Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Don’t agree with it’ – Paul Scholes slams Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd team selection as it leaves ‘bad taste in your mouth’

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES has blasted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for sacrificing the Premier League in favour of a Europa League run.The Red Devils reached the final of Europe’s secondary club competition this week with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final this weekCredit: ALAMYWinning the tournament will paper over the cracks of an incredibly poor domestic seasonCredit: REUTERSManager Ruben Amorim has seemingly prioritised the competition over the Prem in recent weeksCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKClub legend Paul Scholes is far from happy with the Portuguese’s approach as of lateCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKUnited’s European run has brought some respite from their woeful league form, which has left them in 15TH PLACE in the table.Amorim has clearly prioritised the Europa League with his team selections in recent weeks, giving rising stars including Tyler-Fredricson and Harry Amass more game time than he might otherwise have done.TNT Sports pundit Scholes wrote in his column for the broadcaster: “Manchester United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they’ve clearly sacrificed the league.”I don’t like it and I don’t agree with it and I believe there has to be some sort of standards required in a Premier League team.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”It’s almost as if they go into Premier League games and there’s an acceptance that they’re not going to win the game, which is madness.”I think the acceptance has come from everyone.”Scholes firmly believes one figure is to blame for United seemingly being resigned to losing their league matches.He continued: “I think it’s come from the manager, even though he won’t admit it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…”He’s not playing teams to win games of football in the league.”I think even fans are thinking, ‘Let’s get these league games out of the way because the league has been a disaster.’Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!”They’re probably thinking, ‘Play whoever you want, we don’t care.’ “There’s an acceptance to it, which I think is wrong, because the Premier League is your bread and butter.”But if you’re going to get Champions League football by winning the Europa League, it’ll all be forgotten, I hope.”There is that bad taste in your mouth that the Premier League form is so bad, and they might regret it next year.”I think the manager should be using this time to learn how to win games when you’re not playing that well, because it’s going to happen again next year.”I don’t think you can just switch a button next season and, all of a sudden, you’re going to see them play brilliantly in the league.Read More on The Sun”I think it’s quite risky sacrificing the Premier League for the sake of Champions League football next year.”United will face familiar opposition in Tottenham – who bested Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie – in this month’s Europa League final in Bilbao. More

    • 225 Shares56 Views

      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard lined up for emotional return to former club but faces competition from sacked Premier League bosses

      by

      STEVEN GERRARD could be set for a sensational return to Rangers.Gerrard, 44, has been a free agent since January after his acrimonious exit from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and is looking for his next challenge.Steven Gerrard has been pencilled in for a potential return to RangersGerrard won the Scottish Premiership at IbroxGerrard is a free agent after a hapless stint in Saudi ArabiaAccording to The Telegraph, that could lead the Liverpool legend back to Ibrox, where his managerial career officially kicked off.The former England international joined the Gers in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success during his three-year spell as he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.And Rangers are keen on a reunion with the Scouse tactician as they are seeking a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February. Former midfielder has been in temporary charge since.Gerrard is part of a long list of candidates that is said to run into double figures.Read More on FootballThe likes of former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Russell Martin, who was recently dismissed by Southampton, are also being considered.O’Neil had a short but impressive stint with Bournemouth and Wolves before becoming a free agent.Edwards stood out at Luton as he led them to the Premier League two years ago.And Martin has history with Rangers as he underwent a loan spell as a player in 2018 before managing at MK Dons, Swansea and of course Saints.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere are also foreign head coaches being monitored by club chiefs amid the closing stages of the season.Nevertheless, it is thought to be an open race with no clear favourite for the top job. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Rangers could offer Gerrard a second chance in his new career as he has seen his stock plummet after two unsuccessful stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.The legendary midfielder joined Villa on November 2021 – the same year he ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in the Scottish Premiership.After a positive first season at Villa Park, Gerrard failed to keep it up and was dismissed following a run of poor results and performances on October 2022.The Liverpool great then made the big leap to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but left 18 months later with his team 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also being targeted by RangersEx-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also part of Rangers’ longest of candidatesThe same goes for ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, while there are also foreign candidates More

    • 213 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England U20 star who’s dating Coronation Street actress wakes up unemployed after release from EFL club

      by

      FORMER England U20 ace and Everton academy graduate Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North End. Ledson, who is dating Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, leaves Deepdale after seven years following the expiration of his contract.Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North EndCredit: GettyLedson is dating Lucy FallonCredit: SplashFallon stars as Bethany Platt in ITV soap Coronation StreetCredit: Instagram/@lucyfallonxThe 27-year-old midfielder joined Preston back in 2018, having spent time at Cambridge United and Oxford United after graduating from Everton’s academy.And now he will be searching for the next step in his career after being included on Preston’s 2025 retained list as an “out of contract and released” player.It’s not a surprise to Preston fans, who were made aware of Ledson’s imminent exit earlier in the week.In a statement, the Liverpool-born star said: “I’ve had the best seven years that I could have asked for. This club means so much to me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the staff behind the scenes to the owner and Peter.“Thank you to the fans too for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m glad my last game for the club went as well as it did and I could have that moment with the fans at the end.“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the future.”Ledson’s final game for the club was a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, a result that was just enough to keep the Lilywhites afloat in the Championship.Most read in FootballPreston North End full retained listHere’s a look at who is staying and going for Preston North End…Contracted ProfessionalsAli McCannAndrew HughesBen WhitemanBrad PottsDai CornellFelipe Rodriguez-GentileJack WhatmoughJames PradicJeppe OkkelsJordan StoreyKitt NelsonLewis GibsonLiam LindsayMads FrøkjærMax WilsonMilutin OsmajićNoah MaweneStefán ThórdarsonWill KeaneIn NegotiationsChed Evans (coaching role)Josh SearyKacper PasiekRobbie BradyOut of Contract and ReleasedEmil RiisFreddie WoodmanKian BestKian TaylorPatrick BauerRyan LedsonLoan Players Returning To Parent ClubsKaine Kesler-HaydenJayden MeghomaRyan PorteousSam GreenwoodCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe leaves PNE having played 215 games, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.Ledson’s partner Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street, supported him by re-sharing his exit announcement on her Instagram.Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’The pair, who have been dating since the Covid-19 lockdown, share two children together – a son named Sonny and a daughter called Nancy.Clubs up and down the country are now announcing their retained lists as the season comes to a close, meaning top stars are being released all over the place.Former Chelsea, Manchester City and Celtic star Scott Sinclair was another big name to wake up unemployed this week after his release from Bristol Rovers.Club captain Sinclair, who shares three children with his former Corrie star ex Helen Flanagan, was let go by Rovers following their relegation into League Two.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is former Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: Instagram More

    • 263 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Marco Silva won’t be happy with this’ – Moment Fulham star is FLOORED by Adama Traore in dressing room wrestling match

      by

      FULHAM star Adama Traore went viral for FLOORING team-mate Calvin Bassey TWICE in two dressing room wrestling matches.Traore, 29, and Bassey, 25, locked horns in a friendly bout in front of their team-mates at the Cottagers’ training ground at Motspur Park.Fulham stars Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey wrestled in the dressing roomAnd Traore showcased his monstrous power by slamming Bassey on the concrete floorThe two heavyweights faced off in two rounds that required each participant to pin his opponent’s back on the floor.Traore showed his monstrous strength as he won the first round with relative ease by slamming his opponent on the concrete floor.And Bassey joked later that the result would be different if he just had more “grip”, perhaps in reference to the fact he had sliders on for the first bout.The second round didn’t go any better for the centre-back, who had trainers on by this point, as the winger floored him again in another dominant display that justified his reputation as the Premier League’s biggest powerhouse.Read more on FootballThe friendly bout was met with laughs and cheers from team-mates.And some fans joined in on the fun as they wondered what would happen if manager Marco Silva had walked in.One supporter tweeted: “Marco Silva won’t be happy with this video…”Another commented: “When he [Silva] comes in.. PAUSE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA further comment read “Bet the manager was p***** they was doing this”While others jokingly advised Traore to consider a career in UFC or MMA.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible A fan wrote: ” Lol, [Traore] would’ve had better chances with UFC than with football.”Another said: “His [Traore] agent should call Dana White. A summer UFC fight won’t be bad.”But there were also some Fulham fans who weren’t too impressed with what they saw in the dressing room as they pointed out that could have led to a serious injury.This comes amid the West Londoners’ bid for a rare European qualification as they chase an eighth-place finish, which would lead to the Conference League if Crystal Palace don’t win the FA Cup.One fan tweeted: “What if they get injured in the process?! Who’s paying the wages?”Another commented: “Wrestling on concrete. Great idea…”A third wrote: “Imagine being a pro footballer and you get injured like this…”Fulham star Traore showcased his monstrous strengthBassey joked he would do better if he had more ‘grip’ More

    • 275 Shares37 Views

      in Soccer

      Hilarious moment Lamine Yamal gives fake name to woman who asks him to take photo with no idea who Barcelona star is

      by

      LAMINE YAMAL went to extreme lengths to keep a low profile during a recent outing and even gave a woman a FAKE NAME.The Barcelona and Spain winger is one of the most recognisable footballers on the planet.Lamine Yamal was asked for his name after being asked to take a photo of a woman and her friendsCredit: INSTAGRAM@THEUNDERDOGS.AGENCYThe Barcelona and Spain star said his name was ‘Ryan’Credit: INSTAGRAM@THEUNDERDOGS.AGENCYBut one of the group of women cottoned on to the white lie and said his real nameCredit: INSTAGRAM@THEUNDERDOGS.AGENCYYamal, 17, is usually instantly recognised everywhere he goes and mobbed by scores of footie fans.A woman, however, wasn’t quite sure of the wing wizard’s identity after asking him to take a photo of her and her pals.But she had a sneaky suspicion he might be famous, saying to him as he held the camera: “Excuse me, what is your name?As he attempted to take the snap, Yamal replied: “Ryan.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe woman, however, wasn’t buying what the Barca star was selling. She asked him: “And in reality?”Yamal doubled down on his fake name, once again saying: “Ryan.”The group of women behind the inquisitive lady, however, didn’t believe Yamal, shouting “noo” before one of them said his name.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLamal has been superb in La Liga this seasonYamal and his pals urged them to get into position for the photo, with one of them shouting: “Photo, photo, photo! It’s now or never.”Yamal completed his photographer duties after the group eventually posed in front of a picturesque background.Craig Burley praises Lamine Yamal’s clutch goal in Spain’s win Footage of the bizarre incident went viral and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom wrote on Instagram: “Just wow.”Another wrote with a laughing emoji: “Ryan Yamal.”And another said: “How can they even be asking again?”One remarked: “Good disguise, Ryan.”Another chimed in: “Lamine is a joker.”Euro 2024 winner Yamal has enjoyed yet another stellar season with Barcelona, who were dumped out of the Champions League semi-finals by Inter Milan this week.The teenager has scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this season and provided a whopping 24 assists for his team-mates. More

    • 225 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Albanian Laura Woods goes braless in pink top as she bags new presenting role in completely different sport

      by

      EVA MURATI is no stranger to turning heads with bold outfits.And her latest get-up left little to the imagination. Eva Murati has been dubbed the ‘Albanian Laura Woods’ due to her Champions League coverageCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIThe 29-year-old has a massive following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / evamuratiMurati stunned during her live coverage of Stage One of the Giro d’ItaliaCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIShe proudly showed off her bold outfit on her InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIThe Champions League presenter has been dubbed the “Albanian Laura Woods” by legions of smitten footie fans.The Tring TV and Vizion Plus presenter has garnered quite the social media following thanks to her insight and bold outfits. Murati, 29, has garnered a whopping 1.1 million followers on Instagram alone. And she gave them a breathtaking display during her recent coverage of the Giro d’Italia, which kicked off in her homeland on Friday.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSMurati went braless as she donned a tight pink strappy top and flowy white trousers. She proudly showed off her outfit, as well as some of her coverage of Stage One of the race, to her Instagram stories and main grid.Scores of her followers rushed to the comments section, with one saying: “Beautiful.” Another said: “You are my love.” Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEva Murati has shown her versatility as a presenter with her coverage of the Giro d’ItaliaCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIAnd another said: “It is impossible to stop gazing at your beautiful eyes.” One remarked with love-heart emojis: “So beautiful, Eva.”Meet glam Champions League host Eva MuratiAnother chimed in with two fire emojis: “Stupendous.”Stage One of the Giro d’Italia was won by Mads Pedersen, who wears the pink shirt going into Stage Two. More

    • 175 Shares59 Views

      in Soccer

      How WSL rivals have fared in the 2024-25 battle for points and top-flight survival

      by

      FROM a few surprise managerial departures to Chelsea making Naomi Girma the WSL’s first million dollar signing, this season has been eventful. While the battle for the title and top-flight survival have been settled, today could see champions Chelsea go unbeaten. Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide her side to their 19th win in 22 games thisCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to round off their march to a sixth straight title win by going this termCredit: GettyAhead of the 12:30pm kick-off of the final six games that will wrap up this season, here is a brief look at how teams have fared this term.Chelsea While Champions League glory has eluded them, domestically Chelsea have been almost unstoppable this term. A home win or draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today would see Sonia Bompastor’s side achieve their goal of an invincible run.  The team, who will be given a guard of honour from their visitors, would also become the first to complete 22 games without defeat in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesFor Bompastor the opportunity to create history in her first season at the Blues’ helm would be one of the highlights of her stellar career. Ahead of today’s game the Blues boss said: “It means a lot because probably it will be the only time in my career to be in that situation. “In the women’s or men’s game when the team is able to achieve that, they stay in history as I already said. “I’m thinking about Arsenal, the men’s team, when they have been invincible. People always talk about it.Most read in Football”When you have this opportunity being that close to make history, you just need to make sure you do that because it will stay forever. “I think even for your kids later to have this history to tell to some other people, it would be nice.”While Chelsea could end this term with 60 points than they did last season, not all their displays have been completely flawless. West Ham fought from 2-0 down to claim an away draw the champions with Brighton and Leicester also bagging points.However the champions have been very more tenacious in their capturing of silverware with a league and title double achieved. And they hope to make it a treble when they face Man United in this year’s Women’s FA Cup Renee Slegers’ players will be eager to bounce back from two losses in a row by beating Man UnitedCredit: GettyArsenalFollowing early season wobbles and Jonas Eidevall’s standing down as Gunners boss last October, Arsenal have been mostly impressive under Renee Slegers. With Slegers at the helm the team went on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier this term that was halted by 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the end of January. In the Champions League they have been comeback queens overcoming two and one-goal deficits to knock out Real Madrid and Lyon in the quarters and semi-finals. While Arsenal will battle in the final for the first time in 18 years, the team with the most FA Cup and League Cup wins bowed out of both contests this term. For the first time in three years a Women’s League Cup decider did not feature the Gunners.And surprise losses to Aston Villa and Brighton included them shipping nine goals in their last two WSL games.Against Manchester United at the Emirates today in their final league match this season they will be keen to prove those results  were a blip. Victory today would seal a second spot for Arsenal and their highest finish in the league since the 2021-22 campaign.  A Man United win against Arsenal would see them end their WSL season in second place before their FA Cup final clash with ChelseaCredit: ReutersManchester UnitedFollowing the disappointment of missing out Champions League action this season, Man United have achieved their target of claiming a place in next term’s contest. Defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates today would see the Red Devils end this term second in the top tier for the second time in their history. It would also be a considerable improvement on the fifth place finish that led to Marc Skinner facing criticism from some United supporters. His side have one of the best defensive records in the league this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining in goal. Ahead of United’s Arsenal visit the USA shot stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in 21 top-flight games. Having missed out on a Champions League spot Man City are a targeting an end-of-season hope win before competing in the World Sevens tournament this monthCredit: GettyManchester City Injury struggles derailed Man City’s trophy chase this season with star striker Khadija Shaw among the players currently sidelined.The team pipped to last term’s title on goal difference was among the favourites to push Chelsea all the way. They are currently the only team to have beaten Barcelona in Europe this term. However the high of that 2-0 group stage October win has been followed by some tumultuous moments. These include Chloe Kelly’s loan transfer to Arsenal and the sacking of boss Gareth Taylor Having suffered Champions League and FA Cup heartbreak, the Cityzens are eager to end this term with a home win against Crystal Palace.This month along with Man United they will be competing in the megabucks inaugural seven-a-side tournament World Sevens. Brighton are on course to claim fifth spot which would be their highest finish so far in the WSLCredit: GettyBrightonUNDER Dario Vidosic Brighton look set to achieve their highest ever finish in the league.The head coach, who has previously spoken of his admiration of the playing style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona sides, has revamped Brighton.The team’s expansive style has earned them plaudits with Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Vicky Losada, Marisa Olislagers among the players who have impressedMichelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal and midfielder Maisie Symonds have also shone for the Seagulls. Albion have at times been punished playing out from the back, with their heaviest loss this term occurring at Arsenal last November when they were beaten However this week saw Albion get revenge with their 4-2 defeat of the Gunners in their final home game this term. Their first defeat of Arsenal in the WSL has put them on course for their highest finish with the team in fifth spot. Canada forward Olivia Smith has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this seasonCredit: GettyLiverpoolMATT BEARD’s March exit from the Reds’ helm came as a surprise to some WSL observers. Before being axed from his job the ex-Liverpool gaffer had expressed concerns in regard to investment and budget for the team. Interim women’s team boss Amber Whiteley has been doing a solid job overseeing the side who hope to end a run of three losses. Highlights this season include their solid 3-1 defeat of Man United at Anfield in March.Gifted Canada forward Olivia Smith was among their best performers in that game scoring twice. Away from WSL action they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the semi-finals before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Having finished fourth last term, the Reds hope to drop no lower than sixth this season.Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had some solid results in the second half of the season including a 2-2 draw away at ChelseaCredit: AlamyWest Ham Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had a stunning turnaround to their season. Their upturn in form has been followed by the experienced head coach signing a one-year contract extension last month. In late March West Ham were in a relegation scrap and second from bottom following a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea. Since then the Irons resurgence has been remarkable with the team sitting seventh and unbeaten in six of their last eight games. The signing of Shekiera Martinez last July from Freiburg has proved to be a masterstroke.The Germany Under-23 striker has scored 10 goals in 11 WSL appearances.  Defeat of Leicester, if Chelsea beat Liverpool, would see the Irons claim sixth spot, their highest league finish in three years.  Everton hope to build on their impressive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield by beating Tottenham at home todayCredit: GettyEvertonTHE Toffees have struggled with injuries at times this term with seven players including experienced midfielder Maren Mjelde currently sidelined. Fitness concerns aside Brian Sorensen’s players have impressed in the second half of this season. Standout results include a 2-1 home defeat of Man City last December and a derby triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. Twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard have been among their side’s most impressive performers in this campaignHigh points include Sara providing Karen with an assist during Everton’s 2-1 draw with City last month. Aston Villa have scored eight goals in their last two games ahead of their end-of-season clash with BrightonCredit: GettyAston Villa Natalia Arroyo’s side look set for a strong finish after a topsy turvy season which included a managerial sacking.The Villans parted company with head coach Robert de Pauw last December following a  tough run of one win in nine games The team faced a fierce fight for WSL after a run of seven winless games from January 25 to March 23.However the team have been on a roll since then with four straight victories and Arroyo winning April’s WSL manager of the month award. Their dramatic recovery was capped by a 5-2 trouncing of Arsenal last month. With Villa bidding farewell to Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Turner and Maz Pacheco, they will be keen to end this season with a home win against Brighton.Tottenham will be keen to avoid an end-of-season loss away against Everton having been narrowly beaten Chelsea last time outCredit: PATottenham Compared to their achievements last term, including an FA Cup final debut, Tottenham have had it tough at times this season. A difficult run from February 2 this year has left Robert Vilahamn’s side on the verge of going winless in 10 games. These results have also left his side tenth – four places lower than their sixth-place finish last term. Vilahamn will want Spurs to avoid an unwanted milestone when they visit Everton today.They hope to avoid losing on the last day of the season for the first time in their WSL history. Leicester City could end their season in tenth spot if Tottenham are beaten by EvertonCredit: GettyLeicester CityGritty performances against their rivals in the bottom half of the table helped Leicester survive their battle to avoid the dropThe team are currently seven points above relegated Crystal Palace who they drew with last time out. While they struggled earlier this term, going winless in their first six games, they gathered a bit of momentum in the season’s second half. Among their players who have impressed are skipper Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain. High points for their team include them claiming a draw last December against eventual champions Chelsea. A result that led to the Foxes ending the champions’ 13-game winning run at that stage of the season. Crystal Palace face a toughduel with Man City in their final game as a WSL side Women’s Championship nextCredit: GettyCrystal Palace While their two opening WSL encounters ended in brutal 4-0 and 7-0 losses (to Tottenham and Chelsea), Palace occasionally showed they could hold their own The now-relegated Eagles, guided to the top tier by Laura Kaminski, were seen as strong favourites for the drop. However a defeat of Leicester last October followed by draws with Liverpool and Everton suggested they could be a threat to rivals in the lower half of the table Read More on The SunThe sacking of head coach Kaminski in late February was followed by the Eagles picking up one win and a draw from their next seven games. Under boss Leif Smerud the team were unable to build on an impressive March defeat of Aston Villa losing their next five matches.  More

    • 275 Shares52 Views

      in Soccer

      Whoever wins out of Man Utd and Tottenham has had a better season than Arsenal – they should be celebrated, not mocked

      by

      WE are getting to a stage in football where everyone is constantly miserable and negative, moaning about everything.All this talk that Manchester United or Tottenham should not be allowed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League because of their league positions.Troy Deeney has said Arsenal face having a worse season than Man Utd or SpursCredit: ReutersMan Utd made the Europa League final after beating Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregateCredit: Shutterstock EditorialTottenham are in their first European final for six years after beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legsCredit: RexWhoever wins the Europa League will also book their spot in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd it has come from Arsene Wenger, of all people — the man who made a career out of finishing fourth with Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League and saying that was an achievement?He is now saying that winning in Europe to play in a bigger European competition is not good enough because of where they finish in the league? Nonsense.Manchester City have had a terrible year but could win the FA Cup — is that not allowed either?Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we? I can’t remember many having a whinge when West Ham qualified for the Europa League after winning the Conference League in 2023 when they finished 14th in the league.A lot of teams are now taking the FA Cup more seriously because it means European qualification.It is the same with the Europa — it makes people want to win it more. What’s bad about that?I don’t tend to agree with Ange Postecoglou on a lot, but I do when others are suggesting United and Spurs are “too good” for the Europa League, and Ange is asking: Why?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, when he said people “fear” Spurs winning it — what’s the fear? We would all welcome it.I would also hope the narrative around them not winning anything would change.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!My “fear” is that if Spurs win it, they will still be in the same place with their manager’s future up in the air and doubts over whether they can push on. Whereas, at least with United, I reckon it could be a real springboard to go attract proper signings and improve.On a wider point, is this not also a reflection of how poor European football is currently as a whole?We have got two teams sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League, not doing anything and getting beaten up by the likes of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we?Troy DeeneyAnd yet, they are both one game away from the very top table of Europe football. Is that saying more about us or them?We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.I thought these lower competitions were supposed to be giving other teams on the continent more of a chance? It hasn’t been that way so far.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…Would Spurs say they have had the hardest draw? Probably not.Bodo/Glimt are not a top team and none of their players are suddenly going to get bought this summer by top sides.But that is the team that they were drawn against and they dealt with it.What do you want them to do? They are where they are.It is just opposition fans trying to spin the wheel, whether it is throwing knives at United or Spurs.We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.Troy DeeneyOr Arsenal fans saying they are the best team ever after losing a Champions League semi-final.Or even worse, Mikel Arteta claiming they have been the best team in Europe this year. How? How do these things correlate?The reality is that United and Spurs are in a European final and whoever wins will technically have a better season than Arsenal have had, because they have actually won something.Just worry about yourselves, your own team, your own club, and stop moaning.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More