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      Diogo Dalot reveals what motivated Man Utd flops to stand up and be counted in thrilling Anfield clash against Liverpool

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S moaning about Manchester United being ‘starved of leaders’ spurred senior players to step up at Anfield.The new Red Devils head coach called on his experienced stars to stand up and be counted in their hour of need.Ruben Amorim found that Man Utd were ‘starved of leaders’Credit: GettyDiogo Dalot has revealed that Amorim’s harsh words spurred a reaction from the squadCredit: GettyAnd that sparked a response on Sunday as United earned a deserved 2-2 draw against the runaway Premier League leaders — and could have had more.Diogo Dalot was their stand-out performer on Merseyside and said Amorim’s words hit home.The Portugal star, 25, said: “It pinched me. I think that’s what he wanted for every player.“I’ve been here a while. I know I can step up more as well and I’m going to try to help my team-mates.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“On and off the pitch I’ll try to help them.“You saw that we were more of a team. That was the biggest difference.”Amorim felt his team’s slump — which saw them lose four games in a row either side of Christmas — was due to a lack of time on the training pitch.Having taken over in mid- November, he faced matches in all the midweeks so wanted to make the most of a six-day break before facing Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDalot, who shone at left wing-back, believes that was crucial in  getting United’s squad  “on the same page” as their new boss.The defender, a £19million buy from Porto in 2018, added: “We  had  time to get to know  what the manager wants us to do.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool “It’s time on the pitch, knowing what everybody wants to do.“It put everybody a bit more on the same page. We showed we can be a really good team.“It’s trusting ourselves that everybody will be in the right position in every aspect of the game, in every inch of the pitch. So I think that’s it. “When you have time to know what to do, it becomes more natural. And at Liverpool, you saw the structure was more compact.”United have another blank week to prepare for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Arsenal — and they will need to make the most of it.Midweek fixtures will come thick and fast again after that, starting against basement boys Southampton at Old Trafford next Thursday.Lisandro Martinez, who netted a stunning opener on Sunday, says United showed what they are capable of by winning 2-1 at Manchester City in mid- December and then earning this draw at Anfield.But the Argentine defender, 26,  warned his team-mates they must now build on it.He said: “We showed against City and Liverpool we have the right players but have to believe.READ MORE SUN STORIES“A few matches ago we were thinking too much and played with  restraint. Now we have to play with more personality.“I believe a lot in this team. If you see the Liverpool game,  compared to the last few games, it’s a completely different team.”Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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      How Man United destroyed Trent Alexander-Arnold in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talks

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      MANCHESTER UNITED finally showed some steel as they drew 2-2 at rivals Liverpool.The league leaders had to settle for a point despite going 2-1 up at Anfield.Man Utd put in their best performance so far under Ruben Amorim in the 2-2 draw at LiverpoolCredit: PAThe Red Devils were able to contain Trent Alexander-Arnold with some new tacticsCredit: GettyMo Salah’s penalty looked to have sealed victory and extend their lead at the top of the table.But Amad Diallo’s timely effort rescued a point for Ruben Amorim.There were brilliant battles all over the pitch, with some proving to be more decisive than others.Here, SunSport’s Dean Scoggins lifts the lid on Tactics Exposed…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTRENT A REAL TARGETOn that performance, a free transfer to Real Madrid is too expensive.Everybody’s talked about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending for a long time, we know he’s not the greatest defensively, but he has so many other attributes. Full credit to Ruben Amorim because this wasn’t just about a poor performance, it was that Manchester United targeted that area.Fifty-four per cent of United’s attacks went down the left and that was not by chance. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEven Ugarte and Mainoo were down to that left, but it was Bruno who had a fabulous game.His tactical nous and plan with Diogo Dalot was brilliant.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool United targeted the left side of the fieldAlexander-Arnold was dragged out of position at numerous timesThey blocked this inside left lane where Trent would normally go inverted. He thought ‘I can’t really go in there so I’ll hold my right-back position’, and Dalot hugged the left touchline really wide.Trent didn’t want to go all the way out to him, because that leaves an enormous gap inside for Fernandes.Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot worked in tandemIt allowed forward runs in the channelsHe ended up in no-man’s land and despite having the most touches of any Liverpool player did nothing with the ball.His mind was scrambled, the transfer may have come into it, but I don’t want to take away from what United did.As soon as Fernandes and Dalot suckered Trent out into right-back, Rasmus Hojlund ran into the space behind. United were all singing from the same sheet. Links with Real Madrid may have affected Trent’s gameHe saw plenty of the ball but did little wit itMAINOO & MANU MASTERCLASSMainoo and Ugarte’s legs are back.Ugarte is very good at that simple pass to give it to somebody else. while Mainoo is very good in tight spaces.In Amorim’s 3-4-3, the two midfielders have a lot of work to do. Mainoo was outstanding, he played Curtis Jones off the park.There’s a lot of ground to cover, not just up and down but across the field to stop Liverpool coming in.Kobbie Mainoo put in a top showHe combined well with midfielder partner Manuel UgarteOne midfielder was stopping Trent inverting, the other was on the other side where Alexis Mac Allister likes to drift inside.They stifled Liverpool in that area, they narrowed the line so there was no room for Mo Salah to play in between.There was no joy for Diaz either. Ugarte and Mainoo dropped onto the edge of the box and allowed Harry Maguire to be at the centre dictating play.They were, for the first time under Amorim, comfortable without the ball. It was a real big step forward.United’s defenders were quick to ‘jump’ outLisandro Martinez contained Mo Salah with his movementsJUMPING DEFENDERSJumping out of position for defenders means coming out of the back line.Playing with just the three, it’s dangerous. But we saw all three United centre-backs at the right time jump out of position to engage with a forward or midfielder.They won big tackles because they trusted the other two guys were behind.It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to win the ball but you’re closing the space in midfield. You know you’ve got others behind you.It sends a message, ‘You’re not getting any time to turn here’. What it meant was Liverpool passed the ball backwards the most of any game this season. Andre Onana loved a long ball at AnfieldOVER & ONANAWe are seeing more positive signs from Onana. They usually use a zigzag pattern with him to play out from the back.But in this game it was much more direct. It was 80 per cent long passes from Onana.This was not a hoof. This was a plan. They didn’t want to be playing around their own box. Liverpool are pressing machines.The 3-4-3 made the pitch smaller. It was a bit old school. They could try and win the second ball back. It enabled it to be a much more structured game than what Liverpool wanted it to be.But it was exactly what Amorim wanted it to be.Darwin Nunez was used as an effective Liverpool subSLOT’S DARWIN THEORYIt was a really brave substitution from Arne Slot to bring on Darwin Nunez at 1-1.We know what he brings — chaos. He makes those darting runs in behind and drags the defence.If you see him running you can’t hold your line and hope for offside.Slot pushed Nunez up front because he was fed up with Maguire dictating play. It was very clever from Slot, he knew United had his shape and number at that moment.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt changed the pattern, the last 20 minutes were chaotic and fair play to United for setting it up.It was a brilliant watch. It was good from a neutral perspective to see somebody give Liverpool a good game. More

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      Wolves 0 Nottingham Forest 3: Nuno’s rampant Reds make it SIX Premier League wins in a row to draw level with Arsenal

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      MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE needed just seven minutes to throw Wolves fans’ taunts back in their faces.The Nottingham Forest skipper led the way as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recorded a sixth Premier League win to move joint second in the table with Arsenal.Morgan Gibbs-White notched his fourth Prem goal of the season inside seven minutesCredit: PAThe England star put his fingers in ears as his former fans gave him stick at MolineuxCredit: RexForest keeper Matz Sels kept Wolves at bay with several great saves in the opening halfCredit: AFPChris Wood doubled the lead for the visitors in the 44th minuteCredit: RexLate substitute Taiwo Awoniyi made it 3-0 at the deathCredit: GettyEngland manager Thomas Tuchel looked on as Gibbs-White inspired Forest to victoryCredit: GettyChris Wood grabbed his 12th goal of the season to keep Wolves at bay before the break as the Nuno Espirito Santo bandwagon rolled on.Gibbs-White came through the ranks at Wolves before making a move – worth more than £25million – to Forest two and a half years ago.That did not go down well with the Molineux faithful – and they have let him know about it ever since.Supporters booed Gibbs-White from the start – before launching into an unsavoury chant about his girlfriend.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Forest attacker needed no second invitation to deliver the perfect response.He set off on a run from inside his own half and went unchallenged before feeding Anthony Elanga on the right.Elanga found Gibbs-White again and he converted for a goal of pure simplicity.Gibbs-White milked the moment as he brought out the standard celebration for Wolves fans – a finger in each ear.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere may have fond memories of Nuno’s successful four years at Molineux – but his welcome is surely starting to wear thin with supporters.This was the third time he had returned since leaving the club in 2021 – and a third win.Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis wants 50,000-seat City Ground He added to the two league and cup wins he recorded here with Tottenham to sink his former team.Nuno says nobody has yet asked him if Forest are title contenders. The likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are immediately seen as potential challengers to Liverpool when they move into second spot.But Forest are going under the radar – and that is the way Nuno likes it.This was the first time Forest had put together six top-flight wins in 58 years.And a return to Europe is there for them on this form.But the Portuguese coach is not entertaining that sort of talk about a club that spent the last two seasons avoiding relegation.Wolves were without the suspended Matheus Cunha – and boss Vitor Pereira made five changes after staying unbeaten in his first three games.But while this was his first defeat since taking over from Gary O’Neil, he will see positives in attack if not in defence.There is set to be one new face at the club this week with Wolves agreeing a £16.6m fee with Reims for Ivory Coast centre back Emmanuel Agbadou who is expected to fly in to complete the move to Molineux.Wolves responded well to Gibbs-White’s goal and went close twice in the space of a minute.Gibbs-White came through the ranks at Wolves before being sold to ForestCredit: PAMurillo cleared off the line from Jorgen Strand Larsen’s close-range effort – before Forest keeper Matz Sels superbly kept out Rodrigo Gomes’ fierce drive.Larsen was denied again after 29 minutes when Sels blocked his header from Gomes’ cross.At this stage, in-form Belgium keeper Sels was the man stopping Wolves from fighting their way back into the game.But Pereira’s men had a lucky escape when Rayan Ait-Nouri looked to have handled a cross from Ola Aina and given away a penalty.The decision went to VAR and was judged not worth pointing to the spot.But Forest extended their lead a minute before the break as Wood scored his second goal in consecutive games – and again, Wolves were exposed at the back.Jorgen Strand Larsen missed a trio of chances at 1-0Credit: GettyForest could’ve had a penalty at 1-0 after the ball appeared to struck Rayan Ait-Nouri’s armCredit: RexSels’ long clearance found Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left and he outpaced Wolves defender Matt Doherty before finding Wood who rolled the ball home.It carried on the Kiwi’s record of scoring for three different clubs – Burnley, Newcastle and Forest – against Wolves.Larsen still looked a threat and he produced another fine save from Sels.But Forest’s second half display was all about stifling any hopes Wolves had of making a comeback.Nuno’s men stayed in command after the break – even though it was not spectacular.READ MORE SUN STORIESWolves will rue the chances they had to level the scores – and maybe take it further. But they found Sels in top form – and Nuno was even waving to the travelling Forest fans before Awoniyi’s late goal.Awoniyi heaped more misery on Wolves in the fourth minute of added timeCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd fans demand PGMOL explanation as Ait-Nouri handball NOT given barely 24 hours after De Ligt penalty decision

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      MAN UTD fans have demanded an explanation from the PGMOL after Nottingham Forest were denied a penalty against Wolves.Ola Aina’s cross hit Molineux left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the box just 24 hours after Matthijs de Ligt was penalised on Sunday.Ola Aina’s cross hit Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the boxRef Peter Bankes waved on before VAR confirmed his decisionIt came just 24 hours after Matthijs de Ligt conceded a penalty against Liverpool for an outstretched armForest went into the break 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.But the scoreline could have been even greater had Nuno Espirito Santo’s side been awarded a penalty for a handball by Ait-Nouri.The Algeria international’s arm appeared to be outstretched in the area as the ball struck it in the 33rd minute.It looks as though the 23-year-old attempted to pull it back in at the same time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVAR decided not to send referee Peter Bankes to the monitor and no penalty was awarded.The Premier League Match Centre posted on X: “The referee’s call was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position.”Yet a penalty decision in United’s 2-2 draw at Anfield caused an equal amount of controversy as Liverpool were awarded a spot-kick after the ball bounced off De Ligt’s arm in the 68th minute.The incident was missed by ref Michael Oliver in real-time but he later overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor by VAR Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAndre Onana dived left and almost stopped Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick but the Egyptian’s effort had too much power.The PGMOL reviewed the two incidents differently despite Cody Gakpo being mere metres away from De Ligt, who blocked his Dutch team-mate’s header from travelling towards Onana.The match centre posted on X on Sunday: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by De Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position.”But United fans have pointed to the similarities between the two incidents as both players had their arms extended.Youtuber Mark Goldbridge led the charge with: “Can the PGMOL explain why De Ligt’s handball is a penalty yesterday but Ait-Nouri’s handball isn’t one? De Ligt was far closer to the ball!”Another fan wrote: “What is the difference between the Wolves one and De Ligt one yesterday?”While beloved footie presenter Jeff Stelling had an even stronger assessment.The former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host wrote: “One of the worst decisions I have seen all season!”A fourth said: “How on earth has VAR ruled out that Ait Nouri handball??”One more fumed: “Where is the consistency? None of us even understand the handball rule anymore 😡.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe decision on Monday didn’t affect Forest too much as Wood doubled their lead 11 minutes later.Nuno went on to beat his former side 3-0 to go level with Arsenal in second, who are also six points behind Prem leaders Liverpool.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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      Ange Postecoglou faces HUGE make-or-break week for Tottenham… and a chance to shut the boo boys up once and for all

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      IT’S domestic cup week and therefore it’s a big one for Big Ange Postecoglou.Because if any team is capable of beating Liverpool in a semi-final and losing to Tamworth in the space of four days, then it’s Postecoglou’s gloriously unpredictable Tottenham.Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs could turn a corner this week… or they could resume normal businessCredit: ReutersThe Aussie was in a magnificently grumpy mood after Saturday’s league defeat by Newcastle but he has a pleasingly positive attitude towards knockout competitions.Indeed, he has pretty much staked his job on them by insisting “I ALWAYS win a trophy in my second season” at a club.This ought to be Chas & Dave Cup-final music to the ears of Spurs fans, after 17 years without a trophy.Indeed, the Carabao Cup might just provide us with a dream final, should  Tottenham and Newcastle win their two-legged semis, because no two clubs in the English game crave silverware to quite such an extent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Geordies haven’t had a pot to pour champagne into since 1969 and they head to Arsenal tonight in rude health after a major festive resurgence.But it’s not just about Spurs and Newcastle quenching their thirst — because the domestic cups are in desperate need of any different winners.A cup final is properly special when it means the world to the winning club — and not just a consolation prize nor one leg of a Double, Treble or Quadruple.But remarkably, 21 of the last 22 major English domestic knockout competitions have been carved up between the ‘big five’ of Manchester City (eight), Manchester United and Arsenal (four apiece), Liverpool (three) and Chelsea, who have won two finals and lost seven in the last eight seasons.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLeicester’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea in 2021 was the only exception — and even that trophy went to a club who had been champions five years previously.It is a far cry from the heyday of the 80s, when Coventry, Wimbledon, Luton, Oxford and Norwich all won their only major honours in the space of four years. Although all were denied European football by the Heysel ban.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw This weekend brings an FA Cup third round and our annual chance to wail, ‘What can we do to save the Cup?’This year, third-round replays have been scrapped to  the widespread groans of traditionalists. But this switch makes Cup shocks more likely, not less — a one-off match with extra-time and penalties gives smaller clubs a better chance of an upset.Every year there is a call for the Cup to be revamped with seedings or with clubs from lower divisions automatically being given home advantage.Tamworth v Tottenham is the tie of the round not only because of Spurs’ intrinsic comedy value but because it is being staged at the National League club’s Lamb Ground, with a 4,000 capacity and the opportunity for everyone to assume the showers will be cold and Spurs won’t like it. Meanwhile, Manchester City v Salford, Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Chelsea v Morecambe and Newcastle v Bromley would all look a lot juicier if lower-league clubs were at home.But this change is simply never going to happen because nobody inside  football actually wants it.Small clubs profit more from away days at Premier League grounds, while their players and even supporters relish those trips.The best chance for the Cup to rediscover its lustre is for top-flight managers to prioritise it — especially given that the majority have no realistic title ambitions nor relegation fears.Instead, most will use third-round weekend as an opportunity to give the  regular bench-dwellers in their sizeable squads — not very many of them even exciting home-grown  youngsters — some elusive ‘game time’.There remains a huge disconnect here between managers and fans, who would relish a Cup final far more than a few extra league wins.So, will any mid-table Premier League manager have the balls to pick their first team, then ‘rotate’ in the midweek round of league fixtures which follow?If anyone is likely to, it’s that old romantic Big Ange.Altogether now: “Spurs are on their way to  Wembley . . . ”Enzo Maresca needs some senior heads in his squad prontoCredit: AlamyWISE UP BLUESCHELSEA are out of the title race after taking just two points from 12 against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace.Yet the Blues might have won all four games with one or two experienced heads among their talented youngsters, who wilted when the going got tough defending 1-0 leads against Fulham and Palace.During those recent matches, I’ve witnessed £106million World Cup-winner Enzo Fernandez — still only 23 — kicking off at Ipswich’s former Chelsea kid Omari Hutchinson during their 2-0 defeat.And Pedro Neto, a relative veteran at 24, twice seemingly being shot by snipers in the stand, given his agonised response to no contact from an opponent.Chelsea’s owners are hooked on youth but a couple of wise heads could not knock some sense in.Liam Delap has forced his way into England contentionCredit: GettyLIAM IS IN TUCHNOW that Thomas Tuchel has finally turned up for work, with a clean slate, he will surely be casting an eye over Ipswich striker Liam Delap.He is an old-fashioned bully of a centre-forward who’s been hugely impressive during Town’s recent revival.Delap has Pulisball in his blood — his father Rory was a key member of that bruising Stoke side — and has been schooled by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Watch his game and you can see pleasing aspects of both influences.Delap will be Harry Kane’s long-term successor as England’s No 9 and it would be a surprise if Tuchel does not include him in his first squad in March.Refs are already forgetting about rules they enforced ruthlessly earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersREFER BACKI SPOKE to an experienced ref  and he confirmed what I’d long suspected — that pre-season edicts for officials are always forgotten within a month or two.Remember bookings for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart, such as the second yellow card given to Arsenal’s Declan Rice in August’s home draw against Brighton?Well, they’ve been forgotten by refs and their assessors, just like the supposed ‘high bar’ for VAR interventions.Not even an injury to Mo Salah would stop Liverpool’s title chargeCredit: AlamyBUK STOPS WITH KOPDON’T get too excited about an actual title race after Liverpool dropped points against Manchester United.Arsenal are their only credible challengers but will never win consistently enough without Bukayo Saka — just as Manchester City collapsed without Rodri.There is no single player in Liverpool’s side whose long-term absence would have a similar effect — not even Mo Salah. Aged just 39, Stephen Bunting’s best years are still ahead of himCredit: GettyGOLDEN AGEAS someone who is frequently told they must have had a ‘tough paper round’, it’s heartening to see someone who looks even worse for their age than I do.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe photo at the top of this page was taken eight years ago and I still look older in it than I am now.So thanks to world darts semi-finalist Stephen Bunting, improbably only 39, and to the new Southampton boss Ivan Juric, who is younger than me at 49 but looks pensionable. 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      Tottenham newbie Antonin Kinsky blew coaches away, is likened to Petr Cech and has famous ex-footballer father

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      ANTONIN KINSKY’S switch to Spurs happened so fast the young goalie had to make a late dash to pick up some boots and gloves.The ambidextrous Czech, 21, was so certain he was staying at Slavia Prague that he had arranged to receive some new mitts from his glove sponsor this past Sunday.Antonin Kinsky has signed for Spurs for £12m from Slavia PragueBut after turning his phone on on Friday evening after a relaxing sauna and massage, he discovered his Tottenham transfer was on – meaning he was in need of some fresh gear.Kinsky, whose qualities have been compared to the great Petr Cech, said: “I realised that if I was flying out on the Saturday morning, I’d need gloves and boots. I didn’t have either at home, so I started looking. “I drove to Plzen and then to (Prague district) Eden, where I would have gone anyway to say goodbye and take one last look at the stadium. “Now I’ve got everything I need, so I’ll pack up at home and head off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKinsky eventually sealed a move worth £12.5million plus add-ons, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract.But because he is still waiting on his work permit, which could take up to 48 hours to arrive, his chances of featuring against Liverpool are viewed as unlikely.That means Brandon Austin, who waited nearly 10 years for his first Spurs appearance against Newcastle on Saturday, is set to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on what will be his 26th birthday, provided Fraser Forster is still ill.But after that, Kinsky will step in and look to make himself Ange Postecoglou’s go-to guy between the sticks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is even when Guglielmo Vicario returns from a fractured foot in late February, with the Italian posting a video of himself out of his protective boot on Sunday.Because ambitious Kinsky, nicknamed ‘Toni’, has not just been brought in as a back-up to Vicario, but to challenge him.Chelsea fans beg Petr Cech to return to club after spotting what he did in Sky Sports studio during Crystal Palace clashHis move had been earmarked for the summer, when veteran Forster is out of contract, but got pushed forward following Vicario’s serious injury.Kinsky is likely to be the first of a few January signings for injury-hit Spurs, who are also keen on a defender and attacker.While Forster has struggled to play out from the back like Postecoglou wants, Kinsky’s footwork was a big attraction when he was identified by Spurs technical director Johan Lange.His passing success rate of 83.9 per cent is better than any other goalkeeper with five appearances or more in this season’s Europa League.Kinsky has been playing in that competition for Slavia, but due to a rule change, CAN also play in it for Spurs this term too.The blond-haired starlet, who has perfect English, constantly listens to Czech rap and idolises late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, was an outfield player as a kid.But he moved in goal in a bid to follow in the footsteps of his dad, also called Antonin Kinsky who won five caps for the Czech national team and remains a huge influence on his son.Kinsky’s dad Antonin won five caps for the Czech national team as a keeperCredit: GettyKinsky Jnr’s 12 clean sheets in 19 league games has helped Slavia go seven points clear at the top of the Czech league.It was his first season as Slavia’s No1, but it was back-to-back loan spells to small-town club MFK Vyskov between 2021-23 which toughened him up for first-team football.Rostislav Horacek was Kinsky’s goalkeeping coach at Vyskov and remembers being blown away by the confident youngster’s potential after just “two or three training sessions”.The 57-year-old said: “The guys in the pub laughed at me when I said that I had an 18-year-old boy in the second league who would one day play for the national team.“But I was convinced of it. He has everything.“He always looked forward to tough matches like a little kid looking forward to ice cream.”Kinsky is comfortable with both feet and used to play outfield in his youthCredit: GettyChelsea legend Cech is the benchmark for Czech keepers, having won 124 caps for his country in a stellar career, but Horacek sees an obvious comparison.While he also gave an insight into the ability Kinsky – or ‘Tonda’ as he called him – has with both feet.Horacek told Flashscore: “I asked him in training which foot he prefers, but he said it doesn’t matter. He kicks with both equally.“At Slavia, he had a great defence in front of him. (It meant that) he often goes 40 minutes without a save and then has to quickly resolve a difficult situation. READ MORE SUN STORIES“That is exactly what Petr Cech used to do at Chelsea. He had a strong defence in front of him, led by John Terry, but then had to show off with one or two saves. Tonda is strong in this.”Petr Cech has been described as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all timeCredit: PA:Press AssociationTottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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      Robbie Keane returns to football as manager of Europa League club months after quitting Maccabi Tel Aviv

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      ROBBIE KEANE has returned to management by taking over a Europa League side.Keane, 44, had been a free agent since June when he quit his position as Maccabi Tel Aviv boss.Robbie Keane has been announced as the new Ferencvaros managerCredit: Instagram @Fradi_HUKeane was a free agent after leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv in JuneCredit: APThe Irish tactician, however, will be back in the dugout soon after his seven-month hiatus.The ex-Premier League star has been announced as the new manager of Ferencvaros.The Hungarian giants targeted the ex-Tottenham star last summer and held talks with his representatives.Fradi, though, opted for Pascal Jansen but he was eventually “bought out of his contract”.Read More on FootballFerencvaros rekindled their interest in the former striker and reached an agreement shortly after the New Year.Keane flew to Budapest on Sunday and put pen to paper with his new team the next day.The Republic of Ireland great is now set to jet off to Spain on Tuesday to link up with his new players during their winter training camp.Ferencvaros issued the following statement: “We announce the successor to Dutchman Pascal Jansen to lead our 35-time champion and 24-time cup winner team, as the 146-time national team player of the Republic of Ireland Robbie Keane has signed on Monday.Most read in Europa League”The new head coach arrived in Budapest on Sunday evening and will leave on Tuesday to join our team at the training camp in Spain.”Keane’s first match in charge of Ferencvaros will take place on Friday during a friendly match against Preussen Munster.Robbie Keane beams alongside wife Claudine as he spends Valentine’s Day in world’s most romantic cityThe ex-Liverpool ace is then facing two crunch Europa League clashes against Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ Alkmaar. More

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      Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc again

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      THIS is the bizarre moment a non-league chairman KAYAKED his way through the club’s pitch.Northern Premier League side Anstey Nomads felt the full brunt of the devastating floods wreaking havoc across Leicestershire.Non-league chairman Tony Blanchard kayaked his way through the club’s pitchLeicester based club Anstey Nomads are due to host a match tomorrowWhile 59 people were rescued from floods, footie chairman Tony Blanchard made the most the high water.Footage showed a high tide sweeping across a submerged pitch, with rips that mirrored the current of the River Thames.Blanchard, who is also the manager of the first team, saw an opportunity to have some fun at Cropston Road.Like families who board when heavy snow falls, Blanchard jumped into a light blue kayak with matching tipped oars and hit the water.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaffer started paddling from the dugout into the middle of the pitch – which now looks more like a lake.Blanchard, who wrapped up in a black woolly hat and jacket, then ended his journey on the other side of the advertising boards.Anstey Nomads wrote on X: The weather has caused problems again at the nomads…😔 But the chairman has new ideas 😅.”And social media users absolutely loved it, with one fan writing: “Pitch inspection or fish inspection?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another user compared it to a Premier League stadium, typing: “It looks a bit like Old Trafford down there.”The Nomads, who currently sit sixth in the Midlands Division of the Northern Premier League, are due to host Shepshed Dynamo on Tuesday.Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashThe game hasn’t officially been called off or moved as it stands.The club are in the seventh tier of English football and are also due to play at home this weekend.But that now looks unlikely with the entire pitch covered in over five feet of floodwater.Multiple flood warnings have been issued across Leicestershire as emergency services declare a ‘major incident’.The Environment Agency has put red alerts in place – meaning flooding is expected following heavy rainfall and melting snow.Major flooding has forced dozens of road closures and evacuations across the county as water levels continue to rise.They most recently lost to 2-1 away at Wellingborough Town and were set play at home for their next three games. More