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      in Soccer

      Southampton 0 Brighton 4: Saints lucky not to be hit for six as Seagulls run riot to reignite European charge

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      BRIGHTON made it three wins in a row as they cruised to a 4-0 victory at rock-bottom Southampton to climb to eighth place in the Premier League and keep their European ambitions on track.Goals from the excellent Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood were more than enough to condemn the Saints to a 21st defeat of the season.Brighton defeated Southampton to keep their European hopes aliveCredit: PABrighton star Joao Pedro scored the opener against SouthamptonCredit: RexGeorginio Rutter scored Brighton’s second at SouthamptonCredit: RexKaoru Mitoma made it three for Brighton against a struggling SouthamptonCredit: ReutersThat leaves Ivan Juric’s struggling side on just nine points, two fewer than Derby’s record low total from the 2007-2008 season.As if they did not already have enough problems, Southampton lost their captain Jan Bednarek through injury after just 10 minutes.Forgotten man Armel Bella-Kotchap was his replacement, coming off the bench to huge acclaim from the home support to make his first appearance in 567 days.Brighton were quickly on top though, with Pedro and Rutter causing Saints plenty of problems.Read More on FootballCarlos Baleba came close to opening the scoring when his free-kick cannoned off the wall and looped up on to the roof of the net before Mitoma missed a great chance at the far post after being found by Hinshelwood’s deep cross.The Seagulls were not to be denied for long and hesitation in the Saints defence was pounced upon by Pedro who coolly scooped the ball over the advancing Aaron Ramsdale to give Fabian Hurzeler’s side a deserved lead.Southampton were struggling to break into the final third but Welington did force Bart Verbruggen to claw the ball over the bar with a curling shot from the edge of the area in a rare home attack.Southampton thought they had equalised at the start of the second half when Cameron Archer neatly finished off a clever pass from Mateus Fernandes. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArcher was flagged offside and VAR concurred, much to Saints boss Juric’s frustration.The Croatian boss was left even more red-faced when Brighton made it 2-0. Former Championship star now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’ Joe Aribo was adamant that he had been fouled by Rutter in the build-up but referee Darren Bond waved away the protests and Yankuba Minteh was left with the simple task of rolling the ball across the six-yard box for Rutter to prod home his fifth league goal of the season.The game as a contest was over but Brighton had plenty of chances to add to their tally. Minteh had the goal at his mercy as he cut inside from the left but Ramsdale scrambled back to get a hand to his weak effort and Kyle Walker-Peters completed the clearance.It was just a temporary reprieve as another brilliant touch from Pedro sent Mitoma clear and the Japanese forward coolly dinked the ball over Ramsdale to score his fifth goal in seven games and cue a mass exodus in the home stands.Those who had remained saw Brighton add a simple fourth as Brajan Gruda’s corner fell to the unmarked Hinshelwood at the far post from where the 19-year-old scored his second goal of the campaign.Jack Hinshelwood completed Brighton’s triumph at SouthamptonCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly controversially sent off vs West Ham after VAR review just weeks after red card blunder

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY has seen red again – just weeks after his controversial sending-off at Wolves.The Arsenal teenager was given his marching orders during the second half of Saturday’s clash with West Ham.Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has been given his second red card of the seasonCredit: PACraig Pawson gave the defender his marching orders in the second half against West HamCredit: PAThe decision was made after a lengthy VAR reviewThe teenager was adjudged to have felled Mohammed Kudus as he charged in on goalLewis-Skelly brought down Kudus after he was robbed of possession, with keeper David Raya out of his goalLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card after dragging down Mohammed Kudus as he attempted to break in on goal.The teenager was caught in possession on the halfway line, with Arsenal pushing for an equaliser in North London. West Ham led thanks to a first-half strike from Jarrod Bowen. Kudus nicked the ball off Lewis-Skelly, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith the Hammers forward in the clear, the Gunners defender lunged in to try and poke the ball away. He made limited contact with the ball, bringing Kudus down and after an initial yellow card, Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. “The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewis-Skelly has been shown two reds this season, following a controversial sending-off against Wolves last month.The 18-year-old received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty on January 25.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOn that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as they attempted to counter.The decision was slammed by pundits and former officials, including ex-head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett.Hackett called for ref Michael Oliver to be SUSPENDED over the “major error”, which prompted a debate over the use of VAR in the Prem.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”. Lewis-Skelly was sent off against Wolves – a decision which was later overturnedCredit: PAThe teenager felled Matt Doherty at Molineux as the Wolves man tried to breakCredit: PABut Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension.An FA statement on January 28 read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The PGMOL later confirmed police had launched an investigation into the “abhorrent abuse” targeting Oliver after the game. It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has also revealed how Lewis-Skelly is close to a call-up for England – despite making less than 10 Premier League starts. The teenager has yet to play for the England under-21s but has caught the eye of new boss Thomas Tuchel. More

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      in Boxing

      Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 LIVE RESULTS: Main event on NOW after epic undercard saw shock wins and controversy

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      ARTUR BETERBIEV is facing Dmitry Bivol in a huge rematch RIGHT NOW after an epic undercard reached a stunning conclusion!Bivol will be out for revenge after the narrow loss in their first fight in his hopes of setting up a stunning trilogy fight at some point in the future.On the incredible undercard, Callum Smith handed Josh Buatsi his first LOSS, Zhilei Zhang was STOPPED by Agit Kabayel and Hamzah Sheeraz failed to win the middleweight world title.While Josh Padley SHOCKED the world by going nine rounds with Shakur Stevenson on just FOUR days notice.As chief support, Joseph Parker STOPPED Martin Bakole in brutal fashion after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness.Main event ring walks: 10.51pm GMTTV/Stream: DAZN PPV / Sky Sports Box Office / TNT Sports Box OfficeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (Round 2)Both fighters are looking to make this mark in the fight early on.Beterbiev is still trying to be the more offensive but as he comes forward, Bivol catchs him flush in the jaw with a punch.Bivol seems happy to let his opponent to come onto him and pick him off with punches when he is open in these situations.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (Round 1)These two fighters know plenty about each other’s style.Beterbiev is the fighter who looks to dictate the pace early on, throwing all the punches.Towards the end of the round, Bivol starts to open up more.He seems to have learnnt from the cagey start he made in their previous fight.Tough to call this round, very even.Copy linkCopiedArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry BivolNow we are onto the main event of the evening.This is the one everyone has been waiting for.A rematch which, if it lives up to the first fight, should be an absolute classic.Copy linkCopiedMain event could go either wayThis fight has two boxers who are more than capable of winning this bout and that is reflected in the bookies thoughts:Dmitry Bivol – 11/10Draw – 14/1Artur Beterbiev – 4/5]All fight odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopiedJoseph Parker vs Martin Bakole That was a strange end to the fight to send Bakole down.Parker threw a punch over the top which only seemed to clip the top of the head of his opponent.However, in a delayed reaction, a few seconds after the punch landing his legs buckle and he collapses to the canvas.Job done for the Kiwi who makes it six wins on the bounce since his last defeat.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedJoseph Parker wins by stoppageCopy linkCopiedJoseph Parker vs Martin Bakole (Round 2)This is really a slugfest between the pair.Bakole is not interested in a gaurd or defence at all.The Congolese fighter is throwing big haymakers looking to cause an upset.Parker waits for his moment then lands a big punch over the top that catch him flush in the face.As the Kiwi lands another, Bakole’s legs buckle and he ends up on the canvas.He gets back to his feet but the referee decides his fight is done and stops it.Copy linkCopiedJoseph Parker vs Martin Bakole (Round 1)You have to wonder what sort of fighting form Bakole is in, he certainly will not be going 12 rounds in this one.Parker starts the more positive but is giving a lot of respect to his opponent.Bakole shows that is a wise move as he catches the former world champion with a couple of wild hits that Parker definitely felt.Copy linkCopiedJoseph Parker vs Martin BakoleWe are almost at the main event this evening.Sadly, since Dubois dropped out, this fight is no longer for a title.Bakole stepped in at very short notice and certainly has a dangerous punch whiich Parker needs to be very wary of.He is a slugger, who will give it his all early on, as the fight goes on he tends to tire easily.Copy linkCopiedKiwi expected to show his qualityHaving taken the fight at short notice following the withdrawal of Dubois, the bookies cannot see past a Parker win in this one.Joseph Parker – 8/15Draw – 16/1Martin Bakole – 13/8All fight odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley It is rare in a boxing match that there is more than one winner.Stevenson got the expected win and probably took every round on the card.However, Josh Padley, take a bow.To step in at the last minute to take the fight having had no training camp and going nine rounds with a champion is phenomenal.Padley took so many hits but his powers of recovery were nothing short of superhuman.The boxer from Yorkshire should be proud of this performance he walks out of this ring having impressed the boxing world.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson wins by stoppageCopy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 9)Padley is sent to the canvas for the first time in this fight.He seems annoyed with himself as the body shot sends him down.Padley gets straight back up but has to take the standing count.Stevenson continues to work him with the big body shots and and sends him to the canvas once again.Despite all he is taking the Yorkshireman continues to go on the attack and look to land shots himself.Towards the end of the round, the champ puts him down once again but Padley wants to continue.Sadly for him, the towel comes in from his corner, they have decided he has had enough.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 8)This experience should do the world of good for Padley’s pro career.It would take him some time to work his way to a title shot but from this moment, he will face much lesser boxers knowing that he was able to mix it up with a champion.Stevenson keeps landing big hits but Padley’s powers of recovery are something you rarely see in this sport.It is almost like a computer game where the power gauge replenishes immediately if you hit the right buttons.There is no doubt which way a judges’ scorecard would go but what a statement it would be by the Brit to take this all the way.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 7)Stevenson has certainly had a wake up call in this fight.He was disrespectful to the Brit in the weigh-in and was certainly not expecting a fight like this.The quality of the champ is getting him to moments where it seems he has Padley on the verge of a knock down put he just cannot put him away.What is even more impressive is how quickly the man from Yorkshire recovers from these punches to come forward and land hard hits himself.Stevenson has not looked in any trouble in the fight but he is certainly not having everything his own way as he was expecting.This is not the exhibition he was expecting to put on.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 6)The fact he has taken this fight this far is a credit to Padley.Stevenson lands a series of punches that really seem to have the Brit on the ropes but he replies some big shots of his own.Padley has seemed on the verge of a knockout on two or three occasiions but he has comeback with punches that the champion definitely felt.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 5)Stevenson has such quck hands, that must be the hardest thing for Padley to deal with.Just as it seems the American is going to get a single shot off, within a matter of seconds he has hit you with three or four.Weirdly, the champ seems to have done away with trying to fight from behind his jab, he was getting some joy from those.As the jabs landed on the face of Padley, he seemed stunned, which was when you would expect Stevenson to follow up with combos to put him on the canvas.Stevenson lands a punch that hurts Padley but the electrician replies with a left followed by right that catch the American and surprise him.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 4) You cannot see Padley holding onto his undefeated pro record by the end of this fight.He needs to use this fight for what it is, a chance to see how far off the levels he is from fighting at the top in this division.Stevenson isn’t taking him lightly, he can see Padley has that tenacity to land something dangerous and get lucky.While the champ needs a convincing win, he needs to do it the right way with some technical boxing.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 3)The biggest compliment you can make so far in this one is that Padley has not looked out of his depth.When you come in at late notice, the biggest worry is to look a complete mismatch.Padley lands some good punches but Stevenson reacts with a combination of quick punches that send the Brit to the ropes.All the pressure is on the champ here, he has had a couple of rounds to look at his opponent but he really needs to be taking it up a gear now and showing his killer instinct.The American seems to be getting most joy with his strong jabs, they are catching Padley square in the face and really rocking him.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (Round 2)While Padley was never part of the plan for this fight originally, he is undefeated in his pro career to this point.However, he has never faced an opponent of this calibre.Stevenson starts the fight in a patient fashio but lands three punches in very quick succession.While the power was lacking behind them, how quickly he got them off to land will have surprised Padley somewhat.Copy linkCopiedShakur Steenvson vs Josh Padley (Round 1)It is almost a strange situation when a boxer steps in at short notice to fill a fight.Especially facing a defending champion, you would think there would be no pressure and they can just give it their all to upset the odds.All too often though we see a cagey performance where they are more focussed on taking the fight as far as possible to give a good account of themselves and earn their purse.Padley seems to be in the camp of taking his unexpected moment in the limelight, he puts everything into some haymaker punches but cannot land a good connection.The champion seems a bit taken aback by the audacity of someone thinking they can do that to him.Almost as if he is going off script and was just supposed to be here to make up the numbers.Copy linkCopiedShakur Stevenson vs Josh PadleyWhat a moment this is for British boxer Padley.He stepped in at short notice for this one, the electrician downed tools and headed for Riyadh as soon as the opportunity presented itself.That fact alone puts some real pressure on the champion, if does not go straight through Padley with ease, it will raise some serious questions of Stevenson’s credentials.Copy linkCopiedCarlos Adames vs Hamzah SheerazWell that was a surprise to many.The first judge gave the fight to Sheeraz by a slender amount.Following that, the next one had a resounding win for Adames.Then, to the surprise of Adames, the final judge has the fight as a draw between the pair.Not many would have predicted that one, it may setup a future rematch between the pair.Copy linkCopiedCarlos Adames has split draw with Hamzah SheerazCopy linkCopiedCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz (Round 12)Most of the pundits have Adames at least three rounds up.That means only one thing for Sheeraz, knockout or bust.He has let his hands go a little more in the last two rounds but he seems to go back in his shell when he finally lands good hits.There doesn’t seem to be that animalistic hunger when they land to come inside and go for the kill.Sheeraz has probably won the last two rounds but it all seems too little too late.He is going to pay the price for allowing Adames just pick up rounds with scoring shots that were causing him no trouble.Copy linkCopied More

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      Maurizio Sarri reveals he ‘exchanged notes’ with former Chelsea star as he hints at return to management

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      MAURIZIO SARRI could be set for a return to management as he revealed family issues have kept him away from the dugout.The Italian revealed that he recently exchanged notes with his former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas.Maurizio Sarri could be set for a shock return to managementCredit: GettySarri won the Europa League during his one year in charge of ChelseaCredit: Kenny RamsayCesc Fabregas now manages Como in the Serie ACredit: Action ImagesSarri has been out of the dugout since resigning from Lazio halfway through the season in March 2024.He joined Lazio in 2021 and led them to second place in Serie A in the 2023-24 season.That was the club’s best league finish since they won the title in 1999-2000.But the 66-year-old has revealed that his personal life has stopped him from returning despite being approached by several suitors.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe told Corriere della Sera: “It hasn’t been a good period due to some family issues. “I’ve received many offers in this period, from different continents, even from Arabia. “But nothing has yet made me make that internal click.” He added: “I would like a big project, that will rekindle the spark in me. Otherwise I will remain still. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Me close to Milan in January? I will not answer. I will say that I have received proposals that have not made me waver at the moment.”Sarri also revealed that before he joined Napoli in 2015 he had a positive conversation with AC Milan chiefs but didn’t hear from them again.Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could be in line for Arsenal and Tottenham jobs if Mikel Arteta is sacked after flop seasonThe former Prem boss admitted there’s one thing he doesn’t miss about football.He said: “I miss the adrenaline of football. I like everything about this sport – except the transfer market. “I have watched and studied many games in this period. Fabregas’ Como intrigue me.”He was a player of mine at Chelsea and we recently exchanged notes.”Sarri spent just one season at Chelsea after replacing Antonio Conte in 2018.But he left Stamford Bridge after just a sole season, winning the Europa League with Fabregas in 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank Lampard would replace Sarri, who went on to join Juventus.With Juve, he won the league title but again his reign lasted no more than a full season after he was sacked in October 2020. More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Latest updates from 3pm games as Tottenham lead Ipswich and Fulham losing to Crystal Palace

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      THE Premier League is LIVE with five games taking place on a Super Saturday RIGHT NOW!Earlier, Everton and Manchester United played at a classic in the pair’s final edition at Goodison Park – the visitors came from two goals down to draw 2-2.We will have updates from four Premier League matches – as well as a separate live blog from Arsenal vs West Ham – with Tottenham travelling to Ipswich and Fulham and Crystal Palace in a London derby.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Southampton 0-1 Brighton49 – Southampton score via Cameron Archer but trailed offside in his final movement. Promising nonetheless. Copy linkCopiedSECOND HALF BEGINSAnd we’re back across the grounds. Copy linkCopiedSon’s consistency Heung-Min Son now has at least 20 goal involvements in all competitions in his last nine seasons for Spurs:2016/17 – 28 (21 goals, 7 assists)2017/18 – 29 (18 goals, 11 assists)2018/19 – 29 (20 goals, 9 assists)2019/20 – 29 (18 goals, 11 assists)2020/21 – 37 (22 goals, 15 assists)2021/22 – 32 (24 goals, 8 assists)2022/23 – 20 (14 goals, 6 assists)2023/24 – 27 (17 goals, 10 assists)2024/25 – 20 (10 goals, 10 assists)Copy linkCopiedHALF-TIME First half comes to an end for all the games. Here’s a round-up of the current results: Fulham 0-1 Crystal PalaceIpswich Town 1-2 SpursBournemouth 0-1 WolvesSouthampton 0-1 Brighton Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Crystal Palace Confidence is growing in Oliver Glasner’s side. Eze has threatened again and latest attempt to double the lead has come from Daniel Muñoz, who tends to find himself in the most obscure of goal-scoring potions – this one came from his more natural right-side berth.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Crystal Palace – GOAL 37 – That Marco Silva face is screwing just that bit more now. Maxence Lacroix opens the scoring for Crystal Palace from a corner. Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 1-2 Spurs – GOAL36 – Omari Hutchinson pulls one back for the Tractor Boys. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-1 Wolves – GOAL36 – Wolves go-to man dose it again. Matheus Cunha pounces onto a 50-50 ball around the box before firing past Kepa. Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Crystal Palace32 – Chances have been far and few between in this London clash. Eberechi Eze’s long-range free kick forces Bernd Leno to produce a proactive save. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves – RED CARD 30 – After a VAR review, Illia Zabarnyi is sent off for rough chanllnege over the top of the ball and on the ankle of Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-2 Spurs – GOAL 25 – Son and Johnson combine again. The former weaves himself inside the box to find his teammate once again in an advantageous position and condition for an easy finish. Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brighton – GOAL 23 – Another goal conceded that sums up Southampton’s season. João Pedro snatches on a miscommunication from the Saints defence no more than 20 yards from their and dinks the onrushing Aaron Ramsdale in the process. Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-1 Spurs18 – Vintage stuff from Son Heung-min who shimmies his defender to create space on the left wing and slides the ball across goal for an unmarked Brennan Johnson to pass into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-0 Crystal Palace15 – Tends to be a familiar sight when Fulham aren’t leading: Marco Silva shaking his head in disgust. This time not for a missed chance or misplaced pass but for ill-judged tackle for Palace’s Chris Richards on Emile Smith Rowe. Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 Brighton11 – Jan Bednarek has gone down here and will be replaced by Armel Bella-Kotchap, who spent last season not playing much at PSV – on for his first Premier League minutes of the season!Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves8 – Wolves nearly SCORE! The visitors come ramping down on a counter-attack led by Nélson Semedo, who cut inside before rasping a shot off the post and the follow-up was wonderfully kept out by Kepa from close-range.Copy linkCopiedIpswich Town 0-0 Spurs6 – Off to clashing start this one. Ispwich have hit scored, nearly scored and hit the bar all in the opening six minutes.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFFAll the 3pm games have now kicked off. Copy linkCopiedUnited as they wereManchester United fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Goodison Park to stop a run of defeats – but it does little for them in terms of the league table.Ruben Amorim’s team remain in 15th position behind Crystal Palace and Tottenham on goal difference.Meanwhile, Everton have leapfrogged over those two clubs to sit temporarily in 12th – but that could all change with the following three o’clock kick-offs about to get underway.Arsenal v West HamBournemouth v WolvesFulham v Crystal PalaceIpswich v TottenhamSouthampton v BrightonCopy linkCopiedIpswich Town vs Spurs line-ups Ipswich Town XI: Palmer, Godfrey, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Cajuste, Phillips, Philogene, Hutchinson, Clarke, DelapSpurs XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Gray, Udogie, Bergvall, Bentancur, Johnson, Kulusevski, Son, TelCopy linkCopiedFulham vs Crystal Palace line-ups Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Lukić, Berge, Traoré, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, JiménezCrystal Palace XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Muñoz, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth vs Wolves line-ups Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga; Hill, Zabarny, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Tarvenier, Kluivertz, Seymenyo; OuattaraWolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Toti; Semedo, Andre, J Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Munetsi; Cunha. Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Goodison ParkCopy linkCopiedFull time – Everton 2-2 Man UtdAnd breathe.Or should that be a sigh of relief? I suspect it should be if you are of a Manchester United persuasion.After unexpectedly fighting back from two goals down, the Red Devils got away with a huge penalty shout in stoppage time when De Ligt tugged at the shirt of Young.Earlier, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Manuel Ugarte’s excellent volley had dragged the visitors level after they had been outplayed and outfought for most of the contest. Copy linkCopiedEverton 2-2 Man Utd90+3. Is this a penalty?!Gueye’s shot from outside the box is pushed out by Onana, and in the desperation to get to the loose ball, De Ligt appears to pull down Young.Andy Madley immediately waves the appeals away, but VAR are looking at it in depth – and now they’ve suggested an on-field review!The referee heads to the pitchside monitor under immense pressure from players and supporters. He watches it numerous times, and then returns to the field……where he sticks with his original decision! No penalty!Incredible scenes here at the death!Copy linkCopied More

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      Ex-Man City star who Trent Alexander-Arnold branded ‘toughest opponent’ joins eighth-tier minnows on free transfer

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S toughest-ever opponent Brandon Barker has joined an eighth-tier side.The winger has signed for Avro FC, who are 14th in the Northern Premier League Western Division.Former Rangers star Brandon Barker has signed for Arvo FCCredit: GettyThe winger once gave Trent Alexander-Arnold the runaround as a Man City youth playerCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold named Barker as the toughest opponent he has facedCredit: GettyBarker, 28, most recently played for Morecambe in League Two but was released last summer after making just two appearances.He will now line up for Arvo after injuries have caused him to slide down the leagues.Barker played for the likes of Rangers, Hibernian and Preston after coming through the ranks at Manchester City.He made one appearance for the Citizens but made a name for himself while playing for the academy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn one memorable match he ran Alexander-Arnold ragged in the Liverpool star’s Anfield debut.Alexander-Arnold has not forgotten the stern test he was given and has since spoken of Barker highly.Asked who the toughest opponent he ever played against is, Alexander-Arnold said: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for [Manchester] City.”I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.”At that point I’m thinking: ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’ because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

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      Arsenal vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Bowen gives Hammers SHOCK lead – latest updates

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      ARSENAL are taking on West Ham in a huge London derby RIGHT NOW!Hammers skipper Jarrod Bowen gave the Irons a shock lead just before half time, heading in from close range after great work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.TV/Stream: Not available in the UKArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, MerinoWest Ham team: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Alvarez, Bowen, KudusCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-1 West Ham47. Foul. Merino is looking keen in the press but catches Wan-Bissaka to alleviate some pressure for the Hammers.Copy linkCopiedSecond half! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham45. And we’re back at the Emirates.Arsenal’s starting eleven survived the hairdryer treatment and come back out unchanged.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamMartin Odegaard is at the heart of the Gunners attack once again.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWest Ham lead despite a dominant display from the Gunners who have failed to convert.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a half of football. Arteta’s decision to play Merino as a nine will undoubtedly come under questioning as will the Arsenal back line.Soucek failed to convert two chances in the air before Bowen headed home, a shock for the side with the best defensive record in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME! Arsenal 0-1 West HamThe Gunners go into the break trailing to their London rivals.We can only imagine what Mikel Arteta will be telling his players.Work to do here at the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-1 West HamWhat a goal! Jarrod Bowen starts the move with a slick turn and is in the final third to finish neatly after running the length of the pitch. Bowen plays it wide to Wan-Bissaka, who has been causing the Gunners all kinds of problems this afternoon, and Calafiori can’t keep him from crossing back onto Bowen’s diving header.A vintage counter from the Hammers. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham44. West Ham take the lead just before the break through Jarrod Bowen!Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham38. Corner. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard rallied the crowd moments ago and the Gunners have piled on the pressure since.Jarrod Bowen makes a fantastic block to deny the Gunners a second chance from the set-piece.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham34. Chance. Soucek AGAIN fails to convert a header. He’s beaten the Arsenal back line to the ball twice now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham31. Complaints can be heard from the home fans as Arsenal struggle to break through the Hammers’ back line. Meanwhile, ‘Champions of Europe, we know who we are!’ is ringing around the West Ham away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham28. The Hammers’ fans are enjoying themselves despite Arsenal’s dominance.Chants of ‘This is a library’ can be heard from the away end.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham25. CHANCE. Wan-Bissaka has been the Hammers’ brightest spark so far. The full back crosses to Jarrod Bowen who will be gutted with that miss. Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham21. The atmosphere is lifting here at the Emirates.Calafiori draws a save from Areola with a smash from the edge of the area.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham20. Offside. Merino lifts the home fans out of their seats but strikes well wide.The flag is raised to his relief.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham18. West Ham come close but Soucek heads over the bar.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham11. Close. Merino tries to nod the ball back across the box to Nwaneri but West Ham manage to clear.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham10. FOUL!Merino is punished for a light push in the back, which is followed by a loud groan from the home support.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham8. West Ham enjoy their first spell of possession in the Gunners’ half but it quickly fizzles out and they’re back to square one…Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham7. Merino is looking right at home in his new role up top.The midfielder-turned-striker is giving the Hammers no time on the ball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 West Ham4. Arsenal are dominating possession early on and force Areola into a shaky clearance with an aggressive press, much to the delight of the home fans.The hosts look very comfortable.Copy linkCopiedKICK OFF – Arsenal 0-0 West Ham1′ Craig Pawson blows the whistle and we’re off!Copy linkCopiedThe sides are out!North London forever rings around the Emirates as West Ham wait to kick off.Copy linkCopiedTrossard is confident in the Gunners’ beliefCopy linkCopiedPotter remains positive in press conference despite shaky startThe manager insists he is “loving” life with the Hammers, adding: “There’s always more work to do, and always room for improvement.“I realised before, and now, that it’s a huge club with great support, ambition and infrastructure. “There’s loads going for it, and obviously we’ve had a tricky situation with changing managers, the results and everything else.”Copy linkCopied More

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      Premier League release statement as Everton’s last-gasp penalty vs Man Utd is controversially ruled out after VAR review

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.Everton thought they got a late penalty against Manchester UnitedThe referee pointed at the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage timeEverton ace Ashley Young appeared to have been fouled by Man Utd’s Harry MaguireHowever, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned after a lengthy reviewThe Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Read More on Man UtdThe referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 83rd minute.But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.Nevertheless, it could have been worse for Man Utd if the referee’s penalty decision stood.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match and was spotted at the stands looking disgusted before half-time when Everton were 2-0 up, but appeared happier when his former club hit back. More