Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying LIVE: Hamilton takes pole AGAIN – stream, TV channel, latest updates

      by

      F1 is BACK this weekend as Lewis Hamilton aims for a third win in four races at the Spanish Grand Prix starting with today’s first practice.The Englishman has been bested just once this season, by Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna GP in March.

      GET HUGE 20/1 OFFER ON LEWIS HAMILTON TO PODIUM

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      ALL of the F1 action from Friday to Sunday will be shown live on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
      First practice coverage will begin from 10am on Friday, May 7.
      Coverage of the Grand Prix will begin at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 9.
      You can live stream all of the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      FULL F1 Spanish Grand Prix schedule
      Friday, May 7

      Spanish GP Practice One – 10.30am
      Spanish GP Practice Two – 2pm

      Saturday, May 8

      Spanish GP Practice Three – 11am
      Spanish GP Qualifying – 2pm

      Sunday, May 9

      Spanish Grand Prix – 2pm

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Barcelona in our live blog…

      WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!
      It’s a pole with a difference for Lewis Hamilton this weekend.
      What an amazing achievement by the Brit.
      100 POLES! I can’t even begin to describe how this feels. I can’t thank the team and everyone back at the factory enough for everything they’ve done to help us secure this incredible milestone. I feel so humbled and very grateful. This feels like my first win all over again 🙌🏾💯 pic.twitter.com/KkCgShdhq2— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 8, 2021

      QUALIFYING RE-CAP
      Lewis Hamilton clinched a 100th career pole position as he beat world championship rival Max Verstappen in Saturday’s qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.
      It was the Red Bull driver who looked to be primed to top the leaderboard in the final round of qualification after showing good pace early on.
      But despite Hamilton failing to improve on his first run in the dying moments of qualifying, Verstappen could not find the pace to clinch pole as he had to settle for second, three hundredths of a second off his British rival.
      Valtteri Bottas secured third place in the other Mercedes, while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc impressed again in fourth.
      Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez was down in eighth behind Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo.
      Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel missed out on the final round of qualification once more as he could only manage 13th.

      HAMILTON TAKES POLE POSITION FOR THE SPANISH GP.His 100th in F1. Astonishing.
      VERSTAPPEN IS DOWN ON HIS LAP TIME
      A Hamilton makes a mistake but it is enough for pole.
      HAMILTON GOES FIRST
      And he is quicker. His sector times are better than his pervious best.
      TWO MINUTES TO GO
      Busy track for the final runs of Q3. Could be traffic issues here.
      FIVE MINUTES TO GO
      And it is Hamilton then Verstappen but just 0.036 seconds in it!
      The Bottas, Ocon, Sainz, Ricciardo, Leclerc, Norris, Alonso and then Perez, who has yet to set a time.
      BLOW FOR PEREZ AND HAMILTON
      The Mexican spun and caused Hamilton to lift on his flying lap.
      But Hamilton still takes provisional pole. He has more in the tank though.

      GREEN LIGHT – WE ARE GO FOR QUALIFYING FOR THE SPANISH GP
      Verstappen going for his first pole in Spain.
      Hamilton going for his sixth in Spain, and his 100th in F1.
      HAMILTON VERSES VERSTAPPEN FOR POLE

      ASTON MARTINS ELIMINATED
      Both Stroll and Vettel are OUT of Q2. Russell, Giovinazzi and Gasly are also eliminated from qualifying.
      No real shocks here, despite it being Gasly’s first failure to reach the top 10. Alpine are looking resurgent.
      IN THE ELIMINATION ZONE – FOUR MINUTES TO GO
      Russell, Giovinazzi, Vettel, Perez and Ocon are in the bottom five.
      STONKING FIRST RUN IN Q2 FROM VERSTAPPEN, WHO IS TOP
      He is half a second up on second-placed Bottas. That will have Mercedes worried. They could have shown their hand here.
      What can Mercedes do in response? That Red Bull looks dialled in.
      GREEN LIGHT Q2 IS GO – BOTTAS IS FIRST OUT
      Aside from Russell and Giovinazzi, who else will fail to make the top 10 shoot out. Both Aston Martins looking vulnerable.
      ELIMINATED FROM Q1
      Mazepin, Latifi, Schumacher, Raikkonen and Tsunoda are all booted out at the first hurdle.
      NORRIS LEAVES IT LATE
      The McLaren man was held up during qualifying but he is in to Q2 after topping the session.
      IN THE DROPZONE
      Mazepin, Latifi, Schumacher, Stroll and Raikkonen are all in the drop zone with around three minutes to go.
      EARLY PACE FOR VERSTAPPEN, HAMILTON AND PEREZ
      All three should be safely in to Q3. All eyes on the bottom five in this section.
      The track is in fantastic condition. No excuses from anyone today.
      GREEN LIGHT – WE ARE GO FOR QUALIFYING FOR THE SPANISH GP
      Q1 has started and it is an early run for the Williams and Haas boys.
      LEWIS HAMILTON IS GOING FOR HIS 100th POLE POSITION
      He has won this race four years in a row.
      Mercedes have taken pole every year since 2013.
      90 percent of the races in Spain have been won from the front of the grid.
      10 MINUTE DELAY TO QUALIFYING DUE TO SOME BARRIER REPAIRS
      There was an accident in a support race at Turn 9, which is currently being repaired.
      LEWIS HAMILTON IS GOING FOR HIS 100th POLE POSITION TODAY

      Q3 IS DONE AND VERSTAPPEN IS TOP
      The Red Bull man leads the way in final practice from Hamilton. Leclerc in P3, Sainz P4. Bottas down in P5.
      GAME ON
      Verstappen replaces Hamilton at the top. He betters the Brit’s time by 0.235 seconds.
      It is close. This is shaping up to be another three-horse race for pole position.
      LECLERC BACK IN THE MIX

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds vs Tottenham LIVE REACTION: Bielsa’s side dominate Spurs at Elland Road to pick up huge win – latest updates

      by

      LEEDS dominated Tottenham and beat them 3-1 at Elland Road to nab their first win against a big six side at home this season. Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo were all on target for Leeds.

      RESULT: Leeds 3-1 Tottenha,
      Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Struijk, Llorente, Alioski, Koch, Dallas, Harrison, Roberts, Klich, Bamford
      Tottenham XI: Lloris (C), Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilón, Højbjerg, Dele, Lo Celso, Bale, Son, Kane

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      What time does Leeds vs Tottenham kick-off?

      Leeds’ home clash with Tottenham will get underway from 12.30pm UK time on Saturday, May 8.
      The game will take place at Elland Road in Leeds.
      There will be no fans in attendance at the clash because of coronavirus restrictions.

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Another day watching Leeds results in another day of witnessing exciting football.
      Overall, the Whites controlled the game from the first whistle despite Harry Kane having the ball in the back of net twice, both being ruled for offside and hitting the cross bar from a free-kick.
      Stuart Dallas put Leeds 1-0 up when he pounced on Hugo Lloris’ reactionary save from Sergio Reguilon’s mis-timed clearance.
      But the lead only lasted a little over 12 minutes because Heung-Min Son clinically tucked home the ball after Dele Alli put the South Korean through with some party tricks.
      Patrick Bamford responded on the stroke of half-time when he connected with the ball at the near-post thanks to a good pick-out by Ezgjan Alioski.
      And the three points were sealed six minutes from time when Rodrygo smashed the ball past Hugo Lloris leaving the Frenchman with no chance after some tidy play by the home side.
      Leeds could easily have had more if it wasn’t for Tottenham’s skipper today who pulled off some incredible saves.
      Leeds go marching on in their push for finishing in the top half and as for Spurs, their push for Champions League could be all but over.
      Thanks for sticking with me people, I hope you enjoyed this one!

      NEXT UP
      Leeds find themselves on the road for their next two Premier League outings.
      The Whites travel to Turf Moor next Saturday before taking a trip to Southampton four days later.
      And then they return home to conclude their season against a West Brom side who could be in a relegation fight which boils right down to the wire.
      As for Spurs, if they are to sneak into one of those Champions League spots by the end of the season, they’ll have to overcome three tough midlands opponents in their remaining fixtures
      The North London outfit welcome both Wolves and Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before travelling to Leicester on the final day of the campaign and that match could be a pivotal moment for each team.
      CURRENT TABLE
      So three points for Leeds United has helped them to leapfrog both Aston Villa and Arsenal into 9th spot before they both play tomorrow.
      As for Spurs, it’s not mathematically impossible for them to get into the top four, but that defeat has now made it seem highly unlikely.
      If Leicester win one more game and Chelsea win two, it’s all over for the team from North London.

      RYAN’S RANT
      Ryan Mason is still trying to understand how Harry Kane’s goal was ruled out for offside and these quotes prove that he wasn’t scared to share his thoughts on it during his post-match interview.
      The Spurs interim manager said: “We had some opportunities and we weren’t clinical enough at times but they started bright and they got the lead.
      “I think at 1-1 there was an offside decision that I’m shocked at. I can’t believe it’s been given offside to be perfectly honest.
      “I don’t think people understand the momentum and the shift that decision like that can have in games of football.
      “If it’s 2-1, it’s a completely different game.
      “My first look, my second look and my tenth look tells me, that it’s not an offside decision.”
      PATRICK’S POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
      Patrick Bamford ended his drought by grabbing his 15h goal of the season and he had a big smile on his face when talking about it in his post-match interview.
      I didn’t really set myself a target at the start of the season. I said double figures would be respectable and I’d be happy but since I pushed past ten, I’ve been trying to get as many as I can.Patrick BamfordBT Sport

      FULL 90 STATS
      They had more possession, more tackles and more shots.
      But ultimately what won the Leeds the game, was that they scored more goals than Spurs.
      A fantastic game from the Yorkshire giants.

      UNITED ON THE PITCH
      What a game for Leeds United as they get their revenge over Spurs at Elland Road.
      🙌 What a game! What a day!— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 8, 2021

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL TIME WHISTLE GOES!
      A SET BACK FOR SPURS IN THEIR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES!
      BUT LEEDS GO MARCHING ON!
      FT: LEEDS 3-1 SPURS
      GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES
      Rodrigo makes it 3-1 to Leeds having just recently come on a substitute.

      LEEDS 3-1 SPURS
      90+1. HUGO LLORIS WITH ANOTHER BIG SAVE!
      IF IT WASN’T FOR THE SPURS SKIPPER IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN 6 OR 7!
      Stuart Dallas tried to pass the ball into the corner of the net once the ball was nodded down to him from Rodrgo.
      But Lloris was able to palm it away at full stretch.
      FOUR MINUTES OF ADDITIONAL TIME!
      LEEDS 3-1 SPURS
      87. Marcelo Bielsa will be so proud of how his side have carried themselves against a team who are chasing the top four.
      If you minus a few blips from time to time, Leeds have been in control all game.
      IT’S BEEN GIVENNNNN!
      3-1 TO THE WHITESSSSSSSS!
      WHAT BUILD FROM THE YORKSHIRE GIANTS!
      NOBODY CAN SAY THEY HAVEN’T DESERVED THAT!
      VAR ARE CHECKING AGAIN PEOPLE HOLD YOUR HORSES!
      GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
      RODRIGOOOOOOOOOOO!
      HE’S ONLY JUST CAME ON!
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      82. OOOOOOFFFFFFF!
      Mateusz Klich tried to bend one but it just went over the bar.
      Lloris was rooted to the spot so if that was a bit lower, that surely would have been a goal.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      79. A couple more changes have been made, one from each side.
      Any normal manager would try and shut up shop, but Marcelo Bielsa has taken off forward Patrick Bamford for another striker in Rodrigo.
      And Ryan Mason has replaced Lo Celso for Tanguy NDombele.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      77. IS THIS BATTLE OF THE KEEPERS?! ANOTHER BIG SAVE FROM MESLIER AGAIN!
      Erik Lamela was clean through and just had to pick a spot, but the Leeds goalkeeper made himself big and denied the Spurs attacker from grabbing the equaliser.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      76. Wow that was some neat football from Leeds including; Bamford, Klich and Alioski.
      But when the ball eventually came to Jack Harrison who managed to work a yard of space, his shot flew way over the bar.
      That would have been up there with the team goal of the season.
      KANE’S CATASTROHY
      He just can’t catch a break at the moment and this is how he feels.

      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      72. OFF THE BAR! WHAT A FREE-KICK!
      Harry Kane has had the ball in the back in the net twice and now hit the bar.
      It doesn’t look as if it’s going to be the English international’s day.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      71. Oh no, foul commited by Harrison on Sergio Reguilon right on the edge of the box.
      This is Harry Kane territory.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      70. MESLIER’S TURN TO MAKE A BIG SAVE!
      Serge Aurier tried to whip in a cross and it took a wicked deflection off Alioski which almost wrong footed the keeper.
      But Meslier was able to tip it over the bar for a corner.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      67. And Lucas Moura’s first piece of action is to receive a yellow card after a stray arm hit Alioski in the face.
      To be fair to the Spurs attacker, he was just trying to fend off his marker, but you can’t have your arms that high up.
      LEEDS 2-1 SPURS
      66. Two changes for the visitors to tell you about.
      Dele Alli and Gareth Bale who has had a quiet game this afternoon, have been replaced Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura.
      Very attack minded substitutions from the Tottenham boss.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arteta backed for summer spree EXCLUSIVE, Arsenal interested in £35m Sander Berge, Daniel Ek latest – transfer updates

      by

      ARSENAL again fans protested against their ownership outside the Emirates before the Villarreal draw which dumped them out of Europe.On the pitch, a goalless draw was enough to see former boss Unai Emery knock the Gunners out and progress to the Europa League semi-final.
      Meanwhile, Daniel Ek and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
      However, the Kroenke family are reportedly planning a huge summer of spending on transfers as they look to get angry Gunners fans on side.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
      FROM SUNSPORT’S MARK IRWIN
      Arsenal are sticking with manager Mikel Arteta and will back him with funds for a summer spending spree.
      The 39-year-old Spaniard is now the bookies’ favourite to become the next Premier League boss to be sacked.
      But the club is determined to keep faith with Arteta despite the threat of missing out on European qualification for the first time since 1995.
      Owner Stan Kroenke and technical director Edu Gaspar remain convinced that Arteta is the right man to lead the club back to the big time.
      But they will not wait forever for the Premier League’s youngest boss to make an impact.
      And if the team is still stuck in mid-table by the end of the year then Arteta will be replaced.
      Arsenal have no plans to ditch Mikel Arteta
      BERGE KING
      Arsenal are reportedly in the fight for Sheffield United star Sander Berge.
      The midfielder is said to be available for £35million in the summer via a relegation release clause.
      And Sky Sports have outlined a number of clubs interested in his signature, including Everton.
      Arsenal are keen signing Sander Berge
      FLOR BLIMEY
      Arsenal have missed out on Marseille winger Florian Thauvin.
      The Gunners and Leicester were both said to be keen on the Frenchman, who will be a free agent this summer.
      But the former Newcastle man has instead agreed a shock move to Tigres, with the Mexicans confirming a deal on Friday.

      HE’S A KEEPER
      Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.
      The Gunners are waiting to hear about Onana’s appeal after he was banned for failing a drugs test.
      According to Goal, Arsenal are tracking the goalkeeper but his availability is a potential stumbling block.
      Anana is currently serving a 12-month suspension for a doping violation which runs until February.
      The Cameroon keeper has launched an appeal against the ban which will be heard in June.
      Arsenal are interested in Andre Onana
      REBEL ALLIANCE
      The Premier League’s Big Six have agreed to multi-million pound fines from Uefa – as a condition of being allowed back into European football.
      Uefa chiefs confirmed they had agreed “reintegration measures” with the nine clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, City and United.
      As a condition of the deal, the nine – completed by AC Milan, Inter and Atletico Madrid – will share a slap on the wrist £13m “goodwill” payment to be ploughed into youth and grassroots football, including in the UK.
      But all nine, who Uefa said had “acknowledged their mistake”, also agreed to give up five per cent of the money they would have received from Uefa for their next European campaign.
      And they agreed they would face massive fines of £87m if they joined any future breakaway, or £43.5m if they merely committed to any such new league.
      Nine of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ have been punished by Uefa for their role in the ESL
      TAKING THE BISS
      Yves Bissouma is wanted by Manchester City, according to reports.
      Arsenal had been one of many clubs fighting for the Brighton star but could struggle to hold off Pep Guardiola’s advances.
      The Star describe City as ‘confident’ of pulling off a deal for the £30million-rated midfielder.
      Man City have joined Arsenal in the hunt for Yves Bissouma
      PART AND PARCEL
      Martin Keown has slammed Thomas Partey’s first season at Arsenal.
      And he also reckons Martin Odegaard failed to do his job properly against Villarreal.
      The Gunners icon said after last night’s Europa League exit: “We thought we were signing the next Patrick Vieira [in Thomas Partey] but he hasn’t looked like that at all.
      “We made a mistake, we should have had two midfield players side by side. We didn’t have the right balance in that midfield.
      “Odegaard didn’t seem to want to go and press and in midfield Villarreal were just able to pass by.”
      Thomas Partey has not lived up to expectations
      GREAT SCOTT
      Alex Scott also believes it will take a long time for Arsenal to return to the top.
      She added: “You need to question are [the owners] going to put in the funds? Is the investment there?
      “Does this team want to get back to the top? Because it’s going to take a lot of work.
      “And the fact that we’re now going to struggle even to get into European competition next season.
      “I can only see it getting worse because you’re not even going to attract players to come to the club.
      “It’s been a mixture of the recruitment over the last couple of seasons.
      “When Mikel came in he had to assess the squad and move players on, the whole Mesut Ozil situation which lingered over the club.
      “The transfers with Willian, so I think there’s a number of things in place with the club at the moment that needs sorting out and looking at.”
      Alex Scott predicts tough times ahead for Arsenal
      SCOTT OF BOTHER
      Alex Scott slammed Arsenal after their shock exit from the Europa League – and admitted they just aren’t good enough.
      She told CBS: “I need a minute to compose myself.
      “I’m getting all hot – well, I was hot throughout that whole game.
      “It’s hard – being connected with the club, being an Arsenal ambassador, growing up at the club – to see what I’m seeing.
      “I know the reaction straight away is that passion as a fan and seeing the embarrassment.
      “But actually when you do break it down, this Arsenal team is simply not good enough.”
      Alex Scott has slammed Arsenal’s Europa League exit
      MEMORY LAME
      Oasis were the biggest band in the world and Pierce Brosnan had just become the new James Bond.
      But how else did the world look in 1995 – the last year Arsenal failed to qualify for European football?
      DISCOVER WHAT WAS HAPPENING HERE
      A lot has changed since Arsenal last failed to qualify for Europe
      FAN’S VIEW
      Mikel Arteta’s stubbornness of sticking to just one plan has led to Arsenal’s downfall this season.
      His unfathomable selections in last night’s Europa League exit compounded the humiliation.
      It is this weakness that has turned me from a supporter firmly in his corner, to an ambivalent one.
      READ THE REST HERE
      Mikel Arteta has failed to impress this season
      NEXT UP
      West Brom are the next visitors to Emirates Stadium as Arsenal return to Premier League action.
      The Baggies travel to the capital for a 7pm kick-off on Sunday, May 9 – live on BT Sport.
      Arsenal made short work of Sam Allardyce’s side in the reverse fixture, winning 4-0.
      RAMSEY RETURN
      Speculation is mounting that Aaron Ramsey could sign for Arsenal this summer.
      The Juventus midfielder has failed to regularly star in Turin and Il BiancoNero report on interest from the Gunners and Everton.
      It is said Ramsey would ‘immediately’ jump at the chance of rejoining his old club.
      GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
      Unai Emery gave Arsenal a bit of a short shrift in his post-game tweet after reaching the Europa League final.
      A long message in Spanish to Villarreal fans was followed by a quick line to Gooners.
      The tweet read: “Beautiful night in London. We made history, yellows. Enjoy it a lot. 
      “But this story is not over yet. And we have to enjoy it together. Proud of the team and for being a part of this great project. We dream together!!! FORWARD to GDANSK!!!
      “Good luck to Arsenal for the future.”
      Preciosa nit a Londres. Hem fet historia, groguets. Disfruteu molt. Pero esta historia encara no ha acabat. I hem de disfrutar-la junts. Orgullos de l’equip i de ser part d’este gran projecte. Somniem junts!!! ENDAVANT cap a GDANSK!!! Good luck to @Arsenal for the future. pic.twitter.com/uid2c1XgDH— Unai Emery Echegoyen (@UnaiEmery_) May 6, 2021

      LEN THEM OFF THE HOOK
      Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has pointed the finger at the attack for failing to beat Villarreal.
      The Gunners had 14 shots last night but put only two of them on target.
      And the German said post-game: “The problem was that we didn’t take our chances. 
      “Overall, we were the better side. Only the first half in Villarreal we played not on our level and that was enough to beat us.”
      AUBA AND OUT
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a huge disappointment for Jamie Carragher in last night’s defeat.
      The striker had just 14 touches before being taken off on 80 minutes, by far the lowest of any player who started the 0-0 draw.
      In fact, Willian had more having only played the final 10 minutes.
      And Carragher told CBS Sports: “Sometimes you can have too many attacking players on the pitch because you cannot get the ball back. And that was the problem.
      “Aubameyang hardly touched the ball in the first-alf because there was no one in midfield to win the ball back and give them the ball.
      “I thought [Mikel Arteta] got it massively wrong again and almost played into Villarreal’s hands.”
      Credit: EPA
      LIFE SUPPORT
      Mikel Arteta has insisted he is giving his whole life to the Arsenal job – and has vowed to fight on as manager after the Europa League heartache.
      Assuming there is no late Premier League twist, it will be the fifth campaign in a row without the Champions League and first out of Europe completely since 1995-96.
      Asked why that is the ‘trend’, Arteta said: “They are things to analyse more internally, I am sorry.
      “We have done that. There are things that we cannot discuss here. I take full responsibility for my part, for sure.
      “Since I arrived here what I have tried to do, giving my life, my best ability, investing every drop of energy that I have emotionally to support everything that has been going around with my knowledge, with staff, with all the players that are trying to contribute with all the club to give our best.
      “But so far it has not been enough and when the question mark comes, why it is not enough? Is it just a thing? Is it the manager? Is it any other stuff? What is it?
      “And then this is football. Again, I repeat myself, last night that ball goes in we win 1-0. You are in the final and it is a different world. But today that world doesn’t look very nice.”
      RIGHT SAID FRED
      Arsenal’s offensive output is the key issue behind the club’s struggles, according to Freddie Ljungberg.
      The Swede praised Mikel Arteta for taking the blame for their semi-final exit but felt his attackers should have done more.
      He told BT Sport: “I like that he’s protecting his players, but personally, if you look at the two legs, they had four shots on target in both legs – that’s not good enough
      “They’re not creating enough clear chances and that’s a big problem for them.”
      ICE BERGE
      Arsenal are reportedly in the fight for Sheffield United star Sander Berge.
      The midfielder is said to be available for £35million in the summer via a relegation release clause.
      And Sky Sports have outlined a number of clubs interested in his signature, including Everton.
      Credit: AFP
      DROPPED HIS GAARD
      One moment of Arsenal’s draw really irked Lee Dixon.
      Martin Odegaard taking his time to swing in a corner left the former right-back irate.
      He said: “This game is lacking intensity from Arsenal, they need to get a goal, come on.
      “I understand being patient and playing your game but Martin Odegaard went to take a corner and he walked over. 
      “Why is he walking over? Get over there and put the pressure on.”
      ART DEALER
      Mikel Arteta is the bookies’ joint-favourite if a Premier League manager is to lose their job in the final weeks of the season.
      Coral have slashed the Spaniard’s odds of being sacked before the first game of next season from 5-1 to 5-2 after Arsenal’s Europa League exit.
      And he is among the most likely to be fired before the campaign is out, too.
      Next Prem boss to be fired in 2021-22 odds:
      2-5 No manager to go8-1 Mikel Arteta, Sam Allardyce10-1 Scott Parker20-1 Roy Hodgson, Steve Bruce
      TAKING THE BISS
      Yves Bissouma is wanted by Manchester City, according to reports.
      Arsenal had been one of many clubs fighting for the Brighton star but could struggle to hold off Pep Guardiola’s advances.
      The Star describe City as ‘confident’ of pulling off a deal for the £30million-rated midfielder.
      Credit: PA
      ‘EMBARRASSMENT’
      Martin Keown was one Gunners hero to take a swipe at Mikel Arteta last night.
      The ex-defender felt the factor of losing to his predecessor, Unai Emery, will be hard to take for the Arsenal manager.
      He told BT Sport: “It’s a huge job at this football club. [Arteta’s] inexperience has perhaps cost him.
      “He’s still the manager, but it felt this was the rescue package and his players didn’t turn up. 
      “He was outsmarted by the previous manager which is a bit of an embarrassment.
      “Arsenal looked lost. We couldn’t get out and they made us nervy. We haven’t really laid a glove on them and we haven’t gone down fighting.”
      LAST LAUGH
      Arsenal’s rivals queued up to tease the Gunners last night after the semi-final exit.
      We’ll save you from the bulk of it, and provide only Jermaine Jenas’ tweet for a taste…

      SCOTT TO DO BETTER
      Arsenal icon Alex Scott has described her disappointment at seeing the club fumble their huge opportunity in the Europa League.
      She told CBS Sports after last night’s game: “I need a minute to compose myself. I’m getting all hot – well, I was hot throughout that whole game!
      “It’s hard – being connected with the club, being an Arsenal ambassador, growing up at the club – to see what I’m seeing.
      “I know the reaction straight away is that passion as a fan and seeing the embarrassment. But actually when you do break it down, this Arsenal team is simply not good enough.
      “And you need to question are [the owners] going to put in the funds? Is the investment there? Does this team want to get back to the top? Because it’s going to take a lot of work.
      “And the fact that we’re now going to struggle even to get into European competition next season, I can only see it getting worse because you’re not even going to attract players to come to the club.”
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez vs Billy Joe Saunders LIVE RESULTS: Follow latest updates from HUGE world title fight in Texas

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ is taking on Billy Joe Saunders in a HUGE super-middleweight title clash in Texas.Mexican superstar Canelo is putting his WBA and WBC titles against Britain’s WBO champ Saunders in a long, long awaited fight.
      The bout is taking place over at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas with 70,000 fans in attendance.
      Can Saunders shock the boxing world? Keep up to date with ALL of the latest developments right here.

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      MARIACHI KING
      Tyson Fury has made his prediction in Texas.
      The Gypsy King said: “Billy Joe is in form and looking in great shape, I cannot wait.
      “You will see a boxing masterclass from Billy Joe and he will win a unanimous decision.”
      He then joined in with the Mariachi band in his finest Versace shirt..

      WBA AND WBC CHAMP
      While Canelo weighed in at 167.4lbs.
      The fight is ON!

      THE WBO CHAMP
      Taller man Billy Joe Saunders weighed in slightly the heavier of the pair on 167.8lbs (168lbs limit).

      FINAL STAREDOWN
      A tense final staredown for the pair sets us up for what should be an absolute cracker of a fight.
      Look at those eyes from Canelo…

      GYPSY KING
      Fury roars: These Mexican fans are all my people!
      “Billy Joe is in form and looking in great shape, I cannot wait.
      “You will see a boxing masterclass from Billy Joe and he will win a unanimous decision.
      When asked if Canelo or Fury is the pound-for-pund king, Fury said: “I don’t know about pound-for-pound but I am the best fighter that ever lived. ”
      FRIENDS OR FOES?
      Billy has teased and taunted Canelo as much as possible.
      But the face-off was a smooth event.
      Will the Mexican get the chance to punish his British nemesis…
      𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘-𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗢 & 𝗦𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 🔥 pic.twitter.com/77oQHhSfJf— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 7, 2021

      BJS
      Saunders says: “I have the belief and spirit and winning mentality to beat Alvarez.
      “I don’t think Alvarez has faced anyome with the same heart as me. I have come here to take all of these titles.
      “I have to be at my best and on my A-game.
      “These fans will push me on to win, they are all for Canelo but on the way out there will be cheering for me.”
      NO MORE TALK
      Canelo says: “I am very happy everyone is here and hopefully tomorrow we will give you a good fight.
      “He has not got under my skin, I have been in big fights before and I know how to handle it.
      “I am expecting a hard fight in the early rounds.”
      FACE OFF
      Both heroes get dressed and meet in the middle of the stage.
      No aggro.
      Saunders clearly a couple of inches taller.
      Saunders starts trash talking at the end but Canelo shakes his head and walks away.
      CANEL-GO
      Canelo arrives in baby blue pyjamas to a massive roar.
      Saunders weighs in at 167lbs for the 168lbs (12st) contest.
      The Mexican four-weight king strips off and weighs 167lbs as well.
      CANELO vs BILLY JOE SAUNDERS
      England’s 30-0 Saunders wears a t-shirt saying ‘No God, No Life’.
      Canelo’s mantra is ‘No Boxing, No Life’
      Saunders is all in red, waving at the partisan crowd.
      ELWIN SOTO vs KATSUNARI TAKAYAMA
      Light-fly action as the chief support, these guys have to be below 7st 10lbs.
      Japan’s Takayama weighs 107lbs and Soto matches him on the scales.
      Takayama has a great mascot with him…

      KIERON CONWAY vs SOULEYMANE CISSOKHO
      Northampton lad Conway has taken on a massive super-welterweight challenge here fighting the Frenchman managed by Anthony Joshua.
      Cissokho weighs 153lbs and the Brit a perfect 154lbs.
      Conway has drawn with Ted Cheeseman and lost to Derrick Osaze – at middleweight – but he could leap up the rankings with a shock win in Dallas.
      Conway says: “I am here to win. I don’t want easy fights or to pick and choose, I want to show what I am about.”
      BIG FRANK SPEAKS
      Cuban giant Sanchez says: “I have learned a lot from working with Team Canelo and trainer Eddy Reynoso.
      “I thank the Mexican public for opening their arms to me and I hope to represent Cuba and Mexico together.
      “I am here to show the world that I am one of the best and I am here to fight against anyone.”
      NAGY AGUILERA vs FRANK SANCHEZ
      Cuban Flash Sanchez is a training mate of Canelo is being fast tracked to a world title.
      Sanchez is 17-0 and has looked a right handful so far.
      But that has not stopped Canelo regularly sparring with the 16st powerhouse.

      FANFARE BABY!
      Canelo has whipped this crowd into a frenzy without even appearing yet.
      Six more fighters to weight before the mainevent.

      IRVING CASTILLO vs MARC CASTRO
      Feather-fisted these featherweights are not.
      Castro, 2-0, is an amateur stand-out tipped for pro greatness and Castillo is a Mexcian ready to give him a horrible welcome to the pro ranks.
      Casto weights 132lbs with Castillo lighter at 127lbs.

      DAVIS BOYS
      Kelvin says: “It’s a dream come true, we have been doing this for over a decade. We are coming to take over.
      “We have been preparing for times like this forever, we are ready. We are both confident.
      Keyshawn adds: “Kelvin is going to stop this guy.
      “I am fighting a Mexican in front of a Mexican crowd but it does not bother me.”

      JOSE MEZA vs KEYSHAWN DAVIS
      Both men make 138lbs for the lightweight clash.
      Davis has turned pro early after being tipped for gold with Team USA at the 2020 Olympics that have been delayed.
      Meza is 6-4 so he might offer some resilience to the wonderkid.
      BIG FIGHT ALERT!
      Heavyweight action here as Filip Hrgovic and Michael Hunter go toe-to-toe for a IBF mandatory shot at the belt currently around Anthony Joshua’s waist.
      Hunter was a brillian cruiserweight who only lost to Oleksandr Usyk.
      But Hrgovic is being billed as the new Wladimir Klitschko…

      XAVIER WILSON vs CHRISTIAN DURAN
      Welterweight clash now as Wilson hits 147lbs and Texas local Duran makes 146lbs.
      Wilson is 11-2-1 and Duran is 19-2-1 so both men still have everything to fight for.

      JAN MARSALEK vs KELVIN DAVIS
      Marsalek makes 140lbs for the super-light clash.
      Davis, little brother of red-hot prospect Keyshawn, makes the mark too as he looks to go 2-0.
      Marsalek is 8-2 so is not a journeymen yet and will ask the kid questions.
      BOO BOYS
      The hosts ask if there are any English fans outside the AT&T stadium and get a loud ‘boo’.
      Huge cheer when he asks if there are any Canelo fans in the house.

      TOOLS FOR THE TRADE
      Canelo and Billy Joe Saunders had their Friday morning medicals and rules meetings this morning.
      The super-middleweight champions also picked their big-fight gloves.
      Who will land them first?

      CROWD NOISE
      Canelo is going to have some huge support at the weigh-in shortly.
      Tyson Fury will have a tough job drowing out all the Mexican-Americans who have flooded out to support their man…

      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal interested in £35m Sander Berge, Daniel Ek latest, Arteta under pressure, Gunners DUMPED out of Europa League

      by

      ARSENAL again fans protested against their ownership outside the Emirates before the Villarreal draw which dumped them out of Europe.On the pitch, a goalless draw was enough to see former boss Unai Emery knock the Gunners out and progress to the Europa League semi-final.
      Meanwhile, Daniel Ek and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
      However, the Kroenke family are reportedly planning a huge summer of spending on transfers as they look to get angry Gunners fans on side.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
      SCOTT OF BOTHER
      Alex Scott slammed Arsenal after their shock exit from the Europa League – and admitted they just aren’t good enough.
      She told CBS: “I need a minute to compose myself.
      “I’m getting all hot – well, I was hot throughout that whole game.
      “It’s hard – being connected with the club, being an Arsenal ambassador, growing up at the club – to see what I’m seeing.
      “I know the reaction straight away is that passion as a fan and seeing the embarrassment.
      “But actually when you do break it down, this Arsenal team is simply not good enough.”
      Alex Scott has slammed Arsenal’s Europa League exit
      MEMORY LAME
      Oasis were the biggest band in the world and Pierce Brosnan had just become the new James Bond.
      But how else did the world look in 1995 – the last year Arsenal failed to qualify for European football?
      DISCOVER WHAT WAS HAPPENING HERE
      A lot has changed since Arsenal last failed to qualify for Europe
      FAN’S VIEW
      Mikel Arteta’s stubbornness of sticking to just one plan has led to Arsenal’s downfall this season.
      His unfathomable selections in last night’s Europa League exit compounded the humiliation.
      It is this weakness that has turned me from a supporter firmly in his corner, to an ambivalent one.
      READ THE REST HERE
      Mikel Arteta has failed to impress this season
      NEXT UP
      West Brom are the next visitors to Emirates Stadium as Arsenal return to Premier League action.
      The Baggies travel to the capital for a 7pm kick-off on Sunday, May 9 – live on BT Sport.
      Arsenal made short work of Sam Allardyce’s side in the reverse fixture, winning 4-0.
      RAMSEY RETURN
      Speculation is mounting that Aaron Ramsey could sign for Arsenal this summer.
      The Juventus midfielder has failed to regularly star in Turin and Il BiancoNero report on interest from the Gunners and Everton.
      It is said Ramsey would ‘immediately’ jump at the chance of rejoining his old club.
      GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
      Unai Emery gave Arsenal a bit of a short shrift in his post-game tweet after reaching the Europa League final.
      A long message in Spanish to Villarreal fans was followed by a quick line to Gooners.
      The tweet read: “Beautiful night in London. We made history, yellows. Enjoy it a lot. 
      “But this story is not over yet. And we have to enjoy it together. Proud of the team and for being a part of this great project. We dream together!!! FORWARD to GDANSK!!!
      “Good luck to Arsenal for the future.”
      Preciosa nit a Londres. Hem fet historia, groguets. Disfruteu molt. Pero esta historia encara no ha acabat. I hem de disfrutar-la junts. Orgullos de l’equip i de ser part d’este gran projecte. Somniem junts!!! ENDAVANT cap a GDANSK!!! Good luck to @Arsenal for the future. pic.twitter.com/uid2c1XgDH— Unai Emery Echegoyen (@UnaiEmery_) May 6, 2021

      LEN THEM OFF THE HOOK
      Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has pointed the finger at the attack for failing to beat Villarreal.
      The Gunners had 14 shots last night but put only two of them on target.
      And the German said post-game: “The problem was that we didn’t take our chances. 
      “Overall, we were the better side. Only the first half in Villarreal we played not on our level and that was enough to beat us.”
      AUBA AND OUT
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a huge disappointment for Jamie Carragher in last night’s defeat.
      The striker had just 14 touches before being taken off on 80 minutes, by far the lowest of any player who started the 0-0 draw.
      In fact, Willian had more having only played the final 10 minutes.
      And Carragher told CBS Sports: “Sometimes you can have too many attacking players on the pitch because you cannot get the ball back. And that was the problem.
      “Aubameyang hardly touched the ball in the first-alf because there was no one in midfield to win the ball back and give them the ball.
      “I thought [Mikel Arteta] got it massively wrong again and almost played into Villarreal’s hands.”
      Credit: EPA
      LIFE SUPPORT
      Mikel Arteta has insisted he is giving his whole life to the Arsenal job – and has vowed to fight on as manager after the Europa League heartache.
      Assuming there is no late Premier League twist, it will be the fifth campaign in a row without the Champions League and first out of Europe completely since 1995-96.
      Asked why that is the ‘trend’, Arteta said: “They are things to analyse more internally, I am sorry.
      “We have done that. There are things that we cannot discuss here. I take full responsibility for my part, for sure.
      “Since I arrived here what I have tried to do, giving my life, my best ability, investing every drop of energy that I have emotionally to support everything that has been going around with my knowledge, with staff, with all the players that are trying to contribute with all the club to give our best.
      “But so far it has not been enough and when the question mark comes, why it is not enough? Is it just a thing? Is it the manager? Is it any other stuff? What is it?
      “And then this is football. Again, I repeat myself, last night that ball goes in we win 1-0. You are in the final and it is a different world. But today that world doesn’t look very nice.”
      RIGHT SAID FRED
      Arsenal’s offensive output is the key issue behind the club’s struggles, according to Freddie Ljungberg.
      The Swede praised Mikel Arteta for taking the blame for their semi-final exit but felt his attackers should have done more.
      He told BT Sport: “I like that he’s protecting his players, but personally, if you look at the two legs, they had four shots on target in both legs – that’s not good enough
      “They’re not creating enough clear chances and that’s a big problem for them.”
      ICE BERGE
      Arsenal are reportedly in the fight for Sheffield United star Sander Berge.
      The midfielder is said to be available for £35million in the summer via a relegation release clause.
      And Sky Sports have outlined a number of clubs interested in his signature, including Everton.
      Credit: AFP
      DROPPED HIS GAARD
      One moment of Arsenal’s draw really irked Lee Dixon.
      Martin Odegaard taking his time to swing in a corner left the former right-back irate.
      He said: “This game is lacking intensity from Arsenal, they need to get a goal, come on.
      “I understand being patient and playing your game but Martin Odegaard went to take a corner and he walked over. 
      “Why is he walking over? Get over there and put the pressure on.”
      ART DEALER
      Mikel Arteta is the bookies’ joint-favourite if a Premier League manager is to lose their job in the final weeks of the season.
      Coral have slashed the Spaniard’s odds of being sacked before the first game of next season from 5-1 to 5-2 after Arsenal’s Europa League exit.
      And he is among the most likely to be fired before the campaign is out, too.
      Next Prem boss to be fired in 2021-22 odds:
      2-5 No manager to go8-1 Mikel Arteta, Sam Allardyce10-1 Scott Parker20-1 Roy Hodgson, Steve Bruce
      TAKING THE BISS
      Yves Bissouma is wanted by Manchester City, according to reports.
      Arsenal had been one of many clubs fighting for the Brighton star but could struggle to hold off Pep Guardiola’s advances.
      The Star describe City as ‘confident’ of pulling off a deal for the £30million-rated midfielder.
      Credit: PA
      ‘EMBARRASSMENT’
      Martin Keown was one Gunners hero to take a swipe at Mikel Arteta last night.
      The ex-defender felt the factor of losing to his predecessor, Unai Emery, will be hard to take for the Arsenal manager.
      He told BT Sport: “It’s a huge job at this football club. [Arteta’s] inexperience has perhaps cost him.
      “He’s still the manager, but it felt this was the rescue package and his players didn’t turn up. 
      “He was outsmarted by the previous manager which is a bit of an embarrassment.
      “Arsenal looked lost. We couldn’t get out and they made us nervy. We haven’t really laid a glove on them and we haven’t gone down fighting.”
      LAST LAUGH
      Arsenal’s rivals queued up to tease the Gunners last night after the semi-final exit.
      We’ll save you from the bulk of it, and provide only Jermaine Jenas’ tweet for a taste…

      SCOTT TO DO BETTER
      Arsenal icon Alex Scott has described her disappointment at seeing the club fumble their huge opportunity in the Europa League.
      She told CBS Sports after last night’s game: “I need a minute to compose myself. I’m getting all hot – well, I was hot throughout that whole game!
      “It’s hard – being connected with the club, being an Arsenal ambassador, growing up at the club – to see what I’m seeing.
      “I know the reaction straight away is that passion as a fan and seeing the embarrassment. But actually when you do break it down, this Arsenal team is simply not good enough.
      “And you need to question are [the owners] going to put in the funds? Is the investment there? Does this team want to get back to the top? Because it’s going to take a lot of work.
      “And the fact that we’re now going to struggle even to get into European competition next season, I can only see it getting worse because you’re not even going to attract players to come to the club.”
      A GAME OF MILIMETRES
      It would have been a very different atmosphere this morning had this crept in…
      Arsenal were THIS CLOSE to booking their flight to Gdansk…😰But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the woodwork for the second time this evening 😫#UEL pic.twitter.com/g8qeoIrp34— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 6, 2021

      PARTEY’S OVER
      Thomas Partey has failed to live up to the billing of becoming the club’s ‘next Patrick Vieira’, according to Gunners legend Martin Keown.
      A particularly disappointing display in a goalless draw with Villarreal which saw the team crash out of the Europa League led Keown to single him out as a scapegoat.
      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “We thought we were signing the next Patrick Vieira [in Thomas Partey] but he hasn’t looked like that at all.
      “We made a mistake, we should have had two midfield players side by side. We didn’t have the right balance in that midfield.
      “Odegaard didn’t seem to want to go and press and in midfield Villarreal were just able to pass by.”
      IT BEGINS
      The calls for Mikel Arteta to lose his job have begun with Piers Morgan questioning whether he ‘deserves to continue as manager’.
      And the former Good Morning Britain host branded the Gunners’ performance last night as ‘humiliating’ and ‘utter crap’.
      Why does Mikel Arteta deserve to continue as manager? This season has been a total disaster, we’re playing dreadful football, and we just got kicked out of Europe by the guy he replaced. Humiliating. #afc— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 6, 2021

      GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
      Arsena crashed out of the Europa League last night after failing to score at the Emirates.
      The Gunners needed just one effort to hit the back of the net and book their place in the final.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the post twice but there can be no excuses for Arsenal’s below-par performance, with Villarreal now playing Man United for the main prize.
      Club legend Maritn Keown had harsh words for Mikel Arteta after the whistle, saying: “Emery was just too smart for Arteta. 
      “We were nervous, tentative, the performance just wasn’t there. We shouldn’t really be surprised when we look at the Premier League, ninth in the table, 19 goals scored from 17 home matches.
      “Inconsistency is rife through the group and it’s cost us. They haven’t had to get out of first gear to manage Arsenal and that’s the most disappointing thing.
      “To go unbeaten the whole season and now to not even make Europe, it’s a real fall from grace. I know we’re talking about new ownership, are we now talking about a change of manager?
      “There’s a crossroads the club now finds itself at, and this is the lowest night I can remember in a number of years.”
      Meanwhile, Arsenal fans descended on the Emirates before the game to protest owner Stan Kroenke.
      The American was key in the failed European Super League.
      And after Man Utd fans protested on Sunday, Arsenal supporters took to the streets outside the Emirates with banners and flares.
      Finally, the Gunners will be sweating over Granit Xhaka’s fitness after he was injured in last night’s warm-up.
      The midfielder, filling in at left-back, suffered a muscle problem before kick-off.
      And Arsenal will have to wait to see how serious it is.
      RATINGS
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tried giving it a go as he hit the post twice against Villarreal.
      But Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were disappointing in Arsenal’s Europa League exit
      READ THE FULL RATINGS HERE
      Who was Arsenal’s best and worst player against Villarreal?
      MAX POWER
      Former Juventus boss Max Allegri is the leading contender to become Arsenal’s next permanent managerial appointment.
      That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve priced the Italian at 13/5 to replace Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
      Next Arsenal Manager – Betfair

      Massimiliano Allegri – 13/5
      Brendan Rodgers – 3/1
      Thomas Tuchel – 3/1
      Rafa Benitez – 10/1
      Patrick Vieira – 10/1
      Diego Simeone – 10/1
      Eddie Howe – 11/1
      Ralph Hasenhuttl – 11/1
      Gian Piero Gasperini – 14/1
      Paulo Fonseca – 14/1
      BETFAIR: 

      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
      Max Allegri is favourite to replace Mikel Arteta
      KEOWN NOT KEEN
      Martin Keown has blasted Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final defeat by Villarreal.
      He said: “Emery was just too smart for Arteta. We were nervous, tentative, the performance just wasn’t there. 
      “We shouldn’t really be surprised when we look at the Premier League, ninth in the table, 19 goals scored from 17 home matches.
      “Inconsistency is rife through the group and it’s cost us. They haven’t had to get out of first gear to manage Arsenal and that’s the most disappointing thing.
      “To go unbeaten the whole season and now to not even make Europe, it’s a real fall from grace. I know we’re talking about new ownership, are we now talking about a change of manager?
      “There’s a crossroads the club now finds itself at, and this is the lowest night I can remember in a number of years.”
      Mikel Arteta has come under fire from Martin KeownCredit: Getty
      ARSENAL 0 VILLARREAL 0 (1-2 AGG)
      Arsenal have crashed out of the Europa League after failing to score at the Emirates.
      The Gunners needed just one effort to hit the back of the net and book their place in the final.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the post twice but there can be no excuses for Arsenal’s below-par performance, with Villarreal now playing Man United for the main prize.
      READ OUR MATCH REPORT HERE
      Villarreal progress, as we are eliminated at the semi-final stage.🏆 #UEL— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 6, 2021

      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba contract LATEST, Erling Haaland £150m transfer war, Harry Kane EXCLUSIVE, United qualify for Europa final

      by

      MAN UTD are preparing a £90m transfer bid for England captain Harry Kane, as the Glazer family look to placate angry fans.Meanwhile Dortmund are now reportedly willing to sell Jadon Sancho for £85m – the fee United were willing to pay for the winger last summer.
      On the pitch, United are through to the Europa League final after beating Roma 8-5 across two thrilling legs.
      They face Villarreal in the final and it will be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first final as the club’s boss.
      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      FANDEMIC
      Joel Glazer’s words have received a lukewarm reception from the Man Utd Supporters Trust, who want actions and not words.
      In a statement, MUST said: “The response could in theory – and we emphasise in theory only – be a change in direction and approach by the owners versus their silence and disregard for communication over the last 16 years. 
      “We will, however, determine our position based on the resulting actions rather than these words alone. We have seen empty words too many times previously. 
      “We will seek a mandate from our members and from the wider fanbase before proceeding. We only wish to engage in this process should our supporters want us to. 
      “The onus remains on the club to put right the problems of the past, not just the European Super League but the overall lack of communication and consultation by the owners. 
      “Our primary objective remains to ensure a supporter share scheme is put in place which carries equal voting rights to the shares held by the Glazer Family.”
      MUST have delivered a response to Joel Glazer
      STADIUM ARCADIUM
      Joel Glazer also vowed to invest in Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex – as well as Man United’s squad.
      Glazer added: “Our top priority is, and will always be, competing for the most important trophies, playing entertaining football with a team comprised of top-quality recruits and some of the world’s best homegrown talent. 
      “Success on the field must be underpinned by solid foundations off it. We have supported sustained investment in the team over many years, and that will continue this summer. 
      “We recognise that we will need to significantly increase investment in Old Trafford and our training complex to ensure that the club’s facilities remain among the best in Europe.”
      Joel Glazer has promised to invest in Old Trafford
      GLAZER OFFER
      Joel Glazer says he will meet with Man Utd’s Fan Forum at the end of the season following Sunday’s protests.
      Glazer wrote in an open letter: “I want to acknowledge the need for change, with deeper consultation with you as our main fan representative body across a range of important issues, including the competitions we play in. 
      “We also recognise the importance of fan and football interests being embedded in key decision-making processes at every level of the club, and we are open to constructive discussions on how to reinforce that principle.
      “We will reach out to members of the forum to schedule a meeting in which I shall participate as soon as possible after the final game of the season. “

      NEXT UP
      It is Aston Villa away on the horizon for Manchester United.
      The trip to Villa Park kicks off live on Sky at 2.05pm on Sunday, May 9.
      And there is some good news for the visitors as Dean Smith has confirmed Jack Grealish will miss the match.
      GDANSK CALLING
      Donny van de Beek earned a rare start in last night’s game and looked forward to the Europa League final on Twitter.
      The Dutchman made the most passes in Roma’s half of any Manchester United player last night (31) and enjoyed a better passing accuracy (81.4%) than Bruno Fernandes.

      SEMPER FI
      Harry Maguire is among the Premier League stars reportedly in talks to sign up to an eSports company.
      Semper Fortis Esports, valued at £14million on the stock exchange, are said by Evening Standard to be on the verge of bringing in the defender as a brand ambassador.
      Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also named as being in discussions.
      Former Football League chairman Keith Harris is chairman of the British company.
      AMAZING JOURNEY
      One of the Roma players to feature against Manchester United last night had taken a very difficult journey to get there.
      Ebrima Darboe left Gambia along while still a teenager and spent time in a Libyan refugee camp having passed through human traffickers.
      He made it to Sicily via boat before making a name for himself in the Italian game, and making his debut for Roma on the weekend.
      Darboe said yesterday: “I was nervous when I was coming on.
      “Four or five years ago I was in Africa, watching players on the TV – and today I was out there playing against some of them. So, I was very excited about that.
      “I’ve had a pretty unusual time. It’s true that I had to go through a long journey, that was a bit tough, in order to get here, but since I have been here [in Italy] my life has changed.”
      Credit: AFP
      AWARDS
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leads the Premier League Manager of the Month nominees for April.
      Marcelo Bielsa, Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce also feature on the shortlist, which will be voted for by fans until next Friday.
      Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard are among those nominated for April’s Premier League Player of the Month.
      The shortlist also includes Stuart Dallas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kelechi Iheanacho, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood.
      👔 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐬𝐬.Ole is in the running to win the #PL Manager of the Month award for April 😎 #MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 7, 2021

      OBLAK ONUS
      Jan Oblak would be keen on a move to a top English side this summer, according to reports.
      ESPN claim the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper’s camp want to draw interest from the Premier League after seven years in Spain.
      But the LaLiga club hold a £104million release clause on the star shot-stopper.
      Manchester United have previously been linked to Oblak.
      PUSH & PAUL
      Paul Pogba is yet to discuss a new Manchester United contract, it has been reported.
      The Frenchman’s deal expires at the end of next season after the Red Devils enacted an optional 12-month extension to the deal he signed in 2016.
      And, according to Sky Sports, United have not opened talks over a renewal with Pogba focused on a successful end to the season.

      HARG TO ARGUE
      Owen Hargreaves has urged Manchester United to focus their attentions elsewhere amid their push for Erling Haaland.
      Both the Norwegian and Harry Kane are said to be interesting the Red Devils for a mega-money move.
      But former star Hargreaves reckons a new deal for Edinson Cavani plus two other signings are better value for money.
      He told BT: “Get [Cavani] to sign a new deal, there’s no transfer fee then – obviously there are big wages – but then I think you can spend elsewhere.
      “I think they need a right-winger, whether that’s Jadon Sancho or Raphinha from Leeds or somebody like that.
      “Declan Rice for the base of midfield to get the best out of Pogba and Fernandes, I’d love to see that and another centre-back. You could spend that Haaland or Kane money on three players.”
      SIGN HIM UP
      Edinson Cavani showed exactly why Manchester United want to keep him for another season last night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.
      The Uruguayan’s stunning performance in the semi-final versus Roma left the manager thrilled.
      He said afterwards: “It was always going to be an open game because they had to score goals and that was going to make it a chance for us to create chances.
      “I think both teams could have scored five more, so it could have been 6-6, 7-6, it could have been a different scoreline.
      “But for me now the main thing is we’re in a final, we know we have to play better than this but we’re here because we’ve had a centre forward who has scored four goals during the tie, during the two legs.
      “Edinson’s shown again why we want to keep him at Old Trafford.”

      WAR GAMES
      Sky Sports have revealed there could be ‘war’ between Erling Haaland’s representatives and Borussia Dortmund this summer.
      The German club reportedly want £150million for the striker, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.
      But agent Mino Raiola has already talked openly about a move and Dortmund finishing outside the top-four in Bundesliga could heighten that push.
      Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all credited with wanting to sign Haaland.
      Credit: EPA
      TOP MARCS
      Marcelo Bielsa has praised the ‘competitiveness’ of English football as the reason behind three of this year’s four European finalists being from the Premier League.
      The Leeds boss said: “The refereeing in England can be better or worse, but they always try to ensure the rules favour the game. 
      “This helps the structure. It can’t be better – considering, for example, the pitches and to not even talk about the influence of the fans who don’t just prize the victory.
      “Its financial power is not the determining factor.
      “The greatness in the English game is in the competitiveness of the leagues and the assimilation of the natural results.”
      MEMORY LANE
      Here is some of the best social media reaction from Manchester United’s stars as they looked forward to another Europa League final.

      SOL DESTROYING
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has slammed the decision to make Manchester United play twice in 48 hours to solve their fixture mayhem.
      The Red Devils must face Leicester on Tuesday before the rearranged Liverpool clash on Thursday, which was delayed by fan protests.
      And the boss said: “It’s unheard of. It’s made by people who have never played football at this level.
      “It’s physically impossible for the players. We have not been dealt a good hand.
      “We are going to need everyone for these four games. It’s a short turnaround but we have to be ready.”
      KEEP LOOKING
      Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing up a move for Manchester United keeper David De Gea, according to reports.
      The Portuguese manager was announced as the Italian club Roma’s successor to Paulo Fonseca earlier this week, just two weeks after he was sacked by Tottenham.
      And according to Todofichajes one of the first transfers he wants to make as Roma manager is the acquisition of 30-year-old De Gea.
      De Gea has recently been out of favour at Old Trafford following the promotion of Dean Henderson to the No1 spot.

      SANCHO HOPE
      Borussia Dortmund will reportedly be open to selling Jadon Sancho for £80million this summer.
      Sky Sports detail Manchester United’s interest in the winger, with three other clubs for company.
      The England star is said to want Champions League football next year, something Borussia may be unable to provide amid their Bundesliga top-four battle.

      TOR-N BETWEEN?
      Pau Torres has revealed his emotions at facing Manchester United in the Europa League final.
      The Villarreal defender has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
      He said after beating Arsenal 2-1 on aggregate: “We will face a great team that will surely make things very difficult for us.
      “We didn’t want both European finals to be entirely English. It is fantastic that Villarreal will represent Spanish football in a European final.”
      Credit: Getty
      LEX YOUR MUSCLES
      Should Manchester United need a new left-back in the summer, Alex Sandro is reportedly available.
      TuttoJuve name the Red Devils, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as taking an interest in the Juventus defender.
      He is said to be available for under £20million in the next window having been a long-term target for several clubs.
      ED IN THE RIGHT PLACE
      Edinson Cavani is in the form of his Manchester United career right now.
      Has a player ever dominated a two-legged European tie like this?

      GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
      Man United booked their place in the Europa League final despite losing 3-2 in Rome.
      Edinson Cavani scored twice in a thriller against the Italians, who gave the Red Devils a hard-fought game.
      But United held out to ensure their first-leg thrashing helped them set up a final clash against Villarreal, who knocked out Arsenal.
      Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood became the youngest Englishman to reach 100 games for United and the third youngest overall aged just 19 years and 217 days.
      Greenwood is now ahead of club legends Ryan Giggs and Duncan Edwards in the top five list of players to hit 100 games.
      But he is behind Norman Whiteside who reached the milestone before his 19th birthday.
      And United icon George Best is also ahead of Greenwood, having reached the figure in 49 days fewer.
      Finally, Lazio are considering a move for United star Juan Mata, according to reports.
      The Spaniard is set to be out of contract this summer, having become a bit-part player at Old Trafford.
      Having turned 33 last month, the attacking midfielder is seeking his next opportunity – and the security of a multi-year deal.
      According to Il Tempo, Lazio could offer Mata a two-year contract – with the option of a third season on top.
      RATINGS
      David De Gea put in a stunning performance against Roma.
      But Edinson Cavani also had a big night for Man Utd.
      READ THE FULL RATINGS HERE
      Who was United’s best player against Roma?
      MAGIC MAGUIRE
      Harry Maguire has hailed Man United’s achievement of reaching the Europa League final.
      He said: “It’s a great achievement.
      “We started the game a bit edgy, they played a man-to-man pressing style which meant it was end-to-end like basketball.
      “We had a good result at half time but gave them too many chances in the second half.
      “We obviously don’t want to lose any match, we came tonight wanting to win.
      “Thankfully we put ourselves in a great position in the first half.
      “Now we’ve got to go to the final and win it.”
      Harry Maguire is delighted to be in the Europa League finalCredit: Getty
      ROMA 3 MAN UTD 2 (5-8 AGG)
      Man United booked their place in the Europa League final despite losing in Rome.
      Edinson Cavani scored twice in a thriller against the Italians, who gave the Red Devils a hard-fought game.
      But United held out to ensure their first-leg thrashing helped them set up a final clash against Villarreal, who knocked out Arsenal.
      READ OUR MATCH REPORT HERE

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Tuchel to be handed summer transfer war chest, Man City interested in Declan Rice, Haaland next club latest

      by

      CHELSEA are reportedly lining up a triple swoop for Jadon Sancho, Romelu Lukaku and Marquinhos after reaching the Champions League final.Meanwhile Sergio Aguero is reportedly eyeing up a transfer to Barcelona, where he could be joined by Neymar if the Brazilian quits Paris Saint-Germain and we have the latest on Manchester City being interested in Declan Rice.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      STADIUM ARCADIUM
      Joel Glazer also vowed to invest in Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex – as well as Man United’s squad.
      Glazer added: “Our top priority is, and will always be, competing for the most important trophies, playing entertaining football with a team comprised of top-quality recruits and some of the world’s best homegrown talent. 
      “Success on the field must be underpinned by solid foundations off it. We have supported sustained investment in the team over many years, and that will continue this summer. 
      “We recognise that we will need to significantly increase investment in Old Trafford and our training complex to ensure that the club’s facilities remain among the best in Europe.”
      Joel Glazer has vowed to invest in Old Trafford
      GLAZER OFFER
      Joel Glazer says he will meet with Man Utd’s Fan Forum at the end of the season following Sunday’s protests.
      Glazer wrote in an open letter: “I want to acknowledge the need for change, with deeper consultation with you as our main fan representative body across a range of important issues, including the competitions we play in. 
      “We also recognise the importance of fan and football interests being embedded in key decision-making processes at every level of the club, and we are open to constructive discussions on how to reinforce that principle.
      “We will reach out to members of the forum to schedule a meeting in which I shall participate as soon as possible after the final game of the season.”
      Joel Glazer says he will meet with Man Utd’s Fan Forum
      MOUR DEALS
      Jose Mourinho has drawn up a six-man transfer shortlist as he sets his sights on bringing in a number of new faces to Roma.
      Il Messaggero claims top of his list is Lille midfielder Renato Sanches and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.
      Mourinho is also eager to raid old side Spurs for Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      Another former club in Manchester United could receive a bid for Nemanja Matic.
      And Mourinho’s final target is Real Madrid playmaker Isco.

      CURTIS-Y
      Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has stated his hope of keeping Ronan Curtis ahead of a crunch play-off decider on the final day of the season.
      The Irish winger said he was ‘encouraged’ by speculation linking him to the likes of Reading.
      And Cowley replied: “I don’t think anything he said was untrue. I am not sure it was his place to say it, but that is a different conversation.
      “We love Ronan. We love the fact that he is going to say what he thinks and he is going to say exactly what is on his mind, he is never going to leave you wondering what he is thinking or what he is feeling.
      “Absolutely, he will have lots of interest from clubs in a higher division. Not bigger and better clubs than Portsmouth, by the way.
      “He will have clubs in a higher division that will be naturally interested and want to sign him but we’re on a journey, we don’t want to lose our best players.”
      SAD NEWS
      The body of Christophe Revault was found at his home on Thursday with Riyad Mahrez and Benjamin Mendy leading the tributes.
      The former Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse goalkeeper was 49 years old.
      His cause of death has not been revealed as French football mourns his passing.
      Revault started his career at Le Havre between 1992 and 1996 and finished it back there with three seasons before retiring in 2010. Since then, he worked as a scout, interim manager and sporting director and remained in charge of recruitment until his sad death.
      Manchester City pair Mahrez and Mendy both earned their professional breaks at Le Havre and took to Twitter to pay their respects.

      RAM IT HOME
      Prospective Derby owner Erik Alonso has called for calm amid reports of his takeover bid hitting the rocks.
      Wayne Rooney’s Rams face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow knowing a final-day defeat will relegate them to League One.
      And Alonso has sent out a rallying cry over Twitter.

      JACK TO IT
      Dean Smith has handed Aston Villa and England fans the news they have been patiently waiting for – Jack Grealish returns to training tomorrow.
      Although Villa’s inspirational skipper won’t be fit to face Manchester United on Sunday, Smith says his golden boy is on the mend and ready to push for a place in Gareth Southgate’s European Championship squad. 
      Grealish has been sidelined by a shin injury since his last game against Brighton on February 13 but Smith revealed: “Jack will start training with the players again tomorrow. 
      “He’s been loading on his own but he won’t be ready for the game against Manchester United. He’s been out there already with the rehab staff but he gets to train with the players tomorrow for the first time.”
      “He had a spike in his loading when he was trying to come back the first time and suffered a bit of a relapse. So we’ll be a lot more conservative with him this time. He has been doing every other day 3-4kms work on his feet, which has been controlled.”

      DAYLIGHT ROB-BERY
      Robert Lewandowski could be ‘tempted’ into a move to Chelsea or Manchester City, according to reports.
      The Bayern Munich star is closing in on a number of records in Germany, and has previously hinted that he’ll finish his career in Bavaria.
      But, with his contract set to have just two years remaining, the Pole is reportedly considering his options.
      According to ESPN, the striker is ‘undecided’ on his future – with City and Chelsea emerging as serious ‘contenders’ to sign him.
      The 32-year-old could be available for just £52million, should he decide to leave Allianz Arena.
      Credit: Reuters
      WOJ YOU TALKING ABOUT
      Carlo Ancelotti has shut down speculation linking Everton with Wojciech Szczesny.
      The Toffees were named in Italian media reports as being offered the chance to sign the Juventus goalkeeper.
      But Ancelotti has said: “I have the goalkeeper, it’s Pickford.
      “Now I think only of West Ham: if we beat them on Sunday we return to Europe, if we lose we are out.”
      PLAYER OF THE MONTH
      Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jesse Lingard are among those nominated for April’s Premier League Player of the Month.
      The shortlist also includes Stuart Dallas, Mason Greenwood, Kelechi Iheanacho, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood.

      MANAGER OF THE MONTH
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leads the Premier League Manager of the Month nominees for April.
      Marcelo Bielsa, Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce also feature on the shortlist, which will be voted for by fans until next Friday.
      ALL THE WAY
      The FA have revealed a new ‘England Football’ badge that has tweaked the original classic Three Lions crest.
      The new design features a cub, a lion and a lioness to symbolise ‘greater inclusivity’ in the game.
      But the men’s and women’s national teams will continue to wear the original Three Lions logo on their shirts for games.
      The FA released a statement that reads: “A cub, lion and lioness unite to form the new England Football crest with no boundaries; representing everyone at every level of football across the country.
      “The Three Lions are at the heart of England Football.
      “It symbolises progression, greater inclusivity and accessibility in all levels of the beautiful game; from grassroots to elite.”

      HARRY UP
      Ryan Mason says the country might not appreciate Harry Kane – but Tottenham do.
      Spurs are sweating on their star striker’s future after he vowed to make a decision on it after skippering England at the Euros.
      The North Londoners’ interim boss Mason said: “I can only speak for myself and this football club. No we don’t underappreciate him. We know he’s the best No9s in the world.
      “In my opinion the absolute best No9. As a country, as a nation, do we underappreciate him? Maybe, I’m not too sure.
      “In my opinion Harry has probably been the most complete player in the Premier League this season, if not in the whole of Europe.”

      OBLAK ONUS
      Jan Oblak would be keen on a move to a top English side this summer, according to reports.
      ESPN claim the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper’s camp want to draw interest from the Premier League after seven years in Spain.
      But the LaLiga club hold a £104million release clause on the star shot-stopper.
      CASH AND CARRA
      Everton are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s son, James.
      The Telegraph report on the Toffees’ interest as the 18-year-old defender’s scholarship at Wigan expires in the summer.
      Carragher Snr was a huge Everton fan before starring at Anfield and talks between the clubs are said to be ongoing.
      LUK AT THIS
      Chelsea are reportedly plotting a major summer of spending, to help Thomas Tuchel close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.
      The German has steered the Blues into the Champions League and FA Cup finals since taking the reins in January.
      According to the Sunday World, chief Roman Abramovich is now enthused with the club again, and wants to dig into his own pocket and splash the cash.
      This investment will allow Tuchel, 47, to strengthen areas of need this summer.
      And SunSport’s tactics guru Etienne Fermie has set out how the team may look if Chelsea pull off a mega summer.

      LIFE SUPPORT
      Mikel Arteta has insisted he is giving his whole life to the Arsenal job – and has vowed to fight on as manager after the Europa League heartache.
      Assuming there is no late Premier League twist, it will be the fifth campaign in a row without the Champions League and first out of Europe completely since 1995-96.
      Asked why that is the ‘trend’, Arteta said: “They are things to analyse more internally, I am sorry.
      “We have done that. There are things that we cannot discuss here. I take full responsibility for my part, for sure.
      “Since I arrived here what I have tried to do, giving my life, my best ability, investing every drop of energy that I have emotionally to support everything that has been going around with my knowledge, with staff, with all the players that are trying to contribute with all the club to give our best.
      “But so far it has not been enough and when the question mark comes, why it is not enough? Is it just a thing? Is it the manager? Is it any other stuff? What is it?
      “And then this is football. Again, I repeat myself, last night that ball goes in we win 1-0. You are in the final and it is a different world. But today that world doesn’t look very nice.”
      READY FER ACTION
      Fernando Torres has shown off his incredible body transformation while boxing as he continues to enjoy retirement.
      The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker hung up his boots nearly two years ago after a sensational career that saw him win a host of major trophies.
      And then at the beginning of 2021 the Spaniard revealed he had bulked up a huge amount since packing in football.
      He has released a fresh set of pictures which show him getting even more ripped through boxing training.

      ICE BERGE
      Arsenal are reportedly in the fight for Sheffield United star Sander Berge.
      The midfielder is said to be available for £35million in the summer via a relegation release clause.
      And Sky Sports have outlined a number of clubs interested in his signature, including Everton.
      Credit: AFP
      SUPER SILENCE
      Christian Eriksen has revealed his emotions at the European Super League debacle.
      Inter Milan signed up to the doomed plot and the Dane explained why many players stayed quiet on the affair.
      He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “It is a project that no player knew anything about and that was finished in two days.
      “As a footballer you have to respect the club you are in and the club in turn has to respect the fans and the people involved. 
      “We had nothing to say because it’s a decision of the owners. I don’t know about the future, but at the moment there is nothing on the table.”
      KROO ARE YA?
      Toni Kroos continued his feud with Mason Mount with a dig back at the Chelsea ace ahead of the Champions League final.
      After scoring the Blues’ third goal to dump Real Madrid out, Mount count not resist firing a quip towards the German.
      He told CBS Sports: “I saw one of their players say before that he doesn’t lose sleep over individuals.
      “But they need to lose sleep over us as a team. We give everything and we’re so strong together, we defended for our lives.”
      And now Kroos has responded with a tweet – but appears to be having a pop at Mount and Chelsea with a taunt over his own record in the competition.
      He wrote: “Still sleeping ok. But well done yesterday. congrats. Good luck in your first CL final.”

      ED RAGE
      Thibaut Courtois’ father has slammed Eden Hazard for laughing after the club were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week.
      Speaking on the HLN Sportcast podcast, he said: “It’s really not smart for Eden to do that.
      “If you see a player laughing two minutes after being eliminated, I’d say it was unprofessional.”
      And he was not the only one left angry with Hazard’s response to their European exit.
      Late-night football chat show host Josep Pedrerol labelled Hazard ‘another Bale’ and said he cannot stay another second at the club.
      WAR GAMES
      Sky Sports have revealed there could be ‘war’ between Erling Haaland’s representatives and Borussia Dortmund this summer.
      The German club reportedly want £150million for the striker, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.
      But agent Mino Raiola has already talked openly about a move and Dortmund finishing outside the top-four in Bundesliga could heighten that push.
      Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all credited with wanting to sign Haaland.
      Credit: EPA
      DONE DEAL
      Early movement in the Scottish transfer market as Aberdeen sign up Declan Gallagher to a pre-contract agreement.
      The Motherwell defender will move in the summer when his Fir Park contract expires.
      ICYMI: Last night we confirmed Declan Gallagher has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club🔴 Looking forward to welcoming you to Pittodrie this summer, Declan! #StandFree— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) May 7, 2021

      ART DEALER
      Mikel Arteta is the bookies’ joint-favourite if a Premier League manager is to lose their job in the final weeks of the season.
      Coral have slashed the Spaniard’s odds of being sacked before the first game of next season from 5-1 to 5-2 after Arsenal’s Europa League exit.
      And he is among the most likely to be fired before the campaign is out, too.
      Next Prem boss to be fired in 2021-22 odds:
      2-5 No manager to go8-1 Mikel Arteta, Sam Allardyce10-1 Scott Parker20-1 Roy Hodgson, Steve Bruce
      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Spanish Grand Prix second practice LIVE: Stream, start time UK, TV channel, Hamilton nabs quickest time at Practice 2

      by

      F1 is BACK this weekend as Lewis Hamilton aims for a third win in four races at the Spanish Grand Prix starting with today’s first practice.The Englishman has been bested just once this season, by Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna GP in March.

      GET HUGE 20/1 OFFER ON LEWIS HAMILTON TO PODIUM

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      ALL of the F1 action from Friday to Sunday will be shown live on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
      First practice coverage will begin from 10am on Friday, May 7.
      Coverage of the Grand Prix will begin at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 9.
      You can live stream all of the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      FULL F1 Spanish Grand Prix schedule
      Friday, May 7

      Spanish GP Practice One – 10.30am
      Spanish GP Practice Two – 2pm

      Saturday, May 8

      Spanish GP Practice Three – 11am
      Spanish GP Qualifying – 2pm

      Sunday, May 9

      Spanish Grand Prix – 2pm

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Barcelona in our live blog…

      FER REAL
      Can Ferrari close the gap this weekend?

      WHERE THEY CAME
      Lewis Hamilton impressed again during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.

      TOP TEN IN FP2
      1. HAM – 1:18.1702. BOT – Just over a tenth off3. LEC – More evidence of Ferrari pace4. OCO 5. ALO – Alpine looking strong6. GAS – Most laps (32), joint with Lewis7. TSU8. SAI9. VER – Six tenths off but time was on Medium tyre as Softs run ruined, ended with damaged front wing.10. PER – Behind his team-mate despite getting Soft hot lap in.
      Credit: AP
      CHEQUERED FLAG
      That is time for Friday’s track time ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix!
      Lewis Hamilton cruises home in the Mediums to end his race run but there was some heavy graining on his right-rear tyre on his later laps – likewise Sergio Perez.
      But the hot laps on the Softs in the first half of FP2 have left the Brit on top, followed by Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc.
      FINAL FIVE
      Fernando Alonso radioing back to the Alpine garage complaining of ‘oversteer’ but the Spaniard is sitting pretty in fifth.
      And Pierre Gasly, in sixth, is warned of wind picking up across the track.
      Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton averaging times in the mid 1m 22s to lead the race-pace timesheet.
      GIMME ME FUEL GIMME FIRE
      While we know the tyres being deployed by each car, we do not know the exact amount of fuel loaded into each car at this stage.
      And the teams appear to have all filled up for practice race runs around Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya.
      Credit: Getty
      TURNAROUND
      Plenty of quick cars hanging further back than expected with 20 minutes to go.
      Daniel Ricciardo is 15th with McLaren team-mate Lando Norris 12th, and the Red Bulls are ninth and 10th.
      It is currently the Alpines and AlphaTauris making the most of that opening, all four of which are in the top seven.
      SLOW BURNER
      Sergio Perez was 16th but is still seven-tenths off Lewis Hamilton as he goes 10th.
      Like Max Verstappen, Sector 1 was his slowest part of the track before gathering momentum later on.
      Most of the pack appear to be doing the opposite – a deliberate strategy perhaps?
      TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
      1. HAM 2. BOT3. LEC4. OCO5. ALO6. GAS7. SAI8. VER9. TSU10. VET
      Credit: AP
      FLYING DUTCHMAN
      Max Verstappen, on the Softs, runs wide and tickles the gravel at Turn 10 to cancel his hot lap.
      Meanwhile Nikita Mazepin and Kimi Raikkonen come out of their garages right at the same moment and almost trip over each other.
      GETTING FASTER
      The battle for third is on with the Soft compound plugged in for the midfield runners.
      Charles Leclerc puts his Ferrari behind the Mercs and ahead of Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.
      No sign of the Red Bulls on the quickest tyres just yet.
      TSUNODA PROBLEM
      Yuki Tsunoda has lost power after flying over a kerb at Turn 9 – the same area Carlos Sainz broke some bodywork on.
      It looks like the vibrations cut his electronics and he’s crawled back to the pits.
      BACK UNDERWAY
      In the meantime, Valtteri Bottas has pushed into first on another hot lap after a brief interlude behind Max Verstappen.
      The Finn puts in a 1:18.419 but Lewis Hamilton is right on his tail in second, 0.042 behind.
      Then it’s three-tenths back to Max Verstappen with the Alpines fourth and fifth.
      VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
      A piece of shrapnel has pinged off Carlos Sainz’s front wing as he ran over a kerb.
      And the stewards are slowing down the pack to allow it to be retrieved.
      MERCS FIRST UP
      The Mercedes cars have been much quicker than Red Bull to hammer in hot laps during practice sessions recently.
      Valtteri Bottas puts in an early time which Lewis Hamilton comes in just behind, but neither driver is in the 1m 18s yet.
      RACE PACE
      The Medium tyres are the order of the day with a lot of race runs expected in this session.
      Many of the quicker teams will also try to use the middle compound for the first rounds of qualifying tomorrow.
      But the grip level still isn’t perfect for Mick Schumacher who so nearly puts it in the gravel at Turn 2 but wrestles his Haas back just in time.
      GREEN LIGHT
      The second practie session is underway!
      Kimi Raikkonen and Mick Schumacher are first out the gate.
      PRACTICE TWO
      Just ten minutes to go until we start FP2 and get a good look at who will be coming out on top on Sunday afternoon.
      Credit: EPA
      RED-Y STEADY GO
      Christian Horner believes Red Bull and Mercedes are evenly-matched going into second practice.
      Max Verstappen separated Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton this morning and certainly looked like he had a lot more in the tank.
      Horner told Sky after FP1: “It looks like we are very close.
      “It looks good today, but the red flag was unfortunate for us, so it was not a clean session for us. The gap is only less than one tenth with Mercedes and that at a circuit where Mercedes were very good last year.
      “Barcelona is a circuit that has everything and you can see that Mercedes and Red Bull are very close. We are now close today and that is of course very encouraging for us.”
      WE GO AGAIN
      Second practice is less than an hour away…
      Check out how FP1 shaped up ahead of the afternoon’s running.

      HOME AWAY FROM HOME
      Valtteri Bottas has shown off the mobile home he lives in during race weekends since the pandemic hit.
      The gorgeous Redwood 4001 LK boasts modern fittings, a kitchen, TV and much more…
      Take a look here.

      QUIDS IN
      Lando Norris might want to think about striking a bet with his McLaren boss Zak Brown.
      The Brit is currently third in the drivers’ championship just behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen after an excellent start to the season.
      But so far his performances have failed to catch the creative mind of his McLaren chief, who is famed for his sporting wagers.
      Norris said before FP1: “Sadly I don’t have any bets with Zak. I know he does with some people, but not me.
      “Maybe it is because he is afraid I might achieve what he says! I know he sticks to his word. Pato O’Ward will get his McLaren F1 test after winning his IndyCar race.
      “I saw with Daniel, he’s done a bet to drive a NASCAR in Zak’s private collection. Maybe he will give me a car to drive at home.
      “Maybe if I am third in the championship at the end of the year, I could ask for the actual racecar, that would be lovely.”
      SKID MARKS
      An old head and a young head both encountered difficulties in that session.
      Haas rookie Nikita Mazepin ended up in the gravel early on after losing it coming out of Turn 7.
      And Robert Kubica was in for the session with Alfa Romeo but spun into the gravel at Turn 10, bringing about a late red flag.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Splash
      TOP TEN FOR FP1
      1. BOT – 1:18.5042. VER – Plenty still to come despite being only 0.03 seconds back3. HAM4. NOR – Another strong run from the Brit5. LEC – Ferrari in good form6. SAI – On the Medium tyres like his team-mate7. GAS – Most laps (26)8. VET9. PER – Held up by traffic on good lap10. STR
      CHEQUERED FLAG
      Sergio Perez pulls out of his hot lap after encountering a Daniel Ricciardo-sized piece of traffic.
      Valtteri Bottas comes back into the Mercedes garage with the quickest time, a 1:18.504.
      Credit: Splash
      Load more entries… More