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      in Boxing

      Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter LIVE RESULTS: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and undercard for TONIGHT

      by

      TERENCE CRAWFORD defends his WBO welterweight crown in a potentially career-defining clash against Shawn Porter.Fighting for the first time in over a year, Bud puts his unbeaten 37-0 record on the line in Sin City against former WBC champion Showtime.
      Crawford is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, but has struggled to lure the very best welterweights into the ring since stepping up from 140lbs.
      Porter represents that challenge and it promises to be a hugely exciting showdown in Las Vegas, with titles and reputations on the line.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      BUD RIGHT
      The champ says: “I figured out in round one that I would win because I had the reach.
      “He wanted to maul and push me back but I did it back to him.
      “Shawn Porter is a good fighter, but I knew when I dropped him with the uppercut and then again that his dad would stop it.
      “I will fight whoever wants it next, everyone knws who I want (Errol Spence)
      “I told him I love him, Shawn Porter is a really good fried of mine and I never wanted to fight him.”
      POPPA PORTER
      Dad claims he pulled his boy out after a poor training camp.
      He said: “He did not prepare like I wanted him to prepare, he fought a great fighter but he was fighting the guy blind folded.
      “It was an easy decision for me, Shawn was hurt and Crawford is sharp so he could not defend himself like he usually could.”
      CRAW DADDY
      Bud celebrates in teh ring with his mum and sister.
      Rival welterweight champ Errol Spence was ringside stormed out after what he saw as an early stoppage.
      Porter says: “My father knows what he needs to do, we have an unspoken understanding.
      “My timing was off, I tried to catch him off his gameplan.
      “He hit me more than anyone I have been in the ring with – he is that good that I want to do it again.”
      SHAWN POOR-TER
      The defeated American is gutted in his corner, his father pulled him out after wo quick knockdowns.
      Porter did not seem seriously hurt.
      The first was a brilliant left uppercut after a trademark Porter lunge.
      Then he folded him again with right hook around the ear.
      Ruthless punishing precision punching from Bud Crawford.
      CRAWFORD BEATS PORTER – R10
      Porter down!
      Crawford walks him on to a peach of a shot at the start of the stanza and he takes an eight count.
      Porter down again!
      Porter gets up after being belted into the ground and his dad pulls him out!
      Seemed a very early pull-out from trainer and father Kenny Porter
      But the warriors hug and talk and return to being friends.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R9
      Cagiest session so far, both men know they are in with a shout.
      Porter might have lost that round right at the end by getting caught on another bold lunge forward.
      Crawford is asking his corner who is winning and seems bemused someone says Porter… can he take it away from the judges?
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R8
      Porter dives in and suffers an uppercut and left hand.
      Crawford scoring heavily and early in the round.
      Porter still pushing the pace and piling on pressure at all times.
      Porter lands and hurts Bud with a right.
      Razor thin rounds slipping by – Bud’s corner tell him that was his…
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R7
      Team Porter have done great work on his cut.
      Bud lands a straight left but Porter eats it and marches on.
      Crawford scores with a one-two right on the bell.
      Porter’s dad tells him to stick with double-jabs-right-hand combinations.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R6
      Team Crawford tell their man to get behind his jab and box Porter to defeat.
      Bud unloads and Porter shows great head movement and defence.
      Porter now guilty of a head clash as Bud is cut around his eye too.
      Porter desperate to make this is a dog fight with no rules.
      Some of these sessions are so tight to call.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R5
      Crawford scores with a counter left hand after another Porter lunge.
      Bud covers up and absorbs a dozen shots on his arms and gloves.
      Crawford lands with a couple of whipped lefts right on the bell so Porter survives.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R4
      Porter’s corner is complaining about a clash of heads causing the cut.
      Porter’s right eye is slashed open so Bud will target it.
      Crawford lands a left to Porter’s body and wobbles him.
      Porter connects with a right hand that barrels Bud back into the ropes but he dances out of danger.
      Bud is timing Porter’s assaults now and countering well.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R3
      Crawford is pawing with his new lead right hand.
      Porter is trying to suck Bud into a corner to exchange fire.
      Bud is grinning and talking and Porter appears cut on his right eyebrow.
      Porter hits the deck but it is rightly ruled a slip.
      And a wrestling match breaks out for the final five seconds – this is a war.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R2
      Bud switches to southpaw and tries to land a check hook as Porter dives in, no joy.
      Porter lands a right hand and Crawford stumbles backwards briefly.
      Porter lands again and the fight explodes into action.
      Bud tags him nack on the counter but Porter is landing more cleanm shots.
      Then bang on the bell Bud lands a bollo left that buzzed Porter.
      CRAWFORD VS PORTER – R1
      Porter hurls himself in from the off with a booming right hand.
      Switch-hitter Crawford starts in the orthodox stance, leading with his left hand.
      Bud fizzes out a couple of jabs, Porter spears to the body and then loops a left hook at Bud’s head.
      Busy bullying start from Porter, exactly as expected, he may have nicked that with the judges…
      WAIT OVER
      Bud Crawford looks sublime in white with black trim, jabbing to body and head in his changing room.
      Porter is draped in orange and black with tributes to Marvin Hagler on his robe.
      These friends and compatriots are putting it all aside to attack each other very soon.
      Will Bud cope against an elite welter? Can Porter become a three-time world champion?

      FALCAO BEATS VOLNY BY SD
      The judges scored the middleweight clash: 58-57 Falcao, 58-56 Volney and 58-56 Falcao
      Falcao probably knew he had won the eariest rounds and could bank on getting the nod.
      That skull-on-skull crack sounded disgusting on the replay too.
      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R6
      A dog fight is breaking out just as a sickening head clash slashes a gruesome wound into Falcao’s forehead.
      It seems unlikely the fight will go on, Falcao screamed in agony and the doctors are working on him.
      The gash is arcing over Falcao’s left eye, deep and curved and oozing.
      Falcao has up to five minutes to recover and continue from the accidental head butt.
      But Falcao has claimed he cannot continue so we go to the judges’ scorecards for a technical decision.
      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R5
      Falcao was enjoying that round but then the Brazilian was clipped by a left hook and looked troubled for the first time.
      Volny has shaken off any fear he had of facing his middleweight rival and KO specialist.
      But Falcao is a known slow started so could he just be warming up to a spectacular finish?
      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R4
      Volny has grown into this fight and looks more confident now than when they began.
      Falcao enjoyed three dominant rounds but failed to inflict any damage.
      The ref warns Falcao over head clashes after the two middleweights clash like stags in a field.
      Volny hears another bell…
      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R3
      Volny’s guard is so high and tight that Falcao will have to do something special to get the knockout.
      If Falcao can land around the unguarded ribs then he could do some damage.
      This is Volny’s best round but he still might not have won it with the judges.
      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R2
      Pony-tailed Volny just trying to survive so far.
      Falcao has enjoyed success with pressure and with counter punching so far.
      Volny does not seem to have much ambition here and Falcao is a slow-starter.
      So something tasty should kick off pretty soon.

      FALCAO VS VOLNY – R1
      ‘Vicious’ Volny with a helluva pre-fight stare on him, trying to intimidate the Brazilian.
      The Samba southpaw already looks a higher level though and peppers the Canadian until he covers up.
      Volny was lucky to survive that opener as he spent the last 30 seconds tucked up and getting pelted with shots.
      This does not look like a long fight…
      ONE MORE TO GO
      Another middleweight clash before we get to Crawford vs Porter.
      Esquiva Falcao, a Brazilian banger, faces Patrice Volny.
      Both men are unbeaten but Falcao has faced the far better calibre of opponent.
      Someone’s 0 has got to go but will it be sensationally?
      JHANIBEK BEATS NDAM – R8
      Jhanibek is seven rounds ahead but he definitely told his corner he has hurt his left power hand.
      The southpaw is trying to stick to throwing jabs to protect the hurt fist.
      Ndam now has a great chance to survive and here the final bell of the 10-round fight.
      Ndam is still getting whacked though and the white on his shorts is turning bright pink.
      And the ref jumps in to stop things as Ndam was getting pasted once again.
      JHANIBEK VS NDAM – R7
      Ndam backed onto the ropes and pelted again, he bounces off and othem like a trampoline.
      The Frenchman needs a second break to ave the tape on his bloodied gloves reapplied.
      Ad Ndam survives another session – maybe Jhanibek isn’t the savage we thought he is?
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona vs Espanyol LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news and kick-off time as Xavi has first game

      by

      BARCELONA play host to Espanyol TONIGHT in another La Liga derby which will be Xavi’s first game as Barca boss.The home side currently sit ninth in the league table, with their opposition two places behind in 11th.

      Kick-off: 8pm
      Barcelona: 1 Ter Stegen; Mingueza, 3 Pique, 24 Garcia, 18 Alba; 5 Busquets, 21 F. De Jong, 28 Gonzalez, 30 Gavi, 37 Akhomach, 9 Memphis
      Espanyol: 13 Lopez; 22 Vidal, 24 Gomez, 4 Cabrera, 3 Pedrosa; 15 Lopez, 10 Darder, 25 Herrera; 23 Embara, 9 Puado, 9 De Tomas
      TV/live steam: Premier Sports 2

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      FULL TIME!
      It’s all over and Barca win the derby – and Xavi’s first match at boss – thanks to Memphis Depay’s controversial goal.
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      90 MINS
      SIX mins of injury of time at the Nou Camp!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      89 YELLOW CARD
      Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen gets booked for time-wasting as we approach stoppage time
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      88 SUBSTITUTION
      Barcelona boss Xavi makes a late double change as Demir replaces Gonzalez, who appears to have hurt his ankle.
      Araujo also comes on for Mingueza
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      86 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Espanyol miss another opportunity, and guess who wasted it!
      And yes, it was De Tomas once more!
      Morlanes delivers a wonderful cross from the left and the striker, who is completely unmarked, picks up a scintillating header.
      But the ball rattles Ter Stegen’s right-hand post!
      Terrible defending by Barcelona once more, the hosts are challenging their luck!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      85 Espanyol have missed several chances to equalise but are not giving up.
      On the contrary the missed opportunities have raised their confidence!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      84 WHAT A CHANCE!
      How are Espanyol not level?!
      Lei delivers a wonderful cross from the left and finds Dimata completely unmarked but his header misses the target!
      Terrible defending from Barcelona!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      83 YELLOW CARD
      De Jong gets booked for a foul on Lei as his hand goes too high on his opponent’s face
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      81 CHANCE!
      Espanyol star De Tomas comes extremely close to an equaliser again!
      The striker delivers a free-kick, 25m away from goal, and the shot just misses Ter Stegen’s right-hand post
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      80 Barcelona continue to control possession and tempo as we enter the last 10 minutes of the derby.
      It;s been a while asince Espanyol have last threatened…
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      78 SUBSTITUTION
      Barcelona boss Xavi responds as he introduces Puig, who replaces Busquets
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      77 SUBSTITUTION
      Espanyol manager Moreno is shaking things up for the last few minutes of the match.
      Lei and Dimata come on as they replace Embarba and Herrera respectively
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      75 Barcelona are not getting complacent.
      Barca are pushing for that second goal to seal the win, Espanyol are not creating many chances
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      73 CHANCE!
      Barcelona youngster Abde does amazingly well as he dribbles past two Espanyol players down the right flank and breaks inside the area.
      But the forward’s shot just misses the crossbar.
      Abde is so entertaining in one-on-one situations, and the Nou Camp crowd is loving it!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      73 So far so good for Barcelona and Xavi.
      But Espanyol have proven to be very dangerous on the counter-attack.
      How did De Tomas miss that glorious chance?
      GETTY IMAGES
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      70 SUBSTITUTION
      Barcelona manager Xavi brings on Coutinho, who replaces Gavi
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      70 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Espanyol come inches away from an equaliser!
      Vidal delivers an incredible ball from his own half and releases De Tomas in front of Ter Stegen.
      But the striker sends the ball out for a goal-kick!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      68 CHANCE
      The free-kick leads to a raft of deflections and it all ends with a poor shot by Morlanes from the edge of the box
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      67 Espanyol get a free-kick from a promising position down the left on the edge of the box.
      Abde and Pedrosa are at it again, as the former fouls the latter
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      65 NO GOAL!
      Barcelona think they made it 2-0 when Gonzalez releases De Jong in front of Lopez and beats him with a wonderful flick.
      But the Dutchman was just offside!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      64 YELLOW CARD
      Minguez becoems the second Barcelona player to get booked after fouling Herrera on a counter-attack
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      63 We are seeing a much more entertaining second half with Barcelona pushing for a second goal.
      As mentioned earlier, the fact Barca already got their opener has relieved them of immense stress.
      That allows them to play their game with confidence
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      61 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Barcelona come extremely close to a second only for Pedrosa to save Espanyol!
      Busquets stretches the visitors’ defence open with a wonderful ball that releases Abde.
      The youngster shoots the ball over Lopez and Pedrosa kicks it out in the nick of time!
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      60 YELLOW CARD
      Barcelona’s Abde and Espanyol’s Pedrosa both get booked following that short melee
      BARCELONA 1-0 ESPANYOL
      59 Things are heating up in the derby following a clash between Abde and Pedrosa down the right flank.
      Players from both sides get into a melee, but nothing major
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Minamino adds FOURTH as Klopp’s Reds run riot against Gunners – stream, score, TV info

      by

      ARSENAL travel to Liverpool in nothing short of a massive Premier League clash this evening.The Gunners head into the tie in stunning form, unbeaten in their last eight games. However they have failed to win at Anfield in the league since 2012.
      It was nine years ago in September 2012, when Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal defeated Liverpool 2-0 with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla…and current manager Mikel Arteta started in midfield.

      Kick-off: 5.30pm
      Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah, Jota
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Partey, Sambi, Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang, Lacazette
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Takumi Minamino made it four for Liverpool at AnfieldCredit: PA
      LIVERPOOL FLATTEN ARSENAL AT ANFIELD
      The visitors’ long wait for a league victory at Anfield goes on after Liverpool proved far too strong.
      It could have been more than four but for the heroics of Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal net.
      The Gunners have been on a good run of late but they came up against a premium quality Liverpool tonight.
      Victory sends the hosts up to second, four points behind the leaders Chelsea.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S FULL TIME!
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      90. Three minutes of stoppage time – can Liverpool get a fifth?
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      88. Frustration on show from Saka there as he brings down the young Tsimikas deep inside Liverpool territory.
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      86. You wouldn’t bet against a fifth tonight but it feels as if Liverpool are winding the clock down now. Alisson taking his time over a goalkick before tapping it out to the waiting Trent.
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      84. Anfield break out the ‘Olés’ as the home fans cheer their team’s passes
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      83. Substitute time for Liverpool and it’s a debut for youngster Tyler Morten. Boss Jurgen Klopp gives the 19-year-old a big bear hug just before he replaces Thiago. A special night for the young man.
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      82. Saka looks to get beyond the last man but his run is too early and he’s flagged for offside.
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      80. Arsenal finally enjoy a spell in Liverpool’s half but they’re nowhere near scoring their first goal here at Anfield tonight. Liverpool soon clear their lines.
      LIVERPOOL 4-0 ARSENAL
      77. This is looking bad for the visitors now!
      Salah and Trent combine on the Liverpool right before the flying full-back slides a pass across the face of the Gunners net. Sub Minamino has only been on the pitch for 14 seconds but he’s alert at the back post and fires home the hosts’ fourth of the night!
      GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!
      IT’S FOUR!
      MINAMINO SCORES AFTER 14 SECONDS ON THE PITCH
      LIVERPOOL 3-0 ARSENAL
      75. Changes for Liverpool as they look to give Jota a rest. He’s off for Minamino. Henderson comes on for Chamberlain.
      LIVERPOOL 3-0 ARSENAL
      73. That was coming, you have to say.
      Liverpool break and Sadio Mane flies towards the Arsenal goal. He’s chased by an Anthill Mob of desperate defenders and rightly, judges he needs to lay the ball off. Who else would be there other than Mo Salah, who gratefully receives the pass to stroke the ball into an empty net.
      Salah immediately turns to salute his team-mate for the assist.
      GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!
      THREE FOR THE HOSTS!
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      72. You have to ask yourself watching this Arsenal defence – are they making the best decisions? Once again they play it around at the back before Tavares nearly puts his keeper in a world of trouble with a loose pass in his general direction. Ramsdale scrambles the ball clear but it’s tense stuff.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      70. It’s a yellow card for Fabinho as he brings a flying Smith Rowe down with Arsenal looking to counter.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      69. Huge penalty shout from Liverpool there as Gabriel tussles with Salah. There wasn’t much in that though and Salah probably went to ground too easily. He protests loudly by ref Michael Oliver isn’t interested.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      67. Arsenal owe Aaron Ramsdale every penny they’re paying him this evening.
      Mo Salah goes flying down the right before sensibly pulling the ball square to Jota. He smashes in a shot but Ramsdale gets a strong hand to palm it away and keep Liverpool from going three up.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      66. That’s the end of Alexandre Lacazette’s evening – he’s off for Martin Odegaard. Not his finest hour in an Arsenal shirt, it must be said.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      65. Better from the Gunners as Tavares manages to whip in a cross. It’s too long for Thomas Partey at the back post though.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      64. Ramsdale is barking at his team-mates to get forward but they insist on playing the ball around at the back. This tactic hasn’t worked out brilliantly for Arsenal so far at Anfield…
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      63. Liverpool enjoy a spell of possession as they take a bit of pace out of the game. Arsenal give away a couple of free-kicks in their opponents’ half. Everyone seems to be catching their breath.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      60. Play stops for a couple of minutes but both Jota and Ramsdale are back on their feet and the game resumes.
      LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL
      58. Ouch! Jota goes smashing into Ramsdale as both men put their bodies on the line. They’re up but Arsenal look worried their keeper may have to come off.
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa vs Brighton LIVE: Latest updates from Steven Gerrard’s Villans debut – stream, TV channel, team news info

      by

      STEVEN GERRARD takes charge of Aston Villa for the first time against Brighton today.The Liverpool legend Gerrard replaced Dean Smith, who was dismissed after the Villans lost five games on the bounce.
      In front of him today is Brighton, who have failed to win in their six Prem games.

      Kick-off: 3pm GMT
      TV/ live stream: This match will not be broadcast live in the UK

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      48 YELLOW CARD
      Cucurella becomes the first player to get booked after tugging with Villa’s Buendia in midfield
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      47 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Aston Villa come just a whisker away from an opener!
      McGinn delivers another marvellous cross from a free-kick and finds Mings in the far post who jumps higher than anyone else and gets a header that Steel saves with his toes as he lunges to his bottom left corner!
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      46 No changes from either side as we kick off second half, but there are also no goals.
      We’re not too bothered about substitutions, but we do want to see goals!
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      AND OFF WE GO AGAIN AT VILLA PARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      STATS
      Brighton have been dominating 60.5 per cent of possession so far in the match.
      The Seagulls registered a total of three shots, two of which were on target thanks to Leandro Trossard and Tariq Lamptey’s efforts.
      Aston Villa, on the other hand, produced two shots, one of which was on target.
      The game has been quite intense with eight fouls being committed already, five of which went Villa’s way
      HT: ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      Aston Villa and Brighton are goalless at Villa Park following a rather entertaining first half.
      Villa have been looking good under new manager Steven Gerrard but the Seagulls had the best chances.
      The visitors almost opened the scoring in the half-hour mark when Marc Cucurella’s ball was missed by Ezri Konsa and Leandro Trossard’s effort from a tight corner was palmed away by Emiliano Martinez.
      Martinez needed to make another big save during stoppage time when Jakub Moder stole the ball down the left flank and delivered a cross that was ricocheted towards Tariq Lamptey in the far post but his effort was blocked by the Argentine
      GETTY IMAGES
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT HALF-TIME AT VILLA PARK!!!!!!!!!!
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      45+1 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Brighton come close to an opener again!
      Moder steals the ball down the left flank and delivers a brilliant cross that ricochets towards Lamptey in the far post.
      But the defender’s shot is blocked by Martinez!
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      45 Two more minutes of stoppage time to go.
      Neither team is convincing enough they can carve each other up before half-time
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      42 As we approach half-time, it would be a good idea for Brighton manager to find a way to contain McGinn.
      The Villa midfielder’s crosses have been absolutely lethal and accurate so far
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      40 Mings tries a long-range shot, that goes nowhere…
      That is the kind of stuff Gerrard doesn’t like to see, he wants some high-pressing football that is based on discipline and patience
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      38 Bissouma is proving why he received so much interest from top clubs last summer, such as Liverpool and Arsenal.
      The midfielder is also showing why – in his mind – he is the best in the Premier League.
      The Mali international won the ball twice during a dangerous Villa attack with some superb tackles from behind.
      Bissouma really tried his luck there as the slightest mistake would have led to a free-kick from a promising position and a yellow card.
      But he still pulled it off!
      GETTY IMAGES
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      35 We are seeing quite an even match as we approach half-time.
      But both teams are struggling to create substantial danger for either Martinez or Steele on opposite goal ends
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      33 Villa continue to dominate the ball but Trossard’s missed chance has given Brighton some newfound confidence.
      The visitors are pressing high up on the pitch, something that is starting to limit the Villans’ movement
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      30 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Brighton come extremely close to an opener, out of nowhere!
      Cucurella delivers a superb ball from the left, which Konsa misses.
      The ball reaches Trossard whose shot is palmed away by Martinez!
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      30 Villa have been very dangerous but lack that important final ball.
      McGinn is causing a lot of problems to Brighton’s defence with his crosses but the front three are not close and that doesn’t allow them to find each other once they pick up those long balls.
      Ings, Buendia and Watkins need to keep their lines together
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      29 CHANCE
      Villa ace Buendia flicks the ball towards Ings in the box but the striker gets a heavy touch and Steele beats him to the ball by a hair
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      28 Gerrard knows he has a lot of work to do at Villa after replacing Smith.
      Here’s what a major task today’s match actually is:
      13 – Steven Gerrard is set to become the 13th different permanent manager to take charge of Aston Villa in the Premier League. Only two of the previous 12 have won their first such game for the club (D6 L4) – John Gregory (Feb 1998) & Gérard Houllier (Sep 2010). Return.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 20, 2021

      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      27 Referee wants Webster’s bleeding to be sorted as soon as possible.
      Brighton physios are back in the pitch, the midfielder got that injury after Mings’ studs scratched his knee
      GETTY IMAGES
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      25 There was nothing fake about Webster’s knock earlier on in the first few minutes.
      The midfielder clashed with Mings and is currently bleeding from the knee
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      22 Brighton are proving to be dangerous on the counter-attack when Villa leave space behind.
      Just now we saw Lallana opening up to Moder from the right and the forward finds Cucurella on the left.
      The full-back delivers a dangerous ball in the area but the visitors’ strikers couldn’t get there in time
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      20 Villa’s full-backs Cash and Targett have been on fire, and McGinn has been especially dangerous with some lethal crosses in Brighton’s box.
      Not much from the hosts’ record signing Buendia so far.
      Brighton are still struggling to create opportunities or step inside the hosts’ area
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      18 Here’s how the two teams are playing today.
      Villa are donning their signature claret shirts and Brighton are in blue and white
      GETTY IMAGES
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      15 You can feel the excitement in the air at Villa Park.
      The crowd is so lively and the players are really pushing for an opener, every single Villa player wants to win over Gerrard in his first match in charge.
      Brighton are struggling to find space and create chances
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      12 CHANCE!
      Aston Villa come close to an opener, the hosts’ crosses from Targett, McGinn and Cash have been so lethal!
      Targett delivers a ball from the left flank and finds Cash on the far post but his header is denied by Steele, who makes a big first save in his Premier League debut
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      Watford vs Man Utd LIVE: Stream, TV channel as Sarr & King heap more woe on Solskjaer as Hornets absolutely dominate

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      MAN UTD boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still under pressure in his job at Old Trafford as today’s clash with Watford represents one of the most important of his career.United need to win at Vicarage Road, having lost convincingly to their cross-city rivals Man City before the international break.

      Start time: 3pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: Not televised
      Watford XI: Foster, Louza, King, Cleverly, Masina, Nkoulou, Cathcart, Sissoko, Femenia, Sarr, Dennus
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Matic, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Sancho, Ronaldo

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!
      DONNY VAN DE BEEK PULLS ONE BACK!
      GAME ON AT VICARAGE ROAD!
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      49. Again King is played in down the left.
      This time he tries to stab a cross into the box with the outside of his right boot, but it flies into the midriff of Lindelof.
      The home fans shout for a penalty, but there’s nothing in that.
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      48. Sissoko intercepts a Wan-Bissaka pass and drives forward through the middle.
      He plays in King on the left, who cuts back onto his right foot.
      The goalscorer turns down the chance to shoot from the edge of the box, trying to lay the ball off on the edge of the box.
      His pass is intercepted but it’s coming straight back at United.
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      46. The home side get the game back underway at Vicarage Road.
      Van de Beek immediately makes himself busy, winning the ball of Josh King.
      Will he be the man to turn the game around?
      PEEEEEEEEP!
      THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY!
      HALF TIME SUBS
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is making a double switch.
      Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial are coming on.
      Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford make way.
      FIRST HALF RECAP
      What a half of football that was.
      A Bruno Fernandes error led to the first Watford penalty, which was given as Scott McTominay hauled down Josh King in the box.
      Ismaila Sarr stepped up, but saw his effort saved by David De Gea.
      Kiko Femenia tucked home the rebound, but VAR found him to have encroached so it had to be taken again.
      De Gea saved from Sarr again, but Watford eventually got their goal.
      King put Watford in front after good work from Emmanuel Dennis, before Sarr doubled the lead after being afforded acres of space in the Manchester United box.
      STAT ATTACK
      Manchester United allowed Watford to have ELEVEN shots in the opening 45 minutes.
      Meanwhile the Hornets restricted United to just two total efforts, with one on target.

      HT: WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      Is that the face of the man who knows his time is up?
      Credit: Reuters
      PEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S HALF TIME!
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED!
      HORNETS FANS ARE IN DREAMLAND!
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      47. Watford corner.
      Dennis twists and turns on the left, before crossing into the box.
      His delivery is deflected behind for a Watford corner.
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      45. What an absolute disaster of a half this has been for United.
      Louza goes into the book for hauling down Fernandes midway into the Watford half.
      That’s about as good as it’s been for the Red Devils.
      WATFORD 2-0 MAN UNITED
      44. Yet again the Man United defending is nothing short of awful.
      Femenia plays a neat one-two with Cleverley on the right and gets to the byline.
      He cuts across into the path of Sarr, who is all on his own in the box.
      The Watford man traps the ball, takes his time, and rifles an effort with his right foot low and across De Gea into the bottom corner!
      GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!
      WATFORD DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!
      ISMAILA SARR MAKES UP FOR HIS PENALTY MISS!
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      41. Matic tries to split the Watford defence with a ball into the path of Shaw on the left.
      Femenia reads the danger though and steps in to intercept.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      40. CHANCE!
      King should make it two!
      Masina whips a cross from the left right onto the head of an unmarked King.
      He can only direct his header straight at De Gea though, who beats away and to safety.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      39. Solskjaer must be thinking about half time changes here.
      In the middle of the park especially.
      McTominay is on a booking and Matic has been rusty, neither one of them could complain about being hooked.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      37. His delivery is towards Maguire, who is making a run towards the near post.
      It’s met by a yellow shirt though, and Watford clear.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      36. Just under ten minutes to go until the break at Vicarage Road.
      And Manchester United are finally starting to come to life.
      The visitors force a corner on the right, which Rashford comes across to take in front of the away fans.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      34. Bruno goes down holding his face after catching a flailing arm from Sissoko.
      Jon Moss blows for a free kick as Bruno stays down.
      The Watford man escapes further punishment though, it will just be a free kick.
      OPENER
      Josh King puts Watford ahead.
      Credit: Reuters
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      32. CHANCE!
      Huge chance for United out of nowhere!
      Fernandes pings an inch-perfect diagonal pass to Rashford, who strikes it on the volley.
      It’s almost a mirror image of Ronaldo’s goal against Tottenham, but Foster dives to his right to save brilliantly.
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      30. David De Gea doesn’t cover himself in glory there after his earlier heroics.
      KIng’s effort seems to go through him and into the back of the net.
      Claudio Ranieri’s side take a deserved lead!
      WATFORD 1-0 MAN UNITED
      29. You can’t say it hasn’t been coming!
      Wan-Bissaka only half clears a cross, heading straight into the path of Dennis.
      He gets to the byline and cuts the ball back across the face of goal.
      And there is King to sweep home past De Gea with his left foot!
      Watford are ahead!
      GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!
      NOW WATFORD TAKE THE LEAD!
      JOSH KING SCORES AGAINST HIS OLD TEAM!
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      Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Premier League clash

      by

      ARSENAL travel to Liverpool in nothing short of a massive Premier League clash this evening.The Gunners head into the tie in stunning form, unbeaten in their last eight games. However they have failed to win at Anfield in the league since 2012.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LIVERPOOL AT 30/1 OR ARSENAL AT 100/1
      Mikel Arteta was in the Arsenal XI last time they won at Anfield in the Prem
      It was nine years ago in September 2012, when Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal defeated Liverpool 2-0 with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla…and current manager Mikel Arteta started in midfield!
      Liverpool, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after suffering their first league defeat of the season before the international break, losing 3-2 at West Ham.
      When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?

      Liverpool vs Arsenal takes place on Saturday, November 20.
      The match will kick off at 5.30pm.
      A sold-out Anfield plays host.

      What TV channel and live stream is Liverpool vs Arsenal on?
      Arsenal vs Liverpool will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
      Sky being their coverage at 5pm.
      What is the Liverpool vs Arsenal team news?
      Jurgen Klopp has a few injury problems to contend with ahead of his side’s clash with Arsenal this weekend.
      Andy Robertson was forced off with an injury in Scotland’s win over Denmark during the international break and is a major doubt for the game.
      Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson also have knocks from the international break, with Roberto Firmino out with a hamstring injury.
      Arsenal will be without Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac.
      It’s expected Arteta will continue with Emile Smith Rowe in midfield, despite his busy week with England.

      What are the odds?

      Liverpool to win: 4/9
      Draw: 7/2
      Arsenal to win: 5/1
      (Odds via Betfair)

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      Eddie Howe to MISS first Newcastle game, Chelsea ‘in Fofana transfer talks’, Steven Gerrard first Villa match – updates

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      EDDIE HOWE will MISS his first game as Newcastle manager this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.Howe will instead be conducting team talks from his hotel room on FaceTime as the Magpies host Brentford.
      Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule.
      Meanwhile, Erling Haaland might be out of action injured at the moment – but that is not stopping speculation about his future.
      A number of Premier League clubs are said to be circling the Dortmund superstar, with reports from Spain suggested Real Madrid are expecting him to head to England next.
      Chelsea have been handed a boost with Romelu Lukaku returning to training from his recent injury, putting him in contention for a return to action this weekend.
      And the Blues have resumed talks with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer, reports say.
      Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
      ASTON VILLA 0-0 BRIGHTON
      Aston Villa and Brighton are goalless at Villa Park following a rather entertaining first half.
      Villa have been looking good under new manager Steven Gerrard but the Seagulls had the best chances.
      The visitors almost opened the scoring in the half-hour mark when Marc Cucurella’s ball was missed by Ezri Konsa and Leandro Trossard’s effort from a tight corner was palmed away by Emiliano Martinez.
      Martinez needed to make another big save during stoppage time when Jakub Moder stole the ball down the left flank and delivered a cross that was ricocheted towards Tariq Lamptey in the far post but his effort was blocked by the Argentine
      ASTON VILLA VS BRIGHTON XI
      Aston Villa: 1 Martinez; 2 Cash, 4 Konsa, 5 Mings, 3 Targett; 7 McGinn, 19 Nakamba, 41 Ramsey; 10 Buendia, 20 Ings, 11 Watkins
      Brighton: 23 Steele; 2 Lamptey, 5 Dunk, 24 Duffy; 14 Lallana, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 4 Webster, 3 Cucurella; 15 Moder, 11 Trossard

      WATFORD VS MAN UTD XI
      Watford: 1 Foster, 6 Louza, 7 King, 8 Cleverley, 11 Masina, 13 Nkoulou, 15 Cathcart, 19 Sissoko, 21 Femenia, 23 Sarr, 23 Dennis
      Man Utd XI: 1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire, 23 Shaw; 31 Matic, 39 McTominay, 18 Fernandes; 10 Rashford, 25 Sancho, 7 Ronaldo

      WATFORD TEAM NEWS
      Watford host Manchester United at Vicarage Road in the Premier League later today.
      Hornets boss Claudio Ranieri is waiting on Ozan Tufan, who faces a late fitness test, after sustaining a knock while on international duty with Turkey.
      Francisco Sierralta also suffered a hamstring injury while in action with Chile and will miss out.
      Christian Kabasele (hamstring) and Ken Sema (knee) remain out, while Juraj Kucka is suspended
      MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
      Manchester United visit Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League later today.
      Under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing quite a few uncertainties regarding players’ fitness.
      Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay withdrew from England and Scotland duty respectively.
      And Edinson Cavani as well as Marcus Rashford did not join up with Uruguay and the Three Lions respectively due to injury concerns.
      Raphael Varane remains out with a hamstring strain and Paul Pogba, who is still suspended, faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after getting hurt during Les Bleus’ training
      LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
      Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield with a long injury list after the recent international break.
      Reds captain Jordan Henderson as well as Andy Robertson face a late fitness test after returning from England and Scotland duty respectively.
      Jurgen Klopp will be without Roberto Firmino (hamstring), Joe Gomez (calf), Curtis Jones (eye), Harvey Elliott (ankle), as well as James Milner and Naby Keita (both hamstring).
      But Sadio Mane is available as he has recovered from bruised ribs he suffered while playing for Senegal’s national team
      ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
      Arsenal visit Liverpool at Anfield later today in a crucial Premier League clash that will put their 10-match undefeated streak to the test.
      The Gunners could be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who sustained an undisclosed injury while on international duty that was cut short.
      Mikel Arteta will also be missing Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka, who are sidelined with an ankle and knee ligament injury respectively.
      As mentioned earlier, Thomas Partey has made major progress during his recovery from a groin problem and is in contention to return
      GETTY IMAGES
      ASTON VILLA VS BRIGHTON PREVIEW
      Steven Gerrard’s era at Aston Villa kicks off today when his new team hosts Brighton at Villa Park.
      Gerrard will be without Douglas Luiz, who has been sidelined since late October with a hamstring injury.
      The Liverpool legend will also be deprived of Morgan Sanson and Trezeguet, who are out with an illness and knee injury respectively.
      However, the 41-year-old head coach will have Ezri Konsa back in the squad after the defender served a one-game ban.
      Brighton manager Graham Potter, on the other hand, will be missing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as he is suspended following his late red card against Newcastle two weeks ago.
      Therefore, second-choice keeper Jason Steele is expected to be handed his Premier League debut.
      Enock Mwepu is sidelined with a muscle strain but Potter will have Aaron Connolly back as he regained full fitness following a heel injury
      KAR-IED AWAY
      Manchester United great Gary Neville believes he “overstepped the mark” with his criticism of Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
      Neville was previously critical of Karius in 2016 when he made a crucial error that led to Bournemouth beating the Reds 4-3.
      He told the Mail: “I think I have overstepped the mark once in punditry when I have attacked a player that was above and beyond what I should have done as an ex-pro, a coach and an owner.
      “I think I am a respectable human being. I thought I went too far on Karius. I said Liverpool would never win the league with him.
      “He criticised me after and so did Jurgen Klopp. No problem. I look back now and think I criticised the lad too much for his age, his position.
      “I actually think I was right. They signed Alisson and [Virgil] van Dijk and won it [the Premier League]. But that doesn’t mean I should have done it.
      “I think Gary Neville as a decent human being and professional – knowing how difficult it is to play for United and Liverpool – went too far”
      STILL THE BOSS
      Jurgen Klopp has shut down talks of Liverpool legend and new Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard replacing him in the dugout after his contract expires in 2024.
      Klopp said: “I don’t have to think about these things [whether he will stay beyond 2024].
      “It’s all fine how it is with Liverpool. It’s far away from being over.
      “Gerrard said a lot of nice and smart things. I watched his conference”
      GAME OF KESS
      Arsenal have joined rivals Tottenham and Manchester United in the transfer war for AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
      That is according to the Daily Mirror, who report that the Gunners will go toe-to-toe with their rivals and European juggernauts to sign Kessie.
      The midfielder can agree a pre-contract deal from January 1, leaving Milan in a vulnerable position.
      The 24-year-old’s deal at the Serie A giants runs out next summer and he is attracting interest from a host of top European clubs
      GETTY IMAGES
      WES SIDE STORY
      Chelsea have resumed talks with Leicester star Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer.
      That is according to Footmercato, who report that the Blues are eyeing Fofana as four key centre-backs are out of contract at the end of this season.
      Those are Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
      The west Londoners, however, would face stiff competition from a host of top European clubs, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid who are also keen on the Frenchman
      HOWE ABOUT THAT
      New Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will boss his first game from a hotel room after testing positive for Covid-19.
      Howe was diagnosed with coronavirus last night and will now have to self-isolate for 10 days.
      However, the 43-year-old will FaceTime every player individually before today’s Brentford clash and will be in “constant communication” with assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones at St James’ Park.
      Howe said: “I’m very disappointed I won’t be at St James’ Park tomorrow [Saturday], but it is incredibly important I follow the guidelines and self-isolate”
      OVERNIGHT FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
      New Newcastle boss Eddie Howe misses his first game in charge through Covid as Premier League action returns today following the international break.
      The Toon host Brentford while Chelsea will go six points clear – if only briefly – should they win this afternoon’s early game at Leicester.
      Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard leads Aston Villa out at home to in-form Brighton after succeeding the sacked Dean Smith 
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure for the trip to Watford after just one win in six Prem matches.
      And Arsenal will really rev up their revival if they win at Liverpool.
      Victory would leapfrog the Gunners over Jurgen Klopp’s fourth-placed side.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Going to Anfield is always a test, but if you are able to do that, there are not many grounds as good as there to feel that you are a proper footballer.”
      On the transfer front, Jesse Lingard strongly hinted on Instagram he’ll join former loan club West Ham after contract talks with the Red Devils collapsed.
      The £10million-rated England midfielder is tipped for a £10million permanent departure in January.
      TIME TO CHIL
      Brendan Rodgers hopes Ben Chilwell is welcomed back by Leicester fans today — but knows there can be ‘needle’ when a key player decides to leave.
      The left-back quit the King Power Stadium to join Chelsea 15 months ago in a £50million deal.

      And Foxes fans booed him during the FA Cup Final last May — which Rodgers’ side won after Chilwell had a last-gasp equaliser for Blues ruled out by the VAR.
      He returned to Leicester last season with no fans in the ground.
      But today is set to be back for the first time in front of a crowd.
      England defender Chilwell, 24, upset some fans with comments made after completing his move.
      Rodgers said: “There certainly wasn’t any animosity between us, he was a young player that came through the system here, and he ended up playing for the first team.
      “He decided to move on, and the club did very well as a result in terms of his fee.  
      “It’s difficult, players leave, and there can be a little bit of needle around that.”  
      ARTETA: AIM HIGHER THAN FOURTH
      Mikel Arteta challenged Arsenal to aim higher than just a top-four spot as they look to end their Liverpool nightmare on Saturday.
      The Gunners boss believes there is a new spirit of optimism sweeping through the club as a result of his mass Emirates clear-out.

      Arteta was still playing when Arsenal last won a league game at Anfield in September 2012.
      Since then they have managed just two points from eight games and conceded 28 times.
      But now they go to Merseyside defending a ten-match unbeaten run and cautiously optimistic about challenging for Champions League qualification again.
      Arteta said: “For me it is positive when people speak about getting into the top four. It means there is excitement and that people want to push us.
      “But this club is about being the best, not even about being fourth. That history has to be there all the time, giving us the drive and mentality to achieve the biggest targets.
      “If you don’t have that mentality, you cannot play for this club. The level of expectation always has to be the highest.”
      VILLA FANS FORGIVE GERRARD
      Aston Villa fans are ready to end their 20-year vendetta against Steven Gerrard according to Vital Villa Fans’ Site Editor, Jonathan Fear, writes GRAEME BRYCE.
      Gerrard has been public enemy No.1 at Villa Park for two decades, hated and hounded by the Holte End who refused to forgive him for an over-the-ball tackle on George Boateng – when he was a feisty 21-year-old.
      Although Gerrard’s apology was accepted by the Dutchman at the time – and he was punished with a red card and three-match ban – Villa fans have never pardoned him for his ‘crime.’ 
      In his 2006 best-seller: Gerrard, The Autobiography, Gerrard wrote:  “The Holte End hate me.
      “Ever since the Boateng foul, I get serenaded with ‘Steven Gerrard is a w*****’ whenever I play at Villa Park.”
      However, Fear predicts Gerrard will receive a hero’s welcome when he takes charge of Villa for the first time against Brighton tomorrow (Saturday) after making a positive first impression since replacing Dean Smith earlier this week. 
      He said: “Once someone’s named Aston Villa manager they have done no wrong in their history.
      “If he hadn’t been named our manager then of course he’s done no right in his history!
      “The Gerrard we used to abuse was the player and we know as a player he was a winner. He was the same as Roy Keane – not liked by opposing fans because you secretly wanted him in your team.
      “Since becoming our manager Steven Gerrard has said all the right things so far – now he just has to do all the right things!!
      RIO: UTD NEED JUDE
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to do ‘what ever it takes’ to sign England wonderkid Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
      Midfielder Bellingham,18, has already been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford.
      And United legend Ferdinand believes the former Birmingham hero is the ideal player for now and especially the future.
      RICH REWARDS FOR BRAVERY
      Everton star Richarlison has been playing injured with injections to numb the pain and even showed up for international duty with a broken rib.
      The forward had a busy summer after a tough Premier League season as he represented Brazil in the Copa America and then the Tokyo Olympics, which took their toll on his fitness.
      The 24-year-old revealed he had to take shots before games ever since the Olympic quarter-finals to deal with the “wear and tear” his knee had suffered.
      That is why the Toffees favourite decided to miss the last two World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, even though he has powered through the pain in the past by playing with an injured ankle and broken rib.
      RONALDO RALLYING CALL
      Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Manchester United to dig deep to get back on track.
      The Red Devils return to Premier League action at Watford tomorrow after six losses in 12 games.
      And the United legend posted on social media: “Time to roll up the sleeve once again and just get the job done!
      “Let’s chase what we are trying to achieve this season.”

      HOWE MISSES FIRST TOON GAME WITH COVID
      Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will miss his first match in charge of the club after testing positive for coronavirus.
      The 43-year-old was preparing for his first game since succeeding Steve Bruce at St James’ Park.
      But he will have to wait at least another week after contracting Covid-19, with his Magpies assistant head coaches Gareme Jones and Jason Tindall to be in charge for the clash against Brentford in his absence.

      A statement from Newcastle confirmed that the ex-Bournemouth gaffer will now self-isolate in line with the government government guidelines.
      Speaking to the club’s website, Howe expressed his disappointment at missing out on being in the dugout for Saturday’s fixture.
      He said: “I’m very disappointed that I won’t be there with you all at St. James’ Park tomorrow.
      “But it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate.
      “I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.
      “I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch.”
      OGBONNA BLOW FOR HAMMERS
      West Ham striker Angelo Ogbonna is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury.
      Hammers boss David Moyes confirmed that Ogbonna will go under the knife in the next few days and may not play again until next term.
      The centre-back sustained the injury during the east Londoners’ 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the London Stadium two weeks ago and is estimated to be out for nine months.
      Moyes said: “Surgery will take place over the next couple days.
      “It’s really sad because he’s a great player. I think it would be hard for Angelo to be back this season.”
      Ogbonna was initially substituted during the match with the Reds due to a cut above his eye but subsequently felt discomfort in his knee on the bench.
      A scan the following day revealed the Italian suffered ACL damage.
      According to The Athletic, West Ham will extend the 33-year-old’s contract, which expires in the summer, to aid in his recovery.
      BALE ABUSED
      Gareth Bale was abused by a small group of Real Madrid fans at the club’s training ground on Friday.
      And one furious Real supporter appeared to throw a marker pen at Bale’s car window with cries of ‘F*** you’ heard as he was leaving the Valdebebas facility.
      A group of Real Madrid fans abuse and throw pen at Gareth Bale at the club’s training ground
      Bale returned from international duty with Wales with another injury and that appears to have angered a section of the Bernabeu support.
      The 32-year-old has a calf injury which he sustained on his 100th cap against Belarus last Saturday and is set to be out for at least three weeks.
      Bale missed the 1-1 draw with Belgium as Robert Page’s side clinched a home World Cup play-off semi-final in March.
      The forward has not played for Real since the end of August after a severe hamstring injury sustained in training with his club.
      Pundits in Spain have been angry with Wales captain Bale for appearing to put his country ahead of his club.
      Bale wound up the Real supporters in 2019 after the Dragons qualified for Euro 2020 by holding up the flag which read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.”

      RON CAN BE THE BOSS – BUT NOT YET
      Cristiano Ronaldo has shown all the hallmarks of a manager but has no chance of succeeding Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      That’s the verdict of Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who believes the United striker’s touchline antics with Portugal show his passion to direct the play from off as well as on the pitch.

      United visit Watford on Saturday after six defeats in 12 games immediately before the international break.
      And Leicester chief Brendan Rodgers is odds-on favourite for Old Trafford if under-pressure Solskjaer departs.
      The Norwegian has insisted he is no quitter and believes he will turn the Red Devils around.
      But Solskjaer is odds-on to be the next Premier League manager axed and Ronaldo, 36, has risen up the list of contenders to replace him.
      Rush said: “I do see him as a leader. “But unless he has Sir Alex Ferguson alongside him I don’t see him managing Manchester United any time soon.
      “We kind of got a glimpse of Ronaldo as a manager when Portugal won the Euros in 2016, when he had to go off injured. 
      “He was so passionate on the touchline, barking orders and motivating the team, and maybe we saw the makings of a manager there.
      “We know he’s very demanding which you need to be as a manager, and he does like to have control of things too. 
      “But to manage a big club like Manchester United you need proper managerial experience and that’s why I don’t buy into the story of him replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
      POGBA STARTS CLOCK ON UTD RETURN
      Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is working hard towards making his return from injury.
      The 28-year-old star has taken to social media once again to update United fans on his progress after suffering a thigh injury while on France duty.

      Pogba posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself stretching out his thigh as he continued his warm-weather training in Dubai.
      And he simply captioned the picture ‘tic-tac’ – French for ‘tick-tock’ – with an hourglass emoji.
      The midfielder is counting down the days until he can make his Manchester United return.
      He is currently out in Dubai after jetting out to complete the first phase of his rehabilitation programme for the injury that could keep him out for two months.
      United confirmed the news on Wednesday in a statement that read: “Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has travelled to Dubai to undertake the next phase of his rehabilitation in warm weather conditions.
      “The 28-year-old reported for international duty with France at the beginning of last week and unfortunately suffered an injury while training. 
      “Pogba is now working diligently on his rehabilitation.”
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      in Soccer

      Leicester 0 Chelsea 3 LIVE: Blues go SIX POINTS clear after comfortable victory at King Power – latest updates

      by

      CHELSEA went six points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 3-0 win over Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Antonio Rudiger, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic scored the Blues’ goals on a comfortable afternoon for Thomas Tuchel’s men.

      RESULT: Leicester 0-3 Chelsea
      Leicester XI: Schmeichle, Albrighton, Amartey, Evans, Soyuncu, Castagne, Soumare, Ndidi, Barnes, Lookman, Vardy
      Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell, Mount, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi

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      THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
      If you had any doubts on Chelsea being title contenders before today, then surely you must be convinced of it now.
      Thomas Tuchel’s men completely outfoxed Leicester and that is a kind way of me describing how the game went.
      From the first minute, the visitors controlled possession and it wasn’t long before Antonio Rudiger exposed the Foxes achilles heel of conceding from set-pieces with a brilliant guided header on the 14th minute.
      N’Golo Kante then came back to haunt his former team yet again with a wonderful solo goal a little under 15 minutes later.
      Brendan Rodgers made a couple of attacking changes for the start of the second half and it did spring his side into life for a short period of the game.
      But Chelsea weathered that storm and it was check mate when substitutes Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic combined to score the Blues’ third and final goal of the day 20 minutes from time.
      Three was a pleasant score-line in the end for the Foxes to say the least because had it not been for the active linesman, Chelsea could have easily had three or four more.
      Thank you for tuning in SunSport family, we appreciate it as always and I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend that is yet to come.

      CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS
      A fantastic performance by the boys in blue has landed most of the players with some high ratings this afternoon.
      Fancy seeing who got what?
      CLICK HERE FOR THE PLAYER RATINGS
      KAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
      How rude of me not show you N’Golo Kante’s solo run and goal which doubled Chelsea’s lead and took the sting out of the tie.
      Didn’t know the Frenchmen had it in him and if he can do that more often, the next 5 fixtures will be a piece of cake for the Blues.
      N’GOLO! 😱A driving run and a superb finish from the former Leicester man! 🔥🔥A brilliant opening 30 minutes for Chelsea! pic.twitter.com/t50xPa6IOf— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 20, 2021

      NEXT 5 FIXTURES
      As for Chelsea, they will be on their travels in the month of December where they’ll be visiting Watford, London rivals West Ham and hopping on a plane to take on Russian champions, Zenit St.Petersburg in the Champions League.
      But prior to that, the Blues will be rolling out the red carpet for some heavy hitters at Stamford Bridge because next up they welcome Italy’s most successful club Juventus in a Champions League group game.
      And shortly after that, Thomas Tuchel’s men will have to deal with the hurdle of England’s most successful club in Manchester United.

      COMING UP
      The Foxes have little time to feel sorry for themselves because they are back at the King Power for their next two fixtures as they host Polish side Legia Warsaw in the Europa League and Premier League freshmen Watford three days later.
      Leicester then have two tough away matches scheduled against Southampton and Aston Villa in the league which is followed up by a trip across the pond to Italy where the Foxes will be taking on 2x Serie A champions Napoli in their final Europa League group game.

      RODGER THAT
      The odds were always stacked against the Leicester gaffer because Brendan Rodgers’ lowest winning percentage and points-per-game ration are both against Chelsea.
      At least he has the reversed fixture to improve that statistic.
      7.1% – As a Premier League manager, Brendan Rodgers’ lowest winning percentage (7.1%) and points-per-game ratio (0.71) against a single side are both versus Chelsea, winning only one of his 14 fixtures with the Blues (D7 L6). Distracted. pic.twitter.com/HM9vrSVbm1— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 20, 2021

      BROKEN BRENDAN
      Leicester head coach Brendan Rodgers looked like a broken man speaking to Des Kelly in the post-match interviews regarding the game.
      The Northern Irishman highlighted where his side went wrong and that he is determined to solves the Foxes’ issues ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
      We obviously conceded a disappointing goal from a corner so that gives them confidence and you can see why they are the European champions, they are a top team in every aspect of the game that you would want.
      We lacked that little belief at the beginning of the game and of course then you go 2-0 down so we had to resurrect that at half-time
      In fairness to the players, their attitude, their spirit, everything was much better in the second half.
      Confidence has not been where it’s been in the last couple of years but that’s my job.
      But there’s no doubt that we need to defend better and attack better as a team and that responsibility is down to me to find a solution to it.Brendan RodgersBT Sport 1
      SILVA SURFER
      Keeping Jamie Vardy quiet is no joke but Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva seemed to make it look easy which is why he was named as BT Sport’s man of the match.
      And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Chelsea key figure has earned himself a contract extension at the club.
      Thiago Silva’s contract extension will be discussed soon with Chelsea board. Tuchel and club super happy with Thiago and he wants to stay in Europe for one more season. 🔵🇧🇷 #CFCThiago’s performing at top level for Chelsea, again and again. He’s amazing. And yes, he’s 37. pic.twitter.com/oaYb96FpPN— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2021

      TUCHEL’S THOUGHTS
      The Chelsea gaffer was delighted with his side’s performance this afternoon but he still had some problems with the team’s decision making in the final third.
      Baring in mind the Blues scored three away from home with no reply.
      I think we played a good game, a good away game and an excellent result. It’s a good mixture.
      We knew we needed to be strong from first to last minute, this is what we did and I am happy with the effort and the quality. It was a deserved win.
      It was a very good first half but still we was struggling in the last third with some decisions and some decision making and the precision.
      Two goals and anything can happen. If you have one deflected shot or one set piece, whole stadium can wake up and the momentum can change but we didn’t allow them to come back into the game and third one finished it off.Thomas TuchelBT Sport 1
      “I’m happy with the effort, the quality. It was a deserved win.””We have to have a bit of patience, and hopefully a happy end.”Thomas Tuchel praises Chelsea’s superb victory over Leicester and discusses Antonio Rüdiger’s future at the club…🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/V1ntwxldOU— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 20, 2021

      TABLE REFRESHED
      Those three points for Chelsea are huge because it means that the Blues go six points clear at the top before everyone else plays during the course of the weekend.
      As for the Foxes, that’s a third consecutive Premier League fixture without a win and a second successive home defeat.
      This time last season, Brendan Rodgers’ men were a point off the top spot so this is worrying times for Leicester indeed.
      Credit: PremierLeague.com
      FULL 90 STATS
      There was a little improvement from Brendan Rodgers’ men in the second half, but ultimately Chelsea dominated the game.
      Some serious work is to be done if the Foxes want to turn this form around.

      FULL-TIME
      If the offside goals had counted, it could have been 6-0 but one thing Chelsea have done with this win is go 6 points clear at the top.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THREE GOALS THREE POINTS!
      CHELSEA GO MARCHING ON IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
      FT: LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      90+1. Just as Robbie Savage nominated Thiago Silva with BT Sport’s man of the match, the 37-year-old has just had a clash of heads with Jamie Vardy.
      Thankfully both players are back up on their feet.
      THREE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME HAS BEEN ADDED ON
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      87. They want to get on the act now.
      Trevoh Chalobah drove forward before finding Christian Pulisic and he picked out Ben Chilwell on the edge of the box who lined up a spectacular.
      However the less said about the strike the better.
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      85. As expected, the Foxes fans are heading for the exit doors early in what has been yet another poor performance from their team at home.
      Chelsea are such strong title contenders and if they hold onto this clean sheet, that will be four consecutive clean sheets on the road.
      So impressive.
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      83. I don’t believe this.
      It’s another excellent well-worked Chelsea goal that is going to be chalked off for offside.
      This one looked tight but it was the right call.
      That’s three goals ruled out in about 12 minutes for the Blues.
      AMERICAN DREAM
      Hakim Ziyech put it on a plate for Christian Pulisic to make it three for Chelsea and here is how it happened.
      Wonderful work from Hakim Ziyech to put it on a plate for Christian Pulisic! 👌Chelsea slice open Leicester yet again to get their third 💥 pic.twitter.com/frRSfmurnD— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 20, 2021

      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      79. Wow that was a superb finish by Christian Pulisic but it’s going to be another goal ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
      The linesman are really sparing Leicester blushes this afternoon.
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      75. A change has been made by both sides as we tick towards the end of this contest.
      Leicester:

      Boubakary Soumare – OFF
      Kiernarn Dewsbury-Hall – ON

      Chelsea:

      Jorginho – OFF
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – ON

      Going off my lip reading skills, Jorginho seemed to have said to N’Golo Kante that his hamstring is gone so hopefully he won’t be out long term.
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      73. It’s a shame because the Foxes came out in the second half with a real attacking intent about themselves.
      But a simple through-ball after to Hakim Ziyech from Thiago Silva who by the way controlled the ball exquisitely and then followed by a nice pick-out for an unmarked Christian Pulisic in the box has led to the three points being put in the bag for the visitors.
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      73. Wow, Chelsea had the ball in the back of the net again only a couple minutes later.
      But thankfully for Leicester, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike was ruled out for offside.
      Worrying times for Foxes fans.
      GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
      AND THAT SHOULD BE THAT!
      THE TWO CHELSEA SUBSTIUTES COMBINE TO MAKE IT A CHELSEA THIRD!
      HAKIM ZIYECH — > CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      LEICESTER 0-3 CHELSEA
      ON THE MEND
      The Edouard Mendy time wasting saga in two images.

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