Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares58 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares62 Views

      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic LIVE RESULTS: TNT calls out Jake Paul after scrappy win while Roman delivers brutal KO

      by

      TOMMY FURY’S return to the ring after 18 months has been a success as the former Love Island star beat Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest!It was a scrappy contest to say the least but TNT won on points before dedicating the victory to ‘sweetheart’ Molly Mae and calling out bitter rival Jake Paul.And Tommy’s half-brother Roman also came out on top tonight with a dominant KO victory.The ref was forced to call an end to what was a heavily dominated fight after just round four.Full card scores Tommy Fury UD beats Kenan Hanjalic Roman Fury KOs Josip PeharShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – N/AVaradi Sandor UD beats Nikolas PanicValentin Koloszar UD beats Alexandru IonitaCopy linkCopiedNight of Fury Here’s how the two main fights played out with the Fury bros claiming important wins:Copy linkCopiedFury entices Paul rematch Fury’s post-match touched on all the agony of the past year. All the sacrifices, tribulations and hurt suffered in his long-waited return to the ring and what next. When questioned about a possible rematch with Jake Paul, he refers to him as a terrified b***h and maintains that there is no question that he will knock him out the second time.A rematch will certainly entice many. Copy linkCopiedFury reacts to victoryFury is lapping up his return back in the winning column. “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Savior Jesus Christ, without him none of this would be possible,” he says buoyantly”I want to say hello to my beautifuyl baby girl Bambi at home, my sweetheart Molly, she’ll always be mine forever. “And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them I wouldn’t be breathing, I wouldn’t be here. The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and i owe them everything.”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two year. I’ve been though things that tear men down, drunk, alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury beats Kenan Hanjalic UD 6Fury’s first ring action in 18 months comes away with a bitty win on points. Shades of quality were present but nothing note-worthy enough that will have make headlines. TNT moves to an 11-0 record with more needing to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 6Fury lands a tidy set of hooks on the upper but Hanjalic shows a commendable steel to take them and embrace them. An incredible amount of engaging, whether that be forced or not, from the two. Final round ends in the scrappy tempo this dust-up undertook. Result to come. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 5Fury continues his semi-calculated approach in this. Hanjalic takes a momentarily knee with that low blow still having an uncomfortable impact on his already lax movement. A minute from time, Fury managed to let off some nice combos to the body but nothing Hanjalic couldn’t eat up. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 4There’s little doubt that when Fury dose start to box hes the cleaner fighter but those moments are little between as he founds himself engaging in a scrap of belief rather than a fight of technique. Hanjalic pleads to the referee about the potential Fury head blows, but that dosen’t stop his charge to make this a messy fight even after a points deduction. Both are leaking, especially Hanjalic. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 3A lot of jab-and-retreat work from Fury in the first two rounds but has now presented a more proactive challnege in the ring with his hands. In the closing stages lets his hands go and catches Hanjalic with a low blow and the face as the referee seeks clarification on whether he is able to continue, which he dose. Father John suggests that Tommy continues to control this encounter with the jab. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 2Not much combination or technique from the two as the brute approach remains bare. Hanjalic stumbled on his feet early on before picking himself up and reneging with intention. A taunt or two from the Bosnian to assure he’s not going anywhere. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – Round 1 After an opening 30 seconds of assessing, Fury is on the immediate engage with a few jabs to the body. Not to the fear of Hanjalic, who carries the power that will cause undoubtedly cause hesitancy within Fury with the pair ending with a flurry of hooks and words. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicHanjalic enters the MTK Arena with a band of entourage in a black behind him in very business-like mode. Remember he came to Budapest with one mission – “to win.”Fury, the show-stopper that the Hungarian faithful have showed out for, is draped in a white-gold combo as he prances his way to the ring. Showtime. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury vs Kenan HanjalicAfter a hellish break that one of the presenters calls “short” which lasted longer than the 10-minute intended break we took before the Roman Fury fight, main event action is upon us. Anyway, Tommy Fury is being welcomed to the ring finally. Copy linkCopiedElsewhereIf techno filler isn’t your thing, we’ve got the latest action on the World Seniors Snooker Championship and UK Open Pool Championship below: Copy linkCopiedThe wait goes onIt’s been a relatively quick and elaborate-planned night so far but at least the fans in Budapest have been treated to quite the event.From the stage performances to club-like vibes, the crowd has been tonight’s main feature as we await Tommy. Copy linkCopiedTommy Fury up nextWhat we expect to be the final musical performance of the event has come to an end as all focus now shifts towards Tommy Fury and his six-round cruiserweight fight with unknown Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic. Not before a bit more techno, of course. Copy linkCopiedRoman speaks on winFury record goes to 5-0 and will certainly endure a sterner test following this. “It was a great comeback. I’ve been out for 14 months so it was a good performance,” he said in his ring interview. “I want to dedicate this fight to my mother, she’s been in bad health and I love her to death, mother that’s for you.”Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury beats Josip Pehar via KOFury, who is donning a Hungary cap, gave the crowd the highlight moment to feast on despite its convoluted nature. Pehar was overmathced from the offset and once the first of three knockdowns occurred the onus was all Fury who claimed his stoppage in the fourth. Time for brother Tommy. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 4Fury knocks Pehar down again in Pehar’s attempts to scramble back into this contest. The Croatian meets the canvas again and the referee calls ends to this. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 3As you would expect, Fury goes all-out for the stoppage. The referee deems Pehar’s second fall of the night as a knocdown despite the bundled-down nature of it. Fury actions a sequence with multiple left hand Pehar’s main highlight has been holding, which deducted him a point and the wait to get his gumshield back in his mouth. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 2Fury, in Tyson-like fashion, jinks and faints his way around the ring probing for a look to get his right hand involved. Pehar escapes from some promsiing Fury combainations before engaing in grappling. Seconds before the end of this round, Fury DROPS Pehar with a planted left hand to the body. The bell saves him. If the size didn’t show it, his strategy does: there’s no stoppage coming from the Croatian despite his winning record. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – Round 1Fury imposes the heavy right hand early on with John barking our advice in his corner. He tagged Pehar with a left hook but nothing that made the Croat retreat from battle. Copy linkCopiedFirst Fury up Roman will face Josip Pehar, who has won seven of his twelve professional bouts.Pehar had some issues with his walkout music as the audio just cut out with no resumption. As for Fury, he is draped out in white silk with gold lining, of course the famous name in capital gold at the back and importantly his walkout goes more swimmingly than Pehar. Copy linkCopiedInterlude doneBreak finished, half-time show wrapped up and all the shots of a semi-interactive crowd – all accompanied by the techno music and lights that this Hungary arena has to offer – now time for the meat and potatoes. The Fury brothers are set to enter the ring. As for the scheduled bout of Shokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze, there’s serious uncertainty on whether we will see that fight but that has yet to be clarified by anyone involved. Copy linkCopiedRoman Fury outlines intentionsRoman tends to fade into the irrelevancy when the Fury name is brought up, and for good reason. He has limted resume with even less credibility experience, but tonight presents a chance to craft out a proper name for himself. One that resonates beyond “Tommy’s older brother.”He is set to be the penultimate fight before our main event. Copy linkCopied More

    • 200 Shares58 Views

      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury dedicates win to ‘my sweetheart’ Molly-Mae after making emotional boxing return following 18-month layoff

      by

      AN emotional Tommy Fury dedicated his win in his boxing return to Molly-Mae Hague in a heartfelt and honest post-fight speech.The former Love Island star made his ring return in a shock Budapest bust-up with Kenan Hanjalic on Friday night.Tommy Fury made his ring return on Friday nightHe locked horns with Kenan Hanjalic in a Budapest bust-upFury cruised to a unanimous decision victoryCredit: DAZNVictory in Budapest moved Fury to a perfect 11-0Fury paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae-Hague in his post-fight interviewCredit: DAZNThe former Love Islanders recently reunited following a separationCredit: INSTAGRAMNerves would’ve been jangling for Fury before he made his ring walk due to his 18-month hiatus.But he outboxed his Bosnian bruiser of an opponent to pick up a unanimous decision victory, his first win since beating KSI in October 2023, and move to a perfect 11-0.Fury, 26, was overcome with emotion after having his hand raised and paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae – who recently confirmed they’re BACK TOGETHER – in his post-fight speech.He said: “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, without him, none of this would be possible.READ MORE ON TOMMY FURY”I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.”And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them, I wouldn’t be breathing. I wouldn’t be here. “The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and I owe them everything.”Fury then bravely opened up about his battles with depression and alcohol.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTommy Fury was a step ahead of Kenan Hanjalic in every aspect of the fightCredit: DAZNBut he was hesitant to throw punches in bunches”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two years,” he said. “I’ve been through things that tear men down. “Drunk, an alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. Tommy Fury SHOVED by opponent Kenan Hanjalic as face-off for comeback fight turns tense”But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Fury opted for a cautious approach in the opening stanza, throwing several probing jabs behind feints.Hanjalic was all too happy to operate on the back foot and strategically blitz Fury.Fury’s speed advantage was apparent in the second, with his in-and-out movement frustrating Hanjalic.The jab continued to be Fury’s best weapon as Hanjalic struggled with the speed at which it came, although he easily got out of the way of several telegraphed right hands.Fury allowed Hanjalic back into the fight by taking his foot off the gas later in the round.And the Bosnian was all too happy to close the distance and work in the clinch.Fury looked to let his hands go in the third but found himself engaged in yet more energy-sapping clinches.An accidental low blow from Fury brought about a pause in the action, much to the frustration of dad John.A bloodied Hanjalic recovered from the foul but looked like he wanted out after the restart.Fury had his dome rattled midway through the fourth by a hellacious right hand.But Hanjalic’s good work was undone seconds later when he had a point deducted.I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.Tommy FuryFury’s best shot of the fight came moments later in the form of a rasping left hook.But he failed to capitalise with a follow-up shot, much to the frustration of his corner.Dad John urged his son to “relax with his shots moments before the fifth.And his Tommy obliged in the few moments he wasn’t caught up in a Hanjalic clinch.Rather than look to put an exclamation on the fight in the final round, Fury opted to operate on the back foot counter-strike.That invited yet more pressure from Hanjalic, who was shaken to his core by a big right hand seconds after eating a right hook to the body.But he stayed elusive enough to avoid a Hanjalic Hail Mary and move to 11-0.Fury had some choice words for rival Jake Paul before he left the ring, saying: “Jake Paul’s a b***h and he’s running scared. “Jake, the hand’s fixed now, baby. The hand’s fixed. Read More on The Sun”I fought a guy in here tonight who’s had over 100 amateur fights and is experienced as hell and he’s as tough as teeth. “If Jake Paul wants to step inside this ring, I guarantee you next time I’ll knock you spark out.” More

    • 263 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League could be saying goodbye to one if its biggest ever bargains in Jamie Vardy… but is he the best?

      by

      IT is the ultimate pub football debate — who has been the biggest bargain to play in the Premier League?Jamie Vardy’s decision to leave Leicester at the end of this season has set tongues-a-wagging across this footie-crazy country, especially after Alan Shearer described him as “the best £1millon spent ever”.Jamie Vardy confirmed he will leave Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersTitle-winner Vardy cost Leicester just £1million from FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – GettyVardy has rewarded Foxes fans 199 times since his bargain-basement move from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and stands only a solitary goal away from a double century.His performances have made him a Leicester legend and Shearer is absolutely right to mark his fellow Englishman down as one of the ‘steals’ of the modern game.But the best? Hmmm, you decide, while I throw in a few other candidates.Only two years after Vardy joined Leicester he was followed by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who signed for… wait for it … £450,000! Four years later the Foxes sold the winger to Manchester City for £60m.read more football newsThere must have been something in the East Midlands air at the time because, in 2011, keeper Kasper Schmeichel arrived for £1m and four years later Leicester also snapped up part human, part midfield machine N’Golo Kante for just £5.6m. OK, not quite Vardy, Mahrez and Schmeichel territory, but in football transfer terms, pretty damn cheap.Elsewhere in the Midlands, Aston Villa got themselves a veritable bargain when they signed John McGinn from Hibernian for less than £3m.While just down the road at Wolves, the Molineux club snapped up Max Kilman from non-league Maidenhead United for just £40,000 back in 2018.Plenty of others have also proven to be genuine bargains, including John Stones, who left his hometown club Barnsley for Everton for just £3m in 2013 — and has now won 83 England caps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAndy Robertson started his career at part-time Queen’s Park, but in 2017 Liverpool paid only £8m for the defender, who has been an integral part of the team which has been successful both at home and abroad.Another full-back, Everton’s Seamus Coleman, has given remarkable service having signed from Sligo Rovers for £60,000. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadAnd how about Moises Caicedo, who moved to Brighton four years ago for £3.6m and has just won the club’s player of the season award at Chelsea following his big-money switch to Stamford Bridge.Talking of Chelsea, I know £8m isn’t exactly shopping at Poundland, but Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta barely missed a game in nearly a decade and captained the club to Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup victories.Every manager is keen on snapping up a good deal. Mind you, back in the 1990s the then-Southampton boss Graeme Souness took a gamble on Ballon d’Or winner George Weah’s alleged ‘cousin’.And Ali Dia has gone down in football folklore.Ali Dia infamously duped Southampton, claiming he was George Weah’s cousinAfter coming on as a sub for Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, he was substituted later in the game against Leeds — his only Premier League appearance.Le Tissier said: “He ran around the pitch like Bambi on ice. It was very embarrassing.”Read More on The SunDia was immediately released by Southampton and next rocked up at non-league Gateshead, where he claimed he had recently scored for Senegal in a World Cup qualifier… except the African nation had already been knocked out.And it turned out that Dia was about as much George Weah’s cousin as I am. More

    • 225 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

      by

      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

    • 238 Shares41 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s other brother Roman stays unbeaten with brutal KO on Tommy Fury’s undercard and pays tribute to mother

      by

      ROMAN FURY maintained his unbeaten record with a stoppage win on the undercard of brother Tommy’s ring return.The new heavyweight prospect made his first outing in over a year in the co-main event of the Budapest brawls at the MTK Arena.Roman Fury made his first outing of the year on the undercard of brother Tommy’s ring returnCredit: DAZNFury locked horns with Croatian Josip PeharCredit: DAZNFury dropped the Croat with a big left hand seconds before the end of the second roundCredit: DAZNStanding between Roman – Tommy and Tyson Fury’s little-known brother – and a perfect 5-0 record was Croatian clubber Josip Pehar. But he boxed beautifully to remain in the ranks of the unbeaten and continue his own journey to a world title with a fourth-round TKO.After having his hand raised, an emotional Roman sent a heartfelt message to his mother.He said: “It was a great comeback. I’ve been out for 14 months so it was a good performance.READ MORE ON TOMMY FURY”I want to dedicate this fight to my mother, she’s been in bad health and I love her to death. Mother, that’s for you.”Southpaw Roman immediately took the centre of the ring and went to work pumping out the jab.Pehar offered incredibly little, circling out of range each and every time Fury looked to throw a heavy left hand.A straight left rattled Pehar with 20 seconds of the round remaining and forced the Croat into retreat mode.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJosip Pehar was in retreat mode for most of the fightCredit: DAZNRoman Fury was proud as punch to have moved to 5-0Credit: DAZNRoman continued to stalk Pehar after the restart, but opted to be more selective with his shots.And he dropped Pehar with a big left hand seconds before the bell.‘I think she’d come around’ – Roman Fury reveals why even Tyson’s wife Paris will be on board for Anthony Joshua fightPehar got back to his feet but was well and truly saved by the interlude.Roman put his foot on the gas in the third, but Pehar frustrated him with clinches galore.Pehar, however, would find himself on the canvas after eating a stiff jab, although he was actually pushed to the mat.Pehar’s constant holding got the nerves of the referee, who deducted a point moments before the end of the round.Fury walked Pehar onto a beautiful left hand shortly after the restart that felled the courageous Croat.Somehow, Pehar made it back to his feet. But the referee mercifully waved off the contest after Pehar crumpled following another barrage of hellacious shots. More

    • 225 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

      by

      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

    • 238 Shares58 Views

      in Soccer

      Virgil van Dijk looking great value to expose hidden Arsenal weakness in Anfield clash –  Weekend Wager’s best bets

      by

      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back to give you the best set of betting tips for this weekend’s Premier League action.The title race may be over, but the Champions League race is only hotting up as some blockbuster fixtures hit the calendar.Our betting experts have some great tips for the weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: ReutersFirst of all we have the best two teams in the country facing off at Anfield as Arsenal look to restore some pride and end their season on a high on their visit to champions Liverpool.Elsewhere, Newcastle play Chelsea in what could be a pivotal match for the top five.And Bournemouth host Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s team look to claw their way into the Champions League spots.We have all that and more on this weekends edition as host, Will Pugh, is joined by football journalist, Kweku Afari, and Betfair betting expert, James Mackie.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30pmKweku: Mohamed Salah to score anytime. 7/5″When I was looking at this, I could not believe the odds. “They’re aiming for my bet. Mo Salah to score anytime, 7-5.”Let’s remember Salah is the top goal scorer in the Premier League, has scored 28 league goals this season, and also leads the league in assists.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He is by far the best player in the league and the man for the big occasion as well. Most read in Football”The stats back it up, Salah has scored 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, only netting more against Manchester United, 13 goals, and Tottenham, 12 goals. This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final”So, you know Salah, when it’s a big occasion, especially off the back of last week where it was a bit disappointing, you know it’s going to turn up for Liverpool.Will: Draw. 15/8Will thinks deflated Arsenal will draw with on the beach LiverpoolCredit: Getty”I was racking my brains about this game, and it’s so hard to call with not loads riding on it. Obviously a little bit of pride. Arsenal will be sort of mentally deflated. “So if I had to pick, I’d say maybe Liverpool, you know, big party atmosphere, as there will be at Anfield. But I just couldn’t pick a winner. So I’ve gone draw 15-8. I know it’s not very adventurous, but I just couldn’t see anything anywhere else result-wise.”Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Arsenal in all competitions, won seven and drawn seven since a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League in September 2012. “So that tells me Arsenal probably aren’t going to win. Arsenal, though, are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against Liverpool with two wins and three draws, which is their longest run without defeat against Liverpool since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011. “This is also the third time Arsenal are facing the Prem champions in a season once the title has already been confirmed. “And the last two was a 1-0 draw with Man Utd in 2012-13 and actually beat Liverpool in 2019-20.”James: 2+ shots for Virgil van Dijk. 12/5James reckons Virgil van Dijk’s aerial prowess is too good to ignoreCredit: Getty”I’ve looked down at the, what a seriously special player, Virgil van Dijk. And he scored two in his last four. So when you look at stuff like that, you’ve got to think, right, can he keep going?”He’s just an absolute menace off corners. And another stat to back up this bet is it’s Virgil van Dijk to have two plus shots in the game at 12-5. It was 4-9 for just one, 12-5 for two.”He scored two in his last four, but he’s had two plus shots in three of those four games. So the stats are there. He’s been doing it already.”Another thing I was looking at here as well is that Arsenal conceded 39 per cent of their goals in the Premier League this season from set-piece situations. That’s the most from any side in the Premier League.”But yeah, look, the stats back it up. You’re getting 12-5 about Van Dijk. He’s going to go for every corner. “Also, it’s the main man’s 300th Premier League game on Sunday. So look, what better way than going, give me the 12-5, two plus shots.Speaker 2: So that’s the hidden value for me there.”Bournemouth vs Aston Villa – Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Emiliano Martinez 5+ saves. 11/4″The stats back this up as well. Bournemouth have had more shots following a high turnover than any other side in the Premier League this season, with 65. “Their 65 shots and eight goals from high turnovers this season are the most of any of their top five campaigns, which is eight, which suggests the high press from [Andoni] Iraola, the fact that Bournemouth are up and at them, converts into chances.”And I think that Martinez, like I say, will be a very busy man. Kweku believes it’s a sure bet Emiliano Martinez will have a busy afternoonCredit: Getty”And only Salah with 121 and Cole Palmer with 120 shots have had more shots than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who’s had 118 this season. “So it suggests that Bournemouth do create chances. They don’t always take them. “But the fact that there’s a world-class shotstopper in Martinez in goal for Aston Villa and Bournemouth all have a lot of shots, I think Martinez, five or more saves, 11/4. I like it.Will: Draw HT, Bournemouth win FT. 11/2″Bournemouth have scored more goals in second-half stoppage time than any other team in the Premier League this season, while only Southampton, on ten, have conceded more than Aston Villa have in that time. “Villa have conceded eight in second-half stoppage time. Bournemouth have scored eight in second-half stoppage time. So they’ve got the stamina. They can go deep into games. “Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever Premier League match in August 2015. But since then, the Cherries are unbeaten in three at home to Villa, scoring exactly two goals in each of those games.Bournemouth should have enough about them to win at home after 90 minutesCredit: Rex”That’s two victories and one draw. So they’ve got a good record against them, they’ve got used to playing them. And Bournemouth have won seven of their 13 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table this season.”They’ve drawn three and lost three of the other ones that they didn’t win, which is the highest win rate of any side to play more than one such game this term. “So more than half of their games, they’ve played against teams above them in the league at time of kick-off. They have come out victorious. So I did really like that. I do give Bournemouth a chance. I think they’re getting a bit underrated this season.”James: Ollie Watkins to score or assist. 11/10″I think this is the bet of the weekend. “When you’re getting odds against about top strikers in the Premier League, either scoring or assisting, you’ve got to have a look and take advantage. And Ollie Watkins is the man that I’m looking at here.”Watkins has been directly involved in five goals in his four Premier League starts against Bournemouth. Ollie Watkins is up against one of his favourite opponents in BournemouthCredit: Getty”One goal, four assists. He’s four assists against the Cherries, the most against any opponent he’s got.”Absolutely superb. “And like I said, when you’re looking, not even just to score, to assist as well, and you get an 11-10 about their talisman up top, who’s bagged all season, I think it’s a brilliant bet.Ascot, Victoria Cup – Saturday, 2:40pm It is set to be another exciting week at the Ascot RacecourseCredit: ReutersJames: Qirat 5/1″It’s Qirat at the top of the market of 5-1. This horse for Ralph Beckett, Ross O’Ryan’s one of the best jockeys I think around at the moment. He’s doing the steering.”This horse has got some proven form already at Ascot in an 18-runner handicap. But what I like from this horse is I think we’ve got a group horse in a handicap here. “So you see horses that are running against lesser horses. They’ve got a bit bigger weight. They’re going to go on to deeper waters later on in the season.”It’s his first run of the season. He’s racing off a mark of 99. He’s won off a mark of 92. He’s finished second last twice off marks of 97 and 98.”Back at Ascot on the straight where he’s already done it, finished second in a really good handicap. Read More on The Sun”I think at 5-1 off what, five or six pounds higher. I think he’s going to go on to deeper waters. And I think 5-1, I think he’s got a cracking chance in this handicap, Qirat.18+ | GambleAware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly More