More stories

  • in

    Sevilla 0 Chelsea 4 LIVE REACTION: Giroud becomes oldest player to score Champions League hat-trick as Blues top group

    OLIVIER GIROUD put in a terrific performance as the Frenchman scored all four goals as Chelsea topped Group E.
    Final score: Sevilla 0-4 Chelsea
    Follow ALL the reaction with our live blog below…

    THAT’S A WRAP
    Thanks for joining us for Giroud’s goalfest!
    Take a look at our match report, courtesy of Andy Dillon.

    BOSS SPEAKS
    Speaking on BT Sport, Frank Lampard says: “Four goals at this level- and the quality of the goals themselves- wow.
    “Individual aspects from Oli, a team aspect back-to-front. It was the perfect performance for him, I’m delighted and he deserves all the accolades.
    “I’m delighted with the team too, to come here against a very strong Sevilla team, our performance was great, it had everything.
    “There were moments in the first half where it was tough, we worked well through that and then our performance was great.”
    Speaking about Giroud’s record breaking performance, Lampard says: “He’s very reliable. He’s up there for France historically and to be ahead of Zidane is quite something.
    “But I’m not too bothered about that, I’m bothered about what he gives us on the pitch and off the pitch- everyone is delighted with him with the way he plays.
    “It’s not easy scoring four- I know that- and especially at this level, but fair play to Oli. His performance was brilliant.”

    MAN-OF-THE-MATCH
    Speaking on BT Sport, Olivier Giroud says “When you win four nil in a Champions League away game, it’s a great feeling.
    “It was a good performance from the team, we took the game on the front foot and were efficient up front.”
    On being the last player since Frank Lampard to get four in this competition, Olivier says: “Yeah, wow, it’s nice and I’ll try to carry on like that to finish the good job of the team- it’s so nice to be in the club history.
    “We play football to make history and I’m pleased to win and to score four goals.”
    On being included in Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture, the Frenchman says: “Let me just enjoy tonight, after that we’ll rest and then it’s down to the gaffer.”

    SCORES ACROSS EUROPE
    Manchester United 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
    Dortmund 1-1 Lazio
    Juventus 3-0 Dynamo Kiev
    Ferencvaros 0-3 Barcelona
    Club Brugge 3-0 Zenit
    Sevilla 0-4 Chelsea

    FORWARD THINKING
    Chelsea cruise to the top of their group thanks to their understudy striker!
    The last Chelsea player to score four in a game was his manager, Frank Lampard.

    FT: SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    90. Three additional minutes.
    What a debut for the young Sevilla keeper, he hasn’t had a bad game really but the score-line says differently!

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    89. Jordan squares up to Ziyech, before Mount gives him a shove in the back.
    Azpilicueta is on hand to diffuse the situation.

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    88. Giroud is sitting comfortably in the stands with his coat draped around his shoulder – just a crown missing there Monsieur!

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    87. This will be Chelsea’s second 4-0 win of the group stage this season…

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    86. VAR complete, no pen (much to Giroud’s relief after being hauled off!)

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    85. Another penalty!?
    Gomez wins the ball before clattering with Werner, but we’re all waiting for VAR to check it out….

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    84. A subsequent substitution for Chelsea, as Gilmour after months in the physio room is brought on for Jorginho.

    SEVILLA 0-4 CHELSEA
    83. Not content with a hat-trick, Giroud dispatches the penalty perfectly.
    He fires the ball into the top right-hand corner, as Pastor goes left.
    Giroud is then almost immediately replaced by Werner.

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    82. Gomez clumsily loses his man and his bearing and pulls Giroud to the floor in the centre of the box.
    Giroud steps up to get his fourth…

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    82. PENALTY FOR CHELSEA!

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    81. Giroud is the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League/European Cup since Ferenc Puskas for Real Madrid in 1965….

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    HAT-TRICK HERO

    Giroud has a perfect hat-trick! đŸ”„đŸ”„đŸ”„Left foot ✅Right foot ✅Header ✅Lampard is loving what he’s seeing on the sideline! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WfMUok6rna
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 2, 2020

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    Giroud didn’t even have to jump very high to greet Kante’s cross!
    Lovely forehead flick from the Frenchman.

    SEVILLA 0-3 CHELSEA
    74. Kante races down the right channel and lifts the ball in above Sevilla’s defenders.
    Giroud guides the ball into the roof of the net from the right of the six yard box and gets his hattrick.
    What a night for the World Cup winner; right foot, left foot, header hattrick- perfect performance from Giroud!

    GOAAAAL
    UN DEUX TROIS FOR GIROUD!

    SEVILLA 0-2 CHELSEA
    72. Freekick to Sevilla about 30 yards out on the right.

    SEVILLA 0-2 CHELSEA
    71. Ref hastily positions his body between Kounde and Emerson as the pair look set to square up to one another.
    Emerson appeared to catch Kounde’s ankle when he pinched the ball off him- wasn’t enough contact for that reaction in my opinion.

    SEVILLA 0-2 CHELSEA
    Pastor misread Giroud’s shot, thanks to some fancy dummy work from the Frenchman.
    Can the World Cup winner bag a hattrick this evening?

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Atletico Madrid 1 Bayern Munich 1 LIVE REACTION: Thomas Muller nets late leveller for youthful German side

    THOMAS MULLER was the hero for Bayern Munich as a young side picked up a draw in Madrid.
    Final score: Atletico 1-1 Bayern
    Follow ALL of the action with our live blog below…

    THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
    A point a piece for Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, the German side are already through as group winners.
    Atletico will need to better Lokomotiv Moscow’s result against Bayern when they take on RB Salzburg in their final group game to make sure they qualify for the last 16.
    Plenty of European action still to come this week and we’re covering it here at SunSport.Tomorrow we have more Champions league action with Man United vs PSG, Sevilla vs Chelsea, and Juventus vs Dynamo Kyiv all kicking off at 8pm.Then onto Thursday it’s Europa League, followed Premier League and La Liga action on the weekend.
    Goodnight!

    REACTION FROM ATLETICO’S MARCOS LlORENTE
    “They’re a top side. They’re at the highest level and we’ve shown we deserved to beat them. I had a big chance, so did Correa. But you need to take your chances and we only scored once.”

    REACTION FROM ATLETICO’S STEFAN SAVIC
    “We’ve played a great game tonight, making a number of chances. I think we deserved the win. They didn’t create too many chances, just the penalty. It’s a shame to lose three points, but we need to look forward and we’ve got one more game in order to seal qualification.”

    MORE FROM SIMEONE
    “That’s football. We’re definitely on the right path. The side are working hard and the players are in good form. It’s not always easy to be clinical, but we’ll improve in these situations. I liked how calm we were on the ball.”

    REACTION FROM DIEGO SIMEONE
     “It was a brilliant first half. I think until 15 or 20 minutes into the second we were in control, but then they got the penalty. We’re improving and we’ll need to be more clinical next Wednesday.”

    MULLER IN THE TOP TEN

    FLICK ON MUSIALI
    “Jamal is very much appreciated by our players, he has great quality with the ball at his feet and is hard to stop in duels. He still has to get strong. Bayern can be very pleased to see Jamal play.”

    REACTION FROM HANSI FLICK
    “It is a successful evening for us, we have a new perspective on some things. I am very pleased with this result. When we made the changes after an hour of play and when Mueller and Gnabry came onto the pitch, we got some momentum.”

    A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR MUSIALA

    ALABA CAPTAINED BAYERN ON HIS 400TH APPEARANCE

    SIMEONE’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD
    Diego Simeone has lost just two of his seven Champions League games against reigning champions (W3 D2) and none of his five games at home against them (W3 D2). Effort.

    JOAO FELIX IS RED HOT!

    MULLER TIME

    THE GROUP A TABLE

    MATCH SUMMARY
    Match summaryAtlético held by Bayern in Group A
    João Félix sweeps in Llorente cross.
    MĂŒller levels from penalty after Felipe foul.
    Hosts need point to qualify, Bayern through.

    MULLER TO THE RESCUE

    FLICK’S RECORD RUN IS OVER
    Hansi Flick has NOT won a Champions League game for the first time in his managerial career. Atletico Madrid end the streak.

    MULLER SAVED A POINT FOR BAYERN FROM THE SPOT

    AVERAGE POSITIONS OF BOTH SIDES

    FULL TIME ACTION AREAS

    FULL TIME

    FT ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 BAYERN MUNICH

    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!
    FULL TIME

    ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 BAYERN MUNICH
    92. Bayern putting the home side under pressure, Atletico really need to find a winner!

    ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 BAYERN MUNICH
    90. There will be four minutes of added time.

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Liverpool 1 Ajax 0 LIVE REACTION: Curtis Jones nets winner as Reds book place in Champions League knockouts

    LIVERPOOL are through to the last-16 of the Champions League after Curtis Jones gave them victory over Ajax.
    Final score: Liverpool 1-0 Ajax
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below


    THANKS FOR JOINING US
    That’s all for tonight, as Liverpool topped Group D and secured a place in the last sixteen of the Champions League.
    The youngsters were the standout performers, with Caoimhin Kelleher keeping a clean sheet in goal, and Neco Williams assisting Curtis Jones for the winner.
    Next up for the Reds is a home clash against Wolves on Sunday, before travelling to Denmark to face Midtjylland.
    Ajax meanwhile host Twente in the league this weekend, before a winner takes all clash against Atalanta next Wednesday.
    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 an Andre Onana error allowed Curtis Jones to pounce and fire Liverpool into the last sixteen of the Champions League.
    CLICK HERE TO READ OUR MATCH REPORT FROM TODAY’S GAME.

    ACTION AREAS
    Here’s a look at the full time action areas.
    It was Ajax who had more possession, but Liverpool came away with the all important three points.
    The Reds had fifteen shots in the game, with five on target, while Ajax had eleven shots, four of them hitting the target.

    KLOPP’S THOUGHTS
    A very pleased Jurgen Klopp has this to say at full time:
    “Honestly since I’ve been in Liverpool one of the biggest [performances], for five years, one of the biggest Champions League nights.
    “We had, for sure without supporters in, it was the most important, and the most difficult, and the most exceptional game.”
    “So all of the circumstances, all of the things that’s going around, not a lot of things that have you smiling every day just because of injuries, it’s tricky and then the boys throw themselves in that game, and how the kids played, and how Robbo with a proper, proper knock on the ankle pushing himself through.
    “Hendo, with a proper knock on the back, stiff back, pushed himself through.
    “Gini I have no words for him to be honest.
    “Curtis Jones, what a game for a nineteen year old boy.
    “With all that stuff it’s just amazing, I’m really really proud tonight.”

    TOP OF THE GROUP
    Here’s the Group D standings.
    Liverpool will qualify top of the group for the last sixteen, regardless of their result against Midtjylland on matchday six.

    CLEAN SHEET CAOIMHIN
    It’s a historic night for Caoimhin Kelleher.

    KELLEHER SPEAKS
    Champions League debutant Caoimhin Kelleher has this to say on keeping a clean sheet:
    “Yeah obviously it was an amazing moment for me, to make my debut, especially in a Champions League game it was massive for me, and obviously the most important thing was to get the win and qualify which we did so yeah, great night.”

    DREAM DEBUT
    22-year-old Caoimhin Kelleher will be over the moon with a clean sheet on his Champions League to help Liverpool seal top spot in Group D.

    Credit: Getty Images

    HENDO’S THOUGHTS
    Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has this to say at full time:
    “Very tough game, as we knew it would be.
    “I thought the boys were outstanding, gave it everything for the full ninety minutes and deservedly got the win.
    “I think we should have scored a few more, the counter attacks and chances that we had.
    “So, unlucky not to maybe win by two or three but overall we’re just delighted with the three points and also with the clean sheet.”

    WINNING GOAL
    Here’s a look at the only goal of the game, made by academy graduates Neco Williams and Curtis Jones.
    Ajax keeper Andre Onana won’t be wanting to watch that one again in a hurry.

    Oh dear, Onana! 😰Two academy graduates combine to give Liverpool the lead, as Neco Williams assists Curtis Jones đŸ€Ajax’s keeper won’t want to see this one again though… pic.twitter.com/j8jebhaeYN
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    It wasn’t a vintage Liverpool performance, but the Reds have got the job done and will qualify from Group D as group winners.

    FULL TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    LIVERPOOL QUALIFY FOR THE LAST SIXTEEN OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! 

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    94. Liverpool throw in.
    The Reds have a throw in, well into the Ajax half, and that might be enough to seal all three points for Liverpool.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
     92. Liverpool yellow card.
    Mane is into the book now for a flailing arm to the face of Taglafico.

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    91. Liverpool yellow card.  
    Henderson is into the book for a professional foul on Gravenberch, stopping the youngster from breaking forward.

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    90. Four minutes of added time have been signalled.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    90. Liverpool substitution.
    Mo Salah is off, with Rhys Williams on to replace him.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    88. WHAT A SAVE!
    Kelleher pulls off a magnificent point blank save to deny a header from Huntelaar.
    That was hit with real power, and Kelleher has saved his side there.

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    86. Daley Blind is off for Lisandro Martinez, and Klaas Jan Huntelaar is on for Noussair Mazraoui.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    85. CHANCE!Salah is played in by Firmino, and drives into the box.
    Instead of trying to bend the ball nto the far corner he stabs at it with the outside of his left foot, and the ball skews off target. 

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    83. GREAT SAVE!Onana redeems himself for his earlier error, after a magnificent low save from Firmino a Firmino effort after some excellent one touch build up play by Liverpool.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    82. Kelleher is out to comfortably catch a cross in from Antony intended for Tadic.
    He’s played well tonight, and is less than ten minutes away from a clean sheet.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    80. David Neres is down for the visitors.
    He’s back on his feet and walking off gingerly, but is coming off for Lassina Traore.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    79. Henderson is played in down the right by Salah.
    The Liverpool captain looks up and crosses in towards Sadio Mane, but the ball is agonisingly out of reach for the Senegalese forward.  

    LIVERPOOL 1-0 AJAX
    78. David Neres is lucky to win a free kick from a Neco Williams challenge.
    It looks like the Liverpool right back won the ball there.  

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Shakhtar 2 Real Madrid 0 LIVE REACTION: Zidane’s men stunned in Kiev as Dentinho and Solomon give hosts shock victory

    REAL MADRID were stunned in Kiev as Shakhtar Donetsk blew open Group B with victory.
    Final score: Shakhtar 2-0 Real Madrid
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    THAT’S A WRAP
    Thanks for joining us this evening, here’s tonight’s match report courtesy of Gary Stonehouse.
    There’s more football to keep you entertained this evening; Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich, Liverpool v Ajax and Porto v Manchester City are all live!

    DOING THE DOUBLE IN STYLE
    Here’s the second goal in all its glory…

    “He ran, he drove, he struck and he has struck gold!”Shakhtar’s Manor Solomon finds the bottom corner emphatically to put Real Madrid out of the qualifying places going into Group B’s final match day! 😳 pic.twitter.com/TrVjgrq0Pt
    — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 1, 2020

    HOW’S STAT
    The 13 time winners have been incredibly inconsistent both domestically and in Europe.
    This year’s Champions League campaign has resulted in their worse defensive record ever.

    9 – Real Madrid have conceded nine goals in five Champions League group stage games this season, their worst defensive record at this stage in the competition’s history. Frozen. pic.twitter.com/d2zsE7lTbQ
    — OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 1, 2020

    UNTHINKABLE
    Will Real Madrid be featuring on a Thursday night instead?!

    WARNING, HAZARD

    REAL ISSUES
    Real Madrid’s problems have deepened- they may not even make it to the knockout round!
    Just one win in their last six does not make pretty reading for Zinedine Zidane.

    FT: SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    92. Very different experience for Madrid tonight compared to their last game at this stadium against Liverpool in the Champions League final.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    91. Vitao blocks another shot from Vini Jr, as Madrid try to claw back a goal.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    90. Four additional minutes in Kiev.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    89. Kroos tries to curl it in to the far post, but there’s too much on it and it flies out for a goalkick.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    88. Vini Jr wins a freekick a yard outside the left of the box following a collision with Patrick.

    Kroos to take.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    86. What a difference one half makes!
    In the second half Shakhtar have stepped up the tempo and taken more chances on the counter.
    And it’s paid off!

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    85. Looks as though Shakhtar have done the unthinkable- a double over Real Madrid.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 2-0 REAL MADRID  
    83. Real Madrid are caught napping as the ball is sprayed from right-back to the left wing where a racing Dentinho is on his own.
    He slips it to Solomon who breaks into the box on the left, pulls the trigger and scores.Solomon scored the goal that proved to be the winner in match-day one, looks as though he’s done it again

    GOOOOAL
    SHAKHTAR ON THE COUNTER AGAIN

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    81. Vini Jr performs a lovely stepover to beat Dodo in the Shakhtar box, but his pass is intercepted and cleared.

    Shakhtar on the counter…

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    80. Madrid have had 56 per cent possession and 14 attempts at goal.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    78. Real Madrid pressure is starting to build.
    Asensio’s shot from the top of the box is deflected wide, corner to Madrid.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    77. Vini Jr makes a solo run along the left line of the box, but takes it too far on his own and is dispossesed along the byline.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    75. Zidane brings on the cavalry!
    Isgo, Vini Jr and Mariano are on
    As Odegaard, Benzema and Rodrygo make way.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    74. Madrid work a corner to the top of the box where Mendy unleashes his shot, but it’s straight at Trubin.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    73. Shakhtar aren’t far away from completing a double over the 13 time winners of this competition….

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    72. Double substitution for Shakhtar; Marlos is replaced by Maycon and Taison by Solomon.

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1-0 REAL MADRID  
    72. Looks like both sides will be bringing on fresh legs..

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Raul Jimenez injury updates: Wolves star ‘comfortable’ after surgery, Ryan Mason ‘shocked’ to see Luiz continue

    RAUL JIMENEZ is in a “comfortable” condition after surgery following his sickening clash of heads with David Luiz.
    Wolves have released a statement this morning giving an update on his condition – and the news is positive.

    The match was forced to be stopped for 10 minutes while he received medical care.
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

    Alex TerrellToday, 07:57

    REST WELL
    Javier Hernandez has sent his well wishes to Raul Jimenez after he revealed he is under observation at hospital.
    The Mexico star was wished well by his international team-mate after his huge head scare for a clash of heads with David Luiz.
    Jimenez, 29, shared a series of Instagram stories that have been sent his way, including that of former Manchester United and West Ham striker Chicharito, 32, who is now at LA Galaxy.

    Alex TerrellToday, 07:23

    JIMENEZ SPEAKS OUT
    The Mexican has taken to social media to update Wolves fans as to his wellbeing.
    Jimenez said: “Thanks for your support messages.
    “I will be under observation and I hope to return to the pitch soon.”

    RAUL JIMENEZ LATEST
    Raul Jimenez has had surgery after fracturing his skull in a horrific clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz.
    The Wolves striker was rushed to hospital by an air ambulance car after the sickening collision during Sunday’s Premier League win over Arsenal.
    The 29-year-old regained consciousness having been knocked out cold by the initial impact – but scans revealed a fracture which specialists decided needed an operation to repair.
    Meanwhile Man City goalkeeper Ederson – who has been involved in a head injury in the past – has called for substitutions to be compulsory when players suffer a blow to the head.
    He said: “When there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution whether or the player can continue. You might be feeling OK at the time but after the game you feel the consequences.
    “All the concern and care is very important. It is a part of the body that is very fragile and needs special attention.
    “It wasn’t an intentional blow, they went to compete for the ball but we know the risks of a head injury.”
    Brain injury association Headway expressed anger and disappointment at football’s continued failings to protect players from concussion after Luiz carried on, but was then withdrawn at half-time.
    Luke Griggs, deputy chief executive at Headway, said: “Too often in football, we see players returning to the pitch having undergone a concussion assessment – only to be withdrawn a few minutes later when it is clear that they are not fit to continue.
    “That is the very reason why we urgently need temporary concussion substitutes in football. You simply cannot take a risk with head injuries.
    “They are not like muscular injuries where you can put a player back on to see if they can run it off.
    “One further blow to the head when concussed could have serious consequences.”

    SHEAR DISBELIEF
    Alan Shearer has stated that action must be taken immediately to review concussion protocols after David Luiz returned to the pitch following his collision with Raul Jimenez.
    He said: “If David Luiz has passed all the protocols like Arsenal say he has, how on earth is he allowed back on to the pitch with a wound that is dripping down his face?
    “We’re talking about players’ welfare here. Football’s protocols allow someone who has a cut that is seeping through a bandage that has just been put on to carry on playing and then he has to go off again 20 minutes later because he can’t head a ball.
    “Cricket does it, the NFL does it, both codes of rugby do it – they all have better protocols. We’re talking about life and death and players’ careers ending.
    “They’re on about trialling concussion substitutes. What is there to trial? It’s been going on for years. It’s not acceptable.
    “We’ve been having meeting after meeting after meeting. Why do they need to trial anything? Just do it. Do it now. If things needs changing after that, change it.

    KLOPP OF THE POPS
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has stated he is in favour of concussion substitutions following Raul Jimenez’s clash with David Luiz.
    Asked if he would be in favour of concussion subs, he said: “At that moment I didn’t think about a rule change, I was just sitting there for 10 minutes hoping that they would both get up without any issues, but that didn’t happen.
    “I hope Raul Jimenez is as good as possible now, I heard he had surgery. I wish him and David Luiz all the best.
    “I know we have concussion protocols and I’m pretty sure Arsenal did that. I’m not sure any rule would help in that moment because the player can play on.
    “But, yes, it makes sense that we can do things like this, of course.”

    STITCHED UP
    David Luiz required seven stitches after his sickening clash of heads with Raul Jimenez but Arsenal insist he was not concussed.
    The Gunners are adamant they followed all protocols and guidelines were correctly followed.
    Club doctor Gary O’Driscoll, a leading sport’s consultant on concussion who worked with the British and Irish Lions, made the call after Luiz answered all questions correctly.
    He showed no signs of concussion and Luiz passed every part of the protocol.
    Luiz was re-stitched at half-time before heading home and he was visited by a club doctor on Monday morning to check his welfare.

    MASON CONTINUED
    “It’s pretty clear that five minutes on the side of the pitch while there is pressure to get the game restarted is not enough to see if someone is concussed or not.
    “This current protocol we have in place isn’t okay and it’s dangerous.
    “I’m all for bringing concussion subs in, I think that’s a good idea, to go off into a quiet room and test a player thoroughly and properly.
    “The thought of someone playing on with concussion and heading balls in an incorrect way, the damage that could potentially do long-term is not a nice thought.
    “I’m very sensitive and I’m quite passionate about this subject, and I’ve spoken to many people about it over the last three years, but nothing had happened, nothing has changed.
    “I hope this incident makes people realise, because you can’t keep having the same perception when people’s immediate and long-term health is in danger.”

    HEAD CASE
    Ryan Mason was ‘shocked’ to see Arsenal’s David Luiz continue after a sickening clash of heads with Wolves’ Raul Jimenez on Sunday afternoon, and has insisted that protocols must be changed.
    The 29-year-old, who was forced to retire in 2018 after suffering a horrific collision of his own, told talkSPORT: “I was quite upset to see something like that happen on a football pitch again, it’s very concerning.
    “It’s a real shame my incident didn’t change the perception; what is it really going to take for people to start realising this is something really, really serious?
    “I’ll be honest, I was shocked David Luiz was allowed to play on. I’m not criticising the Arsenal doctor because there’s a protocol in place and I’m sure he’s followed that.
    “But that protocol that is currently in place is not enough; it’s not enough just to have two or three minutes, it’s not enough.
    “It was a bad one; the noise, the impact, the speed of the challenge as well – it was a bad one. It didn’t help that there were no fans and you could actually hear the point of contact.”

    EDERSON CONTINUED
    Man City goalkeeper Ederson hopes Raul Jimenez recovers quick after clashing with his Brazilian compatriot David Luiz.
    He said: “Of course, I was very worried. I was watching the game.
    “I have played with Raul Jimenez at Benfica.
    “It was an accidental clash but when it’s head to head it’s very difficult.
    “I hope he returns quickly and is back as soon as possible.”

    ED CHECK
    Ederson has called for substitutions to be compulsory when players suffer a serious head injury.
    The Manchester City goalkeeper was on the receiving end of a boot to the face from Liverpool’s Sadio Mane back in September 2017.
    He said: “When there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution whether or the player can continue.
    “You might be feeling ok at the time but after the game you feel the consequences.
    “All the concern and care is very important. It is a part of the body that is very fragile and needs special attention.
    “It wasn’t an intentional blow, they went to compete for the ball but we know the risks of a head injury.”

    ARTFUL DODGER
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted he knows one day he will be sacked.
    The Spaniard has led the club to their worst start to a league season in 39 years after the 2-1 defeat to Wolves at the Emirates left the Gunners 14th in the Premier League.
    Arteta said: “It’s something that the day I decided to be a coach I know that one day I will be sacked or leave the football club.
    “I don’t know if it’s the day after I sign my contract, in a month’s time, a year’s time or six months’ time. I never worry about it.
    “My only concern is to get the best out of the players, give the best possible service to the club and become better and better.
    “I know, I repeat, in this profession, one day I will get the sack or leave but I don’t know when that is going to happen.”

    GORGEOUS GEORGE
    Former Arsenal manager George Graham celebrates his 76th birthday today.
    The Gunners wished him well on their social media channels.
    Graham was the North London side’s boss between 1986 and 1995.

    JACK HAMMER BLOW
    Jack Wilshere has revealed playing for a ‘smaller club’ like West Ham didn’t ‘suit’ him as he confirmed he had held transfer talks over a January move.
    The former Arsenal star, 28, is currently a free agent after his ÂŁ100,000-a-week deal at the Hammers was terminated by mutual consent in the summer.
    Wilshere told Sky Sports: “I’m in a position now where I can make a decision based on footballing reasons.
    “[I can] pick the team that I think I could fit into.
    “I will have a look at the team, the players, the league they’re in and how the manager wants to play.
    “I don’t think being at a smaller club like West Ham really suited me.
    “There have been a few talks with clubs, but nothing that I have ever fancied quite yet.”

    PARTEY POOPER
    Thomas Partey will remain out of action for Arsenal’s ‘next few games’, according to Mikel Arteta.
    The ÂŁ45million summer signing, 27, has missed Arsenal’s last three games after he picked up a thigh injury.
    He has not featured for the club since he was hauled off at half-time during the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
    And the Gunners will have to march on without him as the injury is more serious than first thought.
    Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Wolves, Arteta provided an update on Partey’s injury.
    He said: “I don’t think he will be with us in the next few games.”

    TAKING THE MIK
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s odds to be sacked have been slashed by the bookies.
    The Gunners lost 2-1 to Wolves yesterday and sit 14th in the Premier League.
    The Spaniard’s job looked safe as houses at last week, priced at 50/1 to be the next top-flight manager to lose his position.
    But Sunday evening’s 2-1 home defeat to Wolves have prompted bookmakers Betfair to slash his price to just 10/1.
    Arteta has overseen Arsenal’s worst start to a season since 1981.

    NEITHER HERE NOR THERE
    Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere would love to see his old team-mate Mesut Ozil feature under Mikel Arteta.
    Wilshere is without a team after leaving West Ham and is looking to find a ‘big club’ with some interested European suitors.
    He told Sky Sports News: “I think he’d be a big player in that team.
    “I would love to see Ozil play in that team under Arteta but obviously that’s not happening at the moment. He could get on the ball and feed the likes of [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette.”

    WILL TO WIN
    Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock had his say after the Gunners lost 2-1 to Wolves last night.
    Willock – who started the game at the Emirates – said: “We’re not playing well enough as a team at the moment and we need to stick together and bounce back from this very quickly.
    “I don’t think it’s clicking enough and there’s not enough fluidity in the team.
    “It was very disappointing. You never want to lose at the Emirates or in any game but I feel like in the first half it wasn’t good enough.”

    CAN’T GET AUBA IT
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s lack of goals is Mikel Arteta’s ‘biggest concern’ at Arsenal.
    The 31-year-old striker failed to impress again on Sunday as the Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
    Skipper Aubameyang was the star of the show for Arsenal last season as he chipped in with 22 Premier League goals.
    But the Gabon international has managed just one goal from open play in ten matches this time around.
    Since his goal against Fulham on the opening day of the season, he has only scored one penalty against Manchester United.
    When asked if he was worried, Arteta said: “I think we all are because the main goalscorer of the club at the moment isn’t scoring goals, so my biggest concern is how to help him more to score goals because we need his goals.”

    UN(AI)BELIEVABLE
    Mikel Arteta has overseen Arsenal’s worst league start for 39 years but is still more likely to win a trophy than predecessor Unai Emery, stats show.
    The Gunners went down 2-1 to Wolves last night and slipped to 14th in the Premier League.

    NOT MAKING HEADWAY
    Brain injury association Headway expressed anger and disappointment at football’s continued failings to protect players from concussion after Raul Jimenez fractured his skull against Arsenal in a collision with David Luiz – who played on until half-time.
    Luke Griggs, deputy chief executive at Headway, said: “Only last week we strongly criticised the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for its continued procrastination in introducing concussion substitutes into the sport.
    “Too often in football, we see players returning to the pitch having undergone a concussion assessment – only to be withdrawn a few minutes later when it is clear that they are not fit to continue.
    “That is the very reason why we urgently need temporary concussion substitutes in football. You simply cannot take a risk with head injuries. They are not like muscular injuries where you can put a player back on ‘to see if they can it if off’. One further blow to the head when concussed could have serious consequences.
    “The question that has to be asked is had the concussion substitutes rule been in place, would Luiz have been allowed to return to the field of play? Would that extra time in the treatment room have led to a different decision being made?
    “The concussion protocol clearly states that ‘
anyone with a suspected concussion must be immediately removed from play’, while the sport continues to promote an ‘if in doubt, sit it out’ approach to head injuries.
    “Time and time again we are seeing this rhetoric not being borne out by actions on the pitch. Something is not right. This cannot be allowed to continue. How many warnings does football need?”

    FRACTURED SKULL
    Raul Jimenez has had surgery after fracturing his skull in a horrific clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz.
    The Wolves striker was rushed to hospital by an air ambulance car after the sickening collision during last night’s Premier League win over Arsenal.
    The 29-year-old regained consciousness having been knocked out cold by the initial impact – but scans revealed a fracture which specialists decided needed an operation to repair.
    A Wolves statement said: “Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital.
    “He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery.
    “The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help.
    “The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.”

    ‘SAD DAY FOR US’
    Arsenal defender David Luiz took to Instagram after suffering a sickening head blow in a clash that left Wolves striker Raul Jimenez lying prone on the field.
    The Mexican was rushed to hospital where he was conscious and responding to treatment last night.
    A long delay while both players were treated saw ten minutes of first-half stoppage time added on at the Emirates.
    The game finished 2-1 to Wolves but Luiz said: “Sad day for us !!! We have to fight together until the end !! Also here to thank u for all messages and ask for everybody to pray for @raulalonsojimenez9 !! đŸ™đŸ»đŸ’” Get well soon bro.”

    GR-ART ESCAPE
    Roy Keane joked that Arsenal ‘have enough to stay up’ despite enduring their worst start to a season for 39 YEARS.
    The Gunners lost 2-1 at home to Wolves on Sunday leaving them 14th in the Premier League.
    If Arsenal LOSE to Tottenham in their next Premier League game, they would slip 11 points behind their fiercest rivals.
    When asked on Sky Sports if that North London derby feels like a huge game for the Gunners, Keane gravely said: “They all seem big at the moment, don’t they?
    “Maybe that might be the best game for them to have next
 it’s a derby and it’s away, so less pressure than at home.”
    Cracking a smile, Keane continued; “But Arsenal
 I still think they have enough to stay up.
    “I think they’ll be strong enough to stay in the division.”

    ARTETA’S REACTION
    Speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta has been expressing his disappointment at tonight’s result, but maintains his delight at how his side reacted in the second half. The Arsenal boss also explained the reasons for why David Luiz stayed on until half-time.
    “David [Luiz] is okay, he has a nasty cut. He was conscious. We did all the tests on him and he was completely fine, but he was really worried about [Raul] Jimenez.
    “There are protocols. The doctor has to check that he hasn’t lost consciousness which he hadn’t. There are tests they have to do before putting him back on the pitch.
    “[At half-time] he was uncomfortable and couldn’t really head the ball so he couldn’t continue.
    “When you see the reaction of the players, you know something bad is happening.
    “We’d like to send Raul Jimenez our best wishes and our love to him and his family. Hopefully it’s not as bad as it looked.
    “It was a really bad result. We had our moments in the first half, but they had two shots on target and scored twice.
    “We had a great reaction in the second half and the team showed the desire in how much they wanted to win the game. We created the opportunities, but the goal didn’t arrive.
    “I’m disappointed because I think we merited more from the game.
    “I have real concerns after losing three games in a row at home – I am responsible for that – but the willingness and desire was there.”

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Raul Jimenez injury updates: Wolves star ‘comfortable’ following surgery, Ryan Mason ‘shocked’ to see Luiz continue

    RAUL JIMENEZ is in a “comfortable” condition after surgery following his sickening clash of heads with David Luiz.
    Wolves have released a statement this morning giving an update on his condition – and the news is positive.

    The match was forced to be stopped for 10 minutes while he received medical care.
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

    SHEAR DISBELIEF
    Alan Shearer has stated that action must be taken immediately to review concussion protocols after David Luiz returned to the pitch following his collision with Raul Jimenez.
    He said: “If David Luiz has passed all the protocols like Arsenal say he has, how on earth is he allowed back on to the pitch with a wound that is dripping down his face?
    “We’re talking about players’ welfare here. Football’s protocols allow someone who has a cut that is seeping through a bandage that has just been put on to carry on playing and then he has to go off again 20 minutes later because he can’t head a ball.
    “Cricket does it, the NFL does it, both codes of rugby do it – they all have better protocols. We’re talking about life and death and players’ careers ending.
    “They’re on about trialling concussion substitutes. What is there to trial? It’s been going on for years. It’s not acceptable.
    “We’ve been having meeting after meeting after meeting. Why do they need to trial anything? Just do it. Do it now. If things needs changing after that, change it.

    KLOPP OF THE POPS
    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has stated he is in favour of concussion substitutions following Raul Jimenez’s clash with David Luiz.
    Asked if he would be in favour of concussion subs, he said: “At that moment I didn’t think about a rule change, I was just sitting there for 10 minutes hoping that they would both get up without any issues, but that didn’t happen.
    “I hope Raul Jimenez is as good as possible now, I heard he had surgery. I wish him and David Luiz all the best.
    “I know we have concussion protocols and I’m pretty sure Arsenal did that. I’m not sure any rule would help in that moment because the player can play on.
    “But, yes, it makes sense that we can do things like this, of course.”

    STITCHED UP
    David Luiz required seven stitches after his sickening clash of heads with Raul Jimenez but Arsenal insist he was not concussed.
    The Gunners are adamant they followed all protocols and guidelines were correctly followed.
    Club doctor Gary O’Driscoll, a leading sport’s consultant on concussion who worked with the British and Irish Lions, made the call after Luiz answered all questions correctly.
    He showed no signs of concussion and Luiz passed every part of the protocol.
    Luiz was re-stitched at half-time before heading home and he was visited by a club doctor on Monday morning to check his welfare.

    MASON CONTINUED
    “It’s pretty clear that five minutes on the side of the pitch while there is pressure to get the game restarted is not enough to see if someone is concussed or not.
    “This current protocol we have in place isn’t okay and it’s dangerous.
    “I’m all for bringing concussion subs in, I think that’s a good idea, to go off into a quiet room and test a player thoroughly and properly.
    “The thought of someone playing on with concussion and heading balls in an incorrect way, the damage that could potentially do long-term is not a nice thought.
    “I’m very sensitive and I’m quite passionate about this subject, and I’ve spoken to many people about it over the last three years, but nothing had happened, nothing has changed.
    “I hope this incident makes people realise, because you can’t keep having the same perception when people’s immediate and long-term health is in danger.”

    HEAD CASE
    Ryan Mason was ‘shocked’ to see Arsenal’s David Luiz continue after a sickening clash of heads with Wolves’ Raul Jimenez on Sunday afternoon, and has insisted that protocols must be changed.
    The 29-year-old, who was forced to retire in 2018 after suffering a horrific collision of his own, told talkSPORT: “I was quite upset to see something like that happen on a football pitch again, it’s very concerning.
    “It’s a real shame my incident didn’t change the perception; what is it really going to take for people to start realising this is something really, really serious?
    “I’ll be honest, I was shocked David Luiz was allowed to play on. I’m not criticising the Arsenal doctor because there’s a protocol in place and I’m sure he’s followed that.
    “But that protocol that is currently in place is not enough; it’s not enough just to have two or three minutes, it’s not enough.
    “It was a bad one; the noise, the impact, the speed of the challenge as well – it was a bad one. It didn’t help that there were no fans and you could actually hear the point of contact.”

    EDERSON CONTINUED
    Man City goalkeeper Ederson hopes Raul Jimenez recovers quick after clashing with his Brazilian compatriot David Luiz.
    He said: “Of course, I was very worried. I was watching the game.
    “I have played with Raul Jimenez at Benfica.
    “It was an accidental clash but when it’s head to head it’s very difficult.
    “I hope he returns quickly and is back as soon as possible.”

    ED CHECK
    Ederson has called for substitutions to be compulsory when players suffer a serious head injury.
    The Manchester City goalkeeper was on the receiving end of a boot to the face from Liverpool’s Sadio Mane back in September 2017.
    He said: “When there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution whether or the player can continue.
    “You might be feeling ok at the time but after the game you feel the consequences.
    “All the concern and care is very important. It is a part of the body that is very fragile and needs special attention.
    “It wasn’t an intentional blow, they went to compete for the ball but we know the risks of a head injury.”

    ARTFUL DODGER
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted he knows one day he will be sacked.
    The Spaniard has led the club to their worst start to a league season in 39 years after the 2-1 defeat to Wolves at the Emirates left the Gunners 14th in the Premier League.
    Arteta said: “It’s something that the day I decided to be a coach I know that one day I will be sacked or leave the football club.
    “I don’t know if it’s the day after I sign my contract, in a month’s time, a year’s time or six months’ time. I never worry about it.
    “My only concern is to get the best out of the players, give the best possible service to the club and become better and better.
    “I know, I repeat, in this profession, one day I will get the sack or leave but I don’t know when that is going to happen.”

    GORGEOUS GEORGE
    Former Arsenal manager George Graham celebrates his 76th birthday today.
    The Gunners wished him well on their social media channels.
    Graham was the North London side’s boss between 1986 and 1995.

    JACK HAMMER BLOW
    Jack Wilshere has revealed playing for a ‘smaller club’ like West Ham didn’t ‘suit’ him as he confirmed he had held transfer talks over a January move.
    The former Arsenal star, 28, is currently a free agent after his ÂŁ100,000-a-week deal at the Hammers was terminated by mutual consent in the summer.
    Wilshere told Sky Sports: “I’m in a position now where I can make a decision based on footballing reasons.
    “[I can] pick the team that I think I could fit into.
    “I will have a look at the team, the players, the league they’re in and how the manager wants to play.
    “I don’t think being at a smaller club like West Ham really suited me.
    “There have been a few talks with clubs, but nothing that I have ever fancied quite yet.”

    PARTEY POOPER
    Thomas Partey will remain out of action for Arsenal’s ‘next few games’, according to Mikel Arteta.
    The ÂŁ45million summer signing, 27, has missed Arsenal’s last three games after he picked up a thigh injury.
    He has not featured for the club since he was hauled off at half-time during the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
    And the Gunners will have to march on without him as the injury is more serious than first thought.
    Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Wolves, Arteta provided an update on Partey’s injury.
    He said: “I don’t think he will be with us in the next few games.”

    TAKING THE MIK
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s odds to be sacked have been slashed by the bookies.
    The Gunners lost 2-1 to Wolves yesterday and sit 14th in the Premier League.
    The Spaniard’s job looked safe as houses at last week, priced at 50/1 to be the next top-flight manager to lose his position.
    But Sunday evening’s 2-1 home defeat to Wolves have prompted bookmakers Betfair to slash his price to just 10/1.
    Arteta has overseen Arsenal’s worst start to a season since 1981.

    NEITHER HERE NOR THERE
    Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere would love to see his old team-mate Mesut Ozil feature under Mikel Arteta.
    Wilshere is without a team after leaving West Ham and is looking to find a ‘big club’ with some interested European suitors.
    He told Sky Sports News: “I think he’d be a big player in that team.
    “I would love to see Ozil play in that team under Arteta but obviously that’s not happening at the moment. He could get on the ball and feed the likes of [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette.”

    WILL TO WIN
    Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock had his say after the Gunners lost 2-1 to Wolves last night.
    Willock – who started the game at the Emirates – said: “We’re not playing well enough as a team at the moment and we need to stick together and bounce back from this very quickly.
    “I don’t think it’s clicking enough and there’s not enough fluidity in the team.
    “It was very disappointing. You never want to lose at the Emirates or in any game but I feel like in the first half it wasn’t good enough.”

    CAN’T GET AUBA IT
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s lack of goals is Mikel Arteta’s ‘biggest concern’ at Arsenal.
    The 31-year-old striker failed to impress again on Sunday as the Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
    Skipper Aubameyang was the star of the show for Arsenal last season as he chipped in with 22 Premier League goals.
    But the Gabon international has managed just one goal from open play in ten matches this time around.
    Since his goal against Fulham on the opening day of the season, he has only scored one penalty against Manchester United.
    When asked if he was worried, Arteta said: “I think we all are because the main goalscorer of the club at the moment isn’t scoring goals, so my biggest concern is how to help him more to score goals because we need his goals.”

    UN(AI)BELIEVABLE
    Mikel Arteta has overseen Arsenal’s worst league start for 39 years but is still more likely to win a trophy than predecessor Unai Emery, stats show.
    The Gunners went down 2-1 to Wolves last night and slipped to 14th in the Premier League.

    NOT MAKING HEADWAY
    Brain injury association Headway expressed anger and disappointment at football’s continued failings to protect players from concussion after Raul Jimenez fractured his skull against Arsenal in a collision with David Luiz – who played on until half-time.
    Luke Griggs, deputy chief executive at Headway, said: “Only last week we strongly criticised the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for its continued procrastination in introducing concussion substitutes into the sport.
    “Too often in football, we see players returning to the pitch having undergone a concussion assessment – only to be withdrawn a few minutes later when it is clear that they are not fit to continue.
    “That is the very reason why we urgently need temporary concussion substitutes in football. You simply cannot take a risk with head injuries. They are not like muscular injuries where you can put a player back on ‘to see if they can it if off’. One further blow to the head when concussed could have serious consequences.
    “The question that has to be asked is had the concussion substitutes rule been in place, would Luiz have been allowed to return to the field of play? Would that extra time in the treatment room have led to a different decision being made?
    “The concussion protocol clearly states that ‘
anyone with a suspected concussion must be immediately removed from play’, while the sport continues to promote an ‘if in doubt, sit it out’ approach to head injuries.
    “Time and time again we are seeing this rhetoric not being borne out by actions on the pitch. Something is not right. This cannot be allowed to continue. How many warnings does football need?”

    FRACTURED SKULL
    Raul Jimenez has had surgery after fracturing his skull in a horrific clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz.
    The Wolves striker was rushed to hospital by an air ambulance car after the sickening collision during last night’s Premier League win over Arsenal.
    The 29-year-old regained consciousness having been knocked out cold by the initial impact – but scans revealed a fracture which specialists decided needed an operation to repair.
    A Wolves statement said: “Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital.
    “He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery.
    “The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help.
    “The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.”

    ‘SAD DAY FOR US’
    Arsenal defender David Luiz took to Instagram after suffering a sickening head blow in a clash that left Wolves striker Raul Jimenez lying prone on the field.
    The Mexican was rushed to hospital where he was conscious and responding to treatment last night.
    A long delay while both players were treated saw ten minutes of first-half stoppage time added on at the Emirates.
    The game finished 2-1 to Wolves but Luiz said: “Sad day for us !!! We have to fight together until the end !! Also here to thank u for all messages and ask for everybody to pray for @raulalonsojimenez9 !! đŸ™đŸ»đŸ’” Get well soon bro.”

    GR-ART ESCAPE
    Roy Keane joked that Arsenal ‘have enough to stay up’ despite enduring their worst start to a season for 39 YEARS.
    The Gunners lost 2-1 at home to Wolves on Sunday leaving them 14th in the Premier League.
    If Arsenal LOSE to Tottenham in their next Premier League game, they would slip 11 points behind their fiercest rivals.
    When asked on Sky Sports if that North London derby feels like a huge game for the Gunners, Keane gravely said: “They all seem big at the moment, don’t they?
    “Maybe that might be the best game for them to have next
 it’s a derby and it’s away, so less pressure than at home.”
    Cracking a smile, Keane continued; “But Arsenal
 I still think they have enough to stay up.
    “I think they’ll be strong enough to stay in the division.”

    ARTETA’S REACTION
    Speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta has been expressing his disappointment at tonight’s result, but maintains his delight at how his side reacted in the second half. The Arsenal boss also explained the reasons for why David Luiz stayed on until half-time.
    “David [Luiz] is okay, he has a nasty cut. He was conscious. We did all the tests on him and he was completely fine, but he was really worried about [Raul] Jimenez.
    “There are protocols. The doctor has to check that he hasn’t lost consciousness which he hadn’t. There are tests they have to do before putting him back on the pitch.
    “[At half-time] he was uncomfortable and couldn’t really head the ball so he couldn’t continue.
    “When you see the reaction of the players, you know something bad is happening.
    “We’d like to send Raul Jimenez our best wishes and our love to him and his family. Hopefully it’s not as bad as it looked.
    “It was a really bad result. We had our moments in the first half, but they had two shots on target and scored twice.
    “We had a great reaction in the second half and the team showed the desire in how much they wanted to win the game. We created the opportunities, but the goal didn’t arrive.
    “I’m disappointed because I think we merited more from the game.
    “I have real concerns after losing three games in a row at home – I am responsible for that – but the willingness and desire was there.”

    RAUL TAKEN TO TRAUMA CENTRE
    Raul Jimenez was rushed to a major trauma centre after being knocked out cold in a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz.
    The Mexican striker needed lengthy treatment on the pitch after a collision in the early stages of Wolves’ 2-1 win over Arsenal.
    Jimenez received treatment from club doctors and paramedics, including receiving oxygen on the pitch, after being knocked unconscious from the collision.
    He was then carried off on a stretcher before being rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
    However, rather than go to the nearest A&E ward, he was taken to a major trauma centre.

    ROY PUTS THE BOOT IN
    Roy Keane was no stranger to kicking Arsenal as a player, and he hasn’t held back from being just as mischievous as a pundit in the Sky Sports’ studio.
    “A lot of the players aren’t good enough.”
    “I think they look soft and are lacking confidence. I didn’t see the desire and determination to get a result that the manager spoke about.
    “I think they’ll have enough to stay up. They should be strong enough to stay in the division.”

    CAPTAIN COADY
    Wolves skipper Connor Coady has also been speaking about the injury suffered by Raul Jimenez in the first half.
    “We were massively worried. We didn’t like it and knew it was bad straightaway.
    “It was a horrible clash of heads. It happens in football, but both teams went out and played properly after that and did it right.
    “I was at the front, just behind [Raul Jimenez] and jumped with him. You heard it and as he dropped, he landed on his side. I think it was important we kept him on his side to get the doctors on.
    “We just hope and pray that everything is okay. It’s a massive result but the one thing that matters is Raul and David Luiz are okay.”
    “He’s with the right people and that’s the most important thing.
    “To come here and win is no mean feat, it’s a massive result. It’s something we can take forward.”

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr LIVE REACTION: Iron Mike wants rematch as legends DRAW in bout – results, latest updates

    MIKE TYSON and Roy Jones Jr weaved and jabbed their way to a draw in their LA exhibition fight — although with a tad less sharpness than in their prime.
    The veteran pair performed admirably despite having a combined age of 105, before they both vowed to step into the ring AGAIN after judges tied the fight.

    Follow all the reaction to the draw with SunSport’s live blog below…

    SON OF A GUN
    George Foreman believes Mike Tyson can break his own record to become the oldest heavyweight world champion in history.
    Speaking after his draw against Roy Jones Jr, he told USA Today: “If he gets in shape like he’s in now, gets his timing back, and all the other things fall into place, he can have an opportunity to fight for the title.
    “If he can be managed right, the right champion will come to him. And if the right one comes, he can knock him out.
    “Tyson looked great, he really did. And Roy Jones had to use every old skill out of the book to keep himself from being knocked out.
    “I just couldn’t believe what I saw. And that was just an exhibition. Just think if (Tyson) had some activity the last two years. He’d be in line to be the champion of the world again at 54, 55.
    “You have to have a really good manager to navigate you who to fight and who not to fight,’ he added. ‘But if he gets someone who can do some creative moves, he can be in the big time quickly.”

    MIKE DROP
    Mike Tyson has criticised Floyd Mayweather’s claims that there are too many belts in boxing.
    Undefeated champ Mayweather told the World Boxing Organization’s to ‘sort their s*** out’ and accused them of taking extra money from fighters.
    It came after Tyson, 54, and old foe Roy Jones Jr came out of retirement to fight for the WBC Frontline Battle Belt despite it being an exhibition scrap.
    Reported by Essentially Sports, he said: “Boxing never has too many belts because every time it’s a championship fight, it’s more money for the fighter.
    “There’s never enough belts you know? To say there’s one champion and there’s 10 guys, how long will it take for the champion to fight the 10 guys?
    “Plus they gotta go through each other
 It’s good to have three champions because then everybody can get paid
 Everybody makes money. That’s what this business is about. Money.”

    NOW LEWIS NOX ON DOOR OF RETURN
    Lennox Lewis admitted he could stage a sensational boxing comeback as he has ‘unfinished business’ with his old heavyweight rival Riddick Bowe.
    After Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr – with a combined age of 105 – drew in an eight-round exhibition on Saturday night, former world champ Lewis hinted he could be next to return to the ring.
    The British-born star, 55, told BT Sport: “Sure! I mean, it seems like a lot of fun.
    “You have to look at Mike Tyson; Mike has been doing a lot of different things like wrestling, he’s been doing acting and he even had his own one-man band show.
    “So he knows how to entertain people, he knows what to do in these situations.”
    Lewis KO’d Iron Mike in Memphis in 2002 and retired soon after his TKO win over Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko the following year.

    SPLIFF DECISION
    Mike Tyson admitted he smoked marijuana before his drawn exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr.
    Asked if he did, the 54-year-old replied: “Absolutely, yes. Listen, I can’t stop smoking.
    “I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke, I’m sorry. I’m a smoker. I smoke everyday. I never stopped smoking.” 

    BEST OF FIVE
    Mike Tyson is primed for more exhibition fights despite drawing his bizarre eight-round PPV exhibition showdown with Roy Jones Jr.
    SunSport looks at his possible options after dusting off the gloves for the first time in 15 years.
    Roy Jones Jr rematch
    Evander Holyfield
    Lennox Lewis
    Shannon Briggs
    Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury

    ‘ANYTHING HE WANTS’
    Mike Tyson still has the ability ‘to fight anybody’ – including Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.
    The 54-year-old returned to the ring and fought out an entertaining eight-round exhibition bout against fellow icon Roy Jones Jr on Saturday.
    And Jones Jr claims ‘Iron Mike’ can still mix with the best after admitting his body is still feeling the effects of their showdown, which ended in a draw.
    He said: “I’m happy to scratch it off the bucket list and move on with my life.
    “He hit harder, his hands hurt, his head hurts [my hands], everything hurt that makes contact.
    “He’s capable of fighting anybody. If he catches you, you’re going to have problems. I was feeling everything. He’s an exceptional puncher, still.
    “All it takes is one punch from either one of us for something to happen. He can do anything he wants to do.”

    NOX OUT BLOW
    Lennox Lewis said he was apprehensive of Mike Tyson because he looked like King Kong on TV.
    The British-born former world heavyweight champ beat Iron Mike in 2002 but wasn’t always so eager on the match-up.
    When asked if he was apprehensive of The Baddest Man on the Planet, he told the Guardian: “Yes and no.
    “Yes, because TV made him look like King Kong. But, no, because Manny [Lewis’s legendary trainer Emanuel Steward] always told me Tyson would be my easiest fight.
    “I’d say: ‘Come on, now! He’s going to be a little difficult.’ But Manny said: ‘No. It’s your easiest fight.”

    TY-MES ARE CHANGING
    Mike Tyson claimed boxing needs YouTubers like Jake Paul and KSI because ‘UFC was kicking out butt’.
    Jake Paul KO’d former NBA star Nate Robinson in round two of their undercard fight before Tyson’s comeback draw against Roy Jones Jr.
    Iron Mike, 54, said: “Well listen, my ego says so many things. “But my reality is, they help boxing so much; boxing owes these YouTube boxers some kind of respect.
    “They should give them some belts because these guys make boxing alive. Boxing was pretty much a dying sport, UFC was kicking our butt.“Now we got these YouTube boxers, with 25million views. Boxing is going back thanks to the YouTube boxers.”

    MIKE DROP
    Mike Tyson revealed the psychedelic ‘Toad Venom’ drug helped inspire him to make a boxing comeback at 54.
    The heavyweight legend fought for the first time in 15 years this past weekend, in an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr.
    But before the bizarre draw, Tyson opened up on how taking toad venom played a part in his dramatic body transformation and ring return.
    He said: “I took the medicine and the medicine told me to get into shape.
    “It really blew my mind. It told me to come back and start getting in shape.”
    According to AddictionCenter.com, toad venom is a psychedelic drug made ‘from a rare species of toad native to the Sonoran Desert’.
    It is said to cause ‘hallucinogenic effects [to] take hold in about five minutes after ingestion, causing a powerful religious-like trip that lasts about an hour’.

    MIKE TYSON LATEST
    Evander Holyfield is the bookies’ tip to be Mike Tyson’s next opponent after his exhibition draw with Roy Jones Jr split boxing fans about 50-50-something.
    Former heavyweight king Tyson, 54, claimed “this is better than fighting for championships” while 51-year-old Jones said: “Maybe we can do it again.”
    But Holyfield is 4/6 favourite and Lennox Lewis 3-1 to step in ahead of Jones.
    Meanwhile, Tyson admitted he took marijuana before the fight, saying: “Absolutely, yes.
    “I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke, I’m sorry. I’m a smoker. I smoke every day.I never stopped smoking.”  
    Jones stifled not-always-rusty Iron Mike for most of the eight two-minute rounds, despite Tyson’s glimpses of explosive power.
    But former four-weight champ Jones said: “The body shots definitely took a toll.
    “It’s something to take the punches that Mike throws. I’m cool with a draw. Maybe we can do it again.”
    And Tyson said: “I’m good with that. The crowd was happy with that.” 

    AMIR HAPPY TYSON ‘DIDN’T GET HURT’
    British boxer claims Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr put on a “great performance” – but is just happy both 50-somethings came out of it with their health still intact.

    I’M NEXT
    Professional Ice Hockey player Evander Kane has called out Jake Paul.
    He told Paul: “Easy to beat up guys with no experience and much smaller.Easy to beat up guys with no experience and much smaller.”

    BOLD CLAIMS
    After Jake Paul brutally knocked Nate Robinson out cold, he called out Conor McGregor and Dillon Danis.
    Have to give Jake some credit, he’s clearly serious about continuing his professional fighting career.

    QUID WHILE YOU’RE AHEAD
    Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr got back to their US homes late on Saturday fitter and richer for their efforts but we are all poorer for it.
    Under a cloud of thick cannabis smoke, following inter-fight raps and spliffs from Snoop Dogg and Whizz Khalifa, the event that was supposed to help inspire a new generation of young kids into boxing gyms huffed and puffed but blew nobody away.
    READ MORE

    TO BE FRANK
    Frank Bruno says Mike Tyson won last night’s fight against Roy Jones Jr despite the bout being called as a draw.

    YOU’VE GOTTA BE JAKING
    Jake Paul reckons he could be the next Floyd Mayweather after he knocked out NBA veteran Nate Robinson on the under-card of Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr last night.
    He said: “My career goal was to do exactly what I did.
    “To have an undeniable victory and steal the show. And prove to the boxing world, who has doubted me for the past six months, that I’m a pro boxer and I’m here to stay.
    “When you put those 10-ounce gloves on me, I’m vicious, I can hit. I’m a real dog.
    “When these MMA fighters come into the ring, they’re gonna meet ‘The Problem Child.’ They’re gonna meet me.
    “And I’m here to make millions of dollars and sell millions of pay-per-view and I’m gonna be one of the biggest stars. I think I might just be the new Floyd.”

    RIDDICK-ULOUS
    Lennox Lewis admitted he could stage a sensational boxing comeback as he has ‘unfinished business’ with his old heavyweight rival Riddick Bowe.
    After Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr – with a combined age of 105 – drew in an eight-round exhibition on Saturday night, former world champ Lewis hinted he could be next to return to the ring.
    The British-born star, 55, told BT Sport: “Sure! I mean, it seems like a lot of fun.
    “You have to look at Mike Tyson; Mike has been doing a lot of different things like wrestling, he’s been doing acting and he even had his own one-man band show.
    “So he knows how to entertain people, he knows what to do in these situations.”
    Lewis KO’d Iron Mike in Memphis in 2002 and retired soon after his TKO win over Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko the following year.

    MONEY TY-ME
    SunSport’s Wally Downes writes “Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr got back to their US homes late on Saturday fitter and richer for their efforts but we are all poorer for it.
    “Under a cloud of thick cannabis smoke, following inter-fight raps and spliffs from Snoop Dogg and Whizz Khalifa, the event that was supposed to help inspire a new generation of young kids into boxing gyms huffed and puffed but blew nobody away.
    “Just hours earlier British boxing fans had watched 23-year-old lifetime boxer Daniel Dubois suffer a sickening eye injury in a 30-minute Westminster battle with brilliant Olympian Joe Joyce.
    “And, a “few minutes prior to the headline circus act, the pay-per-view buyers had to watch a former basketball player lay prostrate on the California ring twitching worryingly as medics scooped him off the canvas.
    “Both contrasting examples highlighted why pitching two retired icons, with 105 years and countless injuries between them, into a confusing money-grab ‘fight’ was wrong.
    “Tyson’s tattooed face looked lost before the bell and Jones’ once lazer-fast body was soft and almost matronly.
    “Put these brilliant men and their peers, from any sport, in lengthy documentaries, spellbinding books, movies, theatres, TV studios and let us learn from their genius – we will buy it.
    “But don’t put them in a boxing ring, with their tops off and hairlines retreating, and tell us we are watching anything other than an exhibition in cash grabbing – because we shouldn’t.”

    GONE TO POT
    Mike Tyson has incredibly claimed he smoked weed right before exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr.
    Speaking at the post-fight press conference, as quoted by BadLeftHook, he said: “I smoked every day. I never stopped smoking.
    If asked if he smoked before the fight, Iron Mike said: “Absolutely, yes.
    “It’s just who I am, it has no effect on me from a negative standpoint. It’s just what I do, what I am, and how I’m gonna die. There’s no explanation, there’s no beginning, there’s no end.”

    TOO MUCH ROSE?
    Jake Paul’s girlfriend licked and thrusted at a big screen after watching her man brutally knock out Nate Robinson last night.
    Model Julia Rose, 26, was clearly delighted at the YouTube star’s victory – and that their sex ban is over.

    PAUL OVER NOW
    Britain’s former world super-flyweight champion Kal Yafai has also shared his doubts over celebrity boxing after Jake Paul’s knock out win.
    He tweeted: “Scary thing is Nate Robinson got licensed to fight a pro fight.”

    STOP CELEBRITY BOXING
    Amanda Serrano says an inexperienced boxer will get “really hurt” after watching YouTuber Jake Paul knock out ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
    The Seven-weight world champion said: “They need to stop this stupid celebrity boxing thing.
    The Puerto Rican added: “Boxing is a serious game. Nothing to be doing for YouTube likes.
    “Most amateurs turning pro fight four rounds, these guys are debuting in a six-rounder. Someone’s going to get really hurt one day. Not cool at all.”

    TYME TO FIGHT AGAIN
    UFC president Dana White was also asked if he thinks Mike Tyson should fight again.
    He added: “He looked good. He’s a grown ass man and will do whatever he wants anyway, but good for him. It was actually a good fight.
    “It was an entertaining fight to watch, and I thought he looked really good.”

    WHITE NOISE
    UFC president Dana White has revealed he was impressed by the performances of both Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.
    Speaking at the UFC Vegas 15 post-fight press conference (via BloodyElbow), he said: “Fighting is a young man’s game.
    “All that being said, (Mike Tyson) looked f—king awesome tonight! I was blown away with how good he looked.
    “I was worried about Roy. Roy was 51 years old, but Roy’s been a lot more active than Tyson has been. Roy actually got more tired than Mike tonight, which was shocking. I’m happy for them. I hope they both made a f—king zillion dollars. It exceeded my expectations.”

    ICYMI
    Roy Jones Jr was hurting after facing Mike Tyson and was adamant Iron Mike still has his famous power.
    He said: “When he hits you, to the head, punches to the body shots, everything hurts.
    “I’m cool with a draw, just might have to do it again.
    “Body shots definitely took a toll the body shots are what make you exhausted.”

    Load more entries
 More

  • in

    FA Cup 3rd round draw LIVE REACTION: Spurs face non-league Marine, Arsenal v Newcastle, Man Utd v Watford – latest

    FA Cup 3rd round draw has been made, with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham visiting non-league Marine!
    Elsewhere League Two Morecambe travel to Chelsea, Manchester United take on Watford and holders Arsenal play Newcastle.
    Start time: 7.10pm
    Venue: BT Sport’s studio in east London
    TV/live stream: BT Sport/ BT Sport YouTube

    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

    FULL FA CUP DRAW
    In case you missed it, here are the full ties for the FA Cup third round.
    Huddersfield v Plymouth
    Southampton v Shrewsbury
    Chorley v Derby County
    Marine v Tottenham
    Wolves v Crystal Palace
    Stockport County v West Ham
    Oldham Athletic v Bournemouth
    Manchester United v Watford
    Stevenage v Swansea
    Everton v Rotherham
    Nottingham Forest v Cardiff
    Arsenal v Newcastle
    Barnsley v Tranmere Rovers
    Bristol Rovers v Sheffield United
    Canvey Island or Boreham Wood v Millwall
    Blackburn Rovers v Doncaster Rovers
    Stoke City v Leicester City
    Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End
    Crawley Town v Leeds United
    Burnley v MK Dons
    Bristol City v Portsmouth
    QPR v Fulham
    Aston Villa v Liverpool
    Brentford v Middlesbrough
    Manchester City v Birmingham City
    Luton Town v Reading
    Chelsea v Morecambe
    Exeter City v Sheffield Wednesday
    Norwich City v Coventry City
    Blackpool v West Brom
    Newport County v Brighton
    Cheltenham Town v Mansfield Town

    SPURRED ON
    Without a doubt, the main draw from the third round is Spurs to face eighth-tier side Marine at Rossett Park.
    Holders Arsenal will begin their defence with a home match against Newcastle.
    Meanwhile Liverpool will be looking to avenge their 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa away in the Midlands.
    Manchester United face Watford at home, with last season’s finalists Chelsea to take on Morecambe at Stamford Bridge.

    WHEN WILL THE GAMES BE PLAYED?
    All of the FA Cup third round ties will be played on the weekend of 9 and 10 January 2021.

    Cheltenham Town v Mansfield Town

    Newport County v Brighton

    Blackpool v West Brom

    Norwich City v Coventry City

    Exeter City v Sheff Wed

    Chelsea v Morecambe

    Luton Town v Reading

    Brentford v Middlesbrough
    Manchester City v Birmingham City

    Aston Villa v Liverpool

    QPR v Fulham

    Bristol City v Portsmouth

    Burnley v MK Dons

    Crawley Town v Leeds United

    Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End

    Stoke City v Leicester City

    Blackburn v Doncaster

    Canvey Island/Boreham Wood v Millwall

    Bristol v Sheffield United

    Barnsley v Tranmere

    Arsenal v Newcastle

    Nottingham Forest vs Cardiff

    Everton v Rotherham

    Load more entries
 More