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      Arsenal 1-0 Watford LIVE SCORE: Smith Rowe strike the difference as Aubameyang misses penalty

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      ARSENAL are taking on Watford at the Emirates today looking to make it eight Premier League matches unbeaten. The Gunners had the ball in the net early through Saka but VAR spotted an offside, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyand saw his penalty saved by Ben Foster.
      But Emile Smith Rowe has popped up with a crucial goal for the home side.

      TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League
      Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Maitland-Niles, Sambi, Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
      Watford XI: Foster, Kino, N’Koulou, Cathcart, Rose, Sissoko, Tufan, Kucka, Sarr, Dennis, King.

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      CONTROVERSIAL WINNER
      Claudio Ranieri’s anger stems from an incident in the build-up to the game’s only goal in which Albert Sambi Lokonga went in hard on Ozan Tufan, leaving him injured in the centre of the pitch. With his teammate down and in need of treatment, Danny Rose kicked the ball out for a throw-in; a throw-in that Arsenal did not return to the visitors. Instead, the Gunners kept possession, played on and eventually scored through Emile Smith Rowe – albeit after an another dubious challenge from Ainsley Maitland-Niles on Ismaila Sarr.
      FT: ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      Arsenal are up to fifth in the Premier League thanks to Emile Smith Rower’s second half winner in what was Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in charge. Watford slip to 17th, and ended a scrappy contest with ten men after Jurak Kucka’s late dismissal for a second bookable offence. Claudio Ranieri was not happy at full time and made his feelings known to his counterpart as they went to shake hands on the touchline.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FULL TIME WHISTLE IS BLOWN!
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      90+4. Arsenal eat up some valuable seconds thanks to some trickery from substitute Gabriel Martinelli by the corner flag.
      The Brazilian has only just come on for Bukayo Saka.
      Meanwhile, Watford have thrown on another forward in Ashley Fletcher. Defender Craig Cathcart has gone off.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      90+1. Foster with the stop! The Watford goalkeeper again shows strong hand to push away Sambi Lokonga’s blaster after the Belgian had been teed up by Elneny.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      90. As Odegaard’s curling free-kick clips off the wall to safety, the fourth official signals that there will be six minutes of time added on.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      89. A red card was always likely in this match given the amount of fouls and its overzealous officials, and Juraj Kucka was always the most likely suspect – particularly given Danny Rose’s immunity from punishment.
      The Watford midfielder is shown his second yellow after clattering into the rampaging Nuno Tavares just outside of the visitors’ penalty area.
      A SECOND YELLOW CARD FOR KUCKA!WATFORD ARE DOWN TO TEN MEN!
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      87. Smith Rowe is minutes away from being the matchwinner, but he won’t be seeing the game out to its conclusion.
      The goalscorer receives a standing ovation as he is withdrawn and replaced by Mohamed Elneny.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      86. Was that the chance?! A mix-up between Ramsdale and White sees the Arsenal goalkeeper failing to connect with a ball sent down the left wing.
      It presents King with an open goal albeit from an incredibly tight angle, and it’s no surprise that his first time shot nestles into the side netting.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      85. The visitors pour forward again.
      Ramsdale does well to get fingertips on a right wing cross to deny the lurking Joao Pedro, and then gets down low moments later to gather Kucka’s deflected strike.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      83. Another attempt from King, another that’s blocked at close quarters. The Watford forward did well to latch on to Hernandez’s cross into the box.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      82. Inside the final ten minutes, and the shape has started to shift.
      For a scrappy game they have controlled for the most part, Arsenal are now dropping deep and the home fans are getting nervous.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      80. Gabriel is the FOURTH Arsenal player to receive a yellow card. The Gunners have only conceded six fouls in the whole game.
      The Brazilian is booked for catching Joao Pedro with the follow through of a high boot.
      For contrast, Watford have given away 16 free-kicks and have had three players booked.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      78. Gaps are beginning to show in the Watford defence as they go in search of an equaliser.
      Smith Rowe almost takes advantage of one such opportunity, but this time is well off target with his curling effort.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      75. Quarter of an hour remaining and it’s time for Claudio Ranieri to make a second switch.
      Back from suspension, Emmanuel Dennis’ return is over, and he’s replaced by Juan Hernandez.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      73. The ball is the back of the Watford net…
      …but once again it’s not going to count.
      Martin Odegaard is furious as it was all his own work, twisting his man one way and then another before striking across Ben Foster.
      The substitute’s shot may well have been heading for the far corner too which makes the touch of a clearly offside Aubameyang even more frustrating.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      71. A sight of goal for Watford as King connects with a left-footed volley just outside of the Arsenal area.
      It’s blocked by Gabriel, but should act as a reminder to both teams that Watford are still in this contest while it’s 1-0.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      69. Arsenal make their first substitution of the game.
      The departing Alexandre Lacazette has not has as much joy as recent games. On comes Martin Odegaard.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      68. Almost! Saka delivers a teasing inswinging cross off of the right wing, and it’s inches away from being met by Aubameyang sliding into the six-yard box.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      66. Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said at half-time that he wanted to see Ben White step upfield more, and he’s certainly obliged in this period.
      Not only did the goal stem from the former Brighton man’s advancement, but he’s also just done similar here to win a free-kick off Joao Pedro.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      64. In breaking the deadlock, Smith Rowe becomes only the fourth Arsenal player under the age of 21 to score in three consecutive Premier League games.
      It’s not a bad list he joins either: Nicolas Anelka, Jose Antonio Reyes and Cesc Fabregas are the other names on it.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      62. Here it is. Joao Pedro is on for Ozan Tufan.
      The substitute will hope to push forward to offer Josh King support in attack.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      60. Claudio Ranieri won’t have to buy dinner for his team this evening, but he will still believe a point can be rescued here.
      The Italian is readying a first change of the game.
      ARSENAL 1-0 WATFORD
      58. Watford captain Moussa Sissoko really isn’t happy. He believes there was a foul by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal.
      The midfielder has already been booked, and would probably be advised to keep his protests to a minimum.
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      Everton 0-0 Tottenham LIVE RESULT: Holgate given red card as VAR overturns Richarlison penalty decision

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      EVERTON have ended a run of three straight defeats after drawing 0-0 with Spurs.And the Toffees thought they had been awarded a penalty before VAR stepped in to overturn the decision.
      At the end of the game, Mason Holgate was sent off for the Toffees.
      Follow all the latest with our live blog below…

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      FULL-TIME: EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      Not a classic…
      Everton (0.70) 0-0 (0.78) Tottenham— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) November 7, 2021

      FULL-TIME: EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      That is it! The spoils are shared in Antonio Conte’s first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham.
      Spurs came closest to winning it towards the end when Giovani Lo Celso’s strike flashed back off the post.
      Everton thought they had a penalty in the second half when Richarlison was brought down by Hugo Lloris. But Chris Kavanagh went over to the monitor and reversed his decision after seeing that the keeper had got a touch to the ball.
      Everton were reduced to 10 men in the final stages when Mason Holgate’s follow through onto Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was deemed to be violent conduct.
      But the Toffees held on as Conte was forced to settle for a point on his return to England’s top flight.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      Cleared by Spurs. That could well be that…
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90+6 – Now it’s an Everton corner. We’re into the sixth minute of added time!
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90+4 – Terrible corner from Lo Celso is cleared away by the first man.
      YELLOW! Skipp then goes in the book for taking out Townsend.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90+4 – Gbamin’s first touch is to turn it behind for a corner.
      Last chance?
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90+2 – SUBSTITUTION! Gray comes off for Gbamin. Everton trying to hold on.
      Still waiting for the free-kick to be taken.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90 – RED CARD! It’s red for Mason Holgate! Chris Kavanagh went to the monitor having initially given a yellow. He changed his decision and the substitute is sent off!
      Now, can Spurs win it?
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      90 – Free-kick for Spurs. Holgate wins the ball ahead of Hojbjerg but rakes his studs down his calf on the follow through. He got all of the ball but it looks nasty in slow motion.
      This could be a red…
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      89 – Spurs on the front foot in these final minutes. Four minutes of added time will be played.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      88 – OH IT’S SO CLOSE! Hojbjerg nicks the ball away from Holgate and Spurs are away.
      Giovani Lo Celso cuts inside from the edge of the area and bends one towards the bottom corner but it strikes to post!
      Closest anyone has come all afternoon.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      87 – Are we going to get a winner? Not like that we’re not, Ndombele’s first contribution is to go in the book for picking up the ball as Everton tried to take their free-kick.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      85 – SUBSTITUTION! Son makes away for Tanguy Ndombele.
      With both Lucas and Son now having been taken off, you imagine Conte is content with a point.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      83 – GREAT CHANCE! Davies finds Digne and the full-back fizzes a ball across the box but Gray turns it wide from close range! Had to do better.
      SUBSTITUTION! Mason Holgate replaces Allan.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      81 – Oliver Skipp has been superb in the middle of the park for Tottenham. Without him they would be losing. Has broken the play up and distributed it brilliantly.
      Spurs enjoy some time on the ball. Could they snatch this late on? They haven’t looked dangerous since the early exchanges of the second half.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      79 – A rare foray into the Everton half for Spurs as Kane tries to pick Son out through the middle but there’s too much on the pass.
      Doherty then goes down in the box but there’s not much of an appeal.
      Into the final 10 we go.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      77 – A clipped ball over the top almost finds Richarlison but he can’t bring it under control and it zips through to Lloris.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      75 – Spurs just cannot get the ball out of their own half. They have retreated into a defensive shape they are unable to break from.
      But can Everton find a winner?
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      73 – You feel like those changes were made to try and stop this momentum Everton have now. The home side look the most likely winners.
      Kane is very isolated up front on his own.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      71 – It’s all Everton now! Gordon’s cross eventually finds Davies on the edge of the box but his shot is tamely into the arms of Lloris.
      Spurs break but Son fires wide and he was offside anyway.
      SUBSTITUTIONS! Giovani Lo Celso and Matt Doherty are on for Lucas Moura and Sergio Reguilon.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      69 -Oh it’s all kicking off here! The ball bounces around the Everton box as Richarlison calls for a handball on Hojbjerg (it was never a penalty, didn’t even touch him).
      Richarlison then goes down in a melay afterwards and Romero is booked as a result. He moved his head towards Richarlison’s before the Brazilian went down like he’d been shot.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      67 – Well, that was drama! You have to see the referee got that one right, but it was a very close call.
      The crowd are very fired up now. Ben Davies takes out Andros Townsend and the Everton supporters are straight up to remonstrate.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      65 – NO PENALTY! Lloris got a touch to it and referee Chris Kavanagh reverses his decision after going to the monitor.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      Referee Chris Kavanagh is going to the screen here. That does not bode well for Everton…
      Very hard to tell if Lloris got a fingertip on the ball before taking Richarlison down.
      EVERTON 0-0 TOTTENHAM
      64 – PENALTY! A long ball over the top and Richarlison escapes Davies before going down under a challenge from Lloris!
      Did the Frenchman get the ball? It will go to VAR…
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      West Ham vs Liverpool LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, teams, kick-off time – Premier League latest updates

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      LIVERPOOL have been in blistering form this season but take on high-flying West Ham today in the Premier League. The Reds are fresh off their 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in Europe on Wednesday but struggled in a 2-2 draw against Brighton last weekend.

      Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMT
      West Ham XI: Fabianski, Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals, Antonio
      Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Jota, Mane
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League
      Live Stream: Sky Go (Subscribers)/Now TV Day Pass (Non-subscribers)

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      FREE-SCORING REDS
      Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their first five away Premier League games this season, with only two sides in the history of the top-flight ever scoring more at this stage – Manchester United in 1907-08 and Manchester City in 2011-12 (both 20).
      UNBEATEN STREAK
      Since a run of six defeats in seven Premier League games in February and March, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 20 league games (W14 D6), scoring at least once in all 20 games (50 goals in total).
      ON THE ROAD
      Liverpool have scored at least three goals in each of their last six away league games, netting 22 goals in total.
      In the entire history of the Football League, only one team has ever scored three or more times in seven consecutive away league games, with Birmingham City doing so between November 1892 and September 1893 in the second tier.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      FEWEST CHANGES
      West Ham have made the fewest changes to their starting XI in Premier League games this season (4), while no side have used fewer different players than the Hammers (18).
      Despite this, only Chelsea (15) and Manchester City (11) have had more different goalscorers than David Moyes’ side this term (9).
      HAMMER THE HAMMERS
      Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored nine goals in eight Premier League appearances against West Ham.
      He could become the seventh player to score 10+ goals against the Hammers in the competition, making them the side against which the most different players have reached double figures.
      REDS BENCH
      5 Konate, 6 Thiago, 18 Minamino, 21 Tsimikas, 27 Origi, 47 Phillips, 62 Kelleher, 76 Williams, 80 Morton.
      LIVERPOOL XI
      1 Alisson; 66 Alexander-Arnold, 32 Matip, 4 Van Dijk, 26 Robertson; 3 Fabinho, 14 Henderson, 15 Oxlade-Chamberlain; 11 Salah, 20 Jota, 10 Mane.

      HAMMERS BENCH
      13 Areola, 15 Dawson, 5 Coufal, 23 Diop, 26 Masuaku, 24 Fredericks, 33 Kral, 16 Noble, 10 Lanzini.
      WEST HAM XI
      David Moyes is sticking with the same side that brushed Aston Villa aside 4-1 last weekend.
      1 Fabianski; 31 Johnson, 4 Zouma, 21 Ogbonna, 3 Cresswell; 41 Rice (c), 28 Soucek; 20 Bowen, 22 Benrahma, 8 Fornals; 9 Antonio.

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE OUT!
      KING MO
      Mohamed Salah has scored in each of Liverpool’s first five away Premier League games this season, only the second player to score in his team’s first five games on the road in a season after Thierry Henry in 2001-02 for Arsenal, who failed to score in their sixth.
      The last player to score in six away top-flight games in a row was Sergio Agüero in August 2017 for Manchester City (seven in a row).
      KLOPP ON MOYES
      Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for West Ham manager David Moyes, who has now passed the 1,000 game milestone in management.
      Ahead of today’s game, Klopp said: “He gets better and better and better, that’s how I say it!
      “I don’t know if he reinvented himself, but it’s absolutely incredible. Everybody who watches West Ham knows it’s now a full package, high in the table.”

      POINTS HAUL
      Only reigning Premier League champions Manchester City (80) and reigning European champions Chelsea (66) have earned more Premier League points in 2021 than West Ham (62).
      This is already the most points West Ham have won in a single calendar year in the competition.
      TAKING THE MIC
      Michail Antonio has been directly involved in 17 goals in his last 22 Premier League games at the London Stadium for West Ham (11 goals, 6 assists).
      He is also the top scorer (19) and assister (12) at the London Stadium and is one of three current players to be outright top for both goals and assists at a stadium in the Premier League, along with Jamie Vardy at the King Power and Raúl Jiménez at Molineux.
      Antonio has also scored five in nine appearances against Liverpool for the Hammers.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      AWAY DAYS
      Liverpool have won four of their last five away league games against West Ham (D1) and are looking to win three in a row at the Hammers for the first time since doing so between 2003 and 2007.
      The last time the Reds visited the London Stadium, they won 3-1.
      Star man Mohamed Salah bagged a brace, and Gini Wijnaldum got himself a goal.
      Craig Dawson scored a late consolation strike.
      HEAD-TO-HEAD
      Since doing the league double over Liverpool in 2015-16, West Ham are winless in their last 10 Premier League games against the Reds (D2 L8).
      GOOD AFTERNOON
      And welcome to the live blog for West Ham vs Liverpool!
      David Moyes’ high flying Hammers welcome title-chasing Liverpool to the London Stadium.
      The Reds are yet to be beaten across all competitions this season.
      They’re coming into the game off the back of a 2-0 win over LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
      Whereas West Ham were held to a draw in Genk.
      Today’s game is a must win for both teams.
      A win for Liverpool takes them one point behind table toppers Chelsea and two clear of Manchester City.
      However, a win for West Ham sees the Hammers leapfrog Liverpool and go into third.
      In terms of team news, Andriy Yarmolenko and Nikola Vlasic are both doubts having missed the Hammers’ Europa League game on Thursday.
      Vladimir Coufal got some minutes under his belt against Genk to regain fitness after a spell on the sidelines with an injury.
      But in-form academy product Ben Johnson is expected to start in the right-back department.
      As for Liverpool, they will be without Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita, James Milner and Harvey Elliott.
      Firmino picked up a ‘serious hamstring injury’ in the Atletico game.
      Thiago is expected to come into the midfield for the Reds.
      The teamsheets are due to be released shortly, so don’t go anywhere!
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      Villa SACK Dean Smith, Neymar nets 400th goal of career, Howe watches Newcastle draw, Chelsea transfer news LATEST

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      ASTON VILLA have parted ways with manager Dean Smith after a run of five defeats on the spin. Meanwhile, Brazilian superstar Neymar reached the landmark of 400 career goals as PSG overcame Bordeaux 3-2 on Saturday night.
      The striker now has an impressive 88 goals in 126 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants, as well as 70 international strikes to his name.
      Back in the Premier League, Daniel Farke watched Norwich beat Brentford for their first win of the campaign – but the German was axed just hours after the victory.
      And Newcastle were watched on by Eddie Howe as they drew 1-1 with Brighton in an exciting late kick-off at the Amex.
      We’ve also the very latest from Chelsea who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
      Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
      THAT’S A BIT ROUD
      Olivier Giroud believes that Karim Benzema’s France return at Euro 2020 caused an ‘imbalance’ in the team.
      Giroud, 35, led the line for Didier Deschamps’ side as they won the World Cup in 2018 during Benzema’s international exile.
      But Les Bleus boss Deschamps decided to bring the Real Madrid striker back into the fold, with Giroud losing his place in the process.
      The AC Milan forward stressed that he has no personal issues with Benzema – but doesn’t believe that his return was a success during the Euros.
      He told L’Equipe: “I found out [about Benzema’s return] when the coach announced it,.
      “It was Deschamps’ will. I understand it, but I would have liked to have been warned sooner.
      “I have nothing against Karim, but his return to the national team created a tactical imbalance and in our way of playing.
      “It was something evident in some games, which luckily could be fixed quickly, as could be seen in the Nations League. However, it took time.
      “I had no problems with Karim at the European Championship. He has changed and evolved. We ate every day at the same table.”
      THE MORE THE MER-RIER
      Liverpool have identified former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino as an alternative transfer to Jude Bellingham, reports say.
      The 25-year-old Real Sociedad ace is enjoying his football in Spain.
      The Reds are planning for the future, with key midfield names such as Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner all in their 30s.
      And according to Fichajes.net, Liverpool are interested in Merino because of his ‘versatility and dominant physique’.
      The Spaniard also covers a lot of ground, something Klopp likes his players to be able to do.
      Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham was another name on the list, but the youngster could prove impossible to sign due to his price.
      NOT PHILING IT
      Barcelona reportedly refused to play Philippe Coutinho against Celta Vigo because of his ‘poor attitude’ during his warm-up.
      The Brazilian was summoned from the bench and looked set to replace the injured Ansu Fati but was eventually snubbed by stand-in boss Sergi Barjuan.
      Fati went down injured just before half-time and Barjuan signalled to the former Liverpool man to get ready.
      But the cameras caught the 29-year-old’s somewhat lackadaisical approach to the warm-up which angered his temporary boss, according to Sport.
      The Spanish outlet described Coutinho’s approach as ‘excessive laziness’ as he slumped down the line.
      And it certainly didn’t do him any favours as he ended up remaining on the bench for the rest of the game.
      Alejandro Balde came on to replace Fati instead.
      FINALLY COMPENSATED
      Ajax have reportedly reached a settlement with Abdelhak Nouri’s family after his tragic collapse four years ago.
      The former midfielder, 24, suffered brain damage and requires 24/7 care after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a friendly match against Werder Bremen.
      As a result, Nouri’s family had been in talks with Ajax and the club’s lawyers over a compensation package.
      But after that produced no results the family was forced to open an arbitration case.
      That has now been closed after the family finally reached an agreement with Ajax, report Dutch outlet NOS.
      The compensation agreement has reportedly taken into account the costs of Nouri’s care, the loss of his earning capacity and compensation for immaterial damage in the form of compensation.
      SHEV OPTION
      Serie A strugglers Genoa have appointed former Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko as their manager on a deal until 2024.
      The 45-year-old former AC Milan and Chelsea striker replaces Davide Ballardini who was sacked on Saturday.
      Shevchenko led Ukraine to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, where they were beaten 4-0 by England in Rome, but left his role in August.
      Genoa are currently 18th in Serie A after 12 games, having picked up one win all season.
      Shevchenko, who retired from playing in 2012, is Ukraine’s all-time record goalscorer with 48 goals in 111 games.
      DEAN DONE
      Dean Smith has been sacked by Aston Villa.
      The Villans lost their fifth match in a row at Southampton on Friday night and sit 15th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.
      As revealed by SunSport, Denmark’s national coach Kasper Hjulmand is on their ‘watch list’ of replacements.
      Lifelong fan Smith took over at Villa Park in October 2018 and earned promotion via the play-offs in his first season.
      He then kept the club in the Premier League for two seasons but struggled to get his team finding form this season following the £100million sale of star man Jack Grealish.
      The former captain, now at Manchester City, retweeted Villa’s five-minute highlights reel of Smith’s best bits at Villa Park and wrote: “No1 will ever compare – the real goat,” with a series of red and blue hearts.
      CON HAPPY
      Tottenham fans aren’t happy by Antonio Conte’s team selection for his first Premier League outing in charge of the North London club.
      The Italian has named an unchanged starting XI to the Spurs side that narrowly overcame Vitesse in the Europa League on Thursday.
      Reacting to the news of Conte’s first Premier League selection, one fan wrote: “Did he (Conte) not see what we saw on Thursday night… Dier and Davies.”
      Another wrote: “(Japhet) Tanganga and Davinson (Sanchez) on the bench as well but we start Dier and Benjamin Davies.”
      While one fumed: “The same terrible lineup (as) against Vitesse.”
      TOFF ON
      Everton have made three changes ahead of their clash against Tottenham today.
      Anthony Gordon and Fabian Delph will both start for Everton against Tottenham Hotspur today.
      The pair came off the bench in the defeat to Wolves on Monday night and helped lift a woeful performance.
      Delph replaced Jean-Philippe Gbamin and helped the Blues hold some control in midfeld while Gordon almost grabbed a late equaliser in a lively performance.
      Gbamin and Alex Iwobi are the players to make way.
      Mason Holgate also drops to the bench as Lucas Digne returns to fitness and comes back in at left-back, with Ben Godfrey switching to centre-back.
      EVERTON VS TOTTENHAM
      Spurs have not beaten Everton at Goodison Park since they demolished them 6-2 in December 2018.
      The Lilywhites have struggled for victories over Everton in recent years, with their only win coming in July 2020 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      However, the Toffees were thrashed 5-2 by Watford in their last home game and so will almost certainly be lacking confidence heading into this one.
      GUARD OF HONOUR
      Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have never dominated a team like they did Manchester United on Saturday.
      The 2-0 scoreline tells only part of the story with United having an embarrassing one touch in the opposition box in the second half.
      City boss Guardiola said: “Maybe this was the game that we dominated for the most time. Except for 10 minutes of the second half, the other 80 minutes were absolutely under control.
      “In some games we are good but not for as long as this.
      “Maybe you are right, it is a game we controlled more specifically. We know each other better, we know the opponent better.”
      JTWEETS
      Chelsea legend John Terry wasted no time in dishing out a savage put-down to Manchester United fans after he joined Twitter on Saturday.
      The Blues icon received plenty of stick from rival fans after signing up to the social media site, but was happy to have a bit of banter in return.
      The pick of the bunch was a reply to a Man Utd fan who posted a picture of Terry crying after he missed a penalty against the Reds in the 2008 Champions League final shoot-out in Moscow.
      MUFCFanZone shared the photo and wrote: “Welcome to the wonderful world of Twitter! #ThatNightInMoscow.”
      And having seen United lose 2-0 at home to bitter rivals City on Saturday, Terry quipped back: “That’s the Man Utd fans after today and realising you’re five years away from catching Chelsea.”
      LOOK WHO’S BACK
      Middlesbrough have announced Chris Wilder as their new manager a DAY after sacking Neil Warnock.
      The 54-year-old will take over from Warnock with immediate effect.
      Warnock was sacked after Saturday’s 1-1 draw away at promotion hopefuls West Brom.
      The former Sheffield United bosses team sit 14th in the second tier, but are just four points off the play-off places.
      The Englishman guided Oxford out of the Conference in 2010 and won League Two with Northampton in 2016.
      His most impressive managerial achievement is taking the Blades from League One to the Premier League.
      KRO CHANCE 
      Arsenal Football Club is NOT for sale, according to director Josh Kroenke.
      That is despite Spotify billionaire Daniel Ek’s £1.8BILLION bid which is still on the table.
      Speaking to Sky ahead of the Gunners’ Emirates clash against Watford on Sunday, Kroenke said: “We get bids for the club all the time, from many different parties around the world and that speaks to the strength of the Arsenal.
      “It’s a wonderful institution, Arsenal Football Club is a global brand and my only response to anything is: ‘The club is not for sale, we’re just getting started’.
      “We’ve only really owned the club since 2018. We have a young manager, we have a young squad and we’re charting our path to the future.”
      OH NO 
      Manchester United fans were left fuming after Bruno Fernandes’ Twitter account posted a photo of Arsenal players.
      The Red Devils lost the Manchester derby on Saturday 2-0, turning in another poor performance leaving fans furious.
      But fuel was added to the fire when Fernandes’ Twitter account – likely ran by the same social media manager as Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli – posted a pic of some Gunners stars with the caption ‘Gooood vibes’.
      Martinelli’s Instagram had the exact same picture and caption.
      One fan fumed: “Bruno Fernandes posting (now deleted) a picture of some Arsenal lads.
      “I presume one of them is Portuguese and they share the same social media team. Either way this is a f***ing disaster.
      “Never understand why these a*s don’t tweet themselves.”
      Another said: “I’m beginning to hate him bro, this entire squads mentality reeks.”
      PAUL THE OTHER ONE
      Paul Scholes thinks that Manchester United can beat Chelsea – despite yesterday’s latest poor performance against rivals City.
      The Red Devils were outclassed during their 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side at Old Trafford.
      Scholes, however, was nonplussed by the defeat – insisting that it’s nothing new – before tipping United to go and beat Thomas Tuchel’s league leaders later this month.
      Appearing as a pundit on DAZN, he said: “Does anything change? Are we really surprised by United being short of City and Liverpool?
      “I don’t think they’re massively short of Chelsea though.
      “I think they could go and beat teams like Chelsea.
      “And I think the same now is going to happen again – we’ll struggle against the big teams, we might go on a run now – beat all the teams we expect to and think we’re a good team again.”
      TOON TALKS
      Newcastle have opened talks to try and snap up England international Kieran Trippier, it’s claimed.
      The Atletico Madrid player has been persistently linked with a return to the Premier League, and St James’ Park has emerged as a possible destination.
      Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed that discussions have been taking place between the Magpies and the right-back’s representatives.
      He told Radio 5Live: “I hear from Atletico Madrid that Newcastle are really interested in getting Trippier and they have started negotiations with his people.
      “I am not sure if they will get him or not.”
      TODAY’S FIXTURES
      There’s four games on in the Premier League today, including a top four clash:

      Everton vs Tottenham – 2PM
      Leeds vs Leicester – 2PM
      Arsenal vs Watford – 2PM
      West Ham vs Liverpool – 4.30PM

      SOCIAL STARS
      Ronaldo is the most followed footballer on Facebook.

      ‘SHOULD WIN’
      Arsenal legend Paul Merson says his former club ‘should be able to win’ against Norwich later today.
      Merson does, however, highlight Watford’s strength on the counter attack. 
      Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Arsenal are flying in the Premier League. They’re playing really well at the moment, but they need to be careful against Watford. 
      “Arsenal got great results against Leicester and Aston Villa, and they’re playing with plenty of pace and energy.
      “Watford are a decent team on the counter and stunned Everton last week. Arsenal are building their team very well at the moment, and are nine games unbeaten now. They have a couple of hard matches after Watford, and going into their Liverpool game with a ten-match unbeaten streak would help the team.
      “Arsenal had no points in their first three games and weren’t able to score a goal, while Tottenham were at the top of the Premier League table. Spurs have now sacked their manager, and Arsenal are flying – it’s a strange game, this.
      “In four weeks’ time, Arsenal could well be battered by Liverpool and we’d be calling them flat-track bullies. 
      “But we have to give them credit where it’s due, and they are defeating teams that they should be putting away. Arsenal are looking good at the moment and should be able to win this game.”
      WRECK IT RALF
      Ralf Rangnick is interested in becoming Man Utd manager should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer get sacked, reports say.
      According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Rangnick would be interested in a move to Old Trafford.
      The 63-year-old is well known for his role within the Red Bull network.
      And he has had big influences on coaches such as Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann.
      GOLDEN BOY
      Barcelona’s Pedri will be a strong contender to pick up the Golden Boy award after playing over 70 games last term for club and country.

      VIE-YING TO GET HIM
      Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira wants to hijack Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s move to Italian high-fliers Napoli.
      Vieira is a huge fan of the Cameroon midfielder, who is on loan from Fulham and one of the shock successes during Napoli’s sensational campaign.
      The Eagles boss is still smarting that he failed to land Anguissa, 25, last summer when Serie A Napoli stepped in to take him and also offered an option to buy from Fulham.
      However, Vieira hopes he can persuade his money men to go big next time and land the powerful all-action star.
      Napoli will keep Anguissa for the season but Vieira is already looking to next summer and building his squad.
      Fulham want around £20million for Anguissa but that fee may come down as he will have only a year left on his contract at Craven Cottage by next summer.
      STRAK A DEAL
      Newcastle want to sign Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha when the winter window opens.
      The Toon sent their top spy to watch Strakosha play in the Europa League last week.
      Strakosha, 26 – who has 16 caps for Albania – can quit the Serie A side at the end of his contract next summer.
      He has been with Lazio all his senior career but is looking for a new challenge.
      Newcastle hope they can push through a quick switch by agreeing a pre-contract on January 1 and then offering Lazio a low price to land him immediately.
      Strakosha wants to move because he has only played in Europa League games this season, while veteran Pepe Reina is the No 1 choice for the league.
      The Magpies are in the hunt for a new keeper, with Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said to be on the radar.
      Manchester United’s Dean Henderson has also been mentioned but even a loan would be costly.
      NEY BOTHER
      Neymar scored a brace tonight in a nervy 3-2 victory for PSG over Bordeaux, taking his career tally to 400 goals.
      The Brazilian has an astonishing 70 goals in 115 appearances for his national team.
      And tonight took his PSG tally to 88 goals in 126 appearances.
      The Parisians were 3-0 up after an hour, but had a late scare as Bordeaux scored two late goals to take it right to the wire.
      The win put PSG ten points clear at the top of Ligue 1 on 34 points from 13 games, ahead of closest rivals Lens on 24.
      Neymar also dedicated his first goal against Bordeaux to 26-year-old Brazilian singer Marília Mendonça, who died in a plane crash on Friday.
      Credit: Reuters
      BARCA DISASTER
      Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati, 19, was substituted after 46 minutes during their 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo today due a hamstring injury.
      The teenager, who has just signed a contract extension at the Nou Camp until 2026, had only just returned from a nine month spell on the sidelines.
      In November of last year, the 18-year-old ruptured the internal meniscus of his left knee and he has since undergone four operations.
      He returned to action at the end of September and has since scored three goals in five La Liga appearances.
      He also scored the winner in their Champions League tie with Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday, but could now face another month on the sidelines.
      Fati opened the scoring for Barca today and the Spanish giants were 3-0 up by half-time.
      But Celta Vigo staged a late comeback and drew 3-3, thanks to a 96th minute equaliser from Iago Aspas.
      Fati has also had to withdraw from the Spain national team squad for their upcoming fixtures and has been replaced by Espanol’s Raul de Tomas.
      Credit: Getty
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Race build-up, Bottas on POLE, Hamilton takes second with Verstappen third – latest updates

      by

      VALTTERI BOTTAS will start on pole position in tonight’s Mexican Grand Prix.The Mercedes driver put in a masterful performance during qualifying, with teammate Lewis Hamilton in second and F1 Driver’s Championsip leader Max Verstappen third.

      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1
      Race – TONIGHT 7pm

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      WOLFF TALKS
      Toto Wolff hasn’t discussed team strategies with his Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton after their front row lock-out in Mexico.
      Mercedes stunned Red Bull by clinching a 1-2 in qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Saturday as Bottas secured his third pole of the season.
      And speaking before the Mexican GP, Wolff said: “No, we haven’t discussed [it] because we felt that we were not in a position to consider to talk about.
      “It would have been such a long shot, talking about the victory before qualifying.
      “Obviously the situation is different now, and we are going to address it tomorrow morning, like we always do in the strategy meeting.”
      BIG BAD WOLFF
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner has labelled Toto Wolff a ‘pantomime dame’ after the Mercedes chief suggested the title race may be decided by a remake of the ‘Senna-Prost’ 1990 crash.
      And Wolff believes that either Verstappen or Hamilton might do a ‘Senna-Prost’ by taking the other out.
      The pair have come to blows a couple of times this season already at both Silverstone and the Italian Grand Prix.
      In Italy, Hamilton had a lucky escape with the halo saving him from being crushed underneath Verstappen’s car.
      Horner responded: “Look, we all know that Toto has a lot to say but I was quite flattered to be called a protagonist, if you look at the definition of what it means.
      “You need an antagonist to have a protagonist and one could say perhaps Toto fills that role pretty well.
      “If it were a pantomime, maybe the pantomime dame role might suit him. But it is all about what goes on on the track and it is a great competition between the teams.
      “It is no-holds barred, it is pit-walls against pit-walls, drivers against drivers, engine suppliers against engine suppliers, chassis against chassis. It is fantastic and we are loving it.
      “Occasionally you are going to get some flak thrown at you but you take it with a pinch of salt and sometimes even as a compliment.”
      MAX MYSTERY
      Max Verstappen has revealed why he thinks his Red Bull team finished behind Mercedes going into the Mexican GP.
      He said: “I think we just were really slow and just [had] terrible grip in Q3.
      “I think my last lap we recovered that a bit just [by] getting the tyres into a little bit [of] a better window.
      “But [it’s] still not to what we would have liked, and how the car has been behaving in all the practice sessions, so that’s a bit of a mystery.
      “But then we [will] mainly race on different tyres anyway, so I expect the balance to be good again.”
      DOUBLE TEAM
      Lewis Hamilton wants to double up with Mercedes pal Valtteri Bottas to stop Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the Mexico GP.
      While comparing Mexico to Russia’s GP, Hamilton revealed that he and Bottas will work together to stop Verstappen from clinching victory.
      He said: “It feels exactly the same sort of length but obviously, in Russia there’s a lot more drag and a lot more tow-effect.
      “Here there’s less but still there is a tow effect and so you know, Valtteri and I will no doubt work as a team to try and hold one-two for the team.”
      BOTTAS SUPPORT
      Valtteri Bottas has confirmed he will support Lewis Hamilton’s F1 championship charge at the Mexico City Grand Prix should circumstances allow.
      He said: The first thing I need to focus on is the race start, do my best and speak with Lewis on how we can maintain the lead as a team and how we can keep the Red Bulls behind,” said Bottas.
      “Then we will see how the race situation will be. I still am 100 per cent sure that there could be a circumstance where I could still win the race, I believe in that and I hope for that.
      “If not, then I will support Lewis and get the maximum points for the team.”
      VERSTAPPEN BLAME
      Red Bull star and World Championship leader Max Verstappen admitted he blames teammate Sergio Perez and AlphaTauri rookie Yuki Tsunoda for ruining his chance at pole position at qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix.
      He said: “It seemed like through qualifying the balance went away a little bit.
      “Then actually on the last lap I was on for a good lap. I don’t know what happened in front of me but there were two guys going off, so I thought there was going to be a yellow flag.
      “So I back out and then of course you know the lap is destroyed.
      “Even with that, and with not having great balance, I think we could have still gone for that pole lap.”
      NEVER GIVE UP
      It was a frustrating day yesterday for Mexico’s own Sergio Perez.
      He starts in p4 today.
      On yesterday, he said: “I feel frustrated because we had more and I was hoping to give them a better result. Tomorrow I’ll take each of you in my car!”
      RACE DAY
      Goooooooood morning, it’s race day!
      Mercedes will start in P1 and P2 today, with championship leader Max Verstappen in P3.

      BOTTAS IS ON POLE
      Hamilton takes second.
      Verstappen third.
      Mercedes did have the pace.
      VERSTAPPEN CANNOT IMPROVE
      He is third
      FLAG OUT
      Perez goes off track. And Mercedes are going quicker.
      FINAL RUNS
      THIS IS GOING TO BE CLOSE. TV replays showing Verstappen’s Red Bull has a pit of tape on his rear wing. He’s complaining of a lack of rear grip.
      FIRST RUNS COMPLETE
      Bottas takes provisional pole. Hamilton in second. Wow.
      Verstappen in P3 and Perez in P4.
      Could the Finn upset proceedings?
      FIVE TEAMS HAVE ALL THEIR DRIVERS INTO Q3
      Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and AlphaTauri.
      Q2 IS DONE – HAMILTON QUICKEST FROM VERSTAPPEN
      Vettel, Raikkonen, Russel, Giovinazzi and Ocon all out.

      IN THE DROP ZONE
      Are Vettel, Russell, Ocon, Giovinazzi and Raikkonen.
      VERSTAPPEN TOPS Q2
      But Hamilton is just 0,016 seconds behind the Red Bull man. This is close. Game on.

      Q2 IS GO – THE FIGHT TO GET INTO THE TOP 10 IS ON
      Russell will be hoping to make it into Q3 to lessen the blow of that 5-place grid penalty for taking a new gearbox.
      Q1 IS DONE – ALONSO IS ELIMINATED
      The two-time world champion is out. Latifi, Schumacher and Mazepin, plus Stroll, who crashed, are all out at the first hurdle.
      FIRST RUNS AND RED BULL MAKE IT 1-2 IN THE EARLY RUNNING
      It is looking all too comfortable for them. Are Mercedes struggling, or playing a waiting game?
      GREEN LIGHT
      We are go again in Mexico. A small problem for Sainz but he is going again in his Ferrari.

      PITLANE IS FULL
      The drivers are eager to get going again after Stroll’s accident.
      FIVE MINUTE WARNING
      The qualifying session will resume soon following Stroll’s accident.
      GETTING CLOSE TO RESTARTING THE ACTION
      Stroll’s car getting removed from the track.

      RED FLAG – CRASH FOR STROLL
      He has had a big crash, he is ok. He’s lost it on the straight, but the session is stopped while they clean up the track.

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez vs Plant LIVE REACTION: Mexican WINS after brutal KO, Plant taken to HOSPITAL – results, latest

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ conjured up a brutal 11th round KO to unify the super-middleweight division and beat Caleb Plant.The Mexican superstar was given a tough night, but ultimately his class prevailed as he dodged the Plant jab all evening before landing the killer blow.
      Canelo said after his triumph: “My respect for Caleb Plant. He’s a terrific fighter with a lot of ability.
      “We’re men at the end. He wanted to still fight me, he wanted to still continue. And there’s no shame, we had a great fight today.
      “But of course, we came out on top.”
      Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

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      MUTUAL RESPECT
      Kamara Usman and Colby Covington were mocked by the referee after embracing at the end of their five-round war at UFC 268.
      Usman and Covington exchanged words of encouragement to one another inside the octagon, before referee Dan Miragliotta praised them for their sportsmanship.
      The ref said: “Ahh, I like that. Good job gentlemen. Much respect, much respect.”
      The two fighters then came together once more and hugged out their animosity, receiving a round of applause from the Madison Square Garden crowd in the process.
      This time, however, Miragliotta could not help making fun of the pair’s decision to embrace in the ring.
      He added: “Alright go kiss later. Go back to your corners! Go.”
      PLANT WELL
      Caleb Plant was praised for his valiant effort against Canelo Alvarez despite losing the clash by a bunch of fighters.
      Danny Garcia said: “Congrats to Canelo, he closed the show like a true champ. Respect to Plant.”
      Joseph Diaz added: “What a fight, Canelo always closes! Respect to both fighters. Plant put on a great fight.
      “We’re witnessing true greatness what Canelo is doing in his career.”
      And Jamel Herring chipped in saying: “Shout out to my guy @SweetHandsPlant for putting up a good effort.”
      NOT A WHITE IDEA
      UFC boss Dana White has warned Kamaru Usman to stay away from Canelo Alvarez.
      Both fighters won their fights last night in their different categories with Usman beating Covington in the UFC, and Alvarez disposing of Plant in the boxing ring.
      Usman’s been flirting with the idea to take on Alvarez in a cross-sport bout to cement his legacy, but after watching both fights, White doesn’t think that would be a good idea.
      He said: “I watched the Canelo fight tonight.
      “He [Usman] don’t want to fight Canelo, he don’t want to fight Canelo. Come on, man. Let’s stop this s**t. If Canelo wants to come over here, awesome fight.
      “Those two put on an incredible performance (tonight).”
      CANELO’S THE BEST
      Canelo Alvarez has been labelled the best boxer in the world at the moment after his win over Caleb Plant.
      The praise was led by Manny Pacquiao who said: “Congratulations to the pound-for-pound king, Canelo, on making boxing history as the first undisputed super middleweight champion ever.
      “Plant put up a great fight but Canelo is just too good. Boxing is in great hands”‘
      Devin Haney, who takes on Joseph Diaz next, also chimed in, stating: “Canelo is the best mf fighter in the world! Period.”
      YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul also added to the mix, jokingly stating that he is thinking of signing Canelo to his Most Valuable Promotions label.
      PLANT APOLOGY
      Canelo Alvarez revealed that Caleb Plant apologised to him after their fight last night.
      Things had got heated in the lead-up to their bout which ended in and Alvarez win, but after the slug-fest, Plant let Alvarez know that he meant no harm.
      Speaking after his win, Alvarez said: “He told me after the fight that he wanted to keep fighting, that he wanted to continue.
      “And he also apologised to me and said what he said about my mother, he didn’t really mean it and that he was truly sorry for that.
      “I told him: ‘Look, it’s ok, it is water under the bridge.’
      “I told him he is a great man and I told him one day I hope he has a great family as well. I only wish the best for him.”
      WHITE’S ALL RIGHT
      Dana White won a staggering $100,000 (£74k) bet after Canelo Alvarez’s stunning KO of Caleb Plant, writes TOBY GANNON.
      The UFC chief – who oversaw a stacked card in which Kamaru Usman beat Colby Covington – placed the huge wager on the P4P king before their super-middleweight undisputed world title fight in Las Vegas.
      And it was quids in for White, who walked away with $41k (£30k) after backing the Mexican to win by knock-out.
      Canelo, 31, struggled throughout the fight but sent Plant crashing to the canvas in the 11th round.
      He is now the first-ever undisputed super-middleweight champion in history – and has banked at least £30m for his troubles.
      And White is a whole lot richer for it, too.
      The 52-year-old – who watched the fight on TV while sitting in the front row at UFC 268 – admits he is a ‘degenerate’ gambler having lost a $1MILLION (£741k) boxing bet in 2007.
      APOLOGY
      Caleb Plant apologised to Canelo for insulting his mum.
      The American did so during their post-fight embrace – Canelo told him: “We are men, everything is OK – we keep going.”

      KING CANELO
      Canelo is the undisputed super middleweight champion. One of the greats!

      CANELO RETURN
      Canelo says he plans to have a rest now after four fights in 10 and a half months.
      And the Mexican star says he will be back in action in May to rest his body.
      Cinco de Mayo weekend?
      Credit: AP
      TYSON CONFIRMS FEB DATE
      Mike Tyson took his seat for the undisputed blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant – and CONFIRMED he will box again in February.
      Iron Mike was a fixture in Fight Week for the super-middleweight scrap, so it was no surprise to see him ringside in Las Vegas.
      While being interviewed by Showtime, the 55-year-old said: “God willing I’ll fight again in February.”
      SunSport exclusively revealed that was the former heavyweight champion’s plan – and he wants a ‘really stimulating opponent’.
      And in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Iron Mike opened up about who he could fight next, amid claims it could be either Logan or Jake Paul.
      CANELO VS USMAN?
      UFC star Kamaru Usman retained his welterweight strap tonight against Colby Covington.
      And UFC chief Dana White has spoken about a potential super-fight in the future…
      White said on Usman vs Canelo: “I watched the Canelo fight tonight. He don’t want to fight Canelo.
      “He don’t want to fight Canelo. Come on, man. Let’s stop this s***. If Canelo wants to come over here, let’s do it.
      “He don’t wanna box Canelo.”
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Canelo reveals he will return in May, to allow his body to rest.
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      The King.

      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Even UFC president Dana White could not help but tune in to catch a glimpse of greatness.
      White was pictured with Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Caleb Plant on his TV monitor.
      It was during Rose Namajunas’ UFC 268 title win over Weili Zhang at Madison Square Garden.

      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Caleb Plant going to a local hospital in Las Vegas for observation after being knocked out in the 11th-round against Canelo Alvarez.
      Per a PBC spokesperson, reported by ESPN.
      Caleb Plant is headed to a local hospital in Las Vegas for observation following 11th-round TKO loss to Canelo Alvarez, per a PBC spokesperson— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) November 7, 2021

      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Newly retired Manny Pacquiao was quick to praise and congratulate Canelo on his KO of Caleb Plant.
      Pacquiao tweeted: “Congratulations to the pound for pound king, @canelo, on making boxing history as the first undisputed super middleweight champion ever.
      “Plant put up a great fight but Canelo is just too good. Boxing is in great hands.”
      Congratulations to the pound for pound king, @canelo, on making boxing history as the first undisputed super middleweight champion ever. Plant put up a great fight but Canelo is just too good. Boxing is in great hands.— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) November 7, 2021

      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Here is the finish in full.
      A left hook had Plant wobbled, Canelo followed it up with a right hook and left hand.
      Plant made it to his feet but Alvarez swarmed him and landed a string of shots to put the American down before the ref waved it off.

      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Canelo adds: “My respect for Caleb Plant. He’s a terrific fighter with a lot of ability.
      “We’re men at the end. He wanted to still fight me, he wanted to still continue. And there’s no shame, we had a great fight today.
      “But of course, we came out on top.”
      Credit: AP
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Canelo poses with his undisputed WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO super-middleweight titles.
      He says in the ring: “I want to thank everyone here toight. It hasn’t been easy to get to this point.
      “But with your support, my family, my team, we’ve got really far. This is for everybody, especially in Mexico.”
      Credit: AP
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT
      Two knockdowns in round 11 and Canelo Alvarez is declared the winner
      Massive effort from Plant, who won some of the opening rounds but pressure proved too much.
      Plant was wobbled with a left hook and right uppercut combination with a left hand for good measure on the end. Made it to his feet on unsteady legs.
      Canelo, a fearsome finisher, smelt blood and rushed Plant, letting his hands go and punching his opponent into the ropes.
      It was then the referee rightfully waved it off.
      Credit: AP
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT – ROUND 11
      AND IT’S OVER!
      Canelo relentlessly chased Plant, lands some big blows and send him into the ropes.
      Unclear yet if it was the ref or the corner who stopped the fight, but Canelo has won in round 11.
      Credit: Getty
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT – ROUND 11
      DOWN GOES PLANT!
      Left hook wobbles Plant, Canelo follows it up and the American sinks to the floor.
      Here comes Canelo!
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT – ROUND 10
      Plant forced to raise his hands as he trades shots in close with Canelo, who is banging left hooks to head and body.
      Canelo targeting the body again – which has for sure slowed Plant down in the last few rounds.
      Alvarez ends the round on top and is nearing a points win here.
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT – ROUND 9
      Canelo has Plant pinned up but the American shells up, with Alvarez bashing his body and arms.
      Nice right uppercut and roll out from Plant, his best shot in a while.
      Plant lands a bust of punches at the end of the round and might have nicked it there – despite Canelo’s aggression and pressure fighting.
      Credit: Getty
      CANELO ALVAREZ VS CALEB PLANT – ROUND 8
      Canelo lets his hands go but Plant comes back with his own work, exactly what he needs to do.
      Big left hook lands for Canelo with Plant against the ropes but the American takes the shot well.
      Alvarez is marching Plant down, but is having his shots blocked or bouncing off the target, which still may appeal to the judges.
      Credit: AP
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      in Boxing

      Canelo vs Plant LIVE RESULTS: Stream, TV channel, UK start time as Alvarez takes on American in Las Vegas – updates

      by

      CANELO ALAVREZ returns to the ring against Caleb Plant in a massive super-middleweight undisputed title fight TONIGHT.The pair will clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the WBA, WBO, IBF, WBC and Ring Magazine titles at 168lbs, with the winner set for a bumper 2022.

      TV/Stream: BT Sport Box Office
      Start time: Midnight GMT
      Ring-walks: 4:30am GMT

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      BENN BACKS…
      WBA Continental Welterweight champion Conor Benn is backing Canelo to stop Plant tonight, but suggests that the American shouldn’t be underestimated.
      Benn said: “You guys have been asking for my prediction and my prediction is Alvarez between 8 and 11 for a stoppage.
      “But I wouldn’t write Caleb Plant off. If anyone can beat Alvarez, Plant definitely has the skillset to do so.”
      Benn signed a new five-year deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom back in July and is 19-0 with 12 knockouts.

      HEARN BACKS CANELO
      “It’s a good fight. Caleb Plant is an exceptional fighter. He’s a great mover, has good fundamentals; I just don’t see him beating Canelo Alvarez. I’ve been watching boxing for 33 years live and I’ve never seen anything like him,” the Matchroom chief said.
      “And I’ve watched [Floyd] Mayweather live, Mike Tyson, Prince Nassem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe, I’ve watched great Brits, Mexican fighters, I’ve watched [Manny Pacquiao], I’ve watched [Juan Manuel] Marquez – I’ve seen all these guys live and I’ve never seen anything like Canelo Alvarez.
      “Plant has a chance because he’s a world class fighter. He’s a brilliant fighter, he’s always got a chance, but something has to go wrong [for Canelo[, you know what I mean?
      “If you get the best Canelo Alvarez against the best Caleb Plant, Canelo Alvarez wins 10 times out of 10.”

      WARD PICKS PLANT
      Andre Ward has been helping Caleb Plant throughout training camp and is backing his pal to beat Canelo Alvarez tonight.
      “I’m not a believer when you face a guy that’s powerful or a guy that’s supposed to have punching power you’re [supposed to] avoid him and being perfect for 12 [rounds],” he said.
      “Like, I don’t believe in that. Like, I like to go rattle their cage. In fact, you gotta rattle the cage.
      “What I mean by that is that sometimes you gotta [sic] go to that power and smother it.
      “You gotta let them know, whoever it is, hey, you can get hurt, too.
      “Caleb is a guy that has more power than they realize.
      “I think he’s physically strong. I just think it’s always crazy until you do it. It’s easy for fans to choose – the easy pick is Canelo because of his history and everything he accomplished.
      “But I’ll support Caleb, win, lose, or draw. But I think he has a great opportunity to go out there and shock the world. He just needs to put his mental on and make it happen.”
      PLANT 🗣
      Plant said: “I know only one thing better than proving people right, and that’s proving people wrong. I’ve been doing that my whole life. As soon as I stepped on the stage, people started talking about what I can’t accomplish and what I can’t do.
      “Where I come from, there is no boxing community. There was no other pro I could look to and say that if he can do it, then I can do it. All I had was my mind and my heart.
      “I don’t do this to be famous or to get attention. When I first started, it was just me and my dad. No one thought I’d be standing here today.”
      RESPECT
      Boxing legend Mike Tyson was in attendance at the weigh-in between Canelo and Plant last night.
      When asked what it means to have Tyson there to watch him fight, Canelo spoke of his admiration for the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.
      He said: “It means a lot, he was a great fighter, a legend. I want to be like him one day, so it means a lot.”
      Tyson also posed for photos with Canelo and his daughter, who was also present at the weigh-in and matched her father in a yellow silk outfit adorned with the Mexican flag.

      TALE OF THE TAPE

      TIMINGS ⏰
      Canelo Alvarez’s big fight with Caleb Plant will take place on Saturday, November 6 – TONIGHT!
      The fight will emanate from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
      There should be close to 15,000 fans in attendance at the huge event.
      Canelo vs Plant will get underway in the early hours of Sunday, November 7 for fans in the UK, with ring-walks set for around 4am GMT.
      MAIN CARD 📋

      Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant – super-middleweight
      Anthony Dirrell vs Marcos Hernandez – super-middleweight
      Rey Vargas vs Leonardo Baez – super bantamweight
      Elvis Rodriguez vs Juan Pablo Romero – super-lightweight

      THE PERFECT PUNCH
      BT Sport have posted a clip on their Twitter account revisiting Canelo’s incredible sixth round KO against Amir Khan back in 2016.
      Alvarez beat Khan comfortably to claim his 47th professional win and retain his WBC and The Ring middleweight titles.
      The blow has been called ‘the perfect punch’ and left the Brit looking well and truly dazed on the canvas at the T-Mobile Arena, unable to continue.
      The KO is a perfect example of Canelo’s danger as a ‘counterpuncher’, catching Khan with a formidable blow just as he was gearing up for a swing of his own.
      Canelo Alvarez’s KO of Amir Khan is iconic 📸It’s been called a perfect punch 👊It’s downright terrifying 😳It’s even better in slow-mo 😱#CaneloPlant | Tonight | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/MXoHwGYrxe— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) November 6, 2021

      CANELO 🗣
      The Mexican is supremely confident this week.
      Alvarez has said: “You are not on my level and you will see on November 6. You don’t want to fight now, I promise you.
      “We come from nothing and we worked hard to be here. For somebody to lie and talk trash about us, that upset Eddy. It is what it is though. We just have to show everyone who we are on November 6.
      “Caleb might be on the same level as Saunders and Smith, but he’s not on my level. I respect that he isn’t here to back down. You can see from today that this is definitely going to be a good fight.”
      CANELO’S PLANS 🤔
      Assuming Alvarez beats Plant and ends his streak with all four 168lbs belts in his grasp, the opportunities to have mega-fights from thereon would be near endless.
      Alvarez is a huge star in the U.S. and Mexico and can continue to fight on pay-per-view, as a free agent, for the rest of his career, if he wanted.
      If Alvarez were to stick around with PBC and Showtime for a while, a big-money fight with Jermall Charlo, the current WBC middleweight champion, would make sense.
      There’s also former champion at super-middleweight and rising star David Benavidez to possibly contend with.
      With DAZN, however, there’s still a potential trilogy fight with Golovkin to explore, with the Kazakh fighter still feeling begrudged about the results in their first two fights.
      Otherwise Alvarez could revisit the light-heavyweight division, where’s previously been the WBO champion after beating Kovalev in 2019.
      Current WBC and IBF champ Artur Beterbiev would arguably represent the toughest test of Alvarez’s career, as he boasts a menacing 100% KO ratio, the only titleholder in boxing to have that under his belt.
      Or there’s WBA champion Dimitry Bivol, a route that seems the more likely, given his relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn, whom Alvarez is closely aligned with.
      TITLE FIGHT NO. 19
      Canelo will take part in his 19th world title fight tonight against Caleb Plant and has a very impressive record so far.
      The 31-year-old Mexican has only ever lost one title fight, which was against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013.
      The solitary draw came against Gennady Golovkin in 2017.
      But Canelo won the rematch a year later to claim the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring middleweight titles.
      He has since defended his belts on six occasions, most recently against Billy Joe Saunders in May this year.

      HOW TO WATCH 📺
      Alvarez’s clash with Plant will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The event will set you back £19.95.
      GOOD EVENING!
      Hello there and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant – the winner of which will claim the undisputed crown in the super-middleweight division tonight.
      Alvarez was last in action back in May, when he TKO’d Billy Joe Saunders in the 8th round of their title clash in Texas.
      Plant has had to wait a little longer for this fight, having not fought since January, when he outpointed Caleb Truax.
      The Nashville fighter won his first world title in 2019, beating Venezuelan Jose Uzcategui, and has since defended it three times.
      Alvarez is on a hot streak of wins following his draw with Gennady Golovkin back in 2017.
      He’s since beaten Golovkin, Rocky Fielding, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, Callum Smith, Avni Yildirim and Saunders, becoming a four-weight world champion in the process.
      Plant’s IBF title at 168lbs represents the final piece of Alvarez’s jigsaw, which could see the Mexican crowned as his country’s first ever undisputed champion.
      Alvarez and Plant had originally planned to clash back in September, but negotiations fell through before a solution was found weeks later.
      The fight will be held on Showtime pay-per-view in the U.S., which will be the first time Alvarez hasn’t fought on DAZN stateside since 2018.
      A win for either fighter would crown the second undisputed champion in 2021, after Josh Taylor picked up all the belts at 140lbs in his win over Jose Ramirez back in May.
      So sit back and relax, we’ve got you covered this evening and all throughout the night.
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Bottas on POLE, Hamilton takes second with rival Verstappen third – latest updates

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON is going in all guns blazing this weekend in his pursuit for F1 Championship glory as the drivers make their way to Mexico. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City will host proceedings over the next couple of days as Hamilton looks to chase down title rival Max Verstappen.

      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1
      Race – SUNDAY, 7pm

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      BOTTAS IS ON POLE
      Hamilton takes second.
      Verstappen third.
      Mercedes did have the pace.
      VERSTAPPEN CANNOT IMPROVE
      He is third
      FLAG OUT
      Perez goes off track. And Mercedes are going quicker.
      FINAL RUNS
      THIS IS GOING TO BE CLOSE. TV replays showing Verstappen’s Red Bull has a pit of tape on his rear wing. He’s complaining of a lack of rear grip.
      FIRST RUNS COMPLETE
      Bottas takes provisional pole. Hamilton in second. Wow.
      Verstappen in P3 and Perez in P4.
      Could the Finn upset proceedings?
      FIVE TEAMS HAVE ALL THEIR DRIVERS INTO Q3
      Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and AlphaTauri.
      Q2 IS DONE – HAMILTON QUICKEST FROM VERSTAPPEN
      Vettel, Raikkonen, Russel, Giovinazzi and Ocon all out.

      IN THE DROP ZONE
      Are Vettel, Russell, Ocon, Giovinazzi and Raikkonen.
      VERSTAPPEN TOPS Q2
      But Hamilton is just 0,016 seconds behind the Red Bull man. This is close. Game on.

      Q2 IS GO – THE FIGHT TO GET INTO THE TOP 10 IS ON
      Russell will be hoping to make it into Q3 to lessen the blow of that 5-place grid penalty for taking a new gearbox.
      Q1 IS DONE – ALONSO IS ELIMINATED
      The two-time world champion is out. Latifi, Schumacher and Mazepin, plus Stroll, who crashed, are all out at the first hurdle.
      FIRST RUNS AND RED BULL MAKE IT 1-2 IN THE EARLY RUNNING
      It is looking all too comfortable for them. Are Mercedes struggling, or playing a waiting game?
      GREEN LIGHT
      We are go again in Mexico. A small problem for Sainz but he is going again in his Ferrari.

      PITLANE IS FULL
      The drivers are eager to get going again after Stroll’s accident.
      FIVE MINUTE WARNING
      The qualifying session will resume soon following Stroll’s accident.
      GETTING CLOSE TO RESTARTING THE ACTION
      Stroll’s car getting removed from the track.

      RED FLAG – CRASH FOR STROLL
      He has had a big crash, he is ok. He’s lost it on the straight, but the session is stopped while they clean up the track.

      GREEN LIGHT FOR QUALIFYING
      Latifi is the first out on track in his Williams, as qualifying gets underway in Mexico.

      ESTEBAN OCON TAKES A NEW ENGINE
      The Frenchman joins the long list of drivers taking a penalty this weekend.
      FP3 IS DONE
      Plenty of work for Mercedes

      PEREZ TOPS THE SESSION
      Verstappen in second. Hamilton in third but a whopping 0.651 seconds behind the Mexican.
      HAMILTON STUNNED TO LEARN OF THE GAP TO THE RED BULLS
      He is told by his race engineer: “P3 at the moment, it’s six-and-a-half tenths to Perez.” He replies in disbelief: “Six-and-a-half tenths?!”
      HUGE CHEERS IN MEXICO
      Serio Perez takes P1 with four minutes to go. His Red Bull teammate has just started his flying lap.
      PLENTY OF WORK GOING ON AT RED BULL
      The mechanics are working on Verstappen’s car in the team’s garage. Eight minutes remaining of this session.

      SPIN FOR LECLERC
      The Ferrari man is the latest driver to lose control on the dirty track. He’s in P4 and there are 16 minutes remaining.

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