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      Arsenal set to move for Nico Williams after new chief Andrea Berta holds transfer talks with Spain star’s agent

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      ANDREA BERTA is ready to raid LaLiga for talent this summer – with Nico Williams in his sights. The new Arsenal sporting director is bracing for a busy first few months in the job. Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a huge summer at the EmiratesCredit: GettyNew sporting director Andrea Berta (left) is plotting a major overhaulCredit: GettyItalian Berta, 53, was appointed as Edu’s successor earlier this month.And he’s got straight to work in planning for a radical overhaul at the Emirates.The former Atletico Madrid chief reportedly met with Williams’ representatives earlier this week.It was one of Berta’s first acts in his new role, where he is tasked with making Arsenal consistent title challengers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBerta set up a meeting with the 22-year-old’s agent Felix Tainta, according to The Guardian.Williams, a tricky and exciting winger, has been a long-term target for the Gunners. He has helped Bilbao reach the quarter finals of the Europa League this season, netting 8 times in 35 games. Arsenal approached Bilbao over a move last summer after Williams had broken England’s hearts in the Euro 2024 final.Most read in FootballARSENAL FILES: HOW GUNNERS COULD LINE-UP AGAINST REAL MADRIDBut they were told the Spaniard was keen to stay in LaLiga for at least another season. Williams has a release clause of £48.4million and the outlet claims he is pushing for a move. England fans heartbroken as Three Lions trail Spain courtesy of Nico Williams goalBarcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all set to rival Arsenal for his signature. Berta has wasted no time in getting his feet under the table in North London.He has already drawn up an exciting shortlist as he looks to provide Mikel Arteta with a true No9.Arsenal look set to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.And their lack of depth in attacking areas has been laid bare by a crowded injury room this term.Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort.SunSport revealed last week that Arsenal are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to £150m-rated Newcastle star Alexander Isak.Isak looks set to stay in the North East with Newcastle unlikely to sell their prized asset.While Berta has also put Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres on his wishlist.The former Coventry forward is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after netting 42 goals in his last 42 games. Arteta appeared upbeat as he discussed the upcoming transfer window ahead of Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham. He said: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.”When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.Read More on The Sun”Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.”But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.” More

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      ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder

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      MICK MCCARTHY has revealed that former France boss Raymond Domenech once had a pop at him due to their language barrier.The ex-Prem boss, 66, spent the 1989-90 season with Lyon during his playing career.Mick McCarthy has recounted his playing careerCredit: GettyDuring that campaign he played under Domenech.Having spent his career prior to then in England and Scotland, McCarthy’s French wasn’t exactly fluent.And this led to an issue with his goalkeeper, Francois Lemasson.Recounting the incident, McCarthy said on the EFL Unfiltered podcast: “For anyone who speaks French, I’m sorry if this isn’t right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We’re playing and (the goalkeeper) shouts ‘Degagez vous’ and I think he’s coming for the ball. He doesn’t come for the ball and the guy I’m stood with heads it in the net.”So after the game, Raymond Domenech asks me ‘What happened?’. Everyone else is standing around talking French, probably saying it was my fault.”The keeper comes up to me and says ‘J’ai dit’ – which is ‘I said’ – ‘J’ai dit degagez vous’ he says, and I said, ‘I don’t know what f***ing degagez vous means. You f***ing clown.”Apparently it means ‘clear it’ – I was going to clear it, he didn’t have to tell me to clear it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMcCarthy played under Raymond Domenech at LyonCredit: AFP”So anyway, that was my fault.”McCarthy also revealed that Domenech decided to sign him after watching him get sent off.Watch Mick McCarthy’s brilliant and brutal two-word reply after Blackpool’s horrendous form continuesThe Yorkshireman said: “We (Republic of Ireland) had a great tournament.”We beat England, we drew with Russia and we lose to Holland to that deflected goal.”They (Lyon) had seen me play (for Ireland at Euro 1988). Raymond Domenech comes to watch me then playing for Celtic, playing against Hearts. It was one of the games I got sent off.”It was one of those ones, it was a bad tackle and I came in for the melee.”Raymond Domenech loved it. I didn’t know he’d come to watch me then, but he came to watch me in the (1988-89) Cup Final and he told me… he loved my passion, and he’d seen me play for Ireland.”McCarthy played just 10 games for Lyon before returning to British football in 1990.Read More on The SunFollowing an initial loan spell, the Ireland international signed permanently for Millwall.Two years later he launched his managerial career with the Lions, going on to spend the next 30 years in the dugout with the likes of Wolves, Ipswich and the Republic of Ireland.McCarthy has had an eclectic managerial careerCredit: PA More

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      ‘Upset’ Jamie Carragher has to be called into Sky Sports camera shot by Gary Neville live on TV

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      GARY NEVILLE joked that Jamie Carragher was too “upset” to be on camera following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing an Anfield exit.Neville teased Carragher live on Sky Sports ahead of their coverage of the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.Gary Neville claimed Jamie Carragher was ‘upset’ as he tried to get him in front of the cameras for Sky SportsCredit: Sky SportsCarragher stayed out of frame but still had a cheeky comeback for NevilleCredit: Sky SportsNeville was discussing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s proposed move to Real MadridCredit: GettyFormer Manchester United hero Neville, 50, never shies away from the opportunity to poke fun at pal and fellow broadcaster Carragher, and he leapt at the chance to tease him about Alexander-Arnold’s proposed Real Madrid switch.Alexander-Arnold is reportedly on the verge of joining Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.The England full-back is out of contract in the summer and looks set to call time on his spell with Liverpool after winning every major trophy on offer to him.And Carragher, a former Liverpool player and fan, is understandably upset to see one of the Reds’ best players leave the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on the matter on Sky Sports, Neville beckoned Carragher over to the camera and said: “Go on get him over there. Here he is. Get him on. “I understand that Liverpool fans are a little bit hurt about Trent, but I think if you’re outside of Liverpool, we’d have been the same at United, we got used to it.”Liverpool fans got used to it all those years ago when Steve McManaman left, Micheal Owen left…”David Beckham left Manchester United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy did, Cristiano Ronaldo… they all left to go to Real Madrid. It’s a compelling club.Most read in FootballMichael Owen left Liverpool to join Real Madrid in 2004Credit: GettyDavid Beckham swapped Man Utd for Madrid in 2003Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I think ultimately, this man here [Carragher] that’s just arrived, he’s a little bit upset about Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially going to Real Madrid. But it looks like it’s going to happen.”However, Carragher was never going to let Neville get away with a little dig without having a pop himself.’Absolute s***fest of management’ – Gary Neville follows Roy Keane in unleashing angriest Man Utd rant yetThe 47-year-old took a cheeky swipe at Neville’s coat to level the scores, saying: “I’m not as upset as he should be with that coat. Where did you get that? That is awful.”Report have claimed that Alexander-Arnold has agreed personal terms with suitors Real on a bumper five-year contract.It’s claimed Alexander-Arnold will pocket an annual salary worth £13million.That breaks down to around £240k a week – a tasty rise on his weekly £180k at Liverpool.He is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee.The move will see Alexander-Arnold link up with pal Jude Bellingham, who fuelled rumours of Real Madrid’s free transfer approach earlier this season. More

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      Jack Grealish chokes back tears in heartbreaking interview as he pays tribute to brother who died 25 years ago

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      JACK GREALISH fought back tears in an emotional tribute to his brother Keelan, who passed away 25 years ago.Grealish, 29, scored his first Premier League goal since December 16, 2023 as Man City beat Leicester 2-0 on Wednesday night – scoring on a memorable date for the winger and his family.Jack Grealish choked back tears after Manchester City’s win over LeicesterCredit: Premier LeagueGrealish discussed ending his 473-day goal drought on the 25th anniversary of his baby brother’s deathCredit: Premier LeagueGrealish pointed to the sky after scoring his goalCredit: AFPGrealish and his family lost his brother Keelan on April 2, 2000 – so it was fitting that the 39-time England international would end his goal drought on the 25th anniversary of his death.Birmingham-born Grealish couldn’t help but get emotional when talking to the media about his performance and what it meant to score it on such an important evening.Choking up, he said: “I felt like I deserved to play tonight and I was just happy. It was a nice day because my little brother passed away 25 years ago today.”So this day is always hard in the family. My mum and dad were here and I think this day is always difficult in the family so to score and to win is brilliant.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish also took to social media to pay tribute to Keelan, posting a picture of his celebration and one of his baby brother’s grave.He wrote alongside the upload: “With me always, especially this day. That was for you Keelan”.His comments were flooded with messages of support from team-mates and fellow pros such as Morgan Rogers, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jacob Ramsey and John Terry.Keelan was just nine months old when he passed away from cot death when Jack was four.Most read in FootballGrealish’s brother Keelan died on April 2, 2000Credit: TwitterGrealish shared a photo of his brother’s graveCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishIt’s not the first time that Grealish has paid tribute to his brother, doing so when he scored his first senior goal while on loan at Notts County in the 2013-14 season.He did the same in November 2018 while playing for Aston Villa – that time dedicating his goal in a 4-2 victory over Birmingham City to his sibling.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starAfter that game, the three-time Premier League champion was targeted by a sick troll who taunted him about Keelan’s death.The troll – Alfie Perkins – was later fined after being convicted of sending offensive communications.Jack’s dad Kevin has previously spoken about the trauma of Keelan’s death too.He said: “He was only nine months old, he was a little angel and I was devastated. We all were.“Jack was only a kid himself back then, but he still remembers Keelan and he still thinks about him with everything he achieves.“We still miss Keelan and still think about him – you never ever get over losing a child – but we are so grateful and lucky that we are blessed with Jack, his brother Kevan and his little sisters Holly and Kiera.”Grealish welcomed his own child for the first time in October, becoming a dad after partner Sasha Attwood gave birth to their baby girl Mila.The £100million-man said that 2024 was the “the most difficult year of his life” back in February after his struggles on the pitch with Man City.Read More on The SunBut his goal against Leicester has brought an end to a 473-day stint without a league goal.His guided finish opened up the scoring for Man City before Omar Marmoush doubled the lead for Pep Guardiola’s side before half-time.Grealish poked home from close range to open the scoring for Man CityCredit: APOmar Marmoush added a second for the CityzensCredit: Rex More

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      ‘It’s difficult’ – Gabriel’s wife gives injury update on Arsenal star with fears he could miss Real Madrid clash

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      GABRIEL’S wife Gabrielle Figueiredo has given a concerning update on the Arsenal star’s injury.The Brazilian, 27, went down clutching his hamstring barely 15 minutes into his side’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Gabrielle Figueiredo appeared at the Married to the Game screeningCredit: RexGabrielle is married to Arsenal star GabrielCredit: Amazon PrimeThe Arsenal defender went off injured against Fulham on TuesdayCredit: GettyAfter receiving treatment on the pitch, the centre-back shook his head as he limped off.His wife Gabrielle attended a screening of Amazon Prime Video’s Married To The Game season two on Wednesday afternoon.The show follows a selection of Premier League stars and their wives, including Gabriel’s Arsenal team-mate Jorginho.While speaking to the Mail at the event, Gabrielle was asked about how it can be tricky for players’ families when they go through issues on the pitch.READ MORE ON ARSENALShe said: “It’s difficult. I think the perfect example is now, because he got injured yesterday.”So that is why he’s not here with me today. He would love to be here. I would love to be here with him.”Yesterday we got the news he got injured, and now he is with the doctor having scans.”So this is the real life, and we never expected anything like this.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGabrielle attended the screening without her injured husbandCredit: GettyOn how she supports her man in times of adversity, Gabrielle added: “I think the only thing that we could do is being together and be the assurance for each other.”That is the thing that I (will) do when I arrive home today. And yeah, it’s not easy, but we try our best to create this bond together every day, in every difficult moment.”Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashIn addition to Gabriel, Arsenal also lost Jurrien Timber to injury during the victory over Fulham.Asked about the pair after the game, boss Mikel Arteta said: “We will be assessing them tomorrow.”Gabi felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know how big that is.”With Jurrien he was already struggling early. He couldn’t continue.”Arsenal now face a nervous wait for further updates ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next Tuesday.In the meantime they will travel to Everton this Saturday.Read More on The SunGunners fans have been boosted by the return to fitness of Bukayo Saka.The England winger scored just seven minutes into his return from the bench against Fulham. More

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      Bournemouth 1 Ipswich 2: Tractor Boys keep slim survival hopes alive as Cherries’ Euro charge takes shock dent

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      NATHAN BROADHEAD and Liam Delap secured Ipswich’s first win of the year at Champions League-chasing Bournemouth.Town’s first league victory in Dorset for nearly 72 years gave Kieran McKenna renewed hope for their survival chances.Ipswich Town rekindled their slim Premier League survival hopesCredit: GettyNathan Broadhead opened the scoring for IpswichCredit: ReutersLiam Delap scored the winner against BournemouthCredit: RexEvanilson put Bournemouth back in the game against IpswichCredit: AlamyBut the Tractor Boys still have a big job ahead digging their way out of trouble, trailing fourth-bottom Wolves by nine points.Former Everton man Broadhead stunned the home side when he fired his 34th-minute shot through Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs.Then striker Delap showed just why he is being chased by a host of clubs when he lashed home his 11th goal of the campaign on the hour.Brazilian striker Evanilson did pull a goal back for the Cherries but it was not enough to save them from losing four successive Premier League home games for the first time.Read Moreon FootballRested Ipswich made six changes from the side that played 18 days ago – and lost 4-2 at home to Nottingham Forest.Bournemouth made five changes from the team that saw their Wembley FA Cup semi-final dreams ended by Manchester City on Sunday.Gaffer Andoni Iraola took out three of his four defenders, bringing back fit-again Adam Smith plus Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi who had served their FA Cup suspensions.Iraola was desperate to put the spark back into Bournemouth’s Champions League bid after winning just one of their last six league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth teams made a tentative start until, on 15 minutes, Dango Ouattara’s driven cross was cleared off the line by Ipswich’s Dara O’Shea.The hosts were constantly pinging the ball around the visitors’ box without finding the breakthrough centre or pass.How Pep broke Iraola’s high press with genius midfield diamond masterclassWhen Ouattara tried his luck on 23 minutes the winger’s vicious drive curled the wrong side of the post.Ipswich’s first shot in anger arrived two minutes later when Julio Enciso found himself with a bit of room from a long throw but his drive was blocked by Kerkez.Then Enciso let rip from 30 yards but his handsome long-range effort dipped just over the bar.Antoine Semenyo then tried his luck with a powerful effort which Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer comfortably punched clear.But really the Cherries should have gone ahead on 33 minutes when Alex Scott was left with a simple opportunity but his under-hit effort allowed O’Shea to clear again.And that miss was compounded up the other end 60 seconds later when Broadhead gave the Tractor Boys the lead.Breaking the deadlockThe home defence allowed Enciso to run at them before he slipped the ball through to Broadhead who simply fired the ball through Kepa’s legs.No wonder the world’s most expensive goalie looked glum having been nut-megged by City’s Omar Marmoush at the weekend.Blues fans were loving the fact they had taken the lead as a sense of shock and disbelief descended on the Vitality Stadium.And there was nearly a shock start for Bournemouth seconds into the second half when Scott’s shot was tipped over the bar by Palmer.This roused the home faithful who next saw Ryan Christie’s tame effort effortlessly saved by the visiting stopper.But Ipswich weren’t going to surrender their precious lead without a fight and instead doubled the score on 60 minutes.Conor Townsend cleverly picked out the unmarked Delap who thumped the ball home from 10 yards.Read More on The SunBournemouth were awarded a penalty two minutes later when Axel Tuanzebe tripped Semenyo but VAR ruled the offence had taken place outside the area.But Evanilson was soon celebrating a home goal on 67 minutes when Palmer could only push Lewis Cook’s shot into his path – but the damage had already been done. More

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      Newcastle 2 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali scores freak winner as Alexander Isak sets record even Alan Shearer never managed

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      ALEXANDER THE GREAT continued his crusade to outdo Alan Shearer but it was Newcastle’s Italian Stallion who downed Brentford.Sandro Tonali’s piledriver from out wide caught out Mark Flekken and kept Toon hot on fourth-placed Manchester City’s tails.Alexander Isak made history as Newcastle’s only Premier League player to score 20 goals in consecutive seasonsCredit: ReutersTonali scores from a stunning angleCredit: AlamyAnd that came without new legendary striker Alexander Isak even being on the pitch by that point.While the 25-year-old still has some way to go to overtake Super Al’s club-record 206 goal haul, Newcastle’s sensational Swede has now achieved another feat the legend could not.Fresh from ending the Magpies’ wait since 1969 for silverware, Isak is now the first Newcastle player to score 20-plus in consecutive Premier League campaigns after his opener.Brentford, six games unbeaten on the road, threatened to spoil the fun after Bryan Mbeumo equalised with a penalty until Tonali’s moment of magic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was another party atmosphere on Tyneside beforehand as the Carabao Cup winners returned to action for the first time since that Wembley triumph.And just days after an estimated 300,000 attended the trophy parade, the Toon Army had another trick up their sleeve to mark their 70-year major trophy drought ending.A huge flag of Newcastle’s now legendary boss was unfurled in the Gallowgate End pre-match, next to the message: “Eddie Howe History Made”.Humble Howe clapped in appreciation, but he and his players know that an even bigger prize is there for the taking.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe admitted that Newcastle’s biggest hurdle to overcome was their own inconsistency in the quest to secure Champions League qualification.And after naming the same starting XI that toppled Liverpool in the final, his men roared into action.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThey carved Brentford open in just the second minute in an almost dream start.Joelinton passed out left to Tino Livramento, the full-back beating a man and floating a cross towards the back post.Isak raced in to meet it, though the usual lethal hotshot was unable to find the target from six yards out under pressure.Joelinton dragged a shot wide as the pressure continued before Isak was at it again.Jacob Murphy stole the ball off Ethan Pinnock in the Brentford half and the Toon striker pounced like a lion.He broke forward, freeing himself from the defence, and got clean through only to then blaze over from 20 yards.The Bees, however, had weathered the early storm and it soon became apparent that Thomas Frank’s team were not just here to frustrate and put a cork in the cup celebration champers.They came here looking for a sixth-straight away win and started to go toe-to-toe with the hosts.Bryan Mbeumo fired one wide from the edge of the area before Kieran Trippier’s back post clearance from the Brentford winger’s cross denied Kevin Schade from nodding in.Up the other end, Harvey Barnes tried his luck after cutting in from the left, but his fierce whipped strike whizzed past the wrong side of the far post.Fabian Schar’s piledriver from distance diverted off Isak’s thigh as the Magpies tried to move through the gears again ahead of half time.And they thought they had found a breakthrough in the final seconds when Isak danced past the defence and fed Barnes to finish into an empty net – but the winger had strayed offside.However, just as it looked to be a tense teamtalk from Howe, up stepped his magic man.This time he capitalised on a slip from his marker Mbeumo to guide Murphy’s cross past Mark Flekken for his 24th of the campaign.Mbeumo slots home to give the Bees hopeCredit: AlamyBarnes shot wide straight after the break and then Murphy hesitated after stealing the ball and going through.Caught in two minds whether to pass or shoot, his eventual effort was blocked as was Barnes’ follow-up and Brentford instantly launched a counter.Bruno Guimaraes blocked one effort as the Magpies struggled to clear the danger and eventually they were punished after a frantic few seconds.Newcastle goalie Nick Pope came out to stop Yoane Wissa from meeting a pass over the top and sent the Congolese ace tumbling.The ref pointed straight to the spot, and after a VAR check, Mbeumo calmly sent Pope the wrong way.Howe reacted by replacing Isak and Murphy with Callum Wilson and Joe Willock but it was the Bees who very nearly took the lead moments later.A corner came in from the left and Pinnock jumped highest only to agonisingly watch his header hit the inside of the post and bounce into Pope’s hands.Newcastle looked to be rocking with accusations of a Wembley hangover set to be thrown at them – but Tonali had other ideas.Barnes laid it into his path down the right wing, and the eagle-eyed ex-AC Milan ace meant every bit of it as he spotted the gap and unleashed a thunderous strike inside Flekken’s near post.Read More on The SunDeep into the eight minutes of additional time the Bees had one final chance to deliver a sting, but substitute Mikkel Damsgaard blazed high into the Gallowgate.The Dane then went down after colliding with Guimaraes, but despite Brentford’s pleas, the penalty appeals were waved away. 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      Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Diogo Jota scores stunning winner as Beto is made to rue missed chance

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      ARNE SLOT was hoping to land a Liverpool treble but at least he has avoided a wobble.Just when it seemed the club’s players had decided to cause panic among their fans with another poor result, Diogo Jota chose a good time to end his 10-game goal drought.Diogo Jota netted a stunning winner as Liverpool won the Merseyside derbyCredit: PABeto had a goal ruled out for offside as Everton lost 1-0 at AnfieldCredit: ReutersSo despite being booted out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and then beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final,  Slot’s men continue their inevitable march to the Premier League title.As for David Moyes, who had overseen a tremendous nine-game unbeaten run at Everton, it was yet another disappointing night at Anfield where he has now failed to win any of his 22 matches at his least-favourite stadium.There was some degree of controversy over Liverpool’s winner with Luis Diaz coming from an offside position – with James Tarkowski playing the ball to stop it from getting to the Colombian – before Jota struck only his ninth goal of the season.Yet equally, Tarkowski was fortunate to be on the pitch as he should have been sent off at the start after a crunching tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut on the final whistle, there was relief all round as Liverpool restored the 12-point gap meaning they are sleepwalking to their first title in five years.At the end, there were smiles, hugs and fist-bumps all around from the players while the supporters sang about winning the league.Liverpool certainly did not play well last night despite having lots of the ball. The last two performances have whisked us back to the 2022-23 season when they finished fifth.Because like the loss to Newcastle at Wembley, they were sluggish in midfield, created very little in the final third and their two centre-halves, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, looked as though they have never played with each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEqually, Liverpool continue to miss the right-boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back although that is something they will have to get used to next season.Even Mo Salah, who is also out of contact, has suddenly suffered a major dip in form even though he will clean up in the end-of-season awards.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports But for Liverpool fans, there really is not much to grumble about. And Slot finished last night’s game in a much calmer mood than after the previous Merseyside derby when he was given a red card and told Michael Oliver that he would be to blame if they did not win the title.Because of the mayhem at Goodison, it was a surprise that the Premier League chose an inexperienced referee in Sam Barrott who had never taken charge of a top-flight game at Anfield.And he made the big call not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute after he delivered a crunching, studs-up challenge on Mac Allister despite winning the ball.Jota jinxed his way through Everton’s defence before burying home a lovely strikeCredit: EPAHis 57th effort proved to be the only goal of the gameCredit: AFPPaul Tierney on VAR at Stockley Park decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red and Tarkowski – who scored the 98th minute leveller in the 2-2 draw at Goodison – got lucky.The next VAR check went in Liverpool’s favour when the decision to rule out a strike by Beto for offside was upheld.Beto, after shrugging off Van Dijk too easily, threaded a shot through the legs of Caoimhin Kelleher. Beto had put Everton ahead moments beforeCredit: ReutersThe striker’s effort was ruled out for offsideCredit: GettyAnd that was certainly a relief for the Irish keeper who replaced No1 Alisson as he was following FA concussions protocols after suffering a head injury while on international duty with Brazil.Kelleher was then grateful for the woodwork as Beto hammered a shot against the left post after capitalising on more ponderous defending from Van Dijk. Carlos Alcaraz could have scored with the last touch of the first half – with Liverpool’s defenders again switching off – but the Argentine’s header was poor.James Tarkowski made a huge challenge on Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: APIt resulted in just a yellow card for the defenderCredit: ReutersAnd while Liverpool once again had more of the possession after the break they were faced with a blue wall of players putting their bodies on the line, such as Jarrad Branthwaite who flung his head towards the boot of Salah to divert the ball away from danger.Yet while they were not at their best, Slot’s team were clearly desperate not to cock this up.James Garner was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Jota and then received the ball back courtesy of a wonderful flick from Diaz. A heated game saw plenty of clashes all over the fieldCredit: GettyDavid Moyes was not impressed by some decisionsCredit: GettyJota jogged past Idrissa Gueye then stuck a shot past Pickford on the penalty spot.After a VAR check focusing on Diaz, the goal was confirmed and everyone at Anfield breathed a little easier.Read More on The SunLiverpool are now 26 games unbeaten in the Premier League and while winning the treble would be nice, there is only one trophy that all the supporters really crave.Captain Van Dijk is looking particularly tired, right now, but he should still have enough strength to lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks. 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