Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell LIVE REACTION: King Ry WINS in round seven, Brit ‘heartbroken’ at defeat – latest updates

      by

      RYAN GARCIA retained his unbeaten record with a seventh round stoppage of Luke Campbell – despite hitting the canvas early in the fight.
      Live results: Ryan Garcia BEATS Luke Campbell (7th round stoppage)
      Roger Gutierrez BEATS Rene Alvarado (UD)
      Felix Alvarado BEATS DeeJay Krie (10th round stoppage)
      Raul Curiel BEATS Ramses Agaton (2nd round stoppage)
      Sean Garcia BEATS Rene Marquez (points)
      Follow ALL the reaction from Texas with our live blog below…

      OUT IN THE COLD
      Luke Campbell did not get the respect he deserved during his defeat to Ryan Garcia last night, according to champion boxing trainer Dave Coldwell.
      The Sky Boxing analyst was quick to heap praise on the Brit despite his round seven defeat in Texas.
      Coldwell tweeted: “He might not have got the respect from the commentary but @luke11campbell has definitely got the respect of the fans.
      “Great effort, made it such a great fight!”

      He might not have got the respect from the commentary but @luke11campbell has definitely got the respect of the fans.Great effort, made it such a great fight! 👏🏽👏🏽 #GarciaCampbell
      — Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) January 3, 2021

      RYAN’S RECOVERY
      Ryan Garcia recovered from a huge second round knockdown to stop Luke Campbell in the seventh last night.
      The American was blasted with a quick one-two from Brit Campbell whose left hook knocked his opponent to the floor.
      But Garcia bounced straight back up and went on to KO Campbell with a brutal body shot.

      ALL GER-N QUIET
      Gervonta Davis was trash talking Ryan Garcia before and during his fight with Luke Campbell.
      But Davis has gone quiet since Garcia stopped Brit Campbell with a brutal body shot in the seventh rouund last night.
      American Garcia has been linked with a clash with Davis next up.
      But Tony Bellew reckons Davis would win.

      BODY BASHERS
      Footage has emerged of Canelo Alvarez working on vicious body shots with Ryan Garcia ahead of his victory over Luke Campbell last night.
      Alvarez was in the arena in Texas to watch Garcia stop Brit Campbell with a monster of a body shot in the seventh round.

      YOU’RE BELLEW HIM
      Tony Bellew heaped praise on Ryan Garcia but claimed he could not beat Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
      The former cruiserweight took to Twitter to share his views after Garcia stopped Luke Campbell in the seventh round last night.
      Bellew tweeted: “Garcia is a really good fighter but I’m sorry he ain’t beating Tank!
      “Tank on his day is a fighter who will not allow you to continue once you go down!
      “Tank is a SERIOUSLY powerful fighter and one of the best finishers in the game today!”

      Garcia is a really good fighter but I’m sorry he ain’t beating Tank! Tank on his day is a fighter who will not allow you to continue once you go down! Tank is a SERIOUSLY powerful fighter and one of the best finishers in the game today!
      — Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 3, 2021

      GAR-GANTUAN WIN
      Ryan Garcia posted footage of his final knockdown of Luke Campbell on his Twitter.
      The American stopped the Brit was a thunderous body shot.
      And he was absolutely ecstatic after the win.

      KING OF THE CASTLE
      Ryan Garcia posted a victorious tweet after his win over Brit star Luke Campbell.
      The American posted a picture of him on a crown, sitting on a throne with an inspiring caption.
      He wrote: “You are not what they say you are, you are who you choose to be.”

      TOTAL RESPECT
      Luke Campbell was humble in defeat last night after his seventh round loss to Ryan Garcia.
      The fighters posed for pictures together in the dressing room after the clash and Campbell posted the shots to Twitter.
      He wrote: “Well I’m honestly heart broken, I really wanted to bring the win back for you all.
      “I’m sorry for that. I hope you all enjoyed the fight.
      “Have to take my hat off to @KingRyanG, well done and a massive future ahead for him. I wish him all the best.”

      Well I’m honestly heart broken, I really wanted to bring the win back for you all. I’m sorry for that. I hope you all enjoyed the fight. Have to take my hat off to @KingRyanG, well done and a massive future ahead for him. I wish him all the best. pic.twitter.com/hCVvillSm2
      — Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) January 3, 2021

      BEHIND THE SCENES

      FIGHT REPORT
      Here is SunSport boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr’s verdict…
      LUKE CAMPBELL handed over his golden boy status to Ryan Garcia after suffering a stunning bodyshot KO to the wonderkid.
      Hull’s 2012 London Olympic winner was sent to Dallas to be the American 22-year-old’s first serious test after 20 one-sided wins and try to secure his third world title shot.
      But the 33-year-old was destroyed by a magnificent left hook that confirmed Garcia is worth all the hype.
      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL FIGHT REPORT

      RESPECT
      The fighters are posing for photos together in the dressing room – real warm embrace between the pair.
      Canelo Alvarez is also back there.
      All’s well that ends well.

      BRIT PRIDE
      Eddie Hearn’s take…

      LOOKING AHEAD
      Ryan Garcia exits the arena and has a word with WBC champion Devin Haney on the way out.
      The pair smile at each other, and they clearly want to fight each other next.

      FIGHTING TALK
      On what he said to Canelo Alvarez: “I just wanted to thank him. Without Canelo being by my side all the time I don’t know if I would’ve learned all the things I’ve learned.
      “I’m grateful and blessed to have a great team around me.”

      ‘WARRIOR’
      Ryan Garcia: “I definitely showed a lot of people who I really am. I wanted to show people that whatever they call you’ a social media fighter’. You’re not what people tell you you are, you are who you choose to be. And I chose to be a champion tonight.
      “I have never been dropped in my life. I think I got too excited in the moment. I felt like I could crack him, but he cracked me. I just had to get back up and show everybody what a warrior is really like.”

      LION KING
      This is what it meant to Ryan Garcia – what a massive roar.

      CROWNING MOMENT
      Ryan Garcia has a crown on his head, and he’s getting some advice from Canelo Alvarez.
      With this ability, this support and his massive following there really isn’t a limit to what he could do in boxing.

      EMBRACE
      Ryan Garcia tells Luke Campbell he learned a lot tonight, he’d never been put down like that.
      Classy embrace.

      IT’S OVER!!!
      Garcia has knocked out Campbell in the seventh round.
      A vicious body shot that the Brit just couldn’t get up from.
      Stunning finish from King Ry.

      ROUND SEVEN
      Campbell is down! A massive body shot!

      ROUND SIX
      And Garcia starts round six looking to line Campbell up and tee off on him.
      Now it’s Campbell’s turn to have to show a response and he comes back well in the second half of the round.
      Garcia looking to pin Campbell on the ropes again and land a power blow, but the Brit fights his way out of there nicely with a straight right hand.

      ROUND FIVE
      Campbell nearly went down there. He looked to be held up by the ropes, right on the bell as well.
      He was happy to get back to the corner there and listen to his trainer McGuigan.
      Right on the temple from Garcia.

      ROUND FIVE
      Garcia gets caught again on the way in by Campbell.
      A better round from Campbell, this. He’s been on the front foot for the majority of it.
      But Garcia comes back well with a straight right hand that Campbell has to take on the chin.
      The home fighter finishes the round stronger as he tries to tee off with a flurry and he catches Campbell RIGHT ON THE BELL.

      ROUND FOUR
      Garcia with a big right hand that sends Campbell stumbling backwards a bit.
      The Brit isn’t doing enough to win these rounds, he’s very passive just throwing out some tentative jabs and looking for a big shot.
      Garcia has won the last two rounds I think just by being busier. It’s been a good response to that second round shock.

      ROUND THREE
      This is a good response from Garcia but Campbell maybe a bit passive?
      He hasn’t gone in and put the pressure on Garcia like you’d expect having floored him.
      Garcia finishes the round aggressively as he looks to tee off, but he has to be careful not to stand in front of Campbell and get countered again.

      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell LIVE RESULTS: Ring walks NEXT – DAZN live stream, TV channel, latest updates

      by

      RYAN GARCIA and Luke Campbell clash tonight as 2021 begins with a blockbuster bout from Stateside.
      Start time: Ring walks 11.15pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: DAZN/DAZN app (£1.99/month)
      Live undercard results: Roger Gutierrez BEATS Rene Alvarado (UD)
      Felix Alvarado BEATS DeeJay Krie (10th round stoppage)
      Raul Curiel BEATS Ramses Agaton (2nd round stoppage)
      Sean Garcia BEATS Rene Marquez (points)
      Follow ALL the action from Texas with our live blog below…

      How the fighters compare ahead of tonight’s big fight
      BETTING OFFER: CLAIM RISK FREE £20 BET ON CAMPBELL VS GARCIA | UK and Ireland only | 18+ | Begambleaware | T&Cs apply
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in payment to The Sun.

      SUPPORT CAST
      Canelo Alvarez features heavily on Ryan Garcia’s Instagram page, and he’s here supporting the protegee tonight.
      Garcia looking relaxed in his dressing room as he slips into his gold gown.
      Campbell is going through some final pad work.

      NEXT UP
      The stage is set for our main event now in Dallas.
      Both fighters going through their final preparations in their dressing rooms.

      SOBBING SON
      Roger Gutierrez lost his mum to cancer in November and just won a world title with a last-second knockdown.
      Mrs Gutierrez will be looking down on her boy full of pride.
      The new WBA super-feather king screams with relief and looks up to the heavens.

      ROGER GUTIERREZ WINS!
      The judges all score it: 113-112 for the new king

      ROUND TWELVE
      If Gutierrez survives he must be close to taking the fight following three knockdowns.
      Alvarado has been the aggressor in the last six rounds but he was just dropped.
      All over!

      ALVARADO DOWN IN TWELVE
      Roger Gutierrez seems to gave just won the fight with his third knockdown!
      That shot came from nowhere but could crown him a world champion.

      ROUND ELEVEN
      If Gutierrez really wants to rip this title away from the champion he needs to make these last two rounds count.
      That 10-7 round seems a lifetime away now and he has let Alvarado back into the last six rounds.
      The round ends with Gutierrez getting warned over rabbit punching.
      Such a tense finish coming up…

      ROUND TEN
      Very few clean shots landing now as both men struggle to go the distance.
      Gutierrez is throwing more shots but they’re only thudding into Alvarado’s guard.
      The champion is throwing fewer shots but just rammed a jab into the challenger that stiffened his legs briefly.
      These late sessions are getting harder and harder to split.

      ROUND NINE
      Another tense war as both warriors worries about throwing away all they have worked on so far.
      Gutierrez is smothered in the blood that has been dropping from his left eye.
      Alvarado looks fresh faced and smooth but he suffered a 10-7 loss early on.

      ROUND EIGHT
      Finally a quiet round to catch our breath.
      Gutierrez looks like a man who has spent all his money too soon.
      Alvarado is now controlling the bout like a seasoned champion.
      Gutierrez was so close to landing this world title for his recently deceased mother.

      ROUND EIGHT
      Ricky Hatton says: “It’s a very intriguing fight, Alvarado has got right back into the fight.
      “I don’t know if Gutierrez has lost his confidence or if he is saving himself for a late charge.
      “Alvarado is totally in control now”.

      ROUND SEVEN
      Gutierrez has started flagging, the shots he throws all drive into Alvarado’s high guard.
      Alvarado likes to soak them up and then hurl himself forward with power shots.
      Gutierrez ventures forward with a one-two but Alvarado counters with a trademark left hook that could snatch him another session with the judges.

      ROUND SIX
      The referee orders Gutierrez to get his cut checked by the doctor and he has no problem waving it on.
      Gutierrez is throwing one-twos but Alvarado is happily catching them on his gloves.
      Another round ends with Alvarado on the assault and probably impressing the Texas judges with his cajones.

      ROUND FIVE
      Six thousand fans are allowed in the Dallas arena.
      They would have seen Gutierrez ship a stiff right hand as the fight continues to sway back in Alvarado’s favour.
      Alvarado launches a wild left hook but misses and leaps into the air with misplaced momentum.
      Another session in the bank for resurgent Alvarado.

      ROUND FOUR
      Alvarado totally dominated Gutierrez when they met in 2017, Gutierrez’s corner pulled him out after seven painful rounds.
      This is far more even as Alvarado works his way back into the contest.
      Did Gutierrez empty his tank with the early knockdowns?
      Will Alvarado grow in confidence having walked through his best shots?

      ROUND FOUR
      Gutierrez has a 10-7 round in the bank now and Alvarado has it all to do.
      Maybe Alvarado needs the power of his brother’s immaculate ponytail?
      The cut on Gutierrez’s eye should not effect his vision as it is on the outer corner.
      Alvarado has marched through the mist and seems to have cleared his head.

      ROUND THREE
      Gutierrez has taken his foot of Alvarado’s neck and let him finish the stanza.
      Two rapid knockdowns looked to have won the fight for the challenger.
      Gutierrez is now bleeding though from the corner of his left eye.
      What a round!

      ALVARADO DOWN TWICE IN THREE
      Gutierrez lands an uppercut than smashes his rival to the floor!
      The champion beats the count but is then blitzed again and eats canvas.
      Gutierrez is seconds away from a world title.
      Alvarado is desperate and clinging on but he is recovering it seems.

      ROUND TWO
      Gutierrez is scoring with jabs while Alvarado looks for power punches, just like his brother in the previous fight.
      Gutierrez lost his mother to cancer in November and insists he will win the title for her tonight.
      Gutierrez fancies the counter left hook as his honey shot but scores there with an uppercut.
      The round again sets alight in the last 15 seconds as they try to nick it with the judges.

      ROUND ONE
      Alvarado beat Gutierrez in 2017 so the Venezuelan is looking for revenge.
      After a tentative start it ended in a fabulous trade-off.
      Gutierrez threw the first serious bomb and looked like stunning his man in the opening round.
      But Alvarado grew into the war and matched his opponent for brutality before the bell rang.

      RENE ALVARADO VS ROGER GUTIERREZ NOW
      Alvarado’s twin just won a great 10-round battle with DeeJay Kriel and now he faces a rematch.
      Super-featherweight rivalry for the WBA world title in Dallas now.
      This is the last fight before Campbell vs Garcia.

      ALVARADO WINS IN TEN!
      The referee stops the action with Kriel in real danger.
      Alvarado defends his title but Kriel gets all the respoect and praise.

      ROUND NINE
      Kriel has spent so much more time on the front foot, peppering the champion.
      But a massive right hand rocks the South African and he clings on to the fight by the skin of his teeth.
      Kriel was put on his feet, but he showed so much heart.

      ROUND NINE
      Kriel has pulled off a mini-miracle by jabbing and moving his way back into the fight after two early knockdowns.
      Kriel insists he is not tired after 24 minutes of action.
      Alvarado starts like a tornado and lands an uppercut on the ropes.

      ROUND SEVEN
      Alvarado seems to have injured his left arm as his corner was working on it during that break.
      Kriel is enjoying his third successive impressive round.
      Alvarado is stalking and threatening all the time.
      But he is also walking on to dozens of clean shots. Good session.

      Load more entries… More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      West Brom 0 Arsenal 4 LIVE REACTION: Saka, Tierney and Lacazette all on target as Mikel Arteta’s men begin 2021 in style

      by

      ARSENAL made it three Premier League wins on the bounce as they thrashed West Brom at the Hawthorns.
      Final score: West Brom 0-4 Arsenal
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      THANKS FOR JOINING US
      That’s all for tonight, as Arsenal continued their charge towards the top half of the Premier League with a comfortable win over West Brom.
      The Baggies have still won just one league game so far this season and will need some January additions to help Sam Allardyce try and keep them up.
      Next up for the Gunners is a home game against Newcastle in the FA Cup a week today, while the Baggies travel to Blackpool on the same day in the same competition.
      That’s all for now though.
      Thanks for joining us, it’s been a pleasure.

      MATCH REPORT
      Plenty to talk about from tonight’s game, as the Gunners breezed past West Brom to pick up a third win on the bounce in the league for the first time this season.
      Goals from Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka, and a brace from Alexandre Lacazette heaped more misery on the Baggies who have conceded nine and scored none in their last two home games.
      CLICK HERE TO READ OUR MATCH REPORT

      WEST BROM WOES
      The Baggies are well and truly in a relegation scrap.
      Their six points adrift of safety and will need some reinforcements to arrive in January if they want to avoid the drop.

      AS IT STANDS
      The Gunners will now be looking up the table instead of down, after three wins on the bounce have put them just three points off a European place.

      SAM SPEAKS
      This is what Baggies boss Sam Allardyce has to say at full time:
      “Well I mean you know there’s another game gone by where we learn more and more about the players that we have.
      “I think that we’ve learnt an awful lot about what we can and cannot do.
      “We’ve got Blackpool in the FA Cup where some of the players who have not performed yet will get the opportunity to play.
      “That will be the final assessment of everybody and then obviously I think we need to work out a way of trying to make sure we don’t be as sloppy as we are as conceding goals.”

      ARTETA’S THOUGHTS
      On Kieran Tierney being one of the first names on the team sheet:
      “Absolutely, he’s been fantastic since I’ve been here.
      “[From] the moment that he got back from his shoulder injury he’s been terrific.
      “He’s a lad that gives you absolutely everything.
      “He’s improving, he’s willing to do better and better and he brings a great energy and quality to the team.”

      ARTETA’S ANALYSIS
      These are the full time thoughts of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta:
      “A very convincing win.
      “To win the last three games, [over] the Christmas period in the Premier League is not easy.
      “I think today in phases, when the weather was better and the conditions to play were better I think we played some great football, and then at the end we have to manage in certain moments as well the conditions and the way we had to play because the pitch was very difficult.”

      FULL TIME STATS
      Here’s a look at the full time stats.
      The Gunners managed a whopping twenty one efforts at goal, with twelve of them hitting the target.
      The Baggies meanwhile could muster just three shots in the entire game.

      TIERNEY TALKS
      These are the full time thoughts of Arsenal goalscorer Kieran Tierney:
      “[We] Wanted to build up wins, build up points, climb up the table, [and] in the last few games we’ve done that.
      “It’s just consistent hard work, we haven’t changed anything for the last three games, we’ve been working hard every day like we were in the dry spell as well but it’s eventually coming together now.”

      HAPPY NEW YEAR
      An ideal start to 2021 for Arsenal, as they made it three wins on the bounce with perhaps their most impressive performance of the season so far.

      GLORIOUS GUNNERS
      Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the performance from his side tonight in what were tricky conditions at the Hawthorns.
      You would have thought the snowy surface would have played into West Brom’s hands, but Arsenal played some excellent football at times, and well deserved their four goal win.
      Kieran Tierney opened the scoring with a wonderful right footed curling effort, before Bukayo Saka finished off a wonderful team move to make it 2-0.
      Alexandre Lacazette then scored twice in four second half minutes, rifling home his first from twelve yards out, before bundling in from close range after a Kieran Tierney cross.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      Arsenal win comfortably in their first game of 2021, stretching their winning run to three.
      It’s another disappointing defeat for the Baggies, who have lost two games in a row at home, to an aggregate score of 0-9.

      FULL TIME: WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      PEEEEP! THAT’S FULL TIME!

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      93. GOOD SAVE!
      Leno preserves his clean sheet with a smart stop low to his left after an effort from Harper from the edge of the box.
      West Brom will have a corner.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      92. Willian fancies getting on the scoresheet.
      He cuts the ball onto his left foot on the right wing, and breezes past O’Shea.
      He drives into the box, looks up and goes for goal, but Johnstone catches the effort easily.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      90. Three minutes of added time are signalled by the fourth official.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      90. Arsenal break as Willian is played in over the top on the right hand side.
      Again the marking from West Brom is non existent and Willock has a free header from Willian’s cross.
      He can’t make a good connection with it though and it scuffs off his head for a goal kick.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      89. Gallagher finds himself in a bit of space thirty yards out.
      There’s not a lot on for him so he goes for goal, but it’s straight down the throat of Leno.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      87. Arsenal yellow card.
      Ceballos slides in on Robinson, taking the ball and the man, and is booked for his challenge.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      86. Four minutes plus stoppage time left to play at the Hawthorns, and you wouldn’t bet against Arsenal getting a fifth before the final whistle goes.

      HOW LONG LEFT?
      Sam Allardyce counting down the seconds until the final whistle.

      Credit: Reuters

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      83. The corner from Willian doesn’t beat the first man, but Arsenal recycle the ball.
      Tierney tries to slide it into the path of Willock, but Austin plays the ball off the Arsenal substitute and out for a goal kick.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      82. Arsenal corner.
      Furlong does brilliantly to poke a ball across the face of goal from Lacazette away from the waiting Tierney.
      The Gunners are slicing through West Brom at will here.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      81. West Brom substitution.
      Rekeem Harper replaces Matt Phillips for the last ten minutes.

      WEST BROM 0-4 ARSENAL
      80. Good save!
      Johnstone is on hand to stop Aubameyang from making it five.
      The Gunners break, and Aubameyang drives from the halfway line all the way in to the West Brom box.
      He shoots on his left foot from a tight angle, but Johnstone parries away.

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers 1 Celtic 0 LIVE REACTION: Callum McGregor OWN GOAL sends Gerrard’s side 19 points clear – latest updates

      by

      RANGERS further-asserted their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 1-0 win over 10-men Celtic at Ibrox Stadium.
      Callum McGregor scored an own goal and Nir Bitton was sent off on a torrid afternoon for Neil Lennon’s side, who are a long way off retaining their league title.
      RESULT: Rangers 1-0 Celtic
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football
      Rangers XI: McGregor, Tavernier (c), Goldson, Helander, Barisic, Aribo, Davis, Kamara, Kent, Roofe, Morelos
      Celtic XI: Barkas, Frimpong, Bitton, Ajer, Laxalt, Soro, McGregor, Christie, Turnbull, Griffiths, Edouard

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      THAT’S ALL FROM ME
      What an entertaining afternoon of football! cards galore and a dramatic winner to keep Rangers on track for title No55.
      And for Celtic? They’re off to Dubai later today, a good chance to regroup and prepare for the second half of the season.
      Have a good one!

      MCGREGOR SPEAKS
      Allan McGregor was the hero in between the sticks for Rangers today.
      He told Sky Sports after the game: “Hopefully come four- or five-months time it’ll be a huge win.
      “I thought we were really really poor first half and the 15 minutes of the second half before the red card.
      “We were a wee bit better after that and the win’s the most important thing.
      “They looked hungrier first 50 minutes.”

      TABLE CHECK
      Rangers still sitting top of the table and they’re now 19 points clear.
      However, Celtic do have three games in hand which could close the gap to ten if they win all of them.

      GERRARD’S REACTION
      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard gave his reaction to Sky Sports after his side’s 1-0 win took them 19 points clear at the top of the table.
      Gerrard said: “Today was big in terms of making a statement, and proving we can win our second derby out of two.
      “That’s really pleasing, but we don’t look at leads. Our season starts now.”

      STEVIE G EFFECT
      Games played: 22
      Wins: 20
      Goals: 57
      Conceded: 5
      Clean sheets: 18
      Goal difference: +52

      Credit: Getty Images

      TOP SAVE
      McGregor pulled off an unbelievable save to tip Griffiths’ shot onto the post early in the first half.

      What a save! 🤯⛔Allan McGregor produces a magnificent finger-tip stop to deny Leigh Griffiths!Watch Rangers v Celtic live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/Xd5ibfQmif
      — Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021

      TITLE CHARGE
      Rangers are giving themselves a good chance of winning title No55 as they go 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
      They were rather poor in the first half and the red card in the second gave them the boost they needed to go on and win the match.
      Neil Lennon got his tactics and line-up spot on for pretty much most of the game, but it was a moment of madness from Britton which threw the game away.

      Credit: Getty Images

      FULL-TIME STATS
      Celtic saw less of the ball in the second half as expected, 49 per cent to Rangers’ 51 per cent.
      The hosts had ten shots, none on target, BUT come away with all three points.
      Celtic had 14 attempts but only managed to register three of those on target.
      Seven cards in total. Six yellows and one red.

      FT: RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      Rangers get the job done and take all three points thanks to an own goal by Callum McGregor.
      Celtic started the second half how they ended the first, on top and controlling the ball.
      But it was a moment of madness from Britton which undone all of Celtic’s hardwork.
      The make-shift defender wrestled Morelos down to the ground and as a consequence he was shown his marching orders.
      Rangers capitalised and found themselves ahead with Aribo’s flick-on deflecting off the shoulder of McGregor and past Barkas.
      Celtic’s hopes of ten league titles in a row is slipping away, they’re now 19 points behind Rangers.

      PEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES AND RANGERS TAKE THE THREE POINTS!
      RANGERS REMAIN UNBEATEN AND CELTIC LEAVE THEMSELVES WITH A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON!

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+3. Laxalt floats the ball up towards Duffy who knocks the ball down to Edouard.
      Edouard plays a one-two with Elyounoussi, but Goldson holds the Frenchman off.
      Game is as good as done.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90+1. One last change for Rangers as Aribo makes way for Barker.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      90. Four additional minutes at the end of the second half and Celtic are throwing everyone forward.

      HANDBAGS
      Ajer tries to bring order after some of Rangers’ players reacted badly to a challenge on Kent.

      Credit: Getty Images

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      86. Elyounoussi dances clear of two or three players, he tries to beat Kamara but the No18 stands tall and sweeps the ball away.
      The referee decides to pull the ball back for a free-kick.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      85. We’re into the final five minutes and Gerrard is making another change with Kent making way for Zungu.

      DIFFERENCE MAKER
      Aribo’s header is the difference between the two sides.

      Rangers lead at Ibrox! 🟦Callum McGregor’s own-goal puts the hosts ahead against Celtic!Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/iNul5u3GnW
      — Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      83. McGregor is making way for Rogic who likes a Old Firm derby goal!

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      81. JUST OVER!
      McGregor slices his clearance straight into the path of Hagi who lays it off to Itten on the edge of the penalty area.
      Itten spins and sends an effort looping just over the crossbar!

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      80. Dreadful from Duffy as he passes the ball straight into the feet of Kent on the edge of the Celtic penalty area.
      Kent cuts inside onto his right foot and sends an effort crashing off Duffy. He’s somewhat made up for his error.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      79. McGregor whips the ball in towards the far post, but Rangers keep a good high line.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      79. Barisic is the next man into the book for a sloppy challenge wide on the right-hand side.
      Six yellows and one red in the Old Firm derby.

      DEADLOCK BROKEN
      Aribo’s flick on deflected off the shoulder of McGregor and past Barkas to hand Rangers the lead!
      Bitton’s red card came back to bite Celtic.

      Credit: Getty Images

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      76. Morelos is being taken off and right so, before the Colombian finds himself in more trouble.
      Cedric Itten is the man to come on in his lace.

      RANGERS 1-0 CELTIC
      74. Kent turns and races clear of Duffy, the experienced defender knows he’s beaten for pace and swipes Kent down.
      Rangers are not happy with the challenge and there’s a little scuffle on the halfway line.
      Duffy, Morelos and McGregor are booked.

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Leeds LIVE REACTION: Son and Kane devastate Leeds as Spurs move up to third – latest updates

      by

      TOTTENHAM have jumped up to third in the Premier League after beating Leeds 3-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld were on target as Jose Mourinho’s side overcame Marcelo Bielsa’s entertaining Leeds.

      Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

      THAT’S ALL FROM TOTTENHAM!
      Tottenham picked up an important and comfortable 3-0 win over Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      This victory means Spurs have toppled Everton and Leicester to climb up to third place in the Premier League.
      Harry Kane opened the scoring after 29 minutes with a penalty kick after Illan Meslier gave the ball away and Steven Bergwijn was brought down on the edge of the box by Ezgjan Alioski.
      Son Heung-min then scored his 100th goal for Tottenham following a beautiful pass by Kane just two minutes before half-time.
      Leeds dominated possession in the first half and hoped for a comeback in the second half but Spurs crushed their hopes with Toby Alderweireld’s header in the 50th minute.
      Alderweireld headed Son’s cross and saw Meslier failing to hold on to the ball, which went over the goal line.
      The north Londoners controlled the rest of the game but lost Matt Doherty to a second yellow card after he stepped on Ian Poveda’s foot in the second minute of extra time.
      Thank you for following the action with us, have a lovely afternoon and a happy new year!

      GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

      MOURINHO ON COVID BREACH
      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho criticised the actions of Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon after they were pictured breaking coronavirus guidelines by gathering with family for a Christmas party.
      Mourinho said: “I gave him [Reguilon] an amazing gift. A Portuguese piglet which is amazing. I gave him because I was told he would be spending Christmas on his own. He was not alone as you can see.
      “We as a club feel disappointed. We give the players all the education and it was a negative surprise for us.
      “I prefer to say disappointed [than angry]. We know what we are internally.
      “We don’t need to tell you the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise. I feel disappointed.”

      MOURINHO ON KANE AND SON
      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho believes Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have a special partnership.
      Mourinho told BT Sport: “The understanding [between Kane and Son] is good.
      “Against Leeds it was important to have mobility in attack because they mark man to man and if you stay in static positions you give them an easy job. When you have mobility it is more difficult for them.
      “That movement of Kane appearing on the right side and Sonny in a finishing position, it fit well with our game plan. They are doing special things this season.”

      MOURINHO REACTION
      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is pleased with the performance but still believes his team can do better.
      Mourinho told BT Sport: “The three points are very important. We understand well how they could hurt us and how we could hurt them. 
      “I still think we can and we have to do better.”

      BIELSA REACTION
      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa believes his team did well throughout the first half and the second part of second half.
      But Bielsa believes his team underperformed in the first part of second half.
      He said: “The first 30 minutes were positive. The final 15 minutes of the first half were more even.
      “In the first 15 minutes of the second half were our most difficult. In the second half of the second half we dominated again.
      “We weren’t winning the second ball from set pieces and we conceded from one. We created 10 chances and didn’t score one.
      “Our opponents created 12 and scored three. They were more efficient. Their goals came about through errors that we created.”

      PREM TABLE
      As mentioned below, Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Leeds means they have climbed up to third place.
      Spurs toppled Everton and Leicester thank to their better goal difference, as all three of them have 29 points.
      But reminding you all that Manchester City, who are currently eighth with 26 points, have two games in hand.
      Nevertheless, the north Londoners will still rejoice for their return to the top four

      RING THE BIEL
      Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Leeds means Jose Mourinho remains undefeated against Marcelo Bielsa.
      In fact, Mourinho has beaten Bielsa in all five games they have met throughout the years.
      The Spurs manager prevailed four times over his counterpart in La Liga when he was in charge of Real Madrid and the Argentine was coaching Athletic Bilbao.
      Fun fact, this was the first ever time Mourinho faced Leeds

      GETY IMAGES – GETTY

      OFFICIAL SON-TURION
      As mentioned below, Son Heung-min made history as he scored his 100th goal for Tottenham.
      Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks mainly under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      The star forward’s historic finish took place in the 43rd minute when he caught Leeds’ defence off guard.
      The South Korea international picked up a beautiful pass by Harry Kane and tapped the ball behind the net

      STATS
      Leeds dominated 63.8 per cent of possession throughout the match and still conceded three goals.
      But that was text-book Jose Mourinho as he likes his teams to sit deep, close spaces, wait for a mistake and produce counter-attacks.
      Spurs produced 20 shots, seven of which were on target.
      Leeds, on the other hand, produced 18 shots, five of which were on target.
      But Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made more saves than Illan Meslier as he prevented danger five times compared to his Leeds counterpart who made four saves

      FT: TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      Tottenham picked up a big win over Leeds, which helped them climb up to third place in the Premier League table.
      The visitors started strong in the first half as they dominated possession and tempo but still conceded two goals.
      Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after Illan Meslier gave the ball away and Steven Bergwijn was fouled by Ezgjan Alioski at the edge of the box.
      Spurs doubled their lead just two minutes before half-time with Son Heung-min who caught Leeds’ defence off guard and picked up Kane’s through pass to finish off with a cool shot, which marked his 100th goal for the north Londoners.
      Things got worse for Marcelo Bielsa’s men in the second half as Toby Alderweireld scored the third with a cool header, which Meslier couldn’t save and thus the ball went over the line after 50 minutes.
      Tottenham dominated the rest of the game but lost Matt Doherty to a second yellow card after he stepped on Ian Poveda’s foot in the second minute of stoppage time

      GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

      PEEEEEEEEEEP
      AND THAT’S FULL-TIME AT TOTTENHAM!!!!!!

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      90+2 RED CARD!!!!
      Doherty gets his second yellow card for a rough challenge on Poveda.
      The Tottenham defender stepped on the Leeds ace’s foot, Mourinho will not be happy with this!

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      90 Referee gives three minutes of stoppage time!

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      89 YELLOW
      Phillips gets booked for a rough challenge on Vinicius, who was trying to get on the counter-attack.
      That’s his fifth booking and will miss Leeds’ next match with Brighton

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      88 Dallas is limping out of the pitch after a hard tackle by Lucas.
      Bielsa has ran out of substitutions so the Leeds ace decides to hobble on until full-time

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      87 SUBSTITUTION
      And there goes Kane, who was arguably the man of the match.
      He is replaced by Vinicius

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      84 YELLOW
      Hojbjerg gets booked for bringing Hernandez down, probably a soft decision…

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      83 CHANCE
      Raphinha delivers a cross to the unmarked Bamford who gets the header.
      But it is yet another routine save for Lloris

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      82 CHANCE
      Leeds are still trying to get on the scoresheet but Klich’s cross was too high for Raphinha and the ball goes out for a goal kick

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      81 CHANCE
      Rphinha moves the ball beautifully from the left flank and fires a shot at Lloris.
      One of the easiest saves in the Tottenham keeper’s career

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      80 And we got only 10 minutes left at Tottenham.
      Spurs have sealed an important and impressive victory over a strong Leeds side.
      The visitors let themselves down after dominating the first half but a poor challenge by Alioski, a defence that was off guard and Alderweireld’s early goal in the second half were their undoing.
      They got enough time to get on the scoresheet though…

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      77 SUBSTITUTION
      NDombele is withdrawn and Lucas Moura comes in for the last few minutes of the game

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      75 SUBSTITUTION
      Tottenham make their first switch in the match.
      Sissoko takes Winks’ place

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      74 CHANCE
      Hernandez reclaims possession with a beautiful tackle and delivers another shot, which is deflected and goes out for a corner

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 LEEDS
      74 CHANCE
      Hernandes fires a shot that finds a deflection and goes out for a corner

      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 2 Aston Villa 1 REACTION: Bruno penalty puts United LEVEL on points with Liverpool at top of Premier League

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have gone LEVEL on points with Liverpool but remain second in the Premier League on goal difference after a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
      Anthony Martial’s header from Aaron Wan Bissaka’s cross has given United the lead before Bertrand Traore got the leveller after half time.

      Then Bruno scored from the spot after Paul Pogba was fouled inside the box.
      Stay up to date with all the action from Old Trafford in our live blog…

      GOODNIGHT FROM OLD TRAFFORD
      A new year, but Manchester United have begun 2021 just how they finished 2020 – by fortuitously beating a West Midlands club at Old Trafford.
      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will believe that good luck is earned by hard work, and there can be no faulting the effort that has gone in to United’s current unbeaten run of ten matches in which they have won eight.
      Second-place United are now locked together with Liverpool on 33 points at the top of the table, trailing their old foes on goal difference only after 16 games each.
      The Red Devils go to Burnley next while Jurgen Klopp’s team travel to Southampton before the pair come together for a north-west derby on January 17. A title six-pointer? Perhaps. A fierce rivalry with even more on the line than usual? Certainly.
      Aston Villa, meanwhile, may be downhearted by tonight’s result, but can take heart from yet another good performance in what has so far been a mightily impressive season.
      When they last lost to United five months ago, they were staring an immediate return to the Championship in the face. Now they are eyeing up the prospect of European football returning to Villa Park next season.
      There’s more live Premier League football to come tomorrow plus an Old Firm derby north of the border so be sure to tune in. Until then, thanks for being with us and goodnight.

      SMITH RUES SPOTKICK DECISION
      Aston Villa boss Dean Smith believes his side have been undone tonight by a penalty that should never have been, and is unsure as to why referee Michael Oliver wasn’t sent to consult the pitchside monitors.

      “Michael Oliver should be sent over to the camera because that’s what the VAR is for. Pogba’s tripped himself up there.” 😤Dean Smith believes the decision to award Manchester United a match-winning penalty was the wrong one. 💬 pic.twitter.com/nbJ4qj9GTG
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2021

      OLE AT THE WHEEL
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted his delight at another three points, but admits his team need be more streetwise in how they finish games when in front.

      It’s a fantastic block that [Eric Bailly] makes at the end. I didn’t enjoy the last ten minutes because we should have seen the game out in a better way. It felt like a cup final or the last game of the season. We need to learn to play out games better when we’re in the lead.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      “It’s early on in the season and we can’t get too carried away yet.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his team will remain grounded despite moving level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. 👀 pic.twitter.com/HXmGtpKp1y
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2021

      GREALISH GROUNDED
      Imagine how many penalties the midfielder would win if he did move to Old Trafford…

      8 – Jack Grealish won eight fouls tonight, one of only three instances since 2003/04 of a player winning 8+ fouls in a Premier League match at Old Trafford – the others were Cristiano Ronaldo vs Blackburn in April 2005 (8) & Wilfried Zaha vs Man Utd in May 2017 (10). Target. pic.twitter.com/T1bBOaXb3M
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2021

      PERSPECTIVE
      Aston Villa fans will be disappointed that they failed to take anything this evening, eventually losing out to a disputed penalty, but they should be delighted by the massive strides they have taken under Dean Smith.
      It just shows what sticking with a manager under pressure can achieve.

      2 years ago Villa lost 3-0 at Wigan. We just went toe to toe with United and deserved at least a point #avfc
      — Jon (@frontwards) January 1, 2021

      TOP OF THE TABLE
      Another three points take Manchester United joint top of the Premier League, and they now trail the champions – and fiercest rivals – only on goal difference.

      📊 Man Utd have won 10 of their opening 16 PL games this season – it took them 26 matches to record 10 PL wins last season pic.twitter.com/6kz27JGYZP
      — Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 1, 2021

      KING ERIC
      United defender Eric Bailly earns the congratulations of his teammates after his last second block; Old Trafford heroics worthy of a certain French namesake.

      FT: MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      United win again, but they were once again more than matched by a team from the West Midlands. Bruno Fernandes netted the winner from the penalty spot after Bertrand Traore had cancelled out Anthony Martial’s opener. The result sends the Red Devils joint top of the Premier League.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER AT OLD TRAFFORD!

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90+6. Big chance for Davis! What a block from Bailly!
      The defender denies Villa’s substitute with the last kick of the game as the forward looked prime to level from ten yards out.
      What a finish to the match!

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90+5. Rashford wants to go for the corner flag, but Pogba instead goes hunting for a third goal and loses possession….

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90+4. The corner is directed to Watkins at the far post, but the striker is unable to make a connection under pressure from Pogba.
      Meanwhile, United make another time-consuming swap with Axel Tuanzebe on for Fred.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90+3. Cash from long range! Good save from De Gea!
      Villa are piling on the pressure and have another corner.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90+1. Into the first of five added minutes, and James passes up the opportunity to put this game to bed by failing to play in his teammate on the counter.
      These sides have scored nine goals in stoppage time between them this season.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      90. The bookings keep on coming for Manchester United players. This time it’s Matic cautioned for kicking over Grealish.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      89. Luke Shaw gets his customary yellow card.
      The left-back has had an otherwise impressive evening.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      88. That said, James does well here to battle back and win a free-kick from Cash.
      The Aston Villa right-back has been his side’s biggest creative threat in the past ten minutes, and James’ pace will be a good match for him in the final stages.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      86. Bruno Fernandes doesn’t look happy as his number goes up. The Portuguese is replaced by Daniel James which is more a ploy to eat up a few seconds rather than a critique of Fernandes’ performance.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      84. Another sub for the visitors as forward Keinan Davis is thrown on for Anwar El Ghazi.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      83. It’s a brilliant delivery from Cash, straight on to the head of Mings, who heads wide.
      The Aston Villa defender is all over the back of his England colleague, Maguire, but there’s no whistle and it has to go down as big chance missed.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      81. It’s all a little stop-start at the moment with Michael Oliver’s whistle getting plenty of action.
      Villa failed to make he most of their set–piece opportunities in the first half, but they have well-placed free-kick on the right that Cash is standing over.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      78. A first change for Villa. Dean Smith replaces his side’s goalscorer, Bertrand Traore, with youngster Jacob Ramsey.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      77. Two stunning saves in quick succession from Martinez!
      The first sees him tip over Fernandes’ excellent long-range strike, and then he recovers to do almost exactly the same to Rashford seconds later.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      75. Grealish gets his cross wrong as he tries to pick out El Ghazi at the far post.
      Meanwhile, if you’re wondering – and I know you are – Manchester United have been awarded 27 penalties since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first game in charge, seven more than any other Premier League team.

      MAN UTD 2-1 ASTON VILLA
      73. Pogba! How did he miss?!
      Martial and Shaw combine on the left before the full-back squares into the path of United’s French midfielder.
      Pogba, brilliant so far this evening, opens up his body and looks certain to slot home, only to somehow shoot wide from ten yards.

      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0 LIVE REACTION: Darlow stars as Toon battle to superb point in last Premier League game of 2020

      by

      LIVERPOOL missed the chance to go five points clear as Newcastle frustrated the Premier League champions.
      Final score: Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      THANKS FOR JOINING US
      That’s all for tonight, as Liverpool failed to end 2020 by extending their lead to five points at the top of the table.
      The Reds are just three points clear of second place Manchester United, who have a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      Newcastle meanwhile are up to 14th, just points off the top ten and eight points clear of the relegation zone.
      Next up for Liverpool is a tricky away fixture at Southampton on Monday, while Newcastle host Leicester on Sunday.
      That’s all for now though, as the Premier League signs off for 2020.
      Thanks for joining us, and Happy New Year!

      MATCH REPORT
      Despite the lack of goals, there’s still plenty to talk about from the game.
      Most notably the performance of Karl Darlow, who was brilliant in between the posts for Newcastle.
      CLICK HERE TO READ OUR MATCH REPORT FROM THE GAME

      STAT ATTACK
      Here’s a look at the stats from the game.
      Liverpool saw nearly three quarters of the ball, but could not turn their possession into goals.
      When they did have efforts on target, they were met by firm resistance in the form of Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
      Darlow pulled off multiple brilliant saves to earn a point for his side.

      FULL TIME SCENES
      Jurgen Klopp reacts to this evening’s 0-0 draw.

      Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Credit: AFP

      JURGEN’S ANALYIS
      This is what Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has to say about the game:
      “[We] created chances, crazy chances, unbelievably big chances, [but] didn’t use them.
      “That’s true, that’s why it’s 0-0.
      “But I liked the game, and yes there are different draws in your life and this is one that we are not happy about the result obviously but I’m really fine with the performance because that’s the way we have to play.
      “That’s the way we have to create, that’s the way we have to protect, and we did all that and so yeah still of course disappointing but it is how it is.”

      CURRENT STANDINGS
      Here’s how the table looks like from a Newcastle perspective.
      The Magpies now have an eight point cushion between them and the drop zone.

      CRACKS APPEARING?
      Liverpool end 2020 top of the table, but the Reds have already dropped points this season to four of the current teams in the bottom six.
      Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham and West Brom have all taken points from the champions this season.
      Manchester United are just three points behind the Reds, with a game in hand.

      STEVE SPEAKS
      This is what Magpies boss Steve Bruce has to say at full time:
      “Yeah I mean look we rode our luck a little bit at times.
      “Our goalkeeper has made a few saves where you have to when you’re playing against one of the best teams in the country or in Europe.
      “But also their goalkeeper made a couple of great saves, in all I can remember two so, yeah I couldn’t fault them to a man.
      “They’ve stuck at it and got a reward.”

      DARLOW DISSECTS
      Here’s what man of the match Karl Darlow has to say at the full time whistle:
      “I think it’s a terrific effort from us, I think we’ve got Man City away then Liverpool at home, and Man City away can blow you away and I thought we stayed in the game and we did brilliantly there.
      “And then to come here and grind out a point against the champions is [a] credit to the lads, and the work rate to come off the back of playing two top sides in four days, so it’s a good point for us and we can build on that.”

      INCREDIBLE KARL
      Another brilliant save from Karl Darlow to deny the Reds.

      FULL TIME
      A 0-0 draw at St.James’ Park in the last Premier League game of 2020.
      It’s also the first goalless draw between the two sides in 74 games played against each other.

      FULL TIME: NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      Liverpool drop points for a second game in a row, failing to break down a resolute Newcastle defence.
      When they did get bast the backline, Karl Darlow denied the Reds with a number of brilliant saves.
      Steve Bruce will be delighted with the performance of his team.

      PEEEP!
      THE FULL TIME WHISTLE BLOWS!
      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL!

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      94. Callum Wilson wins a throw in by playing the ball of Fabinho, and I think that may well be that.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      93. Time is ticking away for Liverpool here.
      Newcastle are standing firm, and a minute away from a well earned point.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      92. Liverpool substitution.
      Xherdan Shaqiri is coming on for the final two minutes to try and conjure up a winner.
      Mo Salah is coming off for him.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      90. Good keeping from Alisson.
      He rushes off his line to punch the corner clear.
      There will be four added minutes at the end of the game.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      90. Newcastle corner.
      The ball bounces off Alexander-Arnold for a Newcastle corner.
      Will the hosts nick it late on?

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      89. SO CLOSE!
      Again Darlow keeps Newcastle in it.
      He makes a brilliant low save to deny a Firmino header from the corner.
      The ball then doesn’t quite drop to Salah, and Newcastle just about smuggle it away.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      88. Liverpool corner.
      The visitors are piling on the pressure now.
      Schar slides in to stop Alexander-Arnold from crossing, but at the expense of a corner.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      86. Newcastle substitution.
      Matt Ritchie is coming off for the Magpies, and Jamal Lewis is on to replace him.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      85. Newcastle yellow card.
      Isaac Hayden is into the bool for a late challenge on Thiago.
      That’s his fifth of the season, meaning he will be suspended for the next game.

      INCREDIBLE
      Here’s a look at Fabian Schar’s last ditch clearance.

      CLOSE
      Alisson is called into action, saving Ciaran Clark’s header.

      NEWCASTLE 0-0 LIVERPOOL
      83. Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net, but the whistle has already blown for an offside on Alexander-Arnold in the buildup.

      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham vs Fulham postponed LIVE: Reaction as match OFF due to Covid, Mourinho slams Prem – latest updates

      by

      TOTTENHAM’s Premier League game with Fulham tonight has been called off after a coronavirus outbreak at the West London side.
      The decision was taken just four hours before kick-off, with Jose Mourinho taking aim at Prem chiefs on Instagram.

      Follow all the latest with our blog below…

      FANDEMONIUM
      Next month’s hotly-anticipated North-West derby between the league leaders Liverpool and second-placed Manchester United will be played behind closed doors.
      Fans will once again be banned from ALL English football stadiums from Thursday morning after a rapid rise in coronavirus cases.
      Liverpool and Everton were the only remaining Premier League sides allowed to host supporters – until an announcement by health secretary Matt Hancock on Wednesday afternoon.

      MORE PREM COVID Q&A
      CAN’T THEY JUST MAKE UP THE GAMES?
      It’s not that easy. The delayed start means the Prem season, normally spread over 34 weekends, is actually being played over 32, with two extra midweek dates scheduled.
      But there is far less wriggle room after European games meant midweeks were unavailable until the middle of December.
      Prem fixture planners have set aside three “catch-up” dates – March 2, April 20 and May 19 – but there is still not enough room if teams go deep in Europe and the domestic cups.
      YES, BUT WHAT ABOUT EXTENDING THE SEASON?
      No can do. Unless there is a Europe-wide shutdown, the Prem must finish on May 23, to give players time to prepare for the delayed Euro 2020 starting in June.
      The Europa League and Champions League Finals are the following week, too.
      SO WHAT IF THERE IS A SERIES OF INFECTIONS?
      Being unable to complete the full season is the Prem’s worst fear, especially as clubs would have to confirm “curtailment rules” allowing a points per game calculation.
      They were already split on how many matches need to be played for the season to be deemed legitimate – and are now LESS likely to reach agreement. 

      YOUR FOOTY COVID QUESTIONS ANSWERED
      WILL THE PREM SHUT DOWN?
      Not if League chiefs can avoid it, for many reasons.
      Scheduling is the main one, but they also risk losing yet more millions in TV company “rebates”, on top of the £340m the clubs have to pay back for LAST season.
      BUT WHY ARE GAMES BEING CALLED OFF?
      Prem rules actually say that postponement requests “will not be granted” if a club has 14 or more senior players available.
      But the League Board can exercise discretion “on a case by case basis” and both City’s trip to Everton and Spurs’ game with Fulham were postponed over fear of the virus being passed on to the opposition dressing room.
      THAT’S TWO GAMES. SO WHY ARE PEOPLE CONCERNED?
      City and United started the season a week late, because of their Euro exertions in the summer.
      So City are now two games behind, as are Aston Villa, who were due to play United on the opening weekend.
      Now Newcastle, Everton, Burnley, Spurs and Fulham are also a game shy of schedule.

      PLAY ON
      The Premier League is confident it can avoid another coronavirus shutdown despite no clubs being allowed to host fans.
      It had been suggested a two week circuit-breaker was an option after a number of positive results at some outfits.
      But the Prem insists it is ready to play on.
      A statement read: “With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.”

      MORE ON SPURS’ FIXTURE WOES
      Tottenham frustration intensified as Mourinho, his staff and then and his players gathered to prepare for the Fulham match, which was still on until shortly after 2.30pm when both clubs were contacted.
      Prem chiefs explained the decision had been taken by the League Board “following a significant rise in positive Covid-19 cases as well as a number of players showing symptoms”.
      SunSport understands that six Fulham players and four staff tested positive, which did not trigger the automatic postponement threshold of having fewer than 14 senior players available.
      But the Cottagers had the back of Public Health England in their request and the Prem added: “The Board consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority.”
      The Fulham squad was then “retested immediately” in an attempt to allow Scott Parker’s men to fulfil Sunday’s trip to Burnley, while Mourinho’s players had an unexpected training session before heading home.
      But the postponement adds to Spurs’ fixture problems, with Mourinho’s men already facing a minimum seven games in three competitions next month before the Europa League resumes in February.

      FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN LIPTON
      Angry Spurs are demanding answers from Prem chiefs after their game with Fulham was called off barely three hours before kick-off.
      The late decision left Tottenham questioning why League bossed waited so long to respond to Fulham’s request for a postponement, which has plunged Spurs into a fixture crisis.
      But as Spurs fumed, concerns about the security of the Prem campaign grew as:
      Manchester City received the all-clear to return to training after emergency Covid tests
      Everton revealed they were still awaiting an explanation from the League for the postponement of the City game
      All top flight turnstiles were shut again as new Tiering restrictions closed Goodison and Anfield, the last two grounds where 2,000 fans were allowed
      And non-league minnows Marine were told the biggest day in their history will now take place behind closed doors when they face Jose Mourinho’s Spurs in the FA Cup third round

      GIVE US A BREAK
      David Moyes yesterday accused the Premier League of double standards over calling games off for Covid-19.
      The West Ham boss told TalkSport: “From a distance it doesn’t look as if we are following the same rules for all teams.
      “I don’t know if it was a concern when I and two of my players got it. The game very quickly said ‘No, you’ve got to play on’.
      “We were told by the  Premier League as long as you had 14 fit players you had to do it, so those rules could do with getting cleared up with exactly what they are.
      “That’s what we are led to believe and if it is we feel we were treated differently at that time than the players are now.”

      NOT AGAIN
      Spare a thought for BBC 5Live and Amazon Prime Video commentator Conor McNamara.
      The broadcaster was set to guide fans through Man City’s weekend clash with Everton before it was cancelled.
      And this afternoon he discovered his next game – Fulham vs Tottenham – had also been called off!

      CITY SLICKERS
      City’s return to training means their game against Chelsea this weekend is set to go ahead.
      Frank Lampard may have been hoping for it to be axed following his side’s dismal Christmas run.
      City’s Carabao Cup semi against rivals United is also set to take place next week too.

      ICYMI
      Tottenham’s game against Fulham has been called off due to a coronavirus outbreak – with Jose Mourinho far from happy with how it was handled.
      It is the third Premier League game of the season to be postponed following a surge in positive tests before kick-off.
      Fulham have suffered an outbreak ahead of the trip to North London.
      The highly-anticipated clash – which was set to kick-off at 6pm – will be rescheduled.

      CITY BACK IN BUSINESS
      Manchester City have announced first team training will resume after a coronavirus oubreak at the club.
      The Citizens announced a number of players had tested positive over the weekend, resulting in the cancellation of their clash with Everton.
      A statement read: “The full Covid-19 bubble underwent testing yesterday, and results have so far revealed no new positive cases.
      “Safety remains our number one priority, and the Club will continue to proceed with great caution.
      “The first team training buildings have undergone a deep clean over the past 48 hours, and the majority of these facilities will remain closed, with only essential operations around training resuming.
      “The bubble will undergo further testing in the coming days, the results of which will inform and dictate the next steps.
      “Everyone at Manchester City continues to wish speedy recoveries to all of our colleagues who remain in self isolation following their positive tests.”

      NEW DATE
      Although tonight’s match is off, the Premier League’s statement confirmed that the game WILL be rearranged.
      With a packed fixture list coming up in the New Year, it remains to be seen when that will take place.
      Spurs are due to play Leeds on Saturday, before their EFL Cup semi-final with Brentford.
      Fulham meanwhile got to Burnley on Sunday before visiting QPR for a West London derby in the FA Cup a week later.

      COTTAGE STATEMENT
      Fulham revealed earlier today their trip to Tottenham Stadium would be in jeopardy after a spate of coronavirus positives at the club.
      They said in a statement: “The club can confirm that this evening’s away fixture at Tottenham Hotspur has been postponed. This follows a number of the club’s players and first team staff returning positive results from the most recent Covid-19 tests this week.
      “This decision follows discussions with the Premier League and advice from Public Health England.
      “Those players and staff who tested positive have been self-isolating in line with UK Government and Premier League guidance.
      “We wish the players and staff who tested positive a safe and speedy recovery.”

      STILL ON
      The show still goes on in Newcastle tonight, despite the area being plunged into Tier 4 restrictions.
      Toon welcome Liverpool having dealt with their own outbreak at the club this month, which left a number of players bed bound.
      Steve Bruce had a warning for Man City after their positive tests last week – and revealed the crippling effect coronavirus has had on his team.
      He said: “I am no scientist but I have seen Man City have got two players today. I hope, for their sake, they don’t go into double figures, and things like that.
      “We are witnessing the after-effects still. Still we have got problems with it. It doesn’t just come and go over you. It has been a big factor over the last couple of weeks.”

      TELL ME MOUR
      Safe to say that the timing of the decision hasn’t gone down that well with a certain Jose Mourinho.
      The Tottenham boss indicated the club wasn’t sure if the game was going ahead or not at 2pm, posting a video from the stadium.
      And there was thinly veiled sarcasm in his caption: “Match at 6 pm… We still don’t know if we play. Best league in the world”

      CLOSE CIRCUIT
      Is the Premier League headed for a two-week circuit break after the latest postponement?
      We’ll have more analysis soon, but from that Premier League statement and noises from the pundits, it still doesn’t look likely.
      A certain Mr Neville is very keen that the show goes on..

      Can we please get this two week circuit breaker thing off the table . The players would have to carry on mixing and training to be ready in 2 weeks for a match. They may get 4-5 days off. What is that going to do . Would have to be a long break to do anything meaningful!
      — Gary Neville (@GNev2) December 30, 2020

      PREM STATEMENT
      “Fulham FC’s match at Tottenham Hotspur, due to be played at 6pm this evening, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon.
      “Fulham lodged a request with the Premier League Board to rearrange the fixture following a significant rise in positive COVID-19 cases, as well as a number of players showing symptoms today.
      “The Premier League Board has consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority. The group will now be retested immediately.
      “With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.
      “The League wishes those with COVID-19 a safe and speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in due course.”

      GAME OFF
      After a lengthy wait through the day, Fulham’s clash with Tottenham has been called off.
      The game was in doubt as early as last night, with the West London side reporting a number of positive Covid tests in the Premier League weekly rounds.
      A Tottenham statement read: “We can confirm that our Premier League home fixture against Fulham, scheduled to take place this evening (Wednesday 30 December), has been postponed.
      “The Premier League informed us of the decision this afternoon, with Fulham having requested the postponement on the grounds of the number of COVID-19 positive cases among their players and staff.
      “‘Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends their best wishes to Fulham for a safe and speedy recovery to all those who are affected. Details of a new date for the fixture will be confirmed in due course.”
      But manager Jose Mourinho seems far from happy and has taken a swipe at the ‘best league in the world’ tag on his Instagram page.
      Accompanying a video taken outside of the ground today, he wrote: “Match at 6pm… We still don’t know if we play. Best league in the world.”
      After Man City’s game with Everton was postponed earlier in the week, we’ve the latest reaction as the Premier League potentially hurtles towards futher postponements – and maybe even an enforced break.

      Load more entries… More