded teams: Bodo/Glimt, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, PAOK, Partizan Belgrade, Qarabag, Randers, Slavia Prague… plus one more.
      Unseeded teams: Celtic, Fenerbahce, Leicester, Marseille, Midtjylland, PSV Eindhoven, Rapid Vienna, Sparta Prague.
      BREAKING NEWS
      The Champions League draw will be redone at 2pm today after the farce of this morning.
      PART THREE
      Right then, one more draw today coming up shortly.
      It’s the Europa Conference League playoff round.
      We still don’t know what combination of Tottenham/Vitesse/Rennes will be in the hat after the Covid postponement last week.
      Twenty four teams are still left in this competition.
      The eight group winners have a bye at this stage and will join the tournament in the last 16.
      In this round we will have the eight group runners-up as well as the eight third—placed teams from the Europa League groups.
      DON’T GO ANYWHERE
      The Europa Conference League draw is coming up.
      If you thought the Champions League draw was a bit of a mess this morning, we don’t even know the full list of teams in this one.
      .Credit: Getty
      TIE OF THE ROUND
      It has to be Barcelona vs Napoli, but Dortmund vs Rangers will be a tasty one as well.
      Quite like the looks of Porto vs Lazio as well.
      Ties to be played in February.
      FULL EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY-OFF DRAW

      Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb
      Atalanta vs Olympiakos
      Leipzig vs Real Sociedad
      Barcelona vs Napoli
      Zenit vs Real Betis
      Dortmund vs Rangers
      Sheriff Tiraspor vs Braga
      Porto vs Lazio

      First leg – February 17
      Second leg – February 24
      PORTO VS LAZIO
      And a lovely big tie to finish off.
      SHERIFF TIRASPOL VS BRAGA
      DORTMUND VS RANGERS
      They’re licking their lips in Glasgow.
      Erling Haaland is off to Ibrox. Just for one night, that’s not a transfer rumour.
      ZENIT VS REAL BETIS
      BARCELONA VS NAPOLI
      That’s a biggy. What a tie!
      LEIPZIG VS REAL SOCIEDAD
      ATALANTA VS OLYMPIAKOS
      SEVILLA VS DINAMO ZAGREB
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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Verstappen WINS world title after safety car controversy ahead of Hamilton – latest

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won a heart-stopping, controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton was pegged in by a safety car, allowing Verstappen to pit for a new set of tyres, while the Brit could not stop.
      That left the pair to race off with one lap to go, and with a fresh set of tyres it was then in Verstappen’s hands to win.
      The safety car appears to have pulled the rug from under Hamilton’s feet and is sure to be the biggest controversy in Formula One history.
      Hamilton had the chance to change his tyres with 20 laps to go but has gambled on keeping an old set of rubbers to close in on the world tile.
      The pair made contact in the first lap after the Brit got an incredible jump on his rival at the start.
      But after an investigation stewards have decided not to punish the reigning world champ.
      Instead of giving a place back to Verstappen he only had to give back time. Red Bull were convinced he DIDN’T ease up and complained but the stewards were satisfied Hamilton did do so.

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER HAILS FIA DECISION
      “That just about sums up this year. I said Max was going to need something from the racing gods in the last 10 laps so thank you Nicholas Latifi for that Safety Car. We felt hard done by with the stewards at the beginning of the race but they did great to get the race going again.
      “It’s been an insane competition, and for Max to win the world championship it’s not just about here, it’s the whole year. Lewis has been a phenomenal opponent all year, he’s a great world champion and that’s what makes it more valid to win this.
      “We were screaming at him [Michael Masi} ‘let them race’. That’s what we’ve been talking about all year and this championship came down to the last lap. A great strategy call to make that pit stop, to take that set of softs and then it was down to Max and make it happen.
      “It’s unheard of to leave the cars unlapped. You could see they wanted to get the race going again and they don’t need to catch up the back of the paddock. They made absolutely the right call – difficult circumstances and they called it right.
      “I’m just so proud of Max, so proud of the team for what we’ve been through and what we’ve achieved against some fierce and great opponents.
      “I was screaming from Turn Five all the way down the back straight. You just knew Max was not going to give it up. To see him cross the line and become world champion for us after all these years is an amazing feeling.
      “This is right up with our first world championship. The quality of the opponents we’ve had this year, they’ve pushed us so hard and we’ve fought so hard, and then a stroke of good fortune for us and we made it work.”
      JOS VERSTAPPEN IS TEARFUL AFTER SON’S GLORY
      “I’m very proud. Because of the Safety Car we are in this situation, but still you have to do it and I think the team had a good strategy to call him in.
      “Max was the driver this year and he really deserves this championship.
      “I think the whole team was worried because we know Mercedes’ speed. But still he kept fighting, he always fights. That’s in his DNA and that’s what he’s done today. He said that every lap he was flat out and he was driving to the maximum.
      “He only had one chance, one lap and that’s what he took.
      “During the race I walked away as I didn’t believe it any more but I came back for the last lap.”
      AN UNFORGETTABLE TITLE BATTLE

      VERSTAPPEN COMPLETES HIS CHILDHOOD DREAM
      “My goal when I was little was to become an F1 driver. You hope for wins, you hope to be on the podium, when they play the national anthem you one day hope they’ll play yours.
      “Now standing here and they tell you you’re the world champion is something incredible.
      “To share this special memory with my dad. All the things come back through your mind, all the years spent together and travelling for that goal and it comes here together on the last lap. It’s insane.”
      “Lewis is an amazing driver, an amazing competitor.
      “They made it really really hard for us. The two teams went against each other and we had some tough times but that’s part of sport and the emotion, everyone wants to win.
      “It could have gone either way today and next year we’ll come back and try it all over again.”
      BOTH DADS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

      HAMILTON KEEPS A LEVEL HEAD
      “Firstly congratulations to Max and to his team.
      “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.
      “I’m so proud of them and I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey with them.
      “This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up, that’s the most important thing.”
      “Of course I have felt great in the car this past couple of months, particularly at the end. I hope everyone stays safe in the pandemic and has good Christmas during this time and we’ll see about next year.”
      VERSTAPPEN: “LUCK FINALLY WENT MY WAY”
      “It’s unbelievable. Throughout the whole race I kept fighting and to have an opportunity on the last lap, it’s incredible. I’m having cramp. It’s insane.
      “I don’t know what to say. My team and Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much and I really really enjoy working with them. This year has been incredible.
      “Finally a bit of luck for me.
      “I also need to say a big thank you to Checo. He was driving his heart out today, it was great team-work and he’s an amazing team-mate.
      “My team know I love them and I hope we can do this for 10-15 years together. There’s no reason to change ever, I want to stay with them for the rest of my life. I hope they let me.
      “Christian and Helmut trusted me to be in the team in 2016, our goal was to be world champion and now we’ve done that.”
      RUSSELL HAS HIS SAY

      HAMILTON RECEIVES A HUG AND WORDS OF WISDOM FROM HIS FATHER
      Anthony Hamilton goes on to congratulate Verstappen and his father Jos.
      HAMILTON CONGRATULATES VERSTAPPEN

      DRIVERS CELEBRATE AND COMMISERATE HAMILTON AND VERSTAPPEN
      Vettel and Schumacher huge Hamilton ein the weight room.
      While Norris and Sainz hug Verstappen as he celebrates the title.
      HAMILTON LOST FOR WORDS
      His race engineer says: “I’m just speechless Lewis, absolutely speechless.”
      Hamilton does not reply.
      There’s a lot of discussion in Mercedes’ garage as they feel aggrieved.
      OUR NEW WORLD CHAMPION!

      MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE RACE AND THE 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!
      Verstappen screams down the radio as the pit wall send wild cheers in return.
      Mercedes are absolutely furious.
      Christian Horner and Verstappen are crying their eyes out.
      “We needed a bit of luck and we got it,” says Christian Horner to Verstappen on team radio. “We love you. We ****ing love you.”
      Both Horner and Verstappen clearly in tears.
      “We needed a bit of luck and we got it,” says Christian Horner to Verstappen on team radio. “We love you. We ****ing love you.”
      ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX CONTINUES FOR ONE LAST LAP
      The cars are allowed to lap the safety car, meaning it’s a straight shoot out.
      VERSTAPPEN PASSES HAMILTON ON TURN 5
      LAP 57 OF 58 – VERSTAPPEN LAUGHS OFF DECISION
      “Yeah, of course. Typical decision,” says Verstappen.
      He adds: “I’m not surprised.”
      THREE LAPS REMAING
      We could have one racing lap, as this 2021 championship fight could be settled on the final lap.
      Perez has been told to retire the car, handing Mercedes the constructors championship.
      The lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake Hamilton, meaning Verstappen has a handful of cars between him and Hamilton.
      WILL WE GET ANY MORE RACING LAPS?
      Brundle said: “Max Verstappen has fresh tyres, Lewis has worn tyres. Red Bull have nothing to lose here.
      “Will there be any more racing laps? If there are, Max has got the tyres to do something.”
      LAP 52 – FULL SAFETY CAR
      Nicolas Latifi has crashed and the stewards have called for a safety car.
      Verstappen stops for soft tyres while Hamilton is stays out of the pits again.
      Hamilton sighs over the radio and says: “That’s unbelievable man.”
      Hamilton could be left in the lurch if the race restarts.
      LAP 51 – VERSTAPPEN HAS FIVE CARS TO LAP
      Verstappen has five cars to lap after Norris’ pit stop, as he trails Hamilton by 11 seconds with six laps remaining.
      Brundle added: “Lewis’ pace on tyres that have been on since Lap 14 is really quite sensational.”
      HORNER SAYS ‘WE NEED A MIRACLE’
      The Red Bull boss tells Sky F1: “The pace of the Mercedes is just too strong today. We’re going to need a miracle to turn this around.
      “Max will drive his heart out these last 10 laps, you can guarantee that.”
      LAP 50 – HAMILTON TOLD TO BE CAREFUL OF THE CURBS
      Lando Norris was forced to pit due to a slow puncture after riding the curbs… giving Hamilton something else to worry about.
      He is told to avoid the curbs on the final two turns of the circuit.
      LAP 48 – VERSTAPPEN TAKES A SECOND OUT OF HAMILTON’S LEAD
      Martin Brundle said: “Verstappen just took a second out of the lead there… but it’s still a dozen seconds.”
      “But that may be down to Hamilton lapping the four cars.
      “Hamilton’s dashboard is saying there are less laps remaining but his engineers have assured him to ignore the dash.”
      LAP 46 – SEASON CLIMAX APPROACHING
      Verstappen is chasing Hamilton but he is not showing the raw speed he needs to catch Hamilton by the end of the race.
      The lead is now at 13.2 seconds with 11 laps remaining.
      LAP 45 – HAMILTON WARNED OF BACK MARKERS
      There are four cars ahead of Hamilton who are expected to be lapped.
      He is warned to show extra caution as the cars ahead are scrapping for places.
      Hamilton leads by almost 14 seconds.
      Here’s the traffic jam which awaits him further up the road.

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      Vasyl Lomachenko vs Richard Commey LIVE RESULTS: Tyson Fury SINGS to Bob Arum, Loma one-sided WIN in New York

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      VASYL LOMACHENKO secured a unanimous points win over Richard Commey in their lightweight battle at Madison Square Garden.The victory puts the Ukrainian sensation on course for a world title shot next year as he aims to reclaim his belts.
      Lomachenko DROPPED Commey heavily in the seventh round, and while the Ghanaian beat the referee’s count he was on unsteady legs.
      In incredible scenes, Lomachenko shouted at Commey’s corner to pull their man out.
      Commey was able to get to the final bell but it was a one-sided victory by Lomachenko, who won 117-110, 119-108, 119-108 on the judges’ scorecards.

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      LOMACHENKO BEATS COMMEY
      A one-sided triumph for Lomachenko at Madison Square Garden as he chases a world title shot in 2022.

      LOMA SPEAKS
      Lomachenko said about the seventh round: “I saw the situation (with Commey) and I said: ‘Hey, stop the fight’.
      “But he’s a hero.”
      LOMACHENKO WINS
      The judges scorecards are in!
      Lomachenko wins by UNANIMOUS DECISION winning 117-110, 119-108, 119-108 in dominant fashion.
      KNOCKDOWN RECAP
      Lomachenko dropped Commey heavily in the seventh.
      Commey beat the count but was staggering on very unsteady legs.
      Lomachenko shouted at Commey’s corner mid round to pull him out but they decided against it.
      The fight then went 12 rounds but Lomachenko looked like a man with his foot off the gas for the final rounds with his man well beaten.

      ROUND 12
      Lomachenko targeting the body more in the final round. Does certainly seem to be aiming less to Commey’s head since the seventh round.
      The final bell rings…
      We go to the judges, but there is only one very dominant winner here.
      ROUND 11
      Lomachenko again bosses that one but fighting with such less ferociousness as he did earlier.
      Will he let Commey see the final bell?
      We go into the 12th – and FINAL – round!
      ROUND 10
      Another dominant round for Lomachenko there.
      Commey is steady on his legs now but he’s miles behind.
      Does seem to lack the finishing blow though does Loma.
      ROUND NINE
      Commey letting more shots go in the ninth, he seems to have recovered his legs.
      Lomachenko definitely not fighting with the same snap as he did in the first seven rounds.
      Intriguing contest here as we head into the 10th round.
      ROUND EIGHT
      Commey is still here in the fight, but he seems off the pace after that woeful seventh round.
      Lomachenko moving about well but he’s lowered his velocity in this round too with the events of the last round still in the front of his mind.
      Doctors again look at Commey but deem him fine to head out for the ninth round.
      ROUND SEVEN
      Incredible scenes here in the seventh round!
      Lomachenko DROPPED Commey with a sharp left. The Ghanaian made the referee’s count but is still clearly on unsteady legs.
      Lomachenko even pleaded with Commey’s corner to pull him out but they kept him in.
      The referee and doctors look at Commey before the eighth round, and both have deemed him ok to continue.
      ROUND SIX
      Lomachenko backs Commey up against the ropes but can’t land that big shot on his opponent.
      Sensational speed from Lomachenko but yet again Commey connects with a couple of jabs to let him know he’s more than still in this.
      We head into round seven and the second half of this one.
      ROUND FIVE
      Scrapier round there in the fifth, with Commey having a few moments of success after the clinch.
      But Lomachenko connected with the punch of the round with a looping right.
      Another big smile emerges across Commey’s face as we enter the sixth round.
      ROUND FOUR
      Loma trying to open gaps in Commey’s defence still with another strong round in the bag.
      He’s moving nicely around the ring, but Commey is certainly not out of this one yet, not by a long shot!
      We enter the fifth round at Madison Square Garden.
      ROUND THREE
      HUGE straight left from Lomachenko in the third round – that’s the punch of the fight so far.
      It jolts Commey’s head back but he takes it well and maintains his stance in the middle of the ring.
      Loma showing incredible speed now as we head into the fourth.
      ROUND TWO
      Warming up nicely this one with Lomachenko starting to find his rhythm.
      Loma showing incredible speed in the second round, connecting to the head and body to rock Commey against the ropes.
      But the ever dangerous Commey is always there too right in Loma’s face.
      ROUND ONE
      “Loma, Loma, Loma” rings around Madison Square Garden.
      But that was a cagey opener from the Ukrainian star.
      Commey landed a couple power lefts as the Matrix tries to work his man out.
      We go into the second!
      LOMACHENKO VS COMMEY
      The pair touch gloves in the middle of the ring.
      And we’re underway!
      We’ll be bringing you round-by-round updates right here…
      THE MATRIX IS HERE
      And now out comes ‘The Matrix’ Lomachenko to the theme from the Matrix…
      But will he be able to register another win before the new film comes out next week?
      RING WALKS
      Out comes Richard Commey first.
      He’s all smiles down to the ring and is relaxation personified.
      27 KOs out of his 33 wins remember…
      MAIN EVENT TIME
      Here we go!
      Can Lomachenko continue his quest to get back into world title contention?
      Or will Commey himself get back into the mix with victory?
      We don’t have long to find out…
      FURY SINGS
      As ever, the voice of an angel there from the Gyspy King, who even got a rendition of He’s a Jolly Good Fellow in for Bob Arum too.
      Now Fury’s singing an old classic of his, American Pie.
      Arum is the picture of joy on his 90th birthday as he joins in the chorus.
      TYSON FURY ARRIVES
      But before then, there’s a treat in store…
      Tyson Fury has arrived and he will SING Happy Birthday to promoter Bob Arum.
      Yes, you read that correctly.
      LOMACHENKO VS COMMEY
      The undercard is done….and it’s main event time NEXT!
      Not long to wait now until Lomachenko.
      ANDERSON VS TESLENKO
      We’re into the second round and Anderson with a HUGE K.O to bring his record to 11-0!
      Big, big right rocked Teslenko right in the middle of the ring.
      And this means the main event of Lomachenko vs Commey is up NEXT!
      JARED ANDERSON UP NEXT
      The big US heavyweight hope Jared Anderson is up next against Ukrainian Oleksandr Teslenko.
      Anderson is 10-0 in the pro ranks so far, with ALL 10 win by knockout…
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      Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri LIVE REACTION: Benn wins by huge 4th round KNOCKOUT in Liverpool – Stream, TV channel

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      CONOR BENN will take another step towards a potential world title shot in 2022 as he takes on veteran Chris Algieri this evening in Liverpool.The Destroyer has had a stellar 12 months, beating other experienced opponents Sebbastian Formella, Samuel Vargas and Adrian Granados.

      Start time: 7pm GMT
      Main event start time: 10pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: DAZN

      LIVE RESULTS:

      Conor Benn vs Chris Algieri
      Katie Taylor DEF Firuza Sharipova UD10
      Robbie Davies Jr DEF Hank Lundy KO2
      Caoimhin Agyarko DEF Noe Larios Jr TKO9
      Joe Cordina DEF Miko Khatchatryan UD10

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      BENN CALLS OUT ALGIERI
      “Get me Khan or Brook, business is business. I’ll fight the winner, if they don’t fancy it then I want Broner in America. If he doesn’t fancy it then I fancy myself against Ugas,” he says.
      BENN BEATS ALGIERI
      Unbelievable knockout for Conor Benn. What a shot!
      He has Algieri up against the ropes, lands a jab and just hammers in a massive right hand.
      Algieri goes down in instalments as Benn elects not to punch his opponent on the way down.
      Highlight reel KO.
      BENN KNOCKS OUT ALGIERI!!!!!
      WOW!!!!!!
      THAT WAS BRUTAL!!!!
      BENN VS ALGIERI – ROUND 4
      Benn with more mature action, big body punches going in and it doesn’t look like Algieri wants to exchange.
      Algieri looking to land single shots but he’s finding it difficult because of Benn’s movement.
      Benn continues to land big punches and flicks a nice jab in there, before dodging the ones that come back his way.
      BENN VS ALGIERI – ROUND 3
      More thudding shots to start the third from Benn, who looks to put some more force into his punches.
      Algieri still looking to land single counters but they’re not troubling Benn just yet.
      Right hand to the body from Algieri now as Benn looks to cut the ring off and land something big on his opponent.
      Some good exchanges in this fourth round. And a mature performance from Benn.
      BENN KNOCKS DOWN ALGIERI!
      It was a punch as well as a balance issue but Benn scores a 10-8 round in there!
      The replay shoes there was a trip but Benn did also catch the side of the head and Algieri almost falls out of the ring.
      BENN VS ALGIERI – ROUND 2
      More shots to the body for Benn, he’s not lunging in like he did for the Granados fight in September.
      Algieri continues to look for the left hook, however, as instructed by his corner.
      Benn lands a nice clipping right hand but has to be careful of the left hook from Algieri. Some big right hands land here in the 2nd for Benn.
      Another good round for the Englishman as Algieri looks to establish his range.
      And Benn gets the knockdown!!!!!!
      BENN VS ALGIERI – ROUND 1
      Benn immediately targets the body but Algieri thinks he’s been hit on the back of the head.
      Algieri clips Benn on the side of the head as the Destroyer comes in with a body shot.
      Good start from Benn, who rips another body shot. Solid stuff from the Essex man.
      A nice overhand right lands for Benn, who keeps on going to the body as well.
      Left hook gets through from Algieri, however! A warning for Benn, who took it well.
      BENN VS ALGIERI – ROUND 1
      Here we go! The fight is underway!
      DANGEROUS
      Conor Benn out with his West Ham-themed robe and shorts. We’re just a couple of minutes away from the action.
      Here we go!
      ARGY BARGY
      Algieri comes out donning an Adidas Argentine football shirt. Lovely stuff.
      Here comes Benn…
      SWEET CAROLINE
      Neil Diamond’s cult classic ringing out around the arena now as Chris Algieri makes his way through the back for his ring-walk.
      Moments away.
      UP NEXT
      Conor Benn takes on Chris Algieri in a really important fight for the welterweight division in the UK.
      KATIE TAYLOR WINS!!
      The judges turn in scores of 98-92, 97-92, 96-93. And still the undisputed lightweight champion, Katie Taylor!
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 9
      Sharipova starts the final stanza very quickly, unleashing plenty of punches on the inside.
      Taylor puts the ear-muffs up but Sharipova continues to fire away and the fight becomes a little sloppy.
      Taylor then lands a nice right hand on the inside before Sharipova pumps out a nice jab.
      Taylor finishes the round well in a good fight. 7-3 Katie?
      Judges scorecards to come.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 9
      Fight has slowed down a lot toward the back end of the contest.
      Taylor gets on the inside and lands a left hand again but Sharipova looks to come back with an attack of her own.
      Taylor once again jabbing and landing on the inside, winning the penultimate round of the fight.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 8
      Sharipova looks like she knows she needs to win the final few rounds as Taylor continues to box well.
      A fight with Amanda Serrano next year awaits Taylor should she win? But has her performance so far been as impressive as she’d have liked?
      The 35-year-old has been in some tough wars throughout her career and isn’t looking her crispest tonight.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 7
      Sharipova looks like she’s staring to tire there as Taylor begins to pull away from her opponent.
      Taylor tries to make her way in but she falls in short and Andy Lee on comms calls for her to use her jab.
      Sharipova continues to be awkward in there and the referee pulls them together to tell them to stop leading with their heads.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 6
      Sharipova has a point taken away for hitting on the break, which is a little harsh to be honest.
      They get back to boxing and Taylor wins some quick exchanges on the inside, landing a left hand to the body.
      Sharipova comes forward again but Taylor dances in on the inside again and lands big shots.
      Taylor holds when she gets in while Sharipova tries to break through and land something meaningful. Good fight.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 5
      Good round for Taylor but Sharipova doesn’t look bothered at all.
      Taylor shows her class with some brilliant boxing and her opponent looks to have lost a little bit of her early snap.
      Ebanie Bridges ringside says: “Taylor’s winning but considering Sharipova hasn’t been at this level, she’s performing well.”
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 4
      Taylor with more of her speed in the fourth but she’s making a little harder for herself in there by engaging so much.
      Sharipova more than happy to fight fire with fire but Taylor gets the better of the exchanges.
      Taylor’s trainer calls for more right hands but the Irishwoman is having success from mid-range as it is.
      3-1 Taylor.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 3
      Taylor asked to increase the tempo by her trainer. Taylor opens up with a combination but Sharipova comes right back.
      Decent action in the third as Taylor looks to use her speed to better affect.
      Taylor looks like she’s setting up for the right hand and is a little busier in there.
      2-1 Taylor.
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 2
      Hand speed from Taylor early on in the second but Sharipova lands a nice right hand.
      Good shot there from the Kazakh, she’s well positioned with her feet. Taylor has to be careful she doesn’t pull out of the exchanges with her chin in the air.
      Not a bad round from the challenger.
      1-1, perhaps?
      TAYLOR VS SHARIPOVA – ROUND 1
      Sharipova comes out aggressively but I’ve to stop to say – this Liverpool crowd is absolutely on fire.
      Taylor trying to manage the distance early as her opponent gets to work on the jab.
      Taylor lands a nice check-hook, then goes for a right hand but is brought into a clinch by Sharipova.
      Speed difference evident so far. Quite an even first round.
      THERE SHE GOES AGAIN!
      There She Goes by The La’s ring out here in Liverpool as Taylor makes her way to the ring.
      It’s absolutely belted out by the thousands in attendance.
      Nearly showtime.
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