Sport Live Blogs

MICKY VAN DE VEN’S late strike sent Vincent Kompany’s Burnley hurtling back to the Championship.The Clarets needed to win at Spurs to stand a chance of staying up and had looked in good shape when Jacob Bruun Larsen gave them an early lead.Micky van de Ven sealed a late winner for SpursCredit: AFPIt sealed Vincent Kompany’s Burnley’s relegationCredit: ReutersYet Tottenham did what they have done against so many average opposition at home this season as they turned it around thanks to goals from Porro and Van de Ven.It kept their own slim chances of reaching the top four alive.But for Burnley, their Premier League survival dream is now dead, having taken just 24 points from their 37 games played so far.Spurs were horribly out of form after four straight defeats and their lack of confidence was obvious throughout.Burnley should have been ahead after just five minutes but Guglielmo Vicario was on hand to deny Vitinho’s goal-bound header.Ange Postecoglou’s men looked a shadow of the side that had dismantled the Clarets 5-2 on their own patch back in September.Captain Son Heung-min hit a hat-trick that day in his first game playing through the middle, but he was next to no threat here.The home fans applauded the life of late Spurs supporter Morgan Smith in the 23rd minute – in reference to the tragically young age at which he died.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSeconds later, Burnley took the lead as they become the latest side to expose Spurs’ brittle backline.Sander Berge beat Porro to a 50-50 and rolled the ball in behind makeshift left-back Oliver Skipp, for Bruun Larsen to slot past Vicario.It was no shock given Spurs’ poor run of form – and the seventh time in their last eight home league games they had fallen behind.The goal was a huge boost to the visitors’ survival hopes, although Muric’s decision to waste time over a goal-kick with only half an hour played seemed a little premature.It did no good either as minutes later the scores were level as Porro raced forward, was not closed down and blasted in at the near post.The Spaniard was the difference-maker in Spurs’ 1-0 win over the Clarets here in the FA Cup back in January.Jacob Bruun Larsen opened the scoring for BurnleyCredit: PABruun Larsen celebrates the openerCredit: ReutersAnd thought this strike did not quite match that particular howitzer in quality, it was still lethal.Burnley continued to play risky passes out from the back – as they have all season – and it should have cost them here.Muric’s awful pass-out went straight to Johnson who should have either buried it or squared for Son to do the same, but instead the Welshman fired into the side netting.Burnley have had plenty of ‘what if’ moments this season, many involving Muric whose horrendous errors against Brighton and Everton in April cost them four points.It was the same here as a flurry of chances were not taken in the second half here, from Wilson Odobert’s blast to unconverted headers from Dara O’Shea and Maxime Esteve.It was a game low on quality, summed up by the out-of-form James Maddison doing the hard bit to give himself a free shot at goal with a neat drop of the shoulder, but then firing weakly at Muric.Pedro Porro levelled the game for SpursCredit: PAPorro made it all to play forCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou had few attacking options on the bench due to injuries to Timo Werner and Richarlison – who, after some confusion on Friday, WAS out with a calf problem.So the Aussie got creative, bringing on youngster Dane Scarlett to play up top, pushed Son out wide and Van de Ven moved to left-back with the lesser-spotted Radu Dragusin coming on.It made a difference, with Johnson coming within a whisker of turning home Son’s delivery to send a warning sign to Kompany’s men.It was not heeded and with eight minutes to go, Van de Ven found himself in Burnley’s box, composed himself and fired into the bottom corner.That did for Burnley, who then suffered the ignominy of players arguing with each other in the dying minutes.Lorenz Assignon wanted a penalty when he went down under Son’s challenge, but then stayed down even neither ref Jarred Gillet nor his VAR gave it.Centre-back Dara O’Shea then marched up the pitch and told his team-mate to get up and get on with it.It left Assignon seething with nigh-on everyone, earning him a yellow card which only enraged him further as his side faced up to life back in the second tier next season.Micky van de Ven riffled home a winner for SpursCredit: GettyThe race for Champions League football is still onCredit: Reuters More

CHELSEA take on Nottingham Forest tonight in the Premier League – and both sides are after a crucial win. The Blues are still in the hunt for the crucial European places while a win for Forest would put them on the brink of Premier League survival for another season.
Kick-off time: 5.30pm BST
Stream/TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Forest XI: Sels; Boly, Murillo, Niakhate; Montiel, Yates, Danilo, Aina; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Around the grounds:
The games that kicked off at 3pm are all over at last, following a lengthy stoppage time as Brentford got the better of Bournemouth at the death, winning 1-2.
This is how the scores look heading into this evening’s kick-off.

Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford
Everton 1-0 Sheffield United
Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
Tottenham 2-1 Burnley
West Ham 3-1 Luton
Wolves 1-3 Crystal Palace

Copy linkCopiedI’m sorry Nic Jackson!
Nicolas Jackson has been in great form of late up front for Chelsea, and seems to be proving the doubters wrong.
Can he keep up his good run this evening against a Forest side that has struggled defensively?
Nicolas Jackson has shone for Chelsea in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedGuess who’s back?
There is a very familiar face in the Nottingham Forest team for Chelsea fans, and it would be the ultimate source of pain if he performs well against his old club this evening.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was involved in debates with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden a few years back, as to who was going to be the star that lead their team and England to glory for the next decade.
As it happened, CHO ended up with a serious injury, and despite creating plenty of chances for the Blues, he lacked that clinical nature that would see him produce the numbers that the other two went on to achieve.
Nonetheless, lots of Chelsea fans look back at Callum’s time at Stamford Bridge fondly, as he won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021.
These days, he is starting consistently for Nottingham Forest, and re-finding his feet as a Premier League winger, and performing well of late in particular.
The 23-year-old has scored 7 goals in the PL this season, and has an assist too, which has left the question in many fans mind – why did Chelsea sell him to buy Mykhailo Mudryk?
He has a point to prove today, let’s see if he can do it.
Copy linkCopiedReece James makes the bench
On his return to the squad Reece James is starting on the bench for Chelsea at the City Ground.
Trevoh Chalobah is deputising at right-back, where he has been more than capable in the last few games, but he generally lacks the threat that RJ and Gusto do in the offensive phase.
He will undoubtedly receive a huge ovation from the away support.
Reece James returns to the Chelsea squadCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest starting XI
This is how Forest line up as they are fighting to stay in the Premier League:
The Trees’ line up to take on Chelsea at homeCredit: @NFFC via X
Copy linkCopiedChelsea starting XI
This is how Chelsea line up at the City Ground!

Chelsea’s starting XI vs ForestCredit: @ChelseaFC via X
Copy linkCopiedReece James returns
There is a HUGE bit of news for Chelsea fans ahead of this game.
Captain Reece James has returned from injury following his surgery.
He is one of the best full-backs in the world when he is fit, but injuries have been a huge concern for the England international this season.
If he can stay fit though, he could really be huge for Chelsea in their European push.
Let’s hope he makes it through today unscathed.

Copy linkCopiedLots on the line
The magnitude of this game cannot be underestimated.
With a win at home, Nottingham Forest will secure Premier League football for next season, which will be a huge achievement given their points deduction earlier on this year.
However, Chelsea cannot afford to lose. The Blues are desperate for European football next season, and with the way Man Utd have been playing of late, they are in with a real shot of playing in the Europa League, should they win today.
But if they lose they will be in danger of missing out, as Newcastle play Man Utd next week.
Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea!
Good afternoon and welcome to Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea, the first instalment of today’s Premier League football!
This is a fixture that has been dominated by Chelsea in recent seasons, and they will be the favourites today.
But their form away from home is quite different to their Stamford Bridge form, and we will have to see if things have really turned around for Mauricio Pochettino today.
It has been far from a great season for Nottingham Forest, but a win today will guarentee that they are playing Premier League football next season, so there is more than enough on the line.
Stay tuned as coming right up SunSport will have any breaking news, team updates and the starting sides all before kick off at 5:30pm.
Nottingham Forest play host to Chelsea this eveningCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopied More

MANCHESTER CITY kicked Arsenal’s hopes for a shock slip-up into the long grass.City boss Pep Guardiola started a turf war before the game by claiming he was worried the Craven Cottage surface would be too dry and not cut short enough.Josko Gvardiol scored again as Man City took top spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe Croatian’s brace took his tally to five goals in seven gamesCredit: APPhil Foden added his name to the scoresheet in the second halfCredit: EPAJulian Alvarez added the fourth from the penalty spot in the final secondsCredit: ReutersBut his side despatched a Fulham side featuring three ex-Gunners with ease in a sunshine stroll by the Thames.Noel Gallagher was in the away end to see his team tick off another win on the way to the title with the same kind of predictability he has shown in every album since What’s The Story, Morning Glory?Left back Josko Gvardiol scored his fourth goal in seven games to give them an early lead and Footballer of the Year Phil Foden poached a second just before the hour.Gvardiol grabbed the third, too, as his remarkable scoring streak continued. And in stoppage time Issa Diop was shown a second yellow card for fouling Julian Alvarez in the box and the Argentinian World Cup winner picked himself up to make it four.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter some gentle sparring, Gvardiol gave City the lead from their first meaningful attack.The Croat played a simple one-two with Kevin De Bruyne, wrong-footed Issa Diop with a deft first touch, and then stroked the ball into the net with the greatest of ease.Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno made comfortable saves from Bernardo Silva and Foden, while Diop made a decent block on Silva.But City were not showing any great urgency to get a second goal, probably because they did not think they would need one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFulham had started well but could not lay a glove on the visitors. The most discomfort they caused was when captain Bobby De Cordova-Reid caught Foden with an arm off the ball.Marco Silva signalled his displeasure with a double half-time change, sending on Tom Cairney for De Cordova-Reid and Adama Traore for Willian.Ex-Manchester City & Everton star hauled off team bus & arrested after ‘refusing to pay child support to model ex’Within a few minutes of the break, Leno made his best save so far, again from Silva.But City were looking a little sloppy, and goalkeeper Ederson was finally called into action when Rodri got the last touch on a Traore cross.Leno saved from De Bruyne, but then Foden pounced on a loose ball after Joao Palhinha had taken Silva out on the edge of the box.Guardiola held his head in his hands when Erling Haaland missed a good chance but there was no real jeopardy.And then Gvardiol snuck in at the back post to turn in Silva’s cross.There was time for Leno to make another stop, this time from Jeremy Doku, as Guardiola rested key men for Tuesday’s trip to Tottenham, before Alvarez earned and scored the penalty.Arsenal will have to hope their hated rivals do more to worry City’s champions-in-waiting than Fulham could.Fulham’s Issa Diop, pictured challenging Julian Alvarez, received a red card in stoppage timeCredit: AP More

CRYSTAL PALACE travel to Wolves for a huge Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.The Eagles are in fine form of late picking up 13 points in their last five games.Wolves can still finish in the top half of the Premier League table but must take maximum points from their final two games.
Kick off time: 3pm BST
TV/Stream: Not available to watch in the UK due to 3pm blackout.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More

IT was a day of farewells at the London Stadium as West Ham waved goodbye to David Moyes and Luton all but bid adieu to the Premier League.The Hammers came from a goal down after Albert Sambi Lokonga’s opener to give their boss a fine send-off in the sun in what was Moyes’ final home game in charge.West Ham beat Luton 3-1 in David Moyes’ final home game in chargeCredit: GettyRob Edwards and Luton are all but down after their latest defeatCredit: ReutersLuton looked to be on their way to properly taking their fight to the final day at the break, but collapsed after James Ward-Prowse got the hosts level.In truth, back in August no one would have expected Rob Edwards’ boys to still be in with a shot at survival this late in the season. That will not feel like an achievement this week.Tomas Soucek’s stunner and a first ever Hammers goal for academy graduate George Earthy condemned the Hatters and meant Moyes could at least enjoy his last outing in Stratford.West Ham announced their decision to part ways with the ex-Everton boss on Monday, earlier than planned, saying they wanted to five fans a chance to bid an emotional farewell here.Moyes made it clear he did not want much of a fuss in terms of a send-off, simply not his style.For some time it appeared the fans agreed.Throughout the entire first half there was not one chant or banner for the Scot, who less than a year ago was holding the Europa Conference League trophy aloft.The players were even booed off at the break. In truth, the first 45 minutes demonstrated why change is needed.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe energy and life of that moment in Prague last June has slowly faded out of this squad.They look disinterested, without direction or drive and have done for some time.’Idiots,’ fumes Roy Keane as he slams Premier League club in disagreement with Gary NevilleThat all changed after the break. West Ham were aggressive and dangerous once more, all the aspects which have been absent as the season has petered out.Moyes will have wondered where that side of his squad has been for the past few months and whether it could have kept him in a job if they had shown it more often.The tributes then started to flow.Luton arrived in East London knowing their fight to stay up could be over by the end of the day.With Nottingham Forest having a huge advantage in terms of goal difference, the Hatters’ hopes looked slim at best. Though they were facing a side who have been bronzing themselves on the beach for a good few weeks.Luton had everything to play for, the Hammers very little.It showed in the opener too. Vladimir Coufal blocked a low cross but showed no urgency in going after the loose ball, which fell to Alfie Doughty.Given the time and space to pick his mark, the left-back lifted a ball towards Lokonga who nodded home.James Ward-Prowse scored West Ham’s first goal of the matchCredit: GettyThe Hammers drifted through the entire first half, offering little aside from Jarrod Bowen flashing an effort just wide of the near post from Lucas Paqueta’s cross.Moyes clearly fancied delivering one final half-time rollicking in the London Stadium dressing room, however.They emerged from the break earlier than their visitors and looked far sharper – soon finding the equaliser.Bowen raced down the right and saw his low shot parried and then hooked clear, though the ball did not make it out of the Luton box.Ward-Prowse rushed onto it and lashed a fine finish into the bottom left to finally spark an atmosphere in the home end.Having spent the first half leaning against his goal post, Thomas Kaminski was now rushed off his feet.In the space of two minutes the Belgian keeper had to hold a header from Bowen, save from Antonio’s drive before tipping the striker’s header away.The final stop fell to the feet of Bowen, who hit the side netting before Emerson lifted a chance over the bar from six yards.Moyes will leave the Hammers at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe goal appeared to have shattered Luton’s beliefSoucek then finally stood up to deliver a peach of a leaving present to his boss.As the pressure on the Luton goal built, Lokonga headed clear a Ward-Prowse cross to the feet of the towering Czech who cracked home a very out-of-character volley on his weaker left foot.It was fitting that Soucek notched in Moyes’ final game, one of his finer signings and when at his best a perfect example of what the Scot loves in a player.Edwards, knowing that was likely that, dipped his head into his hands as he walked back to his seat.Fans who have been so bitter and fed up all season then finally started to pay tribute to their departing manager, dusting off their “We’ve got super David Moyes” chant.Things should have got even better on 70 minutes when Bowen put the ball on a plate for Mohammed Kudus, who blasted a golden chance wide.While Kudus couldn’t deliver one last special moment, youngster Earthy did – with his first touch.George Earthy scored with his first touch after coming off the benchCredit: ReutersThe 19-year-old had been taken to hospital after a nasty head injury just minutes into his debut against Fulham last month, but more than made up for it here.Coufal drove through the Luton midfield before playing in Kudus. The Ghanaian cut back across goal where Earthy tapped in and sent the London Stadium wild, a sound he will never forget.Not playing the kids has long been another criticism of Moyes, but here one of them finally had a chance and took it.Luton’s players looked to have given up hope, but their supporters were going down swinging – one fan dragging more than 20 stewards into a full blown fight as they attempted to eject him. More

NEWCASTLE tripped up to ensure the nerviest of endings in their battle to land Europe.Four wins from five had the Magpies motoring towards the Europa League.Sean Longstaff bagged his eighth goal of the seasonCredit: ReutersNewcastle’s equaliser cancelled out Joel Veltman’s openerCredit: ReutersAfter the season from hell in terms of injuries, it would be some achievement.Forget sixth, Newcastle had Tottenham and fifth in their sights.Yet this hiccup at the worst possible time, despite them remaining sixth, means it is sure to go right down to the wire.While far the worst performance, Eddie Howe’s Mags never did enough to see off Brighton.They’ve been scoring goals for fun recently but their front line faltered badly here.Alexander Isak has been in deadly form recently but the Swedish striker turned in his worst performance for months.Next up is a trip to Manchester United and a ground they have won at just once in the Prem since 1972.And they may well have to break that hoodoo on Wednesday if they are to close out a European spot.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis was hardly a disaster but there were glum faces everywhere at full time after this slip.The Geordies were in fine voice from the off following their recent run, creating a carnival atmosphere in the sunshine.While Brighton had nothing to play for other than finishing in the top half, Newcastle needed a win to strengthen their grip on sixth.Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi was going potty on the touchline in the early stages as his side struggled to get out.But they soon took control and the travelling fans were jumping with joy 18 minutes in.Danny Welbeck glanced Pascal Gross’ corner towards the back post and Veltman outmuscled Elliot Anderson to bundle home beyond Martin Dubravka.A huge dent to Newcastle’s European hopes, the locals grew increasingly frustrated as their lads toiled.As Brighton bossed possession, Toon struggled to find any rhythm or momentum.It took 34 minutes for them to create a good chance but Longstaff could only no a corner into the ground and straight at a grateful Bart Verbruggen from three yards.Finally some encouragement, yet Newcastle could not build on it and were lucky not to be 2-0 down.Cut to shreds down their right, Danny Welbeck played Simon Adingra into acres of space before the winger charged towards the box and picked out an unmarked Julio Enciso at the back post, only for the Paraguayan to spoon a header well over.Yet just as Eddie Howe must have been considering changes at the break, the hosts levelled up with the last kick of the first half.In front of England boss Gareth Southgate, Anthony Gordon did the damage with a mazy dribble into the box before finding Elliot Anderson, who squared it for Longstaff to tap home his sixth of the season.It means Newcastle have scored in every home game this campaign, the first time they have managed to do so in the top-flight since 1958-59.The start of the second half settled quickly into the same rhythm as the first with Brighton passing it around at will.But they struggled to make inroads, with the Magpies’ direct approach causing all sorts of problems without being able to fashion out any big chances.A cagey affair, the game desperately needed a spark.Howe called for the cavalry with 25 minutes remaining, bringing Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton on.Toon desperately needed an injection of energy, yet it was the visitors who continued to look the more threatening as the clock ticked on.One for the defences, both sides lacked quality in the final third.And nothing summed that up more than when Barnes blazed miles over from the penalty spot after being teed up by Gordon.The winger had a chance to redeem himself moments later, but his shot from the left side of the box was tame and straight at Verbruggen.They thought they’d won it in the dying moments when Almiron squared it for Gordon to tap home, but the Paraguayan was inches offside and the Geordies had to settle for an underwhelming point in their final outing at St James’ Park.Here is how the action unfolded… More

ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE headed in-form Everton into the Prem comfort zone by seeing off doomed Sheffield United.The midfielder rounded off a sweet 31st minute move with an easy winner as the Toffees moved closer to the mid-table spots than the three relegation places.Doucoure enjoys the goal that moved the Toffees well clear of the drop zoneCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Doucoure nodded Everton in front on 31 minutesCredit: GettyEverton keeper Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan was at Goodison Park to cheer the England star on to a Prem victoryCredit: PABlades’ defender Jack Robinson had escaped a red after VAR assessed a booking the defender was given for his furious reaction against home striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.The Blades’ star turned to shove the England ace in an off-the-ball exchange – sparking a bigger flare-up.And Robinson must have been relieved when video replays backed the on-pitch decision just to hand him a yellow card.Everton finally broke through just past the half-hour mark – in delightful fashion.Dwight McNeil angled a pass for Calvert-Lewin to calmly lift the ball cover outcoming keeper Wes Foderingham, leaving Doucoure with an easy head-in.The Toffees continued to have most of the play without ever quite dominating.The Blades struggled to conjure efforts on target.But Cameron Archer drilled a late left-footer wide from an inviting position.Toffees’ boss Sean Dyche bellowed out instructionsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More